Two days had past, and Momma Solon was buried in a cave with Riac. Their bodies were laid flat out, then wrapped in tapa cloth (made from the bark of the paper mulberry tree. Their bones were to be treated with respect, for they contained their divine power from their soul. The islanders refused to allow Louis be buried on their soil so he was let out at sea. He was wrapped in a red cloth, then placed in the ocean to be eaten by sharks. They believed that his spirit inhabit the shark's body and would protect the islands to make up for his mistake.
James shut himself in Momma's cabin, no one had seen him since she died. Every once in a while, Kalila or Fia would stop by and check on him. They would leave food at his door, but he never took a glance.
Mia stayed away, feeling as though it was all her fault. No one could talk to her, even Arrio. Moss and Sir A had stayed on the Exalter's section. Kai and Ercan stayed to but in a different section.
Ashe stayed with Enya, who was trying and failing to comfort Rai, and Gilliam was with Lani, who was out with the rest of Exalter trying to clean up the villages. Many villagers became nervous and was wanting the Exalter to leave. None would say tell them directly, but they did go to the counsel.
The counsel agreed and called everyone from both The Guard and The Exalter.
"We think you should leave." They went straight to the point. "You have always been welcome here, but now is the time for you to leave."
"Wait just a min-" Corin started, but was cut off by Sir A.
"As you wish." He nodded at Moss, they both started standing up.
The doors flew open, and James was followed in by a woman. She had long black hair, blue vibrant eyes and a little orange cat riding on her head. She was carrying a book, it was big and covered in an old leather. There was no markings on it, but had a feel, like it was important.
"What are you doing here?" Asked Faife Perry, the eldest and leader of Prix.
"As Mother Solon's heir and leader of the Emerald Haven, stopping you fools before you make a mistake." He spoke. It was the same childish voice, but different. He sounded older, wiser.
"Fools??" Aleyda spoke, irritated.
"Is there an echo?" He sounded bored.
"Just because you are her grandchild does not make you heir, nor does it mean you have any say in our discussions." Faife spoke, her eyes full of anger.
"That is where you are wrong." The female next to James spoke up. "He IS the heir, he DOES have say, and he is her SON."
"S-son??" Faife started laughing, joined in by Monica, Aleyda, and Vanessa.
"I am sorry dear, and I mean no disrespect, but... Isn't she like a million?" Auntie C replied with a small smile. "You are barely 21."
"A million?" James chuckled. "Try 2,002 years old. And I am 1,982."
"Excuse me?? I remember seeing you grow up. I remember burying your mother and father. I remember holding you as you cried looking for them." Faife was furious at this point.
"Yes, but memories can be altered, life's changed, secrets held." James smiled faintly. "It would be better if I showed you."
YOU ARE READING
Challenging Directions - Book 1 (Completed)
خيال (فانتازيا)These fun loving sister make time to do what they enjoy. Sing. Dance. Have food fights. And fall in love. Although it can all be a little tricky, especially if you just assassinated the rulers of the Four Kingdoms and the entire Guard is out looking...
