Bound by Blood & Parted by Fate

Chapter 19 – Taku Tan Sané Part 01

Chapter 19 – Taku Tan Sané Part 01

Adesa and Nae were long in discussion, trying to find a way to save Fae from the danger she was in. It seemed like an impossible task, but Adesa was determined to find a solution. Suddenly, Adesa's face lit up with a realization.

"I know who we can turn to for help," she said. "Takku Tan Sané, the last known dragon rider."

Nae looked at Adesa, surprised. "How do you know about him?" she asked.

Adesa took a deep breath before answering. "I knew him before he disappeared," she said. "I can tell you his story, but we must go to him first."

As they were gathering their goods to leave and find the last dragon river, Adesa told Nae about his story.

Taku Tan Sané – Part 01 : I will bear you a son

The sound of the drums echoed throughout the kingdom. The villagers danced to the rhythm of the music, their feet pounding the ground and making the small stones around them jump. All sorts of sounds could be heard in the kingdom that night, from the chants of the griot to the shouts of the inhabitants. The night was illuminated by the fiery torches installed throughout the kingdom, casting flickering shadows on the dancing figures. The air was thick with the scent of burning wood and the sound of laughter and celebration, as the people came together to rejoice in the festivities. The vibrant colors of their clothing and the intricate patterns of their jewelry sparkled in the light of the torches, adding to the festive atmosphere. It was a night of joy and unity, a night to forget the troubles of the world and simply dance and celebrate life.

Today, the kingdom of Soudj was once again celebrating King Djanka Sané.

As they celebrated, the people chanted praises to their beloved king: "Oh great King Djanka Sané, the King of the East, the King who has conquered other kings, the King who fears nothing..."

While the griot was singing praises to King Djanka Sané, two guards stationed at the entrance of the village noticed a moving shadow.

"What is that thing moving in the dark?" one of the guards wondered aloud. He approached the shadow with his torch to see what it was. The guard was surprised to see a human figure dressed in white approaching them. Immediately, he drew his sword and pointed it at the person in white.

"Who goes there? Show us your face!" he demanded.

"Whatever you do, don't kill it! It could be a spirit. Run and inform the king that a spirit has entered his domain, and the great marabouts must expel it," the other guard cautioned.

The guard ran towards the king and interrupted the griot.

"My king, a white-clad spirit has entered the kingdom, and it's headed towards you," the breathless guard explained. As the guard detailed the situation, villagers gathered and created an entrance for the spirit by moving to one side or the other. The king ordered his guards to stay back and allowed the spirit to approach.

Everyone held their breath as the white-clad figure walked towards the king with an air of confidence. With every step she took, the resonating sounds of her beads echoed through the air, capturing the attention of everyone around. The rhythmic clinking became a melodic symphony, commanding the focus of every onlooker. The atmosphere seemed to still, and all other ambient noises faded into insignificance in comparison to the enchanting music created by the movement of her beads. It was as if the very essence of silence had surrendered to the captivating cadence of the beads, drawing every gaze toward the mysterious figure approaching with each deliberate step.

Finally, the spirit stopped before the king, and silence reemerged.

The king of Soudj was dressed in the attire befitting a traditional ruler. He wore a grand boubou made of rich, colorful fabric with detailed embroidery, gold embellishments, and a matching gele (head wrap). The boubou was tailored to fit his regal frame and adorned with beads and cowrie shells that jingled as he moved.

Seated on either side of the king were his two wives, dressed in the finest traditional attire befitting their royal status. The first wife wore a grand bubu with a vibrant kente print and gold embroidery, paired with a head wrap that matched the colors of her dress. She accessorized with beaded necklaces and bracelets that clinked with every movement.

The second wife wore a flowing gown made of a delicate lace fabric with an intricate floral pattern. The dress hugged her curves and cascaded to the floor in a train. Her gele was adorned with pearls and sequins that sparkled in the flickering torchlight. She wore a necklace made of coral beads and a matching bracelet.

Despite their different attires, both wives exuded an air of grace, poise, and regal elegance that complemented their husband's kingly appearance.

The spirit stood before the king, bowing its head in respect. Her white attire shimmering in the torchlight. Without saying a word, she gracefully knelt before him. The king was intrigued, he had never seen such an apparition before. He studied her intently, trying to discern any clue to her identity or purpose.

The king leaned forward, his eyes fixed on the spirit who knelt before him. "Who are you, spirit?" he asked, his voice commanding yet curious. The spirit remained silent, her face obscured by the hood of her white robes. The king could feel the weight of her presence in the air, and the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end. He knew that this was no ordinary spirit, and his curiosity only grew stronger. He repeated his question, this time with a firmer tone. "I ask again, who are you, and what brings you to my kingdom?"

