Daughters of the Land

IV.| The Eight Elders

Gracefully dressed, one of the women slowly stood and at last spoke, it made Nukula feel at ease. "Nukula, child of the greats Yula and Talabashi, Server of the Zicoto people. We have heard a great deal about you and your family and we know the reason for your visit", the woman looked around at the seven Elders besides her as she spoke, as if reciting a speech on their behalf.

"Yes, your father fought hard until he became mute and crippled, your mother has been killed by Utan's, the Almighty knows what is best, and you are now to serve in her place. You have come for blessings of your elders...but what is the need if you have already made radical decisions? Have you come to lie!? Deceive your elders!?", the woman's grace quickly disappeared with her soft tone and returned harsh as she leaned over the wooden table.

Nukula twitched, uncertain whether it was her turn to speak. Her question was soon answered as the woman began again.

"The Eight are not fools Nukula, we are the elders of this land, we have lived many wise years, fought for our lives and our people. That is why we have been blessed, we have feasted with our Great Ancestors and that is why they speak to us everyday, may the Almighty reward them always", she sighed. "Do you know what that means?", without waiting for a response, she continued. "Speaking to our Greats is the equivalent to living a thousand years", she spread her fingers wide to reflect her words. "It is as living a wealthy existence, nothing is more honourable. The Emperor is merely a coin in comparison", the woman spat the last part taking a pause- this time long enough, that Nukula was certain her time had come to speak.

"You may speak", another harsh voice ordered beyond the table.

Nukula peered over her shoulders to Dear Reta, who gave a quick glance of approval before returning her eyes to the Eight. Nukula carefully thought about her response. She knew this was her only chance to persuade the elders for their blessings otherwise she was guaranteed to fail in her service.

"My Elders", She cleared her throat before proceeding, "I never thought the day would come when-", Nukula had only began her long awaited response before being interrupted by another old man.

"Nukula, we are the Eight Elders and have many duties for the day, do continue but with straight answers. We do not have all day, my child", the old man spoke lazily but his facial expression and tone came pleasant, easing Nukula's nerves. She breathed in before letting all her words flow out without hesitation.

"I will ask to see my mother. I understand what may happen but I do not believe she deserves to be dressed in Black. She fought for our land and adored our people, she was a true Zicoto Server and deserves a grand return to The Almighty", she said as she watched for a reaction from the table.

Dear Reta cleared her throat and the Eight Elders stared back blankly, a better reaction she had in respect, anticipated.

"I...I ask for your blessings and give you my word that I shall return with honour and victory for you, for our people", she said passionately as she fell to her knees and bowed a single bow of respect to the Eight, before returning to a seated position on her knees. The same Elder rose to her feet with a bitter twist in her face.

"What your father has forgotten and you fail to understand, is that you are here for one reason and that is to serve your people. It was The Almighty's command; the duty of our Great Ancestors to guide us and ours as the Eight Elders to lead you right. Our Great Ancestors are here, as am I and as are you, they are everywhere. And one day I shall join them if I succeed in leading my people. To live a good afterlife you must obey what is given to you by your Greats", the woman spoke loudly as the other two women and three men nodded in agreement. Two Elders however, observed her a few seconds longer before one of them stood up for the first time. He wore a wrinkled face and his eyes darted slightly over Nukula's head.