Amir's trials

Barau, Amir's cousin and best friend always had a tough time with his uncle, Jikau,he had looked up to Jikau as his father, Jikau was against his closeness to Amir and his commitment to the palace.

" I am a loyal servant, baba jikau, Amir is alone, he has no sisters or brothers , I still don't understand your reasons for hiding your true feelings towards your own brother"

" Are you terming me a pretender? I have always advised him but he always ended the discussion with an insult and he keeps reminding me of my banishment, your father is dying, you are his only son, your sisters are all married, you should reduce your commitment because you will never be rewarded for it, you would be reminded that you are a an outcast soon enough"

" I will be fulfilled when Gamsheka finally dies, and will be proud that I was among the soldiers who witnessed his death, sometimes I wonder why you are being ungrateful to someone who lifted your ban!"

" How dare you?" Jikau was angry " you think you are a man now because you live and dine with the Emir? Huh?" Jikau gave a warning smile while Barau glared " I wish you understood better and I will make you understand soon enough"

"I am not telling your real intentions to the Emir because I don't want to be the creator of another chaos, we have a battle ahead of us and that is my major concern. The Emir has been a very good uncle"

" So I am the bad uncle, I refuse to get married because I dedicated my life to care for your dying father and this is the best I get from you" Jikau was angry, he turned to kadada , Barau's mother " talk to your son, I am off to the farm"Jikau left

Kadada who looked quite calm and was always dressed magnificently,she wrapped her arms around her son, she always looked like a Queen and she never took her husband's illness to heart, she didn't look it one bit.

" Listen to your uncle, he is not asking you to cut off your relationship with the prince, it is unfortunate that we lack male children in the family, your father has three daughters who are all married to soldiers fighting for the cause of Lumana. You and Amir are the only surviving sons in the family"

" That's because Baba Jikau has refused to get married, besides the Emir has remarried, he might be blessed with more sons"

" Baba Jikau stated his reasons for that. Barau, this is not your battle, the Emir knows the solution to all these , he is just being a hypocrite"

" The solution you think of, could make him revisit the old religion and he doesn't want that, which makes him less of a hypocrite"

Kadada faked a smile" Barau , don't say what you have no clue about, Amir is a special child, Death can't easily struck him"

"What do you mean?"

" Your questions are foolish, the Emir knows that his son can't die, he is well equipped and it is something beyond the ordinary, which proves that the Emir is still secretly practicing the old beliefs"

" Are you cooking this up?"

" Only Amir could be the cause of his death"

" I don't understand"

" I am your mother, I will tell you the truth, Amir is the heir to the throne , you think Emir hana would sit and watch his blood fight gamsheka?, there are many things parents give up for their children"

" Are you telling me that Amir's strength is not inborn"

" Barau, this is the main reason behind Baba Jikau's anger, try to recall all the dangerous situations Amir faced as he fought Gamsheka, Didn't you tell me that there was a punch Gamsheka gave him on his head and you thought it was over for him? I don't need to talk much, we have less than three moons, you might just see for yourself" she sighed and carried a small sack "I need to see the Queen"

Barau was mute , he had always questioned himself about Amir's strength, he thought all was due to Amir's severe training, no matter how barau trained too, he could not meet up with Amir's skills, he had never won a swordfighting test against him "could she be saying the truth?" he thought , his heart always beat faster whenever he heard the mention of the Queen's name, he had secretly admired Queen Kyawo but was never bold to pour out his feelings , that aside, his heart was divided, he couldn't find sleep, he decided to walk around the palace, he went to the indoor training arena and found Amir , he was still training, he was trying to push down a very heavy stone placed on a hard concrete floor , it was made to believe that the stone can never be pushed down even if one hundred men try simultaneously, it was only kept there to improve the strength of a trainee.

" Don't kill yourself" Barau said

" You are not sleeping, pushing the stone always clears my head"

" I couldn't sleep"

" Anxiety? don't worry, we have just three moons to practice , we have to end that coward"

" I think you should rest" Barau was literally confused , his questions haunted him and hung on his lips, he wasn't bold enough to spit it out.

