ALIMA

ALIMA'S TROUBLES

ALIMA'S TROUBLES

The clouds were still, the sky was settled, and the heavens were calm.

Olodumare was seated on his golden throne; his golden crown gracefully resting on his head in splendour. He had on a brilliant white robe that complemented the white bodies of the heavens, and it flowed down to the golden floor, ending with golden embroidery designs around the edges. He looked down to the world—with eyes as white as snow and as bright as the sun. His long golden hair fell to his face, complementing his richly coloured skin in harmoniousness.

The deities were respectively seated on their thrones, gathered around that of Olodumare. They were having a celestial meeting, seeing as each of them contributed to the ongoing discussion.

“Are you going to keep testing the human child?” One of the gods spoke up.

“Why, yes of course," Olodumare answered. “I must see that she is capable of overcoming temptations and obstacles. She must be ready, strong, and pure.”

“I must say, she’s very bold,” a goddess added.

“Given all the unfortunate events that have ensued in her young life, she has managed to display a commendable level of perseverance.”

The demigods all nodded their heads in unison, indicating their agreements.

“Olodumare, you can just use your foresight and behold how her future would be. If it’s a favourable one, we can continue with the plan. Why trouble yourself?”

“This is no trouble. In fact, this is just the beginning. She is a special child and I must see how everything plays out. I have complete trust in her faith," he concluded. “Sango!”

“Yes, Olodumare.”

“Send a storm.”

* * *

It was raining cats and dogs, my dress was plastered to my body and my teeth clattered. I was cold and drenched, but the rain continued to pour down like persian arrows—oblivious of the harm they were causing.

I could feel the exhaustion of the fatigued horse, and frankly, I was equally tired. I had been riding the horse for a whole day, and I desperately needed a place to rest. As soon as I dismounted the horse, the rumbling sound of thunder reverberated in the air—accompanied by a threatning lightning that struck the tree closest to the horse—it let out a loud neigh and scampered off in fear.

“Hey! Come back!” I yelled after the horse, but the noise of the heavy storm drowned my own voice. “Goddamit!”

* * *

Underneath the earth, where darkness prevailed—inside a dark menacing cave—lit with light torches and tainted with dark power. A lone shadowed figure was seated on a stoned throne raised on a heap of skulls and bones. His black cloak matched the dark aura he emitted, and it concealed half of his face.

The eerie silence of the dark cave was suddenly interrupted by whisperings and murmurs from approaching figures.

“Silence!” The cloaked figure said.

The voices ceased immediately, and two heavily built men came into view.

“Esu!” They echoed in unison, bowing their heads down.

“What is it this time?” Esu asked in a bored tone, resting his hooded face on his open palm.

“The heavens have found the new chosen one.” One of the men answered.

“What?” He blurted out, jerking up to his feet. “A new chosen one? That’s preposterous!”

“Yes, Esu. Olodumare is observing the child presently and—"