*
NTSIKA
*
For as long as I can remember I have learned to be ruthless in this world, get what I want at any cost. I am what I am and who I am today because I never allowed anything to stand in my way and now, now I am being outsmarted by a timid girl who was given to me by her greedy parents. A girl who is supposed to be just a submissive wife and do as she is told. Now she is making sure that I don't find her, leaving me to wonder if her parents had nothing to do with her disappearance.
But then again, they wouldn't risk losing everything and she didn't go back home, meaning that she knew what had happened. She knows what her parents did after her grandmother died. She probably knows that she won't have a home unless she marries me.
Muzi: We might have directions of where she went.
He interrupts my thoughts as he walks in.
"Where could that be?"
Muzi: I am not sure yet but if we take the route that goes to the Langa forest, maybe you might be able to pick up her scent. I had her in my spell and the next thing, she was gone before I could get the exact location. Someone is protecting her, and they are making it hard for us to find her.
"Langa Forest, that's not just a forest, that's a jungle that has no end besides isn't that where The Hidden Kingdom is said to be? And if she is there, how did she gain access to the Kingdom. She doesn't know anyone there."
Muzi: The only way we'll know is if we go there and check it out. It is far and I absolutely have no idea how she could have gotten that far without help and her powers.
"Damit Iyanna. I hope you can see all this trouble that you are causing. Did we by any chance merit an invite from the Ntabentle Kingdom for the crowning Ceremony. Are they not crowning the new King this weekend."
Muzi: I have not heard anything about it my prince. Maybe your father will know something. I don't think we should get our hopes up though. We have never worked hand in hand with them.
"He walks out leaving me there in my thoughts. I need to clear my head. Things are not going as planned and the other is just quiet, not saying anything but if Iyanna had popped up in their raider, I would have known already meaning she is not there. Where could this girl be. I jump off the balcony and transform mid-air and run towards the forest. I need a plan, a clean plan.
*
QOPHELO
*
"How is she?"
Queen Lona: She is fine. She just fainted. The seer says they are close to finding her. She needs to stay here. She is hidden for now.
"But how? How could they possibly find her?"
Queen Lona: It looks like their seer is using a location spell. Temba and Mbyiselo are not sure if it's something ancient or something he created himself.
"Our family of Seer is one of the most powerful, can't they something about this. They can't find her."
Queen Lona: The family was instructed not interfere. They are blocked from seeing anything. This time things need to play out without any interference from anyone. She will be safe. We will all be safe. She is the one son. She is the one for you and you have big fight ahead of you for her.
"She kisses my cheek and walks out while I walk to the room she is sleeping in. She's been out for two hours, but she looks so peaceful. What could have happened and what could they possibly want with her and just like that our Seer is being left out of this."
Mxolisi: Is she ok"
"She is fine. The seer said she will wake up when she is ready."
Mxolisi: That's good. Now, the reason I wanted to talk to you is that your uncle has been very busy as you know and it's getting worse. I did some serious digging, and I have found that he is visiting the dark forest and today's visit is not the first one. He has been there a few times. His first visit was immediately after your parents got married. We are just waiting for him to come back, so that we can talk to the people he is visiting.
"Most that live in the dark forest have been banned from their own Kingdoms for evil deeds."
Mxolisi: Yes, that is true, and your uncle is evil, and his wife is on all of this.
"Of cause she is a part of it. I would have been very disappointed if she was not."
Mxolisi: Oh, come on, don't talk about your aunt like that Qophelo. That woman is the epitome of kindness.
"Look at you trying to keep a straight face while saying that. You can be an idiot sometimes."
Mxolisi: I am your idiot.
"Ok fine. I think it's time to put my uncle in his place. Who is he visiting in the dark forest? Please don't tell me it is who I think it is.
Mxolisi: Not yet, wait until after the ceremony. Remember, his deal is based on him being King. Those people do not know who is being crowned. They probably believe that it's him. You also need to start letting Iyanna into your world. She needs to know you and your work. She can't be by your side if she doesn't understand. When she wakes up, talk to her. Don't overwhelm her, just the basics and maybe show her the true you, don't wait. That girl is not going anywhere and yes; your uncle is visiting the one and only evil Mhlaba.
"He is visiting Mhlaba? Are you sure about that Mxolisi?
Mxolisi: You know me, I am always thorough. He is there to see him, and I am sure he was there to see his father when your parents got married and you know that Mhlaba will gladly help your uncle with anything they want, since his father was seeking revenge against our Kingdom and now Mhlaba is continuing with his father's work.
"Now that my father is gone, people think they can do as they please. Mxolisi, I am going to take your suggestion to wait until after the ceremony but after that, the gloves come off, I am going to reap them apart. It's time to show these people what we are made off. First, I need my uncle to know that we are on to him. I want him to panic, I want to wonder about how much I know about his deeds. I want him to sweat. He will make a mistake.