ELANIA

I can't fail

Hours later, night fell and after Elania had freshened up and eaten supper, she went and sat on the bench outside to get some fresh air. There was a gentle breeze blowing and as she relished the soothing sound of the leaves rustling and the grass whooshing, she took in the sight of the beautiful night sky, sparkling like every star in the universe had come out. She didn’t carry a change of clothes with her because she didn’t think she would be there that long and so old man Jhika gave her something to wear; a black and white dress the day before and today a blue and yellow maxi dress, both of which belonged to his daughter.

She smiled but quickly her smiled faded as she threw her head down and gave out a deep sigh, going back to the colossal task that had befallen her; thinking to herself how such simple pleasures of life could be taken away from her. The door then creaked open as old man Jhika walked out and sat down on the bench next to her.

Elania sat up.

“Goodness I need to do something about that door. Didn’t know it creaked until yesterday when you showed up. I usually keep this one locked and use the one in the back,” old man Jhika said. “Wow look at that,” he then said looking up at the sky. “It’s like it gets more beautiful every night.”

“I’ve never seen so many stars in the sky before,” she said, also looking up.

“Oh yes, it was the first thing I noticed when I moved out here. They don’t come out back there like they do out here.”

“They most certainly do not,” she said as they went on taking in the gorgeous view. “Very interesting things you have in there.”

"Yes, my extreme collection of unusual items.”

Elania chuckled as she turned to him. “They’re from other classes aren’t they?”

“Majority of them are yes.”

“Wow, it’s like a museum in there.”

“It really is. I have more stuff in boxes upstairs. I would have loved to put them all up but as you can see my home is only so big,” he said.

“Right.” She beamed a wide smile. “They’re lovely. There are a lot of things I’m seeing for the first time but at least I recognize a few of them.”

“Uh o.k. which ones?”

“The blackwood spears from the Mwangala tribe.”

“That’s right.”

“The wire and bead statues from the Kakanda tribe,” Elania said.

“Correct.”

“The ivory bracelets from the Luyanga tribe.”

“Yes,” old man Jhika said impressed.

“The clay dishes from the Mbangweta tribe.”

“Mm hmm.”

“The woven baskets from the Nalukui tribe,” she said.

“O.k.”

"And the copper plaques from the Walumweya tribe.”

“Right. Wow, that was very good. You know your village culture.”

“I try. I’ve travelled to a few provinces and I do a lot of reading,” Elania said.

“Good, knowledge is power.”

“Exactly,” she said and they chuckled. “Unfortunately, reading all the books in Wetuana still wouldn’t have given me knowledge on the other items you have in there obviously because they’re from worlds beyond this one, and seeing them for the first time I must say has been absolutely amazing.”

"There was a time I saw them for the first time too and I was very intrigued. The chief of course would meet with the leaders of the other classes and whenever they gave him more than he needed, he would pass them on to me. To be honest I don’t even know what half the things in there are used for or what they’re even called, I just like that they represent the unity and peace the classes have with each other.”

“I like that.” They smiled. “So you haven’t met any beings from the other classes?”

“Unfortunately not,” he answered. “I would have loved to though, you know just sit down and talk to them and see what kind of lives they live, how different but not so different we are from each other and just how they go by their day to day lives. But I’m afraid that is a privilege reserved only for the chief and the leaders of the classes so how they live and how they go by is one of those things that shall forever remain a mystery to me.”

“Right, well you have wonderful collection.”

“Thank you. If you don’t mind when you get back, you can come and pick out what you like from the boxes and take them home with you.”

“Wait, take them home as in to keep them?” Elania asked.

“Yes.”

Her face lit up like the sun. “You would do that?”

“Of course, there’s a lot of stuff just sitting up there collecting dust, if some of them can find themselves a home where they can get to be displayed and appreciated, well and good.”

"Oh my goodness old man Jhika that is so nice of you, yes I would love to. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” he said and Elania sat back straight as they continued enjoying the view.

She sighed.

“Don’t do that.”

She turned to him. “Don’t do what?” she asked.

“Doubt yourself, the second you do that out there . . . You’re dead.”

"But there are creatures out there, vicious creatures that are going to scare me.”

“They will scare you, and if you hesitate and give them room, they will kill you,” he said. “Out there you’ll be tested in a way that you’ve never been tested in your entire life, beyond anything you could possibly imagine but don’t let that bring you down. Remember, God’s Strength is perfected in our weakness so don’t let fear consume you and keep you from doing what you’re out there to do, instead use it to call onto Him. It reminds us how small we are and how much we need Him, and out there you’re going to need Him more than ever because you’re only human and there’s only so much you can do. Everything out there is going to be bigger than you and so you have to be smarter; you have to think before you act, assess the situation and see what you can use to your advantage, and above all my dear you must listen. You will not make it out of this if you don’t listen. Open up your ears and more importantly open up your spirit so that you can hear His Voice; He will be your guide, He will be your shield, He will be your strength. He’s going to be right there with you and since all things are possible with Him, you must refuse to fall. You must refuse to be defeated because if you fall then you fail and you cannot fail.”

