Muur Chronicles

EPISODE TWO

Things went bad from that moment for Nolnadians, creating anarchy and chaos. The once prosperous kingdom in Nol relapsed into a deep unsteady transitional state, and many people turned wild, grabbing what they could. Everyone who could was trying to leave the Nol planet amidst heavy political instability. Incompetence and corruption became rampant at all levels in the Nolnadian society.

 The police outfits were active only in some major cities afterwards because everyone almost disagreed with everyone. The public order was taken over by some gangs, who in some towns would fight amongst each other for resources control, especially in Aldon and Bloreu. In District of Bloreu, social life would function until about 4pm, under a truce. People feared for their lives from the urban areas to the hinterlands. Then the sirens would signal the beginning of curfew and gangs would start to fight with each other as it turned to a free for all debacle in most inner cities that which has turned to gangster lands.

 The crisis lingered until the emergence of Izemoru. At the time the Muurs invaded, Izemoru was an accomplished Captain in the Nolnadian Guard Service. He was saved by the Governor of District of Aldon from assassination by non-loyalists to the former King due to his military status. The military was heavily used to subvert the people under the disposed King Nalniana.

 He rose through the ranks to become a daring strategist, fearless, strong, powerful leader and united most of the Nolnadian people. But like all before him since the invasion, the same problem of the Nolnads still persisted; limited energy resources. Nolnadians believe this energy crisis was caused by a breach of contract between the Nolnads and the Muurs which made them dependent on the Muurians for energy supply.

  Nolnadians operated a system similar to the Muurs, but Izemoru did things differently when he took over the reins of affairs of the Nolnads.

He altered the Nolnadian military formations, and invested heavily in Nolnadian technology. He made it known and drove it home from his first day as King that the Muurians are their enemies and that he is going to right the wrongs of the Ragi Agreement, an agreement which the Muurs presumably breached and used to cheat them out of the precious Unerg. It is no secret that the Unerg helped the Muurs attain self-sufficiency. Nolnad lacked the abundance of Unerg, one of the most powerful non-solar sources of energy.

 Izemoru's loyalist propaganda was quite good at walking the tightrope of projecting his version of dual state-monarchical rule above the lawlessness and anarchy that was prevalent in Nolnad. He channeled everyone's anger to a single national enemy, the Muurs. The man in the street in Morri or Blekai felt that he is good and the shining light they needed.

 A lot of Nolnadians started to believe he surely will figure out how to set things right. This is bolstered by the immense faith in the riches of his policies and external outreach. As part of grooming his people, The Nol Council approved a decree that allowed every Nolnad receive military training from birth.  Being one of the few Nolnads that have seen Muurians in combat, he knows how powerful Muurians are. It was this fear and close contact that drives him every day.

In the fifth year of his reign, information filtered through that a highly placed Muurian official was recovering in Kaluari, a Sovereign  peaceful settlement outside Nolnad, but located at the Eastern Hemisphere in Nol. Turns out it was Zanak, a high ranking officer in the Muurian Guard at a time.

 Izemoru enlisted some of his elite secret security personnel to track down and capture Zanak. The mission to capture Zanak was accomplished in two days. They kept him locked up for years while trying to make him give up some useful information.

Zanak refused to divulge Muurian secrets and remained upbeat for a while. A lot of compromises and drastic decisions finally made Izemoru change his approach with him. As Izemoru walked through the well lit halls of the underground facility in the Left Wing which led to the prison, furnished with beautiful linings and fine paintings, one thing filled his mind this time. He wasn't pushing Zanak as much as he should. However, he also knew that he still had to take it slowly with him, and find a way to utilize him or risk losing it all with his impatience and subterfuge.

 "You know, i grew up reading about you in our history a long time ago." Izemoru said as he entered the underground secret prisoner holding room where they kept Zanak. He didn't act like someone was talking to him.

"But, the tides changed." Izemoru said.

"Really?" Zanak uttered.

"You tell me!" Izemoru replied, but Zanak simply looked away.

"I'm not your enemy, you know, we are not your enemy at this moment." Izemoru uttered while taking calculated steps around the room. Zanak simply smiled at this.

 "But, I'm going to let you in on a secret, a war is raging. I am going to wage a vicious war with your people, and take the Unerg from the Odena even if i die trying so." Izemoru told him.

"So, why are you telling me? Why not go and execute your war?" Zanak asked him.

"We need your help!" Izemoru answered.

"Good luck with that!" Zanak replied.

"Have you ever wondered how we captured you?  How we were able to come over you, the almighty fearless and ferocious Zanak?" Izemoru asked, but Zanak didn't reply.

"That's what I expected!" Izemoru said, smiling at the disdain he successfully caused Zanak to express through his facial contortions.

