The Letter

Chapter One The Beginning The whole community stands in awe, to admire her rare beauty each time she walks along the street. You can bet that fishes, put up for sale could not help but stare with eyes wide open from inside the baskets. Everyone wanted to catch a glimpse of this specially made beauty. Her smile sends love down the spine of anyone she smiled at, her white teeth, shining like the midday Sun; the young men are not left out. Every evening, they loiter around the market waiting for when she would come get her regular food items but none could approach her; she was engaged. Her name is Arella; the only daughter of Isaac, the crafts man. She lost her mother at a very tender age and Isaac had been the one taking care of her under strict monitoring. He had seen her grown into a mature woman and he was proud of her. *** “What took you so long to come home?” Isaac asked his daughter as she dropped the foodstuff at the entrance to the kitchen. “I had to get some fruits for my In-laws.” She said, smiling. Her soon-to-be husband had enlisted into the King’s army so he had been sent on a compulsory “Military training” in the faraway city of Fort Bragg; the largest military base in the world, where all military men from the City were trained. She was eagerly waiting for his return as that seems to be the only thing in the way of her getting married to the love of her life. “Oh! Sorry, I forgot you told me, and how are they doing?” he asked. “They are doing fine. It is just that they miss their son. They also sent their greetings though it is obvious they miss their son. Let me quickly make the evening meal. I know you must be hungry by now. I am preparing your favorite dish; it definitely will be a great evening dad” She smiled as she entered the kitchen. Isaac smiled back; he knew she was going to prepare Beans for him. Although he missed his wife who died shortly after the birth of Arella, he could not have asked for a better daughter. He looked up to the sky and gave glory to God. *** I just can’t wait to return home to my bride. This looks like it is going to take forever you know.” Felix exclaimed to his friend as they made their way to the open field for the evening shooting practice. His friend laughed at him and jokingly said “woman wrapper. You have been saying this for the past two weeks. Why did you not bring her along?” they both laughed. It has been over six and a half months since they reached Fort Bragg for the training that will guarantee their inclusion in the military. *** The furore was deafening as the people of the city made their way to the King’s palace. The military men could not control the over joyous crowd. The new sets of soldiers had just returned from Fort Bragg and were headed for the King’s palace. The crowd stopped abruptly on getting to the King’s gate guarded by heavily armed men. The commander of the King’s army- Lieutenant-General Abel ordered them to stop as he gladly welcomed the new soldiers and ushered them into the king’s palace. The palace was such a beauty to behold; a magnificent edifice, more of a city on its own. His ascendancy to the throne was heavenly ordained as he had been chosen ahead of the finest men in his family. His lineage was not of the royals but by divine orchestration, he was made a King. He walked into the conference room in full military regalia. He was fair in complexion, of an average height; stoutly built. He had spent most of his life taking care of his father’s livestock. His name is Festus, the son of Ambrose, one of the owners of the largest livestock farming in the city of Melinus. He entered the room smiling and saluted the men who had been standing and expecting his arrival. He motioned them to sit as he began to speak “I am highly honored to have you in my army at this crucial stage of my reign as the king” his sonorous voice could be heard meters away from the room “and I am glad you were all willing to join the Army but we must all know that except the Lord watches the city, the watchmen wakes but in vain.” They all nodded in agreement as he continued “well, you just have one month to rest from your training because there is a battle during the spring. Lt-General Abel will give you the details when you all return from your vacation. For those getting married, be informed that it will be proper for you to wait till after the war else, you can go ahead and get married but that will mean an automatic exclusion from the war. My prayers are with you.” He looked around for response but no one said anything “For every of the King’s soldiers, you are entitled to a two-bedroom apartment within the king’s estate. The commander in charge of house allocation will take care of that.” *** He ignited the car as he sped off from the King’s palace. The King had given all the one hundred soldiers a car each to ease their movement within and outside the city. He was in a dilemma of the first place to visit. Should he visit Arella or his parents