WITCHDOM

CHAPTER 6.

WITCHDOM

6.

***PRINCE LUCAS STHANDWA***

As I cautiously prepared to descend from the tree, fearing I had been discovered, a bizarre incident occurred. The white bird perched on the branch spoke to me in a low, clear tone.

"Don't. Move."

I was both terrified and amused. I had never heard a bird speak before. Was I hallucinating?

The bird's words were laced with an air of authority. "I said, don't move. She'll save you."

Just then, a voice echoed from the flower path. It was the girl who had saved me last night.

Girl: "I'm sorry, Nogawini. I know I shouldn't be here, but I spotted a vulture on this side, and I thought Mambo would be proud of me if I brought it home for dinner."

Nogawini's expression twisted in disgust. I shared her sentiment. Who eats vultures, anyway? This girl was peculiar, and everything about her seemed strange.

Nogawini's voice was firm. "You know very well that No-one is allowed at this river yet you've come here. This shows the lack of home training from your mambo. I'll have her rethink her parental choices. Go home now!"

The girl nodded and quietly walked back to the hills. I wondered if she would return for me.

Nogawini disappeared into the pathway, and the water soon covered the passage once more. Her bird took flight, vanishing into the sky.

The white bird spoke again, its tone tinged with annoyance. "Come down, fool."

I stared at the bird, incredulous. Had it truly spoken to me again?

The girl's voice cut through the air, her eyes blazing with anger. "Will you come down from there?"

I hadn't noticed her return, and now she stood before me, her expression a mixture of annoyance and disdain. I felt a pang of irritation, reminded that I was royalty, and she was just a commoner.

I descended from the tree, my dignity slightly bruised. "What took you so long?" I asked, trying to sound nonchalant. "I need to return to Durban immediately."

The girl thrust a basket at me. "Here, I brought you food. Your last meal from me. I won't help you anymore. You should find your way back to... wherever you came from. You're not worth my time."

My anger flared at her impertinence. "How dare you speak to me in such a tone!" I exclaimed. "Do you know who I am? I am a prince of Zululand, and I demand respect from the likes of you."

The girl's laughter was like a slap in the face. She mocked me, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Prince of the world! Find your way out. Give me back my food; you don't deserve it either."

My stomach growled at the tantalizing aroma wafting from the basket. I refused to return the food, instead turning on my heel and walking back to the cave.

****NOMAQHIBELO****

I returned to my daily routine, performing household chores with a mix of frustration and resentment.

That so called prince's audacity still lingered in my mind. I had never encountered anyone as ungrateful and insolent as him. His tone still echoed in my ears, especially after witnessing Nogawini's subtle jab at my upbringing. The implication that Mambo hadn't raised me well stung, and I feared the potential consequences. Mambo's wrath was not something to be taken lightly; I had experienced her strict discipline before.

As I struggled through the chores, my mind wandered back to the prince. Why had I put myself in harm's way for someone so unappreciative?

The hours passed, and soon it was time to prepare dinner. Mambo returned home with an unusual piece of meat, its blood a strange green color. It was likely from a beast they had killed that night. The thought of eating it turned my stomach. I'll pass on that!

I prepared the meal for Mambo, who enjoyed it alone while I opted for the vegetables I had cooked. The silence between us was palpable, and Mambo seemed to appreciate the quietness.

Mambo:" I like tonight's quietness. You should do this more often."

I always try to engage Mambo in conversation, to ask her about her work and the beasts they fought. However, she always cautioned me against my chatty nature, forgetting that she was my only confidante. But it doesn't stop me from talking to her even though I expect nothing in return.

My mind wandered to the stranger in the secret cave. I felt an inexplicable urge to care for him, much like I did for the stray animals and plants that wandered into my life.

This instinctual need to nurture was a trait that set me apart from the other witches of Netherlands. They reveled in destruction, killing every living creature in their path, including innocent animals. I, on the other hand, felt a pang of sorrow for these creatures, and often found myself wondering about the beasts the Amazons hunted.

As the evening wore on, my thoughts returned to the stranger. "Did he eat dinner? Was he caught? Did he make it back home?" The questions swirled in my mind like a vortex.

Just then, a knock at the door broke the silence. Mambo, opened the door to reveal Nogawini, a stern-faced woman with an air of authority. Mambo's friends rarely visited, but when they did, I would often hide in the shadows, listening intently to their conversations. These moments offered a rare glimpse into Mambo's life and emotions, and I cherished them.

Nogawini's voice sent a shiver down my spine. "You should caution your youngling, Nkosiwe! You know what 'Umfula Omubi' stands for – it's sacrilege! I pardoned her today because I know what she means to you. Discipline your brat, Nkosiwe!"

Mambo's response was laced with a mix of apology and resignation. "I will."

Nogawini's parting words only added to my trepidation. "I'll take my leave. I have an initiation to prepare."

Mambo's expression was grim as she bid Nogawini farewell. "I'm sorry for the troubles. And thank you for your grace today. I'll be sure to pay back someday."

My heart sank as I realized the implications of Nogawini's visit. Mambo would not be pleased, and I would bear the brunt of her anger. It had been a long time since I'd faced her wrath, but I knew it was inevitable.