Made from Me.

CHAPTER FOUR: AMALEK FACES FAMINE

The lack of rain has led some to speculate that the god of Amalek is displeased with the town. With the arid conditions persisting, the soil has become hardened, making it challenging to cultivate crops. Without adequate moisture, the plants are withering away, unable to draw essential nutrients from the parched earth.

During the previous season, Boaz emerged as a significant supplier of foodstuffs to the neighboring villagers. He had confided in his mother that the local market couldn't match the prices he could fetch elsewhere, prompting him to sell his goods to buyers from outside Amalek. Consequently, the townsfolk relied on intermediaries who purchased from Boaz to obtain their provisions.

Amidst these trying times, Boaz and his mother never went hungry or thirsty. Their foresight and resourcefulness had ensured an abundance of food and drink.

Over the span of three years, Boaz had carved out a reputable niche for himself, constructing sturdy structures including a concrete house and a warehouse for storing his harvest. Additionally, he had hired three employees from neighboring villages to assist with his burgeoning agricultural enterprise.

The Emperor, troubled by the plight of his people amidst the drought, became aware that the primary supplier of crops hailed from the town of Amalek but resided in an area designated for offenders and those deemed unworthy. Concerned about the welfare of his subjects, he decided to summon Boaz to address the matter.

A messenger was dispatched to deliver the summons to Boaz, who was currently away attending to his fields. Upon receiving the message, Mama, Boaz's mother, welcomed the messenger into their home.

"Good day, ma'am. I come bearing a message from the Emperor," the messenger began respectfully.

Mama, a woman of strong character and unwavering loyalty to her son, listened intently as the messenger relayed the Emperor's request for Boaz's audience.

With a furrowed brow, Mama replied, "My son is currently away, attending to our fields. But don't worry, I shall relay the Emperor's message to him as soon as he returns."

The messenger nodded appreciatively, acknowledging Mama's assurance. "Thank you, ma'am. I trust that Boaz will heed the Emperor's summons promptly."

After the messenger had departed, Mama pondered the implications of the Emperor's summons.

When Boaz finally returned home, weary from a day's labor under the scorching sun, Mama wasted no time in informing him of the Emperor's request.

"Boaz, my son, the Emperor has summoned you," she began, her voice tinged with concern.

Boaz, wiping sweat from his brow, listened intently as Mama recounted the message from the messenger. "The Emperor wishes to speak with you regarding the supply of crops during these difficult times," Mama continued, her eyes searching her son's face for a reaction.

Boaz's expression remained impassive as he absorbed the news. After a moment of silence, he spoke with conviction, "Tell the Emperor I have no intention of meeting with him. He shall not find me here, nor will he find me anywhere else."

Mama's eyes widened in disbelief at her son's audacious declaration. "But Boaz, you cannot refuse the Emperor's summons. It could have grave consequences," she implored, her voice tinged with urgency.

Boaz remained resolute, his jaw set in determination. "I have worked hard to build a life for myself and for us, Mama. Why does he want me all of a sudden?"

Mama's heart sank at her son's unwavering resolve. She knew all too well the consequences of defying the Emperor's commands, yet she also understood Boaz's reason for refusing.

"Please, Boaz, reconsider," Mama pleaded, her eyes brimming with tears. "Think of what could happen if you defy the Emperor's will."

But Boaz remained unmoved, his decision final. "I will not answer him, Mama. Not now, not ever."

Despite Mama's heartfelt pleas, Boaz remained steadfast in his refusal to meet with the Emperor.

" He may not be the Emperor as at the time I was thrown into the forest, but I don't care. These people are evil. Thank God for civilization, Thank God that they have stopped killing the twins. Do you know how many children,they have killed. Innocent souls. I am not going."

" Ah !!! My son!!! I perfectly understand you. The former Emperor was ruthless, but this Emperor is nothing like his father, take your time to think about this. It is very important".

" Mama, I hate to refuse your request, but this particular one, I am not going".

As days turned into weeks, rumors began to spread throughout the town about Boaz's defiance and the Emperor's growing displeasure.

Meanwhile, the drought continued to ravage the land, leaving the people of Amalek desperate for food. With each passing day, the situation grew more dire, and tensions grew beneath the surface.

One evening, as Mama sat alone in their humble abode, contemplating the uncertain future that lay ahead, there came a knock at the door. Startled, she rose from her seat and cautiously approached, her heart pounding in her chest.

Opening the door, Mama was met with the solemn visage of a royal messenger, clad in the Emperor's livery. His expression was grave as he delivered a summons from the Emperor himself.

"Mama," he began, his voice tinged with regret, "the Emperor wishes to speak with Boaz at once. It is a matter of utmost importance."

Mama's heart sank as she realized the gravity of the situation. She knew that Boaz's defiance had not gone unnoticed, and now the Emperor sought to confront him directly.

