THE LION'S BATTLE

There were screams as the clanking of swords, crying of children, laughter and moans of men r****g women and even children. Thelma was asleep abd age woke up to the sound. Before she could k ow what was happening, her father the village chief entered breathing. He held Thelma by the arm looking at her assuredly. "Everything is gonna be okay once I get you pat the woods Thelma. I promise" "No papa... what's happening? where's mom? where are my brothers?" Thelma asked in panic looking around eyes widened with fear abd horror. "They'd be fine Thelma. Your mom is a strong woman. And same goes to your brothers. They're out there. Fighting for the village. come-on I'll take you to a safe hideout". Chaka her dad said. " But_" " No buts honey - let's get you out of here" abd like that, he carried Fragile Thelma into his arms his sword held tightly in his left hand. As Chaka Made his way through the chaos, one of the Dahuda warriors saw him and attempted a sword strike But a woman in her late 50s skillfully blocked the sword with a silver blood stained sword. "Chaka... Take Thelma fast. I and the boys will clear paths for you". Tafari half yelled as she slice through the attacker's throat and Chaka nod. "Mom!!!" Little Thelma cried terrified. "Don't worry honey, you'll be fine I promise a we have to do is take you to safety". Tafari said forcing a smile but one can tell that was a smile laced with pain. "Take her away". Tafari continued. "please". Chaka nod and continued slaying who ever attempts an attack. ................. Chaka got to the edge of the river. He drew in a boat into the river abd set Thelma in. Thelma held his wrist with a terrified look. It's clear the little girl needs explanation. "Stay in here okay? we'll find you once the war is over". Chaka said with a light smile. " No dad... don't. I'm scared. I can't leave without you, mom, and brothers. Come with me" Thelma half cried not letting her father go. " Hey hey, listen there... We'll be back okay?" he continued. " Nothing will happen. It's a promise" Chaka gave his words but his voice carried the load of uncertainty. "Not so fast". A hoarse voice came from the back and They looked. One of the warriors known as Kakama, the General were standing there, Tafari on her knees, a knife near her throat. "MOM!!" Thelma cried. "Let her go!!". Chaka snapped. "Or what?!" Kakama asked with a smirk. "Mom?" Thelma cried for the second time almost leaving the boat. "Give us the child, she'll be useful for our slave trade". Kakama demanded. "Then you'll have to pass through us". Chaka challenged drawing out his sword as Thelma's 7 brothers stepped in. "Then you leave us no choice" Kakama gritted his teeth and just like that, war started. Thelma's parents and brothers fought effortlessly to keep Thelma safe but they were too much to handle. One if the warriors Attempted drawing Thelma out of the boat but one of her brothers got there before he could. Both were locked in a fight, exchanging steels. Just as he slayed the warrior, two bows pierced through his heart, and another through his left arm. Thelma screamed in horror but Instead he smiled pulling out the arrows. He turned killing as much as he could but the more he move, the more weaker he gets.... And it happened... His head was sent rolling on the ground. Be slowly knelt down blood spilling down abd then he crumbled. Thelma ran out of the boat to where her brother lay motionless. "Mugabe!!!! Mugabe!!!! noooo!!!!!!". As she cried, Another charged forward but her father Chaka intervened and at the process got a cut but they weren't ready for defeat. Thelma looked as Her other brothers were slayed... all looking at her with smiles that only said "SURVIVE"....... A sword drove through Tafari heart abd age fell feeling weak..... While chaka ran to her, One of the warriors grabbed Thelma. She screamed in fear and Chaka lift his sword immediately throwing it at the warrior. It aimed directly at his right arm and it fell off. Thelma fell. She scurried but then, an arrow came flying. Just as it was about to hit her, someone shielded her... "mom". Thelma whispered tears falling off blinding her completely. "What we did we do for you... survive Thelma and build yourself strong"... that was the last words if Tafari abs then her eyelids grew heavy. "NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!" she screamed as she watched her dad fell blood oozing his chest as a result of his heart just pulled out. That's it. The fall of the kingdom of Shona. The death if her family. The sacrifices. The efforts. The last words. That night that'd forever be etched in her memory. That moment that'd forever haunt her like a nightmare. That hunger. That hunger for vengeance. That rise of a new Thelma. Not the Fragile, little, and weak Thelma who'd always steal milk, butter, sneak out to play with animals in the woods. Now it's the vengeful Thelma. The one that lost everything in one night. The family. The villagers. The peace. The sleep. The innocent side...... Now it is...... THE NEW THELMA. one that's stop at nothing but to get back to those that wronged her. She looked at the man that killed her family with so much hatred. He grinned revealing his yellowish teeth and everything went blank. • • • • • • • • • • •••• TO BE CONTINUED •••••••.