Bound by Blood & Parted by Fate

Chapter 11 – The Great Kingdom Of Najariyah

Chapter 11 – The Great Kingdom Of Najariyah

As they approached the gates of the kingdom, Nae's eyes widened in amazement. The walls of the city towered above her, made of stones that were expertly carved with unique designs. Each carving seemed to tell a story of the kingdom's past, its struggles, its triumphs, its people and its culture. The gates themselves were massive and imposing, made of wood and metal, and guarded by soldiers in gleaming armor.

Nae was amazed by the vibrant colors and the energy of the bustling streets. People of all kinds crowded the thoroughfares, going about their daily business, buying and selling goods, and engaging in lively conversations. The buildings were made of a mix of materials - wood, brick, and stone - and were adorned with colorful fabrics and ornate carvings. Jewelry and accessories glinted in the sunlight, worn by both men and women alike, and Nae couldn't help but marvel at the intricate designs and craftsmanship.

All around her, she heard the sounds of the city - the chatter of the people, the clatter of horses' hooves on streets, the calls of vendors hawking their wares. Najariyah was truly a grand and magnificent kingdom, and Nae couldn't wait to explore more of it.

The sounds of drums and music filled the air, and the aroma of exotic spices and foods wafted from the market stalls and shops that lined the streets. The architecture was stunning, with grand palaces and temples rising high above the surrounding buildings.

The group walked through the bustling streets of the grand kingdom, they admired the magnificent architecture and colorful markets. The scent of spices and incense filled the air, and the sounds of drumming and singing could be heard from afar.

Eventually, they reached the gates of the palace, guarded by stern-looking soldiers with spears and shields. Nae approached them, explaining the dire situation they had just escaped from. But the guards remained unyielding, their eyes fixed on the group with suspicion.

Nae pleaded with them, recounting the horrors they had witnessed and the people who were counting on them for help. Slowly, the guards began to soften, but they still refused to allow the group passage to enter the palace “I fear it is to save Bravadis.” Instead, they suggest that Nae and her group go to Karamoja, a nearby refugee settlement, where they can find help and a new home.

The guards looked at each other before one of them responded, "There's a woman named Ashae who works at the refugee office in the center of the city. She may be able to help you."

Nae inquired with the guards about a woman named Adisa residing in the city. The guards exchanged glances, and one of them inquired, "Adisa? Why do you seek her out?"

Nae explained that Adisa was a close friend of her sister, and she hoped to discuss some personal matters with her. On the other side of the door, a woman strolling near the exit overheard the mention of "Adisa." Intrigued, she approached the guards.

The woman, elegantly dressed in bordeaux, was the princess's right-hand. She instructed the guard to escort Nae's companions to a place to rest while she invited Nae to accompany her.

The woman leaned forward, her eyes fixed on Nae's face. "What is your name, child?" she asked, her voice firm yet kind.

Nae hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath. "My name is Nae," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

The lady in red eyebrows raised slightly in surprise, but she quickly composed herself. "And how do you know Adisa?" she asked, her tone gentle.

Nae took a moment to gather her thoughts. "My sister told me to either go to the king or find an old friend of hers called Adisa…" she explained, hoping that the woman would understand.

The lady smiled and walked in front of Nae. She turned around making her back face Nae. Then she reached for the collar of her dress, pulling it aside to reveal a small, intricate tattoo on the nape of her neck. The mark was of the Siwanarum. "I am Adisa, I am also a priestess of Siwanarum," Adisa said, turning back to face Nae. "Your sister was right to send you to me."

Nae was taken aback, realizing that she had found someone who shared her beliefs and had the knowledge to help her " Comme with me," Adisa said softly.

Adisa led Nae through a maze of corridors, up a set of stairs, and finally into a small room. Nae was hesitant to enter, but Adisa reassured her that it was a safe place. Nae looked around the room and saw that it was sparsely furnished with only a small bed, a table, and a few books.