The moons ran fast, Kadada had created a relationship with the Queen Kyawo, the Queen was in haste to take in, Kadada was her personal consoler, Kadada mixed several herbs, which the Queen drank daily to increase her ability to conceive. All three moons passed and she had no sign, this made her so worried , Emir Hana was also worried but he pretended, he didn't want to be distracted, he could not wait to witness the end of Gamsheka.

The smoke signals were seen, Gamsheka had arrived at the battle ground, the Lumana soidiers were physically and mentally prepared, they were always in their black armours with their shields and long swords,some soldiers were on horses while others were on their feet. Prince Amir had his unique armours, his was brighter than the others and he rode on a white horse. He had both his swords and his dagger on his back bag.

" Tell the horn blowers to get already and provide them with their lenses"Emir Hana ordered, he and his horn blowers always climbed to a hill top which was not too close to the battle ground, he watched the battle from the hill top.

The battle began, Soldiers charged, ran into each other and the chattering sounds of swords were heard, Prince Amir did as usual, he created a path for himself after striking some Gamsheka soldiers but unfortunately , they would always rise up, he sighted Gamsheka who was always dressed in very dark armours with red scarf, he was never with a mask or helmet.

Their combat was intensed, Amir did more of deflecting Gamsheka's sword, the fight lasted for some a while, but Gamsheka was always on the edge, Gamsheka rushed Amir and his sword made a shallow cut on Amir's neck, this alarmed the Emir. Amir bled heavily but didn't give up,Gamsheka was so merciless, he never gave Amir a chance to get hold of the triple edge dagger. The battle was becoming too bloody. Emir Hana lost his patience, he asked the horn blowers to do their jobs, the horns were blown, which made Amir mad ,they had retreated again, few Lumana soldiers were down several were injured , Prince Amir was taken to the palace clinic, the physician and his internship had too many wounds to treat. Emir Hana was troubled he was confused and didn't know what to think

" Where is amir" he asked Barau who was also being examined.

" He had gone to his chambers, I must confess, your highness, I have never seen him in such mood" barau added

" Your highness" lumana General said as he limped "we cannot keep loosing "

" Retire, we prepare for the next battle" Emir concluded, he headed for his son chambers, the Prince was in dismay and he hesitated as he heard the knocks on his door, but he eventually opened.

" What is your problem? Why did it take you forever to open the door" the Emir asked

" The same way you are taking forever to understand that retreating cowardly is a disgrace to our entire generation " amir eyes were on fire.

" How dare you" Emir Hana tone also switched.

" Baba, I don't understand your orders, I am sorry but you are the reason for gamsheka regular attacks"

Emir Hana was agitated" say one more word and you will regret it, does your immature head think that I don't know what I am doing, I never talked back to my father even when I thought less of him, I will not bore a son who will insult me, Gamsheka will end when the Maker wants "

" When? maybe there is something more to this, maybe it is not me, I might not be the right one to fight Gamsheka , the Maker is toying with us" Amir shed tears as he spoke and this got emir Hana emotional

" It is fine" Emir Hana said with his a very low tone" don't be like this. You never give up, it is unlike you"

" Baba, I am frustrated, I have done everything possible to fight him, it is not working, I am tired" he broke down and passed out in his father arms, hana screamed for help , the palace physical was summoned, he was able to treat amir " I had told him to take a rest, he was hit so hard , his bones were fractured, I must say his strength is extra ordinary"said the physician

" I know , he is too stubborn" emir Hana said while he stared at His son

" Not to worry, he will be fine, he only needs rest"

The emir was bitter and frustrated, he kept a wanly face as he walked back to his chambers, he was angry, his feet itched,, he had some questions for the maker, he was heartbroken and disappointed, he felt betrayed, he walked down to the maker messenger,

" You are fuming" the Maker's messenger said as he stood up from his mat

" Yes I am angry, what have I done to deserve such fate? Amir is lying down almost lifeless because he wanted to conquer an enemy he never created"

" You have to be calm, you are loosing your faith "

" You are not giving me the right revelations , I did all you ask"

" Your highness , maybe it is not the right time, I told you what I saw , a Prince without armours killed gamsheka"

" Oh please, how do you think you can convince me to allow my only son stand at a war front without armours and shields, that is insane, I would look for another way, I cannot keep loosing soldiers" Emir Hana lamented and left angrily while the Maker's messenger watched on

Emir dismissed his guards and walked alone to his father's grave .