first? It has been over seven months he saw Arella and his parents. He flashed back to when he first met Arella at the party organized to commemorate the King’s ten years’ ascension to the throne. She was irresistible, her hour glass figure could make any man go crazy and on that night, the love had been ignited. He was brought back to the present when the stereo player in his car automatically started playing Frank Edward’s “Oghene doh”. He began to hum the song. He had heard about the musician who lived in a faraway country in Africa. He hoped to meet him probably if military assignment takes him to the continent. Felix made up his mind to visit Arella before he goes to see his parents. As he turned into the road that led to her house, like one with an adrenaline rush, he pressed the accelerator harder; he was madly in love. *** Her heart was almost popping out of her chest; she was obviously in love. The gate of the house made a rusty sound as Felix made his way into the compound. Arella peeped through the window only to see a hugely built man admiring the flowers placed at the door. “Is this Felix?” He has changed so much; he is looking more handsome too” she said to herself. Blushing, she ran to the door waiting for him to knock. He knocked, eagerly anticipating seeing his beloved. For a minute, no one responded. He was beginning to wonder if anyone was at home but he knew their gate was always locked if there was no one at home. Just as he was about to go check the backyard door, the knob made a cracking sound. He waited. Boom! It opened and Arella jumped out, hugging him with the whole of her strength. He was startled. They hugged for few minutes before anyone could utter a word. Finally, he spoke “You almost made me flee but thank God I am now a Soldier. I am always at alert.” She released her grip of him and they both smiled. “I have missed you.” Arella said as she led him into the sitting room filled with nice fragrance. He sat down, looking at her shapely figure. She caught him “Hey, why are you staring at me like that? Do you want to swallow me?” he laughed. “I was just admiring the woman that has stolen the heart of a soldier. It been over seven months and you have not changed a bit. You are still as beautiful as the day we first met” he complimented her. “You can say that again.” She replied shyly as she went to the refrigerator and brought a chilled Malt drink “I hope this has not become a taboo for you now?” Arella teased him as she placed the tray that had the drink and cup on a stool in his front. “Where is your father?” He asked after an hour of talking with her about life at Fort Bragg. “So you just noticed that he is not around and you want to marry me? The bride price he will collect has just increased.” She said as they laughed. “He went to see his relatives but he will be back tomorrow morning.” She said . “We are going to the battle field in spring. We have three weeks to prepare for our wedding if we must get married before then or would you want us to wait till after the war?” he asked without so much excitement. Arella looked shocked and said “But I thought those that will get married were exempted from the war? I cannot wait for another four months. I would rather get married now.” She looked sad. He moved closer to her and patted her on the back. He could smell the perfume on her cloth, he inhaled it and said “We cannot afford to lose this battle; the King needs his best hands at the war front. I won’t be gone for so long. I will be back very soon but if you insist, there is no problem.” Chapter Two Farewell “Sir, here is the list of all the soldiers going to war. Lt-General Abel said, as he handed over the list to the King. It was few days before spring and preparation was in top gear. He took a look at the list and said “Who is leading the battalion from the west of Bahurim down to the south pole of Mels?” “My King, it is Brigadier-General Metu.” He said. King Festus nodded his head in agreement. “Well, I will not be going to war this time. I need to rest and take time to meditate. I know you are capable of leading the army. You have been with me since those good old days at the cave of Adulam.” Lt-Gen Abel looked bemused. He knew the King to be a man of war. This sudden change baffled him. “No problem Sir. With the Lord on our side, there is nothing any man can do to us. I have to take my leave now as I have to pass the necessary information across to the soldiers.” He said and saluted as he stood up to take his leave but the King halted him “wait, I want you to ensure that the troops that will pass through the Valley of Elah to the hill country of Arma are well guarded and led by one of the best Soldiers. I will prefer you put Colonel Amasai in charge.” Lt-Gen Abel nodded. “And finally, make sure the siege train is well guarded and as soon as you get to the camp, see to it that a vedette is erected for the easy flow of information to all soldiers at the battle field. I hope you