Wura
Now it was her turn. She alone held the reins of her destiny.
The thought tightened around her throat.
Wura longed to rediscover Kébéra. It had been so long… So many childhood memories still slumbered here. But before stepping out, she reached into her bag and drew out a semi-transparent cloth. Her grandmother had always insisted that her mother cover her eyes whenever they crossed crowded places, to shield her from people's stare. It had been her way of protecting her.
Once she tied the band around her head, Wura could see perfectly through it, but from the outside, her golden eyes were invisible. Such was the magic of spider-silk fabric, rare and precious.
Without delay, she left the apartment, locked the door, and hurried into the streets of Kébéra. As her boots tapped against the uneven cobblestones, she couldn't help but smile. A hooded cape over her shoulders, her eyes hidden, she hoped to pass unnoticed. Better that than exposing her gaze. Every time she had done so before, it had never ended well.
The Kora River cut through the city, majestic, spanned by the great central bridge. Beyond it stretched a vast marketplace as far as the eye could see. As she walked on, the intoxicating smells of toubani, soy cakes, wassa wassa, and grilled meat teased her senses. Her stomach growled, betrayed by the familiar aromas. One thought took hold of her: drown her worries in a local feast. She swallowed hard and reached for her belt.
Nothing. Her purse was still at the apartment.
Her heart sank. Her brief hopes shattered like glass. She pressed her hands to her temples, and before she realized it, dropped to her knees in the middle of the crowd. Curious eyes turned toward her, but no one could understand.
Not now. Not here.
Unexpectedly, a coin rolled toward her, stopping at her feet with a faint chime. Ten cowries. Enough for a hearty meal. She stared at it, stunned, eyes gleaming with renewed hope, then picked it up with a trembling smile.
A miracle, she thought.
— Hey, wait! a breathless voice called out.
Wura looked up. A boy was running toward her — messy hair, a bit frail, about her age.
— The coin you just picked up… it's mine, he panted.
She rose slowly, expression calm.
— It was, she corrected, voice firm.
The boy blinked at her, bewildered, on the verge of tears. She burst out laughing. He looked like a puppy whose bone had been stolen.
— Here, I was kidding, she said, handing the coin back. No need to look so scared.
— Hey, I'll have you know I'm not scared, he retorted, unconvincingly.
— Sure. If you say so.
Their stomachs growled in perfect unison. They both laughed.
— Guess we're both starving, he said.
— I left my purse at home, in a rush, Wura admitted.
— Then we'll share! What do you want to eat?
Her face softened. But accepting a meal from a stranger… felt improper.
— That's kind, but no, thank y—
GRRRRR.
Her stomach roared in protest.
A few minutes later, they were walking side by side, each holding a steaming cup of sorghum porridge carved from a coconut shell. The sweet scent rose in fragrant curls between them.
— My name's Nath Sokagi, he said.
— And I'm Wura Sina.
— Sina? That sounds familiar… You wouldn't happen to know Doctor Luwa Sina?
— What? she blurted, eyes wide. You know my father?
— He's your father? He's famous, even in the Forest Tribe! An amazing doctor. It's so cool to meet his daughter.
She hadn't known her father's reputation reached that far. A smile lit her face.
— I don't think I've seen you around before, though. Did you just get to Kébéra?
— Yes, I'm here for the Ini—
She stopped short, clapping a hand over her mouth.
Her eyes darted toward Nath. But if he had heard, he didn't let it show. Sésune had warned her: the Initiation — the Great Rite, must remain secret.
She exhaled softly, releasing the tension.
— Me neither, Nath continued. I haven't been here long. I'm from the Forest Tribe. What about you?
— Me? Uh… I've been living in… Sinji, she murmured, hesitant.
She tensed. The Sin and the Ko had always despised each other. Should she really tell the truth?
But Nath's face showed no hostility.
— Really? That's awesome! What's it like there? They say the sea is an unbelievable blue — endless! Bigger even than the Kora River! And that's where they make the finest weapons, the most beautiful jewelry…
His eyes sparkled with fascination. No judgment. Only sincere curiosity. It was almost disarming.
— Yes… that's right, she replied simply.
— That's amazing, he said, finishing his last sip.
He licked his lips, turned back with a casual wave.
— See you around, Wura! Hope we meet again soon!
— Yes… Goodbye, Nath.
The sun was sinking, painting the sky in reds and violets. Golden rays brushed the rooftops and shimmered on the river below.
Wura didn't know when her steps had brought her before the family compound. Her heart clenched. Everything was just as she remembered. The house. Yayi Shéna's home. And the other familiar buildings.
She could see herself as a child in that courtyard… until a rough voice shattered the memory.
— Who goes there? thundered a familiar tone.
Wura froze, then darted behind the stone wall. Her heart pounded in her chest.
It was her. Her grandmother.
And though she was her only remaining family…
Wura wasn't ready to face her. Not yet.
She waited until her breath steadied. Then fled, like a thief in the dusk.