Chapter 1: The Newcomer
Last updated
Last updated
The elders couldn't believe it.
When he arrived, the voices that usually animated the clearing slowly faded into a cold silence.
It was only after a few seconds of contemplation that whispers were heard here and there. Who was he? How did he dare?
A Dean in red dress gracefully walked up to him. Despite his friendly appearance, one could feel the incomprehension in his eyes.
"May I help you, my young friend? You seem to be lost," he asked politely.
"I'm looking for an Ecleray named Jengah. Do you know her?" replied the hesitant newcomer.
"Indeed I do. But, understand that your attendance is quite surprising, young brother. You are at the Deans' assembly. You might know that only village leaders can attend, don’t you?"
"Well, I am Tak'Oba the new dean of Duka," he answered staggeringly.
"New? When did it change? I spoke to your dean recently, and he assured me he would be there today.”
"I’m afraid he passed away."
A chill ran through the assembly.
Another dean stepped out of the ranks and rushed to Tak'Oba.
The young Ecleray stepped back.
"What about the other elders?" she asked nervously.
But you could see that she already knew the answer. There’s only one reason for Tak’Oba to be here.
Tak'Oba lowered his head and replied:
"They shared the same unfortunate fate. The reason I am here today is that I am the oldest Ecleray of Duka still alive. And I really need to talk to Jengah."
"I am Jengah," replied the distraught Ecleray. Your leader is one of my oldest friends. What happened to him? What happened to all of them?" she asked on the verge of tears.
"A week ago, we discovered their bodies, lifeless, and..."
He put his hand on the seed on his chest.
"...Their Mwahindoe was gone. I’ve seen a lot of Ecleray returning to the soil. It is always peaceful. But this time was different.."
Tak'Oba was coming to the council for answers. But looking at the faces of his colleagues, they looked as frightened as he was.
"If they had died of natural causes, their Mwahindoe would not have disappeared."
"Yes, this is why I’m here. Something disturbing happened,” Tak'Oba replied. “I thought that maybe an animal might have done this. A very agressive species we might not perfectly know about?" the young Ecleray asked.
“A threatened pack of Molkyus could have done that. I’ve already seen how just a few of them are able to hurt one of us. But I’ve never seen them take hold of an Ecleray’s seed."
Tak’Oba felt the anxiety kick through his entire body. The same feeling as when he realized that he had to become the new dean and protect his village. He thought about the younger Eclerays, left on their own.
“Understand that my people don’t feel safe anymore. And, as a dean, I must protect them. I promised that I would bring this matter to light.
But I cannot protect them while I investigate. Would you be willing to look after my village until I return?"
Jengah smiled and wisely said, "Of course I will. I owe that to my old friend. And to you. This news could challenge our harmony with nature. We must not underestimate it.”
"Thank you very much," Tak'Oba whispered.
All the emotions he had been experiencing lately suddenly came back and this relief was a genuine success for him. He could now focus on his investigation knowing that his people were safe.
"I told you that a pack of Molkyus could have done that. But these are very fainted recalls. It must be buried deep in the memory of my former lives. I'm afraid this is everything I know, unfortunately. But you should start to do some research at the Great Library, there must be volumes talking about this. And the guardian will help you for sure. If anyone knows the secrets of the past, it is her.
Tak'Oba looked over the old Ecleray's shoulder and saw one of his colleagues walking toward them.
"Ah, Dermo, my friend. Tak'Oba, may I introduce Dermo, a very good friend of your former dean. The three of us used to work together in Ascanda."
"I wanted to express all my support to you, young Tak'Oba. This dreadful event is a tragedy for us all. What do you intend to do about it?"
Tak'Oba thanked Dermo for his words, but could not take his eyes off the lantern hanging from his belt. It was the first time he had seen such an object.
A flame that seemed infinite levitated inside a pyramid made of branches. It was mesmerizing.
“Tak'Oba? Are you with us?"
He answered without looking at them, "Yes, sorry."
"Go to the Great Library, and I will take care of your village, Tak’Oba."
"Thanks again Jengah! Dermo, nice to meet you and thank you again for your support."
Tak’Oba didn’t get all the answers he expected, but he now has a lead.
He jumped back on his catmeleon and headed north, more determined than ever and ready to do whatever it takes to find the truth and protect his village.
As he crossed through the lush jungle of Oloma, a shadow started silently following his path.
Without knowing it, Tak'Oba had just awakened Their attention.