The woman removed her veil, revealing her face, and the king was struck by her beauty. Her skin was a deep shade of brown, and her features were stunning. Her face was clear and unblemished, and everything about her seemed perfect. The brilliance of her eyes, a vibrant and piercing dark brown, seemed to shimmer in the torchlight. The king couldn't take his eyes off of her, and he found himself mesmerized by her beauty.

The girl before the king was named Semou, and she came from a land far away, where the sand is warm and where the sea is pure. The king was still mesmerized by her beauty as she lifted her veil and revealed her clear and perfect face.

Semou finally replied with a smile on her face, "I am Semou, daughter of the great river, where the sun rises and sets on its banks."

The king was amused and intrigued by her response, and he asked her to continue. Semou obliged and continued in rhymes, "I come from a land of wisdom and gold, where the people are strong and the stories never grow old."

The king was impressed by Semou's words and asked her why she had come to his kingdom. Semou replied, "I come with a message from my people, a plea for peace and unity, so we may all live in harmony."

The king nodded, acknowledging her request. He was impressed by Semou's eloquence and decided to grant her request.

Semou continued to bow gracefully as she spoke in rhymes, "My lord, the purpose of my journey, I humbly reveal. It is to offer myself as your devoted wife, seeking your favor to seal. I am but a humble woman from a land near the river's bend. My heart is pure, and my love for you has no end."

The king is surprised by Semou's request and asks, "I have two wives by my side, why shall I take another one"

Semou responds with a smile, "Oh king, my love for you is strong and true. I shall offer you a son, a dragon rider named Taku Tan Sané, one who will bring honor and glory to your name."

The first wife, dressed in her regal attire, stepped forward and spoke with authority:

"Oh Semou, your assurances hold no truth"

Semou looked up at the first wife, unfazed by her words, and replied with confidence:

"I do not lie, my words are true, And what I say will soon ensue, For I have come from far away, To bear the child of this great king one day."

The second wife, who had been observing quietly until now, stepped forward with a stern expression:

"Semou, your words sound like a trick, and we must know, what makes you tick? Why come to us with this request so bold, What motives do you have, what story untold?"

Semou took a deep breath, looked at the second wife, and replied once more:

"My motives are pure, my heart is true, And what I ask is only my due, For I have been sent by fate, To bear the child who will be one day great."

The king requested for the marabout to verify if she was truly human and not a spirit.

Semou's heart was pounding as the marabout approached her. She stood her ground and spoke in a clear and confident voice, her words ringing with truth:

"Oh king, let the marabout come and see, For I am but a human, just like thee."

The marabout examined Semou closely, muttering prayers under his breath. He inspected her from head to toe, looking for any signs of trickery or deceit. But after a few moments, he nodded his head and spoke:

"I have seen no sign of evil or vice, this woman is human, and speaks no lies."

Semou breathed a sigh of relief and turned back to the king, hoping that her request would be granted.

The king is taken aback by her bold request, but cannot deny the beauty and charm of Semou. He takes a moment to ponder and then finally replies, "Your words are fair and your beauty unmatched. I accept your proposal and my heart will be forever attached. Let us celebrate this union and make it known to all. You shall be my queen and I, your king, standing tall."

The king then ordered for them to use this occasion to get married "Semou, my dear, let us wed today, But remember, if you lie, you will pay. Your life will be the price you will owe, If falsehood in your words should show."

***

Adisa and Nae rode atop their camels, the hot sun beating down on their backs as they trekked through the dry sand. Nae turned to Adisa, her eyes wide with wonder.

"Adisa, do you think Semou was a priestess of Siwa?" Nae asked, her voice filled with curiosity.

Adisa considered the question for a moment before responding, "To this day, no one is really sure about that."

Nae's eyes widened even further, "What do you mean? Don't you know anything about her?"

Adisa chuckled, "I know a lot about her, but the truth is shrouded in mystery. Some say she was a priestess, while others believe she was simply gifted."

Nae nodded thoughtfully, "I see. But how did she know about Taku Tan Sané? Was she a seer?"

Adisa smiled, "That is another mystery. Some believe she was blessed with the gift of prophecy, while others think someone had told her of her destiny and prepared her for this moment."

Nae looked at Adisa with a mixture of awe and confusion, "Semou is quite the enigma, isn't she?"

Adisa nodded in agreement, "Indeed she is, but one thing is for certain - she played a pivotal role in the fate of our land."