Ups and Downs

It was the middle of the year and the people of Radushi, also known as the city of the Downs, were all gathered at the heart of the city's capital, Dushi. They come together in a group of tribes. They are painted with paint drawn from the Croton tree, also known as the Tree of the Spirit. It is planted in the garden of Surodo. A holy land. At midnight, the Bridge of Shira will open for two days and only those selected by the Gods can go through. It is said that the Gods only pick people that are pure in heart and their purity qualifies them to go through the bridge and come back with gifts from the city called Muska. Known as the city of the Ups. If the crystal on anyone's head lights up, then you have been selected by the Gods, and the ritual for travelers is conducted. With chanting and incantations they prepare them, as they gather around the Tree of Life. For the last two years now, no one has been chosen by the Gods. The citizens no longer take the culture and beliefs seriously anymore but actions have been taken to change that. The orientation of who they truly are has been highlighted in their minds afresh. The need for purification parades the air. Virgins are priceless now, but their state of mind is the most important. The ability to stay uncorrupted in a world full of evil meditation and wicked practices. At the side of the Tree of Life are statues of their past travelers. The statue of Tifika, also known as the flower picker, the statue of Bunde; the humble blacksmith, Nelisa, also known as the storyteller, and many others were carefully crafted to perfection. These Icons are legends and they are adored by both great and small. Now they hold hands singing the songs of the spirits in harmony. This ritual is carried out to draw the attention of the Gods to pick a soul. The longer the chant, the more the spirits search their soul for purity. When it was late in the evening, hopes started dropping. 'Will the Gods not show mercy on us?' They panicked among themselves. When the sun had given up its light and darkness was knocking, the crystal on Jafta's head sparked a beautiful green light. He was selected. The only son of Mr. and Mrs Kavan. They gazed at him as they all sighed with delight, admiring the beauty in their eyes. His veins also sparked a beautiful green light. The chanting changed. Now they are singing chants of thanksgiving as they all gather around him, touching his skin and admiring the beauty of it. "Kumale, Kumale Zanzanti" they sang with big smiles. The chant means (Praise, Praise, Spirit in man). The light creates a beautiful pattern on his skin and glows like the belly of a firefly. His eyes glowed too. It is a rumor among many that travelers are processed by spirit. He is now being taken into the priest's chambers to be properly groomed. Only the chosen ones and their guardian are allowed to go in. There are sacred things there which are kept only in the hearts of trustworthy witnesses. This is because not every man is qualified to handle that knowledge. Some say it's the knowledge of good and evil. The herbs that heal can also kill. The mysterious ways of the Gods. Most travelers don't remember anything after the spirit leaves them. "It's for their good". These were the words the chef priest Gagada use to subdue any opposing man. When they finished dressing him up, his mother kissed him on his forehead and said, "Travel in peace my heartbeat". When the family time was over, he was brought before the people. They continued the chanting. Herbs from the Tree of Life are given to the sick and the injured. They recover almost instantly as they give thanks to the spirit. Every soul in Radushi is connected to spirits. Even the planet itself. It is the spirit that helps them survive outside Radushi. Besides that, it is said that no creature can live outside Radushi because they are all connected to the planet. So traveling outside Radushi is like taking fish out of the water. Now that he is ready to travel, they all wait for midnight. At midnight, the bridge starts extending and growing upward as it meets with the bridge growing downward from the city of Muska. It is a beautiful experience. Like a clash of double rainbows. The people groan at the beautiful sighting and it gives them goosebumps to see the uniform pattern of light on the bridge, as it reflexes and extends. At that point, their skin turns purple. Jafta had been given some herbs to take along. In return, he will come back with batteries and a variety of advanced technological devices. The people of Muska and Radushi need these exchanges for their survival. The herbs are vital elements in the making of drugs in the city of Muska and technological devices also speed up work for the people of Radushi. It was this seesaw symbiosis that helped Radushi with their first clock. Before now, they tell time by the position of the sun and moon. When it was 11:55 pm, the bridge of Shira was fully merged. The priest leads the traveler to the base of the bridge. The chanting changes now. They hold their hands and surround the bridge. "Zanza ka ku na" (Spirit leads him). They said this repeatedly until he is taking up. They continued until he was elevated above the measure of their sight. Now they must go all home to wait for his return. All they could do now is wait and pray for a successful return. Now they return to their regular lives but it was different for the family of the chosen one. They miss him already. "Don't tell me you miss him already" said Mr. Kavan. "Yes, my Lord, I do". As she picks up his flute and his toys. "He deserves this. His sheer love and devotion to the history of this town, have drawn him to be a part of its history". " I feel he is too young for this. He is just 15. I feel this is too demanding of him". She replied, followed by a sigh of worry. When Mr. Kavan, heard this, he drew her closer for an encouraging hug. "Everything is going to be fine. We should be happy about this my dear". " Thank you, my Lord". her reply was followed by a partial smile. Jafta is their only son and the apple of their eyes. Their wait was difficult, mostly for his mother, who was unsure of the well-being of her only child. The absence of the happy son had created a silent moment in their home. Destiny has been calling and it was time for him to write his story. Jafta the dreamer, would soon be crafted with the other greats.