"Haven't you ever wondered how a powerful person like you was outclassed and reduced to a mere prisoner rotting in this halls for years and years with no help whatsoever coming. I mean, with all you know who knows how your people are going to react knowing that you have been a prisoner here." he quipped.

"What if we let word out that you have been divulging secrets to us, revealing a lot of things about your people? I'm sure it won't be long before you wind up dead somewhere, orchestrated by them, probably through the Amarandubi with the full backing of your people, who knows!" Izemoru let out, while watching Zanak's reaction.

 "It's not like you are ever going to be one of them again, and you are neither one of us, nor have you been helpful to actually sustain goodwill from us. So, we have nothing to lose." Izemoru ended, but the facial expressions on Zanak changed. His tactics may have worked he figured, though not so much seeing as Zanak still didn't utter a word.

"I will leave you to think about it." Izemoru announced and started leaving.

"No need. My answer remains the same!" Zanak replied.

"Then you leave me no choice!" Izemoru calmly told him in a mockery.

"Who sits on the Muurian throne now?" Zanak asked him as he was about to leave.

"Didn't know you were looking for a regime change" Izemoru replied him.

"Then you have a bigger problem!" Zanak told him.

"How so?" Izemoru asked.

"You are wasting your time!" Zanak advised.

"That's a wonderful piece of advice coming from someone who has wasted our years! You know, one of your grandfather's was among the major people that created this rift between us? Wouldn't it be nice for you to help end it once and for all?" Izemoru questioned.

A little discomfort was visible in Zanak's muted expressions. Despite knowing that Izemoru was right, he knew he would never help him destroy his people despite being banished. But, he had to give him just a little to throw him off of him, even though he doesn't trust Izemoru. That or risk a universal bounty on his head from the Muurdom!

"It's like you said, I'm no longer part of my people but i cannot allow you destroy them... At least not if there is a better..."

"Another way?" Izemoru inquired sharply without allowing him finish.

"Which do you really want?  To destroy the Muurs or to acquire the Unerg?" Zanak questioned him.

"Both!"

"That’s not feasible. You have to make a choice." Kanak simply told him.

"Same thing was said of you before now, here we are!" Izemoru mocked.

"You are way too over your head Izemoru. You had help, and i know of only one person who hates me deep enough!" he told him.

"And who is that?" Izemoru queried.

"Like I said, I know of one person!" Zanak replied.

"Have it your way!" Izemoru stated.

"I could help you get to the Odena and obtain a Unerg!" Zanak yelled at him as he attempted walking off.

"Why is that?" Izemoru questioned, halting in his tracks.

"It's as you said, my grandfather was at the root of the rift!"

"I'm listening"

"I have seen thousands of your people die needlessly, and if i can prevent it this time around, then I must give it a trial." Zanak responded.

"Sure enough, you would know the numbers because you have been doing the killings." Izemoru stated.

"How well do you know the Mantacles of Muuragi?" Kanak asked.

"Not enough!" Izemoru replied.

"Well, I will show you how to gain access to the Odena through the Muuragi!" Zanak assured.

 "Do you think I'm stupid?" Izemoru uttered, visibly angry.

"What are you talking about?" Zanak asked.

"The Odena! I know all about it!" he yelled out.

"What you know, is what we allowed you to know!" Zanak assured him.

"Prove it!" he said. He didn't even finish before he saw himself standing face to face with a smiling Zanak, and a changed environment albeit through Zanak's illusion projection. As he tried to turn away from Zanak through a quick maneuver, an invisible object blocked his movements and affixed him simultaneously to the ground in the current position he was, as if a sudden freeze in time occurred. Just as soon, everything went back to normal.

"Was that enough?" Zanak asked him from the actual corner of the room he sat.

"How is the little parlor tricks you pulled off going to help us? " he asked with disdain in his voice, even though he got the point Zanak made through the little magical act he pulled off without his Anani.

 "I will teach you Mantacles of Muuragi and you will know what to do!" Zanak assured.

"Good. We will start tomorrow then!" Izemoru told him.

"Fine!" Zanak replied.

"So, who was he, the person that facilitated it?" Zanak asked.

"That facilitated..." Izemoru smiled while not completely looking at him, and continued.

"I thought you already knew!" he added, smirking and grinning as he walked off, before proceeding to meet with some members of his parliament and some top Security Chiefs. 

***

 Tracy kept smiling and brimming with joy as she walked through the well layered orchard that is reminiscent of Clifford Crescent, a greenish suburban located just a little outside of Owerri main city. The only thought wrestling and running through her mind was to tell Nora cool news she believes Nora will love to hear.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

The Gateman opened the gate and allowed her into the compound before she could make the fourth knock in her usual familiar way. The gateman has become accustomed to her knocks. She made her way to Nora's room as soon as he entered; she was the only one around.