“I can’t fail,” she said, looking into the distance as in her mind she saw all the things that were at stake; her love, her life, her future.

“No you can’t. You must fight Elania, more than you ever have. There will be dangers all around but you must press on." She nodded her head. "You remember your path?”

"Yes, north-east.”

“Right, keep to that direction and do not lose it. If there’s a class in your path don’t go around it, go through it, you hear me?”

“Yes.”

“How do you climb the walls?”

“I find a pillar and use the dagger,” she answered.

“And when you’re inside?”

"I avoid the crowded areas and stick to the outskirts. It will obviously be impossible for me to make it from one end of the class to the other on foot and so I find a mode of transportation that will get me close enough to the wall and then make it on foot from there. I am to keep a low profile and inform no one of who I am, how I got there, where I’m from or where I’m going.”

“If the air is clear?” old man Jhika asked, making sure everything he told her had sunk in and didn’t just go in one ear and come out the other.

“It means it’s breathable, but I must always have a scarf on me to cover my nose and mouth just in case I find air that is too dry or too heavy, both of which could lead to the collapsing of my lungs.”

“Good. And the food?”

"I mustn’t eat anything that grows in the outlands,” Elania answered.

“And the water?”

“I mustn’t drink the water. It may look clear but may have minerals that could poison me or tiny organisms that could feast on my flesh.”

“Good. And if you come across a place that has air of another colour?” old man Jhika asked, continuing to quiz her.

“I must avoid it completely and find a way to get around it. It is the only reason my path should be derailed other than that I must stick to north-east no matter what.”

“Good. Make sure you pack enough food and water for the first stretch, you can do a refill in each class. You will need a blanket, a change of clothes and medicine too. And keep your weapons on you at all times, you lose them you die,” he said and Elania nodded. “You have what it takes Elania. You’ve only been training for two days but it’s like you’ve been training for a whole month, that’s how much power you have inside of you. Your fight has unlocked a higher access to the Holy Spirit’s fire and if you continue to draw from Him, He’s going to give you everything you need to do this so don’t you dare doubt yourself. God has already equipped you with everything you need to do this.”

A shiver ran down her spine. “Goodness, even if I train my whole life I’ll never truly be ready for what is out there will I?”

“No, but you have the strength of the Almighty on your side and that’s all you need. It’s not going to be easy, like I said you’re going to be tested the hardest you’ve ever been, but you’re going to be just fine because God is going to be right there with you and He is never going to leave your side. So stay focused and get yourself to the place where the leaders meet, and Valkillian will take it from there.”

“O.k.,” she said and turned to him. “Thank you, had I gone to anyone else they would have thought I was crazy. But you listened and you not only took me in but you gave me the skill to give it my best out there, I don’t know how I can ever thank you.”

“No need to thank me, I’m just a servant of God playing my part, now, it’s time for you to play yours,” he said and she nodded her head; scared but ready to get out there and fight for her love.

The following day, Elania was off. With her cloak on and her hair blowing in the wind, she made her way through the plain with her new weapons on her; her bow and quiver on her back and her dagger in its chocolate brown leather scabbard, hanging from the matching belt old man Jhika gave her for that specific purpose.

The path went up a small hill and when she reached the top of it, she looked back at old man Jhika’s cottage and faintly smiled, deeply humbled and grateful for the skills he had imparted to her; skills that were going to play a vital part in keeping her alive and getting her to the place where the leaders met. It was why God led her to him, to learn how to fight, and now that he was done with his part, it was time for her to do hers by putting those skills to the test. Looking on, she then gave out a bold sigh and carried on.

At home, Maron was on the edge of his heart, pacing up and down the living room like a crazy person. He kept on checking the rear windows to see if she was coming but there was sign of her, and the more he checked and didn’t see her, the deeper his anxiety grew. Why was she taking so long? Was she o.k. or did something happen to her? And if something did happen to her, did it happen at old man Jhika’s place or did it happen along the way? And what was the cause of said something? Did she accidentally fall and injure herself or did Iris find her and hurt her? Maron had no idea what was going on and he felt like he was going to lose his mind. Where was his wife?

Groaning in anguish, he then went into the kitchen to try to calm himself with a glass of water; filling it to the bream and then chugging it down as inside his nerves jittered on. He needed to relax but it was so hard, so many different scenarios of what could have happened to her kept on popping into his head and dimissing each one was exhausting.

Suddenly, a sound came from the living room and quickly Maron turned his head to the side.

