Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Aiyélojà, where a Royal Marriage procession teeters on the edge of destiny. Guided by flickering lamps, carefully chosen maidens hold the key to tradition and hope.
But lurking in the shadows is Olóròógbò...
Wura had not had time to call Olùrànlówó since she left home for school. Today was one of those boring days that came once in a while. Teacher Alakola had been absent because he had to attend the Àwon Asónà meeting so Teacher Adio had joined the two classes together and taught them. Wura did not have anything against Teacher Adio. He was a very good teacher himself but everyone who sat under the two teachers would have to confess that there was something Teacher Alakola had that Teacher Adio lacked.
The singing and laughter had been too much and easily interrupted the classes. She had been happy when the day ended and here she was now waiting for Adelola who had resumed today looking as beautiful as ever with a few almost-invisible bruises on her face and more importantly, she had had on her white headband.
The class had oohed and ahhed at this discovery right under their nose- one of their people was a selected maiden. They had been filled with joy. Teacher Adio had allowed Adelola to give her testimony which she had given bolding without leaving out any sordid information about her previous relationship with Akin. Wura had wished Teacher Alakola was around then so he would hear firsthand the reason why they should be taught about the Eku-Emós. But she was sure he would hear. Surely one of the combined hundred students or Teacher Adio would recount every detail to him.
While Lola was answering her classmates' many questions, now would be the right time to try to connect to Olùrànlówó. What should I ask for? Father had said to only call his name and not to play around because he selected what he replied to and only if they came from sincerity and loyalty to the king.
What am I sincere about? Yes, Maidens. Here goes. "Olùrànlówó, I have not told anyone this before but Father said I can tell you anything and you don't tell others. I do not really like that you made me a Called. First of all, I do not fully understand it and I also do not think that it is as important as everyone makes it to be. It is important.... but not very. I want to like this whole thing. I want to enjoy it and not be afraid of failing all the time. I also want to know what to do too. I want to work a good and fruitful labour like they taught us to in school. That is all I want to say now."
She kept quiet after that and waited for something but nothing happened. Maybe she had been too fast or not clear enough. Maybe she was not sincere enough. She closed her eyes again, clenching her hands where they were placed on her desk but before she could start all over, the tingling at the base of her neck started. It burst into her eyes but for the first time, she was not afraid and had control.
She saw herself in the biggest place she had ever seen. Everywhere was shining and sparkling and when she entered through two great gold doors in front, she stopped in surprise. She saw different palace servants running around, doing the business of the royal palace. The palace was like a kingdom in itself. She saw a fountain with the purest water, so crystal clear she felt if took a sip, it might be too sweet. It looked like the one located near her school. It had the same design but was still different. The water was purer.
Someone crossed her eyesight and she looked at the person. He stood taller than her but many people were taller than her so she was used to it. He had a large scroll and pen. He seemed like the servant in charge because his cap looked different from the servants running around neatly. They turned at the same time and when he saw her, he smiled so genuinely.
"Wura!" He greeted. She found herself smiling back. How did he know my name? But even that question was not as important as the thousands racing through her mind at the moment.
"I don't have much time to talk to you. The preparation for the marriage procession is almost over. And there is still so much to do. I have some instructions to pass to the ten thousand servants under me. We also have a meeting with the king soon."
"The king?" her eyes widened. "You have met the king? Can I meet the king?"
He nodded. "You will but not now."
"When. When?"
"The timing is not mine to decide. But I am sure it will be soon. This whole preparation is for you and your people to join us here."
"Then you mean this is the preparation for the Marriage Banquet? Which would follow immediately after the Prince's Royal Procession?"
"Indeed."
"Why is it so grand?!"
The man smiled waving his hand everywhere. "Because it is King Adénúgà Adélòwò's banquet. The greatest and richest king in the world would never organize a shallow marriage banquet. What would people say."
"The king is in charge of the preparation himself?!"
"Of course. Who else would he trust to handle it but himself? He has been looking forward to it for a very long time."
"So how much time is remaining?"
"No one knows but him," the man smiled. "What we are sure of is that he will choose the best time for the marriage."
"How many more Head Planners like yourself are around?"
He smiled mischievously "About one hundred more."
"What?!" Wura was sure her head had been expanding since she entered this place but now she was sure it would burst.
"Each, a leader of ten thousand?"
"Yes." His smile was very endearing like he was speaking to a child. Wura remembered herself and straightened to her full small height. She was an adult. She must compose herself. She had one more question to ask. "Where can I find..."
"Wura! WURA!"
The voice pulled her back to reality and suddenly, the white environment cleared and she was staring at the ankara gown of a Chosen. "Did you see a vision?" Adelola was asking.
Wura wondered if crying or laughing would best explain what she was feeling. If none worked, she was sure grabbing her childhood friend by the hair and throwing her to the ground would be enough.
"What do you think?" Her voice dripped with much sarcasm as she raised her eyebrows.
"Oh! I think you were! Tell me about it!"
"Then why did you disturb me if you knew?!"
"Oh."
"Lola!" She screamed. Lola took off running, laughing and apologizing at the same time. Wura followed her closely but Lola's laughter was infectious. She felt much joy fill her heart. Sincerely, she had not been this happy in a long time. She had had a glimpse of the King's plan through Olùrànlówó. Thank you, Olùrànlówó! She was very expectant for the first time and felt she could hurry up the processes. Where were the other maidens? They should come so that she could move on to the next stage.
The Royal Palace was looking forward to the event. It was a time for the king to live with his beloved. The procession was the beginning of the season- a time the king could finally bring his plan to pass. She could not wait for it. As if the world read her mind, a voice spoke from the door. "We are looking for the teacher in charge of this school?"
Wura froze her finger at the ear of Lola she had been pulling when she saw them. "You are the Eastern Maidens."
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