"I have missed you" Nora shot out immediately, rushed up and embraced her warmly once she saw her enter the parlor where she sat, watching a program on TV.

"Why did you keep me waiting this long?" she asked.

"I'm sorry mi amo. But, you will like what i found out" Tracy replied and held Nora by the waist, and led Nora to her own room in the five bedroom duplex built by her father.

"Okay!"

"I found a spot, a perfect spot for us to do some outdoors, all stock!" Tracy finished.

"Are you sure about that?"

"Of course" Tracy replied, holding her and running her hand through her hair, slowly running it up to Nora's mouth. She moaned when Tracy's other hand gently stroked one of her n*****s through her brassiere.

"Okay, okay, you win!" Nora let out in a fit of heightened sensual excitement.

"How is the place like?" Nora asked Tracy as she laid her head just an inch below her breasts as they relaxed on the bed.

 "Like it was meant for us" Tracy chipped in.

"That’s not what I mean. I mean hidden nature, security-wise?"

"It’s all taken care of. I made sure you will love it when you see it" Tracy replied.

"We should go now so that you see it for yourself.  It's the perfect place babe, perfect for us!" She finished.

"I trust you!" Nora said. They left the bed and went straight to the bathroom, had s*x, took their bath before heading out to see the spot Tracy discovered for their hanging out.

 When they moved out from the house, Nora could not help but ask her how she came about the place and why Tracy is so convinced that she will love the place when she sees it.

“I just want an adventure, a cool adventure that is purely natural like in the movies.  We can resume our usual dillydallying in your favorite places after this if you want” she ended and smiled at Nora.

Nora has not seen Tracy this enthusiastic before, but whatever it is, she is sure Tracy always meant well. She is one of the few people she completely admires and probably worships due to her high charisma. She knows that she trusts Tracy way more than she should have allowed in the first instance, but she has earned her trust a zillion times and ways.

 They strolled through the street, came out to an adjoining road, around about that created an intersection with Clifford Crescent. They stopped a cab and entered as Tracy directed the cab accordingly .The cab took them to where she packed her Honda Accord car which they entered and Tracy drove straight to her new found hide out; it was as told. The expression on Nora's face said it all.

* 

After getting all they will need for the adventurous camping the next day, they both left to go and have some alone cool moments in the place Nora saw the other day by the mountain region. It was located in the outskirts of the main urban area of Owerri city and more than fifty minutes drive from Nora's house at Clifford Crescent. She has confirmed indeed that the place is nice as hyped, and that it will be a nice escape. 

They unpacked their stocked bags as soon as they reached, got down to work and arranged the place. Doing this with Tracy felt good to Nora, she always loves seeing two of them doing stuffs together, it uplift her. She sometimes momentarily stands and observes Tracy, and she could not help but fall more in love with her. She kept wishing that moments like this will never cease in their life.

“Do you think that the country is still a nice place for us with all of the negativity towards people like us?” she asked Tracy.

Tracy stopped what she was doing and looked up at her with a reassuring smile and answered -

“No, it is not. That’s why I even wanted us to be here so that I could ask you to travel with me out of the country” she ended.

Nora’s facial expression did not hide the type of excitement that took over her that moment as she immediately rushed to where Tracy stood, hugged her and planted a desirous kiss on her lips.

“I will go with you Tee” she screamed, still in her tight embrace.

“This calls for celebration. Hope you didn’t forget that special wine you were asking what it was for?” Tracy asked.

“Nope!” she said as she brought out the wine, poured it for them both and said -

“I love you Tracy” out loud as she hit her glass of wine with Tracy’s.

“I love you Nora” she replied, imitating her, feeling like a little child.

After all the frolicking and jamboree, they had s*x. What followed next is discussions on a whole wide variety of topics, but mostly about themselves, general topics, their future aspirations, life together and about their respective families.

***

Steve got a notification about the delivery scheduled for collection at an address in Owerri after a week. The following day, he left Abuja and travelled to Owerri. He booked the flight to the capital city overnight and was among the first Arrivals at the Hooten International Airlines, Owerri. Upon inquiries, he was told to wait for their contact. He lodged at a hotel off a street by F1 road.

The next day, Steve decided to take a stroll around town. While patrolling, he discovered a cool mountain about 30km from the main urban city. He decided to pay the mountain a visit as part of passing his time in the city. By the next day, he developed an affinity for the serenity the mountain region provided, especially the forest areas which didn't have much wild animals around.

For two days, he visited the mountain armed with small wraps of c******s while he waited for his order from the syndicate. On the fourth day, as is now his daily routine, and after checking on the mystery order he made, he went back to the mountain to ease off and burn more trees. A shadowy but enthralling obsession that has now become a constant in his life kept him tightly occupied as he moved through the terrains of the hill-like mountain enveloped by canopy trees.