“Elania?” He put the empty glass on the table and flew out of the kitchen, and there she was standing; with her cloak still on but minus her weapons. “Elania!” he said and they ran into each other’s arms, with Maron embracing her like he hadn’t seen her in years. “My love.” He kissed her face and then kissed her lips like she were his air and without her he wasn’t breathing. “I missed you so much. I almost came looking for you, I was worried sick.”

“I’m alright,” she said.

“Oh goodness.” He hugged her again, holding her so close her heart was beating from inside his chest.

“It’s alright my love, I’m o.k.” She kissed his cheek and heartily sighed as inside her longing spirit finally found peace. “I’m o.k.”

The sun went down and on the kitchen table Elania and Maron sat having their dinner; a mashed potato and lamb meal, both changed into fresh clothes as in between them burnt three candles.

“So how was it? What did he say?” Maron asked eager.

"It was alright,” Elania responded.

“I take it he agreed to help us.”

“He did. He took me in and even trained me.”

“Trained you?” He threw his head a little back. “For what?”

“For what needs to be done.”

“What does that mean?” he asked.

“It means that I told him about our problem and he gave me a solution, but it is a challenging one.”

“O.k.”

“He told me the only way to fix this is to summon Valkillian,” she said.

“Who is that?”

“She’s the leader of Gravantia and the governor of the world.”

“Gra what?” Maron went.

“Gravantia.”

"What on earth is that?”

“It’s another class, the highest class actually,” Elania responded.

“O.k.”

“Yes and I must go to the place where the leaders meet so that I can summon her.”

“And then?” he asked, curious to hear where she was going with it.

“And then she will help us. She is a superior being with powers just like Iris but more powerful. She will handle her and when she does, we will have our lives back.”

"Right so where is this place where the leaders meet?”

“North-east, I must keep to the path and never lose it,” she answered. “He says it’s very, very, very far but if I stay focused, I will get there . . . Eventually.”

“Eventually? What is he going on about? The farthest place from here is twenty hours away? We can be there in three days tops.”

“It’s not within the village love . . . It’s outside the wall.”

Maron drew a sharp breath. “WHAT!!!”

Maron couldn’t believe what he was hearing. North-east into the outlands? In a place that was not only forbidden but dangerous, had she completely lost her mind? And not just her but old man Jhika too, how could he even tell her to do something so outrageously crazy? What was he thinking? He knew very well that the outlands were forbidden and dangerous so why would he send her out there? Was he trying to get her killed?

“There’s no other way love,” Elania said in a calm tone. She had already come to terms with what she had to do.

“Maybe so but outside the wall, sweetheart that’s madness. The elements are incredibly harsh and the air is poisonous, no, we are not going out there. The outlands have remained untouched for thousands of years; there could be things of unimaginable proportion out there,” Maron said almost losing his breath. “Did he tell you exactly what it’s like out there?”

“No. He’s never been outside the wall.”

“And yet he’s sending us out there, fantastic.”

“Love we went to ask for his help and he gave it to us,” she said.

“Yes but it is ridiculous. Going over the wall and into the outlands is not a plan it’s a death sentence. The wall was built to keep us safe from whatever is out there and he wants us to willingly take ourselves out there? To die? Because we will die. Things out there are the complete opposite to the way they are here, extremely opposite, peaceful and safe, dangerous and deathly. No. Going over the wall is out of the question. Not to mention the wall itself is a challenge on its own, it’s so high it’s impossible to climb. Which is perfect so that people stay inside where it’s safe.”

“Not if you use one of the pillars and a dagger.” Maron gave her a look; he had no idea what she was talking about. “It’s how he told me I should climb the wall.”

“Oh my goodness, are you ACTUALLY considering this?”

“Going out there to save my life and everything in it I hold dear? . . . Yes,” Elania said and Maron sighed throwing his head down. It was the most absurd thing he had ever heard and it started to make his head spin. “Trust me I’ve been where you are, when he told me I thought he was crazy but he made me see things as they are.”

He sighed and looked back at her. “And how is that?”

“That if this is not done, I will die and our love will be lost.”

Maron sighed again, heavier this time. “And he didn’t tell you anything else?” he asked.

“About us having another way or about what is out there?”

“About us having another way?”

“No. It is either this or nothing,” she answered and Maron sat to himself for a moment as she just continued eating, allowing him the room to digest.

“There could literally be anything and everything out there.”

“Yes,” she responded, giving it to him as straight as old man Jhika gave it to her.

He sighed again, the thought of them coming face to face with all the dangers that were out there shook him to his core.

“We could not make it back.”

“That’s not the point.”

“What is the point then?”

