The Royals: A Kings Heart

Chapter 154

SASA'S POV_

So naturally, this morning was a bit nerve wrecking. That was a hectic dream. I had a difficult task ahead of me. One thing was clear, I didn't have a choice but to succeed. If my law books had taught me anything about crime, it was that it was important to have an alibi. It was important to continue your life as you have. Don't be nervous. Don't ask too much. Do just as you've been doing while gathering information and waiting for opportunity. So, I went out in the morning after refreshing myself. As usual, everyone was already busy. Ndiliswa came running as soon as she saw me.

Me: "Molo Ndili." (Hello.)

Ndili: "Molo Thembisa. Uzodlala nathi?" (Hello. Will you play with us?)

Me: "Ewe kodwa mandiqale ndibulise abanye." (Yes but let me first greet the others.) I went to the kitchen station. "Molweni." (Hello everyone.)

Sindi: "Hello. We're almost done, you can go take a seat so long." I nodded, going back to Ndiliswa. We played our game from yesterday until it was time for breakfast. The men ate first and left quickly. I wonder what they do all day out there.

Ndili: "Uhambe kakuhle?" (Did you go well?) We were sitting together only without the others.

Me: "Akhange ndiye ndawo." (I didn't go anywhere.)

Ndili: "Ngexa ubu lele, ubuhambile. Ukuze uve imiyalelo yokuqalisa ngokutsha. Iingcambu ekufuneka zikhutshwe ukuze ukwazi ukutyala." (When you were asleep, you had left. To hear instructions for starting afresh. The roots that must be taken out so you can plant.) I was shocked that she knew. Did she see me?

Me: "Undibonile?" (Did you see me?)

Ndili: "Hayi, nam bendilele kodwa ndivile." (No I was also sleeping but I heard.)

Me: "Uve ngabani Ndiliswa?"

Ndili: "Andiva ngamntu kodwa ndiyakuva entliziyweni yam. Yiyo loo nto ndiza kukunceda." (I didn't hear it from anyone but I can feel you in my heart. That's why I will help you.)

Me: "Awukwazi undinceda Ndiliswa, ungumntana. Unzima umsebenzi wam, wena awunoyazi. Umncinci kakhulu." (You can't help me, you're a child. My task is difficult and you can't know. You're too young.) She giggled.

Ndili: "Ewe ndingumntana kodwa ndizokunceda." (Yes I'm a child but I will help you.) She held my hand. I don't think she knows what she's really helping with. In her innocent mind she probably thinks I'm preparing to rebuild the village.

Me: "Uyaphuma uGogo ngelinye ixesha?" (Does Gogo ever come outside?)

Ndili: "Shhh. Akuthethwa ngo Gogo." (We don't talk about Gogo.) I nodded unsure what that meant but there's no way she can know the true reality of my task. That would be cruel of the ancestors to burden this very young child with such horrifying information.

After breakfast, I helped the kids with clean up and collecting water at the river. Just as we got to the water, Ndiliswa pulled my hand. I followed her back into the forest. She took a different direction.

Me: "Ndiliswa, hayi." (no.)

Ndili: "Shh." I was terrified and this child seemed carefree and knew where she was going. My heart was fully aching now. I know I can't question the ancestors but why burden this baby? I said I was going to do it. I am willing to go through with it, why involve her. She let go of my hand, bending down to the ground. I knelt next to her.

Ndili: "Umlambo uyakuhlambulula. Oku kuya kukufihla. Akukho mfuneko yokuba wenze nantoni na, sebenzisa kuphela isakhono sakho." (The river cleanses you. This will disguise you. You don't have to do anything, only use your ability.) Okay I can't take it anymore.