understand all the instructions?” “Yes Sir!” he said. “Now you may take your leave, and make sure I get daily reports of all the activities. God be with you.” The King arose, arms akimbo, pacing around the room, thinking of the time he killed a Lion and a Bear in the forest when they attacked his father’s livestock. He never believed he could be the one reigning in Melinus, commanding such a large Army. *** “That is enough” Felix said as he tried to release himself from the grip of Arella who had been sobbing since the early hours of the morning. They had just gotten married and it was a glamorous one graced by high ranking officers of the King’s army. “I have told you that after the war, we will have one year to ourselves. You do not need to panic. I will be fine. The God I serve will never leave nor forsake us” he said. Arella wiped her tears with the hem of her flowing robe and said “I understand you. I know you will be safe. It is just that I will miss you terribly. She said. Felix saluted her jokingly and hugged her again as she escorted him to the gate. His apartment was directly opposite the King’s palace. Chapter Three Events The fog had beclouded the sky. Everywhere looked cozy; the trees could not resist the wind as it blew their branches back and forth. It has been one week since the army left for war. News had it that they were having the upper edge against their enemies. Arella awoke that morning, feeling feverish. She wondered what was wrong with her. “I hope this is not one of those symptoms of malaria.” She said to herself as she made her way to the bathroom. The compound is fenced after all so I am certain no one will see me, she concluded just because she could not see the King’s house from where she was standing. It is actually almost impossible for anyone to see through except that she was not aware the King’s balcony mirrored the back of her fence. The King awoke that morning and decided to have his daily exercise at the extended and spacious balcony. “I must always keep fit” was his usual response each time any of his wives told him to rest “After all, bodily exercise profit little.” On that fateful morning, he made his way to the balcony, whistling. It was at that exact moment that Arella was bathing. The King stopped abruptly, his whistling fizzled as he saw a nude woman having her bath. He stood there gazing, he kept hearing “I have made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a woman.” He resisted the voice and he kept staring. After few minutes, he went back inside. The thoughts of her filled his mind. Arella had her bath and went inside not knowing what had happened. In the evening, the King called one of his orderlies and sent him to Arella’s house with a cash gift and told him to find out who she was. “She is Felix’s wife, my Lord. One of the new soldiers” he said after he returned from her house. “Ok, you can go. I will send for you when I need you” the King said. He began pacing about the room, thinking of how he can meet with her. The voice of Joseph spoke “How can I do such a terrible thing in the sight of God?” he ignored the voice as he left the room to the balcony to see if she would be there for an evening bath, but he only saw an empty backyard. *** She was startled “Who is that early this morning? Is it Felix?” but then she remembered that the war would last for four months and this was just his second week of departure. She wore her cloth and went to the door. From the little hole on the door, she peeped only to see a man in an army uniform. Thoughts of different kind flooded her mind “Is Felix dead? Have they come to arrest me? She braced up, adjusted her cloth that was revealing a part of her body and opened the door. “Good morning ma.” The soldier greeted, smiling. “Good morning, how may I help you?” she asked, looking behind him if he was the only one. “I am from the King’s palace and the King would like to see you this very moment” he said. Her heart began to palpitate. “Me? Why? I hope there is no problem?” she asked, looking tensed. Is it that the King wants to personally deliver the news of her husband’s death? She remembered the money he sent yesterday. She was trying so hard to figure out this coincidence as she often times does not like been taken by surprise but here she is, nothing seems to be adding up. Arella was disturbed. “Ok, I will be at the palace in thirty minutes.” *** “What does the king want from me?” She slowly entered and closed the door behind her. The king looked at her with a lustful desire. It was as though he had not seen a woman before. He motioned her to seat on a chair beside the bed; he was seated on the bed. She obliged. “I know you must be wondering why I called you. Do not be afraid, you are safe.” He moved closer to where she was seated and touched her silky hair. He smelled the fragrance. She tried to dodge but she could not. “ Would you not mind having a royal son seat on this great throne after I have gone to be with the