The False Proclamation
528 Words
In the land of Ekarika, there lived a wealthy but miserly king who believed that luck dwelled within his household and that fortune rested firmly in the palms of his hands. He ruled with confidence, certain that destiny bowed to his will.
The king had a beautiful and gentle wife who carried another life within her womb, and a radiant daughter named Enoabasi. Enoabasi was the pride of her father’s heart. No one wronged her and escaped unpunished, for punishment and vengeance were seen as her right.
In the land of Ekarika, maidens were often chosen by the gods to serve as vessels of divine power, some became goddesses of rain, others of wealth or harvest. But now, the people sought something greater: a Goddess of Light.
She was to be a maiden who was true of heart, faithful in spirit, and gentle in deeds.
For a long time, the gods had been silent, and their silence became a heavy burden upon the hearts of the villagers. Crops failed, hope waned, and prayers seemed to vanish into the air unanswered. Yet in this sacred season, the gods finally looked upon Ekarika with mercy and compassion.
One evening, while the king sat in council with his elders, Enoabasi remained in her mother’s hut. The queen sat quietly, her heart untroubled yet thoughtful, reflecting on the life she lived and the child she had raised. Though she appeared calm, her spirit whispered prayers into the unseen world, trusting the gods to guide their fate.
That same day, the chief priest entered the palace without warning. Both the king and the elders were startled, for his presence at such an hour was unexpected.
The king rose from his seat and spoke solemnly:
“Great mouthpiece of the gods of Ekarika, what brings you to the palace at this time?”
The chief priest sat and replied with reverence,
“Great King of Ekarika, I greet you. Elders in council, I greet you.”
“My king, my elders, it has been long since the last Goddess of Light passed away without a successor. Since that day, the gods have refused to smile upon our land. We all know this truth.”
He paused, letting his words sink deep.
“But today,” he continued, “the gods have finally remembered Ekarika. They have shown mercy and smiled upon this land once more.”
A hush fell upon the council chamber, for destiny had begun to stir.
the king, the elders all chorused in merriment. Hearing the noise, Enoabasi and her mother became curious and sent a maid to eavesdrop on what the council meeting was about and the cause of the sudden celebration.
They then asked, “So who is the chosen one?”
“I know it is my daughter and no one else.”
“Yes, my king, I guess you’re right, but I’m not sure,” came the reply, and there was a brief silence.
“The gods have not yet revealed the true one to me.”
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- Writer