Adisa turned to Nae and asked for her name. Nae hesitated for a moment, unsure if she could trust this woman, but something in her eyes made Nae feel safe. She told her name, and Adisa's face lit up in recognition.

"So, you're the younger sister of Fae,” placing a hand on Nae's shoulder.

Nae nodded silently, tears welling up in her eyes. She didn't want to break down in front of this stranger, but the weight of everything that had happened was starting to overwhelm her. Adisa seemed to sense this and offered her on the bed.

"Let's talk about what happened," Adisa said gently, pouring Nae a cup of water.

Adisa listened carefully to Nae's story, her eyes filled with concern and sadness as she learned about the fate of Bravadis and the sisters' separation. When Nae finished speaking, Adisa placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"You have been through so much. But I promise you, I will do everything in our power to help you find your sister," she said gently.

Nae nodded, grateful for Adisa's support. "Thank you. I'll do whatever it takes to find her."

Adisa then explained to Nae that Meyaris was a dangerous place. But she reassured her that they would find a way to get there safely.

"We will have to be very careful, but I believe we can make it," she said.

Nae's eyes widened in surprise and relief. "Thank you, Adisa. I'm so glad I found you."

Adisa smiled warmly. "We will find your sister, Nae. I promise."

Adisa proceeded to tell Nae that she was the right hand to the princess who had taken on the responsibilities of the queen since her father had fallen ill. "I might be able to help you," Adisa said, "but there won't be much we can do. Our kingdom is not as powerful as it once was, especially with the Ninki Nanka gone."

Nae listened intently, hoping that Adisa would have some sort of solution. "What about going to war with Meyaris?" Nae asked. "You have an army right?"

Adisa shook her head. "It's not that simple. We cannot risk a war with Meyaris. It would only bring more destruction and chaos to our people. And even if we were to go to war, we do not have the strength or resources to win. I believe the only reason why Meyaris haven’t attacked us yet is because they believe we still have the Ninki Nanka. I am afraid the kingdom is not as great as it use to be"

Nae's heart sank at the thought of her sister being trapped in Meyaris with no hope of rescue. But Adisa assured her that they would do everything they could to help, even if it meant going against the wishes of the princess. "We may not be able to fight with swords," Adisa said, "but we can fight with our minds and our hearts. And sometimes, that can be more powerful than any army."

The priestess noticed that Nae looked tired and worn out from her journey. She said, "You must be exhausted from your journey. Come, let's get you cleaned up and fed then you can rest." Adisa then led Nae to a spacious room, beautifully decorated.

The room had a large bed in the center, a small seating area, and a beautiful bath made of polished stone. Adisa said, "You can rest here for now. Take a shower, and I'll have some food brought to you." Nae thanked Adisa and went to take a shower.

As Nae bathed, she couldn't help but think about her sister and the danger she might be facing. She hoped that Adisa would be able to help her find Fae and bring her back home safely.

After her shower, Nae was brought a delicious meal of roasted chicken, couscous, and vegetables. As she ate, Adisa sat with her telling her anecdotes about Fae and her.

Later, Nae went to rest. She lay down on the soft bed, feeling the exhaustion from her long journey take over her body. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, letting go of all the worries and anxieties that had been weighing her down. As she drifted off into a deep sleep, her mind finally found peace, forgetting all about the chaos and danger that had been following her.

***

The room was quiet and calm, and the sound of the gentle breeze that blew through the open window was the only thing that could be heard. Nae felt the softness of the bed beneath her, and the coolness of the fresh linen sheets against her skin. She felt safe and protected, like she was finally able to rest after a long and tiring journey.

For the first time in what felt like ages, Nae slept soundly through the night, her dreams filled with images of her sister and the hope of reuniting with her once again. The worries of the world outside seemed to fade away, replaced by a feeling of warmth and comfort that surrounded her in this peaceful haven.