God of my fathers?” he asked. It then dawned on Arella the reason she had been invited, now there was a link between the money and the sudden summon. She was shocked. How could she do this? How could she not know? How could she have betrayed Felix’s love for her? How? She kept asking herself. Then a voice spoke from within “did Felix even consummate the marriage before he left for war? What if he dies during the war? A beautiful girl like you won’t want to become a young widow, right? You have an opportunity to be in the company of the royals and here you are acting like soured beans. Many are looking for this great privilege. Sit there and continue to behave like an Irish potato.” Arella began to consider the thoughts “that is true. Felix has never touched me. Who knows if he is even impotent? Throughout our courtship, he never demanded for s*x and after our wedding, we had three days for honeymoon before the war began but he said we should wait till he comes back. I should have suspected him. I cannot be a widow at this age, not me! She made up her mind. “What are you thinking about?” Festus asked “Oh, nothing. I am just thinking if this room is concealed enough” she smiled seductively. “Don’t worry, it is much more secured.” He said as she stretched forth his hand and helped her into the bed.” The voice spoke to him again “Your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost.” He pretended not to have heard as he undressed her and they copulated. Chapter Four: Results “Madame, do you want to tell me that you do not know that you are pregnant? I am happy for you Ma” the elated doctor said. She was shocked. “Pregnant? For who?” then she remembered and said “Do not mind me, this is my first time. I am a novice. Thank you, doctor.” She stood up and left. On her way, she quickly wrote a letter informing the king about the latest development. She dropped it with one of the guards at the King’s gate and asked him to deliver it immediately to the King. “What! Pregnant?” King Festus exclaimed on reading the letter. “But I did not…” then he remembered “Oh my God! I did it unprotected. He paced about the room pondering on what to do. The voice spoke again “he that covers his sins shall not prosper. A man who commits a******y is an utter fool, for he destroys his own soul” he pretended not to hear. Then it dawned on him: why not call Felix from the war? And tell him to go home and rest for two weeks? I am sure he will gladly do it. After all, I heard he just got married to her and I know that he will be eager to get intimate with his wife. The King made up his mind, immediately he called one of his guards and said “Reach out to Lt-Gen Abel and tell him to send Felix back to the city. I need him at home.” *** Why will the King send for me? Or did anybody say I am not fighting well? Felix thought to himself as he rode into the palace. The king was informed of his presence. “Hello great Soldier of Melinus” the king said as he entered the living room of the palatial mansion. Felix stood up and saluted. The King beckoned on him to seat, smiling. “How is the army faring? I heard we are having the upper edge.” “Very well sir, the Lord has been on our side. He has been our rock solid defense. Glory to his name” Felix responded. “I know you must have been wondering why I sent for you. Well, I heard that you just got married a week before the war started. You should have written a letter tome for exemption to be with your beloved wife. So, I am giving you permission to go be with your wife for three weeks” the King said. Felix was shocked. “But Sir…” “No word from you, just do as I have said.” He left the palace wondering on what to do. How could he go home to enjoy himself in the time of war? He decided to sleep with the guards in the King’s palace. In the morning, the King heard that he did not go home; he was angry and summoned him. “But I told you to go home last night and be with your wife but you refused. Why?” he asked. “Sir, there is no need for that. I already had a pact with my wife about this. The war will soon be over.” Felix replied. Festus was trying to keep his anger under control “I the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed forces, has spoken, go and be with the wife of thy youth.” Felix was already feeling tensed “Sir, all the soldiers are camped in the open field. How will I go to merry and lay with my wife? As you live and as my soul lives, I will do no such thing.” The King saw he was adamant. He began to ponder on how to cover up for what he had done. Then an idea came to his mind and he said “Ok, if you insist. I can see that you are a committed soldier, and for this, you are invited to dine with the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces tonight and then tomorrow morning, you can be on your way. Or will you decline to have dinner with your King?” he asked “Ha! No Sir. It is a great honour.” That night, the king ensured that Felix got drunk thinking he would go home in