Gathering her courage, Mama squared her shoulders and met the messenger's gaze with steely resolve. "Tell the Emperor that Boaz will come, but on his own terms. He will not be forced or intimidated."

The messenger nodded solemnly, acknowledging Mama's message before taking his leave. Left alone once more, Mama felt a wave of apprehension wash over her. She knew that the coming confrontation would test her son's resolve like never before.

Days passed, and tensions continued to mount as the people of Amalek awaited Boaz's response to the Emperor's summons. Rumors swirled throughout the town, fueling speculation and uncertainty.

Then, one evening, as the sun returned back to her home, The Emperor emerged from his palace and went to see Boaz. It was a taboo for the Emperor to visit the place for the outcasts. But he was determined to buy food for his people even at cheaper rate. He disguised as a commoner and knocked at the gate when he arrived.

As the Emperor stepped inside the humble dwelling of Boaz, Mama's mind raced with memories of a love long lost and a past shrouded in pain. She couldn't help but feel a pang of bitterness mixed with a strange longing at the sight of the man who had once been her everything. Time had weathered their youthful faces, but the memories remained etched in the crevices of her soul.

For over three decades, Mama had carried the weight of her exile from the village, a consequence of her alledged love affair with a commoner. Their romance had been a secret flame burning brightly in the shadows, kindled by passion. But the wickedness of jealous people, made everything die, it had unleashed a storm of scandal and disgrace, tearing Mama away from everything she held dear.

Now, faced with the unexpected presence of her former lover, Mama grappled with a whirlwind of emotions. She longed to confront him, to demand answers for the years of solitude and suffering she had endured in his absence. Yet, beneath the layers of resentment and anger, there still lingered a flicker of affection, a fragile thread connecting her to the man who had once captured her heart.

As they waited for Boaz to return, the Emperor cast furtive glances around the modest surroundings, his royal facade momentarily stripped away in the presence of Mama. He felt a stirring of recognition deep within him, a vague sense of familiarity that tugged at the corners of his memory. But try as he might, he could not place the weathered face before him, nor the sorrowful eyes that seemed to hold the weight of a lifetime of regrets. She could be one of the market women for all he think.

With every moment that went by, Mama experienced a blend of excitement and fear, grappling to harmonize past memories with current challenges. Alone for years, she had stitched together resilience from her pain, yet in the Emperor's presence, she felt her defenses falter, like sandcastles yielding to the relentless tide.

Boaz's buoyant spirit wavered upon his arrival, finding an unexpected visitor in his modest dwelling. Sensing the weight of unease in the room, he cautiously acknowledged the man's presence with a nod, his thoughts scrambling to comprehend the peculiar situation. Was this visitor a chief dispatched by the Emperor? Before he could vocalize his queries, the Emperor stood, his intense gaze fixed upon Boaz.

"Thank you for your hospitality, Mama," the Emperor said, his tone carrying a regal air. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am the Emperor."

Boaz, taken aback by the revelation, struggled to grasp why the Emperor would deign to visit him. "Your Majesty," he stammered, "I am honored, but surprised by your presence here."

The Emperor offered a reassuring smile. "Sometimes, circumstances require the mountain to come to Mohammed," he remarked, attempting to lighten the atmosphere.

Boaz furrowed his brow, perplexed by the Emperor's analogy. "What brings you to my humble home, Your Majesty?" he inquired, his curiosity piqued.

The Emperor's expression turned solemn as he revealed his purpose. "I am in need of provisions for my people," he explained. "I wish to purchase food from you."

A wave of reluctance washed over Boaz, his previous enthusiasm dampened by conflicting emotions. "I apologize, Your Majesty," he replied, his tone apologetic yet firm. "I cannot in good conscience provide food to those of the Amalek tribe. I refuse to sell to anyone associated with them."

The Emperor's demeanor remained composed, though disappointment flickered in his eyes. "I really don't understand your stance, Boaz," he acknowledged with a nod. "However, I implore you to reconsider. Our people are in dire need, and your provisions could make a significant difference."

Boaz hesitated, torn between his principles and compassion for those in need. "I sympathize with your plight, Your Majesty," he conceded reluctantly. "But my convictions remain steadfast. I cannot compromise my beliefs, It's an irony that a man who was not considered worthy is the one to feed the town."

The Emperor regarded Boaz thoughtfully, weighing his words carefully. "I respect your unwavering principles," he remarked. "However, I must honor my duty to ensure the welfare of my people. And I will ask you to think about it. If you ever change your mind, do well to reach out to me."

With a heavy heart, Boaz nodded in understanding. "I will give it a thought"

As the Emperor prepared to depart, Boaz couldn't shake the feeling of remorse that lingered in the air. Though he stood by his decision, the weight of his choice weighed heavily on his conscience.