He walked through the trees with a small back pack slung across his right shoulder with the right hand for support, having made sure never to follow same path twice while entering the mountain region. Making his way into the bushes was very easy for him; he has been to his village severally and knew how to mark out places to avoid getting lost. As he reached his spot on the mountain in the dimming rays of the evening sun, he brought down his bag pack. From the back pack, he brought out a knife, a machete, six red candles, six candle sticks, a match box, a luxurious scent and some crushed pieces of incense. He also had a spray paint, two wraps of c******s, a stainless coated plate, an empty big Milo tin for stand, a bottle of kerosene, a blue plain cloth and his phone.

He rolled out the blue cloth on the ground, then spread the red one on top and sprayed an inscription on the red cloth. On the red cloth, he wrote the inscription, "mind, real and rising dawn". He used the machete to cut down four small trees, and after proper cutting, sharpening and turning them into sticks, he dug two holes and placed the sticks inside them firmly.

He raised the red cloth he had just sprayed and neatly hanged it on the sticks so that the cloth hung in an upright position, displaying the inscription, "mind, real and rising dawn" boldly; he smiled.

The remaining two sticks were shorter, so he simply dug another hole and placed them inside it so that they will be in front of the red hung cloth, standing as tripods. He took two candle stands and placed them on top of the sticks and firmly rooted it in after placing a candle stick in each of them.  For the remaining candles as well as the sticks, he placed them each at the extreme of the plain blue cloth on the ground after adjusting the cloth to be just a feet away from the hanging red cloth. Between these distances, he put the big tin Milo and then placed the empty plate on it before pouring the incense inside it with a little c******s.

    He lit the pot containing both the incense and c******s after pouring a little Kerosene on them, then took up the luxurious scent and sprayed it all around the place heavily, probably to mask the smell of incense or to add to the smell to get the desired denser and perfume-filled but soul lifting freshening smell around the small environment he has constructed for his purposes. Everything fitted. Then he took a tab of c******s, sat down on the blue cloth he had spread on the ground, and lit it. Slowly, he began to draw in the smoke alongside the breathing exercises he has learnt, opening his mind up to a lot of wild thoughts. After some minutes have passed and he had finished the second tab, he folded his hands accordingly in the mudra of knowledge form, crossing his legs like monks and started meditating.

The gentle slow breeze of the mountain increased its supply, calming his nerves while uplifting his conscious through a subconscious surreal cool breeze from the trees that gently wafted through the air and calmly brushed against his skin. After a few seconds, Steve felt the hairs on his skin, especially his hands, tingle and rise calmly as if it was obeying the will of a higher force. He sat there eyes closed, breathing in the serenity of the environment amidst the smell he created. While calming his mind and trying to focus, he didn't notice when his immediate surroundings changed.

The chirpings from crickets that has been his only company suddenly seized. He opened his eyes as soon as he noticed this, but everything was as they were, normal. He closed his eyes again, the same ethereal feelings took over like something he can only feel is happening.

"Maybe I am finally high" he muttered to himself and decided not to close his eyes again. It wasn't long before he was tempted again into closing his eyes; after all no amount of c******s has created this ecstasy in his life before, he reasoned. There is no need to miss it, maybe it's all part of the process, he reasoned again. After reassuring himself and reasoning in that line, he closed his eyes. The moment he did, the four red candles around the blue cloth raised their flames in a trigonometric squared intertwine above him to about ten feet high. The flames of the two candles on the stick in front of the hung red cloth with inscription joined together and stretched to the two candles which Steve backed as he faced the red cloth. Upon joining, they created a brilliant sparkling multicolored light above him as he sat there, folded in his meditation and oblivious of what was happening around him. Slowly, the beautiful light started descending down on him as it increased in brilliance, blazing like the northern sun of Kebbi while lighting up the whole mountain area occupied by Steve. His eyes were still closed at this point.

"Stop the doubt."  a subtle voice echoed in his mind. With his eyes still closed, he tried to make out the doubt the subtle voice was referring to no avail. Suddenly, he felt a rushing wind-like force of unknown origin come down on him in a heavy brute force and swept him off, almost paralyzing him.

The incense on the stainless plate increased its scent supply, magnifying the smell. When he finally opened his eyes, he could not see or make out anything despite the huge multicolored light beautifying the whole surroundings. Unknown to him, he has been totally enveloped by the light. He tried to touch the ground, to make sure this is not him seeing visions or suffering any form of impairment in his cognitive ability and motor functions. He could not reach for the ground he sat on a few seconds ago, and this got him alarmed. He never panicked however.

While he wondered what was happening to him in that instance, wondering if he was high and acting out some c******s driven euphoria, the subtle voice whispered “mind, real and rising dawn". Steve knew he heard a thud immediately the voice echoed and fizzled out, but he didn't know he made the thud!