“To try,” Elania said and Maron’s heart was instantly moved. “We’re not certain about anything, we could have one thing today and in the next moment it could be gone. The things we have, our clothes, our food, the roof over our heads, they could all go away but love . . . Love is eternal because God is love and He is eternal. Our spirits are eternal too, and so even though our bodies die, love will live on. Love will always live on. And so no matter what happens out there, you and I will always be together; whether we make it back or not. Love is everything Maron. It’s what makes life worth living and so if we’re not dying for love . . . Then what are we dying for? What are we risking everything for . . . If not love,” she then said reaching her hand out to him and Maron with tears in his eyes, softly placed his hand over hers as inside his heart melted.

“Alright.” He lifted her hand off the table and kissed it. “If this is the only way then we will do it.”

Elania sighed in relief and dimly smiled. “Thank you.”

“You know there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you,” he said and kissed her hand again. It was by far the scariest thing either of them had ever done and were probably ever going to do but their love was powerful. If there was a love capable of overcoming such an impossible task, it was definitely theirs. “This is going to be the hardest thing we’ve ever done isn’t it?”

“Yes, which is why he trained me. He gave me weapons too; a dagger and a bow and some arrows. I’ve hidden them in the keg outside.”

“Weapons? What exactly do we need them for?” Maron asked and she looked down, scrunching her face a little. “Oh dear . . . There are things out there aren’t they?”

“Yes.”

His blood froze. “Oh goodness gracious.”

“Which is why on my way here I did a lot of thinking and came to a decision,” she said.

“And what decision is that?” Elania hesitated; what she had to say didn’t come easy. “Come on darling, you can tell me anything.”

“I think you should stay.”

“What!!”

“Before you throw me to the wolves just hear me out.”

“No Elania! It’s bad enough that the place where the leaders meet is in the outlands, now you want me to let you go by yourself? Have you completely lost your mind? No! Absolutely not!” he said freaking out.

“Maron please.”

“No, there is no way I’m letting you go out there on your own. Goodness love, how can you even suggest something so ridiculous? You are my wife. It is MY job to protect you, how on earth am I going to do that if you’re over the wall and I’m here?”

“I can defend myself. Old man Jhika taught me well,” she responded.

“I don’t care how well he taught you, you’re not going into the outlands without me.” He stood up and went to sit down next to her; holding her hand once more and then stroking her chin with the softest touch. “I love you.”

“I know but . . .”

“But nothing. There is nothing you can say to convince me to let you go out there by yourself, absolutely nothing. You’re the love of my life Elania, my entire existence is what it is because you are a part of it. To protect you, to support you and to honour you, that is the responsibility that God has bestowed upon me and I will not crater. My place is by your side, wherever you go, I go, and so come tomorrow, we’re leaving for the outlands . . . Together.”

“O.k.,” Elania said and he nodded his head.

“O.k.”

He pulled her into a hug and warmly embraced her; stroking her hair and even kissing her cheek, as on the other side, Elania’s smile immediately faded. She had just agreed to go into the outlands with him but that was not what she wanted, and not only was it not what she wanted, but it was a direct violation against one of the most important instructions old man Jhika gave her which was to go into the outlands by herself.

It was a journey that was predestined to be hers and hers alone and so whether Maron liked it or not, he was going to have to remain, but was she going to manage to convince him to stay? With that bold speech he made about never leaving her side, chances were no, so what was she going to do? Was she going to heed the words of God and leave him behind or was she going to ignore them and go with him anyway?

Later that night, Maron was upstairs getting the blankets ready for bed whilst Elania was downstairs in the kitchen preparing them some tea. There was a kettle boiling over the fire and on the bench Elania sat with a profound look on her face; leaning her elbows on the table as she held her cheeks in her hands, staring into the flames so lost in thought she wasn’t even blinking.

The water boiled and the kettle started to steam, and zoning back to reality, she got up and removed it; grabbing the handle with a tea towel and placing the kettle on the trivet on the table. She then pulled two cups from the cupboard and placed them on the table, and put honey and teabags in them.

Suddenly, she looked over her shoulder. She went to the doorway to make sure Maron wasn’t coming down the stairs, and when she saw that he wasn’t, she disappeared back into the kitchen and went and pulled out something from the back of one of the bottom cupboards; a small cloth sack which she opened with caution as there was a substance inside it that needed to be handled with the utmost care; a fine powder that looked like flour but was purple.

She poured a quarter of its contents into one of the cups and put the sack back where she had hidden it before, making sure to wash her hands thoroughly with soap after. Done, she then grabbed the kettle and poured water into both cups, mixing the one with the fine purple dust in it last so that the tea in the other cup remained clean. And it was black tea, black as coal, and so the purple blended in perfectly. Hiding the spoon in the sink, she then pulled a small tray off one of the shelves and put the cups on it, and after giving out a deep breath to calm her jittery nerves, she picked up the tray and went upstairs with it.