that state of drunkenness but he did not rather, he slept at the entrance to the King’s gate. *** The King arose the following morning and peeped from the window facing the entrance to the palace and saw Felix lying down, asleep. He was furious, rage took over him. He sat down, opened one of his file cabinets and brought out his writing materials. He set forth to write. He sent for one of his orderlies to deliver the letter to Felix and ensure that he delivered the letter to Lt-Gen Abel. *** On his way, he pondered upon everything that had happened within the last three days. He could not figure in his mind on what exactly was wrong. Even though he would have loved to see his wife, he could not leave the warfront. As the car entered a pot hole, the letter fell. He picked it up. What could be in this letter? He wondered as he fixed his eyes on the road. A part of him was curious to open it but he remembered the military mantra: Obey the last command and the King had said he must safely deliver it to the commanding officer. He was bored. Then he checked the car stereo and saw that it was functioning. He inserted R.Kelly’s “Storm is over” and he hummed the song as he drove on. The camp was abuzz with activities when he entered. He greeted almost every soldier he met as he made his way to the commanding officer’s tent; Lt-Gen Abel was in discussion with three other commanders when he looked up and saw him. “Oh, welcome back. How are the King and your wife?” Felix saluted “Good day General, the King is doing fine but I could not see my wife. I will explain later. I have a letter from the King.” He handed over the letter to him as the three other commanding officers were curious to know the content of the letter. Lt-Gen Abel opened it and was about to read it aloud but stopped abruptly. Dear Lt-Gen Abel, I must commend you for doing a great job on the battle field. I know that the Lord is with you and He will surely see you through. To the crux of the matter: Felix came home and I gave him some orders to carry out but he refused. Time will not permit me to share the details here but I want him dealt with, I want him dead! Such disobedient soldier cannot be in this army. Who knows, he might end up organizing a coup to oust me out of the kingdom or he might even connive with other soldiers to kill you in a bid to take your place. That boy is dangerous. Make sure you put him in a place where the battle is the toughest and leave him to die there. Remember that the soul that sins must die! King Festus. He looked up from the letter to meet four curious, different eyes staring at him. “All is well. The King sends his greetings” he said, faking a smile. “Felix, please come, we were just re-strategizing our plans when you came in. I will want you to lead the troop to the left wing of the war zone’. That is the toughest place so far and I know from your pedigree, you will be able to handle it.” He said as he showed him the war blue print on paper. “No problem Sir It is a great honour for me to be chosen. I will never forget this great privilege given to me” Felix said, looking happy not knowing that doom was about to befall him. The three other commanding officers nodded in agreement. They were unaware of the plot but were surprised with the sudden change in plans. Felix did not survive. He was killed. Immediately, Lt-Gen Abel sent a message to the King informing him about Felix’s death. The King was happy. When Arella got the news, she was a bit sad but on a second thought, she was carrying the King’s child, her mind was at peace that she had not lost on both sides. She thanked her stars. Arella moved in immediately with the King after she had mourned her husband. All this while, God was watching every of King Festus’ moves. And just after Arella gave birth, he acted. He sent his Prophet to King Festus. The king was still rejoicing at the birth of his son when he heard that the prophet called for his attention. He did not remember calling him to dedicate the child, so why is he here at this time? He wore his robe and went out to see the Prophet “I can hear the cry of a baby in this house but that cry is a cry of vengeance” Prophet Ethan said immediately Festus entered the room. “Let me tell you what God has sent me here to do: He said that he made you King, delivered you from the hand of your enemies but why have you despised his laws? And to think you did this horrible thing right before His presence. You murdered one of his creatures? Festus! You killed Felix. Now listen, there will be constant threat of murder in your house. Your household will rebel against you and the child will die!” When the King heard all this, he realized how grievous his sins were and he fell on his face weeping and screaming “I have sinned against the Lord. I have murdered an innocent soul…” Ethan went to where he laid and touched him saying “do not worry, God has forgiven you and you will not die but everything I have said will surely come to pass…”