" baba, come to my aid, the challenges are too much for me, I am confused, I can't do this anymore" tears rolled down his spotless cheeks,but his bearded chin restricted them from flowing to his neck. He looked up to the sky " oh Maker! Come to my aid, do you really exist or you are just an imagination? help me fight this battle, take this anger out of my heart, show me the way oh lord, I beg you" he cried , then the rain began to give it signs, it came with calm winds, Emir Hana mood suddenly changed, he became more determined" forgive me my lord, I regret doubting you, I will leave him to you"

Emir Hana was how ever unhappy , he walked back to his chambers but reversed to see his son. And amazingly, Amir was awake, he lied on his bed with his eyes facing the wooden ceilings.

" Couldn't sleep?" Amir threw sharply, Emir Hana sighed heavily and said" I wanted asking same"

" I couldn't sleep , every moment I close my eyes, I see the battle" Amir said

" Son you need get some sleep, where is the dagger?"

" It is safe, we only need to prepare harder"

" I am sad, he is not giving you a chance to have your own life"

" It is my destiny baba, we keep trying"

Emir Hana nodded " I know my friend would visit tomorrow as usual"

Amir manage to lift himself " would he come with Kande?"

" I can't say but probably, she might come"

" Baba, you look sad, or should I fight without amours next time as the Maker's messenger had revealed?"

" No" emir shook his head vigorously " he almost gave you a permanent scar when you had your fighting clothes, I can't risk it"

"It is fine baba, I can't wait to see Kande if she finally comes tomorrow" Amir's mood was better.

" Hmm, I would be glad" Emir Hana force himself to smiled broadly " sleep now, I need to retire to bed too"

Emir Hana went back to his chambers and he met his queen waiting, she consoled him as a wife should.

Kande

The merchant and his damsel arrived in a decorated cart, she looked exquisite in her purple and gold gown with a complementing veil which covered a part of her forehead, she had lengthy hair, a pointed nose and adorable lips, she and her father were warmly welcomed by Emir Hana, Hana summoned the prince immediately and Amir walked fast to the conference hall ,then his breathe seized, he didn't blink for some minutes. She was a complete beauty, Kande was not shy, she walked to him as he stood at the entrance, she bowed and they both laughed and chatted while the spectators enjoyed the show

" They are still fond of each other" the merchant observed

" I am certain Kande would not love to return with you, my son might just wed her Immediately" Emir Hana smiled broadly

" I wouldn't mind, she is very ripe"

" You are too kind"

" Yes I would be honored to have an Emir as an in law, things have become better for me since I knew you, I cherish our friendship"

" I see you have a new cart , it is outstanding"

" Thank you, let's talk about the matter at hand"

The emir was pleased, he called out on amir and told him the reason behind Kande's visit

Amit didn't hesitate, he agreed to marry her

" I can't wait baba" he said, he face was so bright.

Meanwhile, Kadada had become so close to the Queen and she had a free pass to the Queen's personal chambers. while the Emir was busy with his visitors, kadada paid the queen a visit.

"You looked worried" Kadada stated

" I need to conceive"

" well " Kadada peeped around, she wanted the Queen to send her maids out, she needed more privacy, the Queen got the signals and she asked the maids to leave.

" I have been thinking, it seems the herbs are not working for you, so I bought something for you but .." Kadada whispered" it is a product of the old beliefs"

The Queen was shocked" What's that?"

Kadada brought out a strange object, it was like a tiny wooden baby wrapped with cowries and some piece of clothing

" What is this for?"

" You have to believe me, this is my secret, the family of the Emir are not blessed with the fruit of the womb but this helped me, it works perfectly

" Are you sure? I am scared"

" don't worry, it will give you healthy children"

The Queen was desperate" how do I use it"

" You have to be extremely careful. All you need to do is to bury it inside the your pillow, your loosen your pillow, bury it in the foams, stitch it back,then always rest your head on it after the the Emir might have been intimate with you.

" Are you sure about this?"

" Yes , you have to be fast , I am here with the stitching materials, do not ever act suspicious , always safeguard the pillow"

" Okay, thank you so much, I am so indebted to you"

" Don't worry , it will be instant, let's do it now".

Sunsets passed and the announcement was made, Amir was getting married! the wedding was glamorous. Emirs were in attendance, they didn't fail to console hana on his recent attacks .

Prince Amir Dan Hana was charming. He was very excited, he finally married the girl he cherished. The feelings were mutual, landed smiled all through the felicitation, the celebration lasted for two sunsets.

Amir's chamber was redecorated into a paradise,the new couple were exhausted but eventually, they had the whole night to each other, she placed her head on his chest as they chatted.

" You are so beautiful" he said with a deep look.

" You are also charming" she replied and they both chuckled

" I am so glad to have you, I missed you so much, your father made the best decision and I promise to make you the happiest Queen Lumana would ever have" he massage her hair slowly with his finger tips.

" Thank you"

" Tell me about the foreign land"

" Not today, we had a long wedding , I am exhausted, we should sleep"

" Of course"

"I would want a cup of warm water first thing tomorrow, I miss taking my foreign tea"

" As your lordship pleases" Amir joked ,he wrapped her hands over her and petted her till she fell asleep

The night ran fast, Amir yawned heavily at the sound of morning bell, his wife's eyes were still locked, he adjusted her hair to steal a gaze one more time.

" She must be very tired, I had wanted us to take our bath together" he thought

He proceeded to the bathroom with beliefs that she would be awaken by the sounds of the showers, he stepped out to discover that she was still in the same position, he became alarmed. He demanded for the cup of warm water,before he returned to wake her up.

The initial pats were calm " wake up , my Queen , it is sunrise" he said but Kande didn't move a muscle " princess" he persisted, he touch her palms and they were cold, the situation got scarier.

" Kande" he drew his hears closer to her chest and she was not breathing "Kande!" He screamed and called out on the guards.

" call the physician!!!"

The news has spread, the physician knew she was long gone, the Emir ordered the guards to take Amir to another room as he couldn't get hold of himself

" She is dead" the physician landed " natural causes"

Emir Hana fell on his knees with his hands crossed on head "Her father and his companions just left, what would I tell them?"

" your highness, let's dwell more on how to break the news to the prince, it was a natural death" the physician repeated

Amir was impatient, he had already torn his robes, Barau was with him when the Emir came in to break the saddest news Amir had ever heard. Amir was stuck, he couldn't withhold the news, he screamed so loud but the guards held him. He was thrown into chronic depression, all he could think of was suicide. Hana knew about it so he placed him on a close watch. He was taken to tool free chamber to prevent him from getting close to any harmful object, while his main chambers was on a total lockdown.

The merchant was indeed a real man, although , he was so pained but he felt pity for Amir when he heard about his condition, Amir had become a shadow of himself, he seldom ate or drank, the only liquid he constantly drank was his own tears.

It was almost 7 sunsets after Kande death and he was not getting better, The emir was exhausted , he paid Amir some visits which never yielded positive outcomes, prince amir was always quiet but whenever he opened his mouth to say something, the words stabbed the Emir.

" Son, you need to stop grieving, even her father has accepted his fates, believe me, I understand what you are going through, but this wouldn't solve anything"

" You made me a prisoner, what do you expect?"

" No , I needed to keep you away from anything that would harm you, I know what you can do, you are so miserable. try to eat something at least"

" I don't want food! , I am a failure, I failed Lumana severally and now I couldn't save my own wife" he became so emotional

" You are not a failure"

"You can never understand baba!" he got up to face his father " you should not have let me marry her! It is obvious we are under a generational curse, our wives do not last, you should have told me"

The Emir was devastated " son please, if you continue this way, Gamsheka will win"

" Has he ever lost? that's your major concern now?" he sniffed so hard and scratched his unkept hair , he walked to and fro "you have a new wife, put her in the family way, you can never say, she might give a son that will end Gamsheka!"

" Amir!" Emir was charged " get hold of yourself!" The emir couldn't control his emotions " I won't loose you! You will be better and you will end gamsheka! It is your destiny! "

Amir grumbled and returned to his mat with his untouched food staring at him. Emir Hana decided to be quite calm

" try to eat , have pity on me, I beg you"

Amir was a bit remorseful" I loved her" he broke down, Hana held him and they wept together, But the day ended well for the Queen, she was confirmed pregnant by the physician, Emir Hana had a reason to smile again.