Arzika's Dungeon

Arzika's dungeon had become overcrowded and he felt it was time he released some old prisoners, but he wanted to catch some fun. firstly, he granted his personal mayu wishes, they had wished to become visible, their sight built more frights in the citizens but here was something unusual about the third mayya, she had been sweating profusely in her quest for messages from her lord, she decided to have some rest " it seems a huge revelation is coming" she said but Arzika appeared less concerned.

" I have bathed with eagle's blood! I am a god," Arzika said confidently, to make the release of the prisoners more fun, he put up a challenge for their relatives, but he had it at the back of mind that he would release the prisoners regardless.

Hamza and his father, baba Abarshi were returning home after the successful fishing,they were having their usual arguments when hamza kicked a very large stone just for fun.

"I have warned you to hide your special gifts whenever we are outdoors," Baba Abarshi chided.

"Baba, not again, must I keep hiding it," Hamza sneered

"It is for your personal safety, not mine, "

"I am tired of this place,"

"Keep your mouth shut and walk fast, I must sort this fish and distribute them to the market women before sunsets,"

"Hmmm, I wonder why you struggling and end up paying some unreasonable taxes,"

"I said shut up,"

"Can we just leave Nasara already?" Hamza was irritable.

"Nasara is the only land who still allows banished citizens of other Emirates to make a living,"

"Were you banished?"

"Shut up Abarshi and stop asking me questions?"

They got home and met some fish vendors waiting patiently, Hamza left his father to do his business alone and proceeded into his tiny room.

There came Hankarau, Hamza's friend running into Baba Abarshi's house, He panted heavily as he spoke.

"Greetings baba , I want to see Hamza,"

"Who bears that?"

"I mean Abarshi,"

"He must be up to his doings inside, you know it, why are you panting heavily?"

"Baba, I guess you must have been fishing when the bell rang, Emir Arzika is about to make an announcement,"

Hamza who was trying to get some nap was awoken by the noise of the fish vendors, he walked out with a long face.

"Abarshi, it has happened," Hankarau grinned

"I am Hamza,"

His father gave him a stern look "a child who renames himself with a meaningless name,"'

"It means lion Baba,"

"Travel to the foreign land before you adopt a name fool and don't you ever come out without your stranger mask," Baba Abarshi turned to Hankarau "follow him inside to discuss the announcement, I will find out after I distribute my fish,"

"We also heard the bell and we are expecting," one of the fish vendors said "but lets finish the main business, "

The young lads obeyed Baba Abarshi, they left for the inner room.

"Hamza, Arzika has finally agreed to release some prisoners and my sister is fortunate to be among, my daily pleadings have finally worked out, "

"You mean Gimbiya would be free," Hamza was exited

"I am so happy,"

The second bell was Heard.

"It's time for the main announcement, you could come along but you have to remain outside the palace, not everyone should know that the curse doesn't have effect on you, try and put on the stranger's mask, " Hankarau warned

Nasara emirate had very strict rules, strangers had some weird limitations, they could not walk freely outside their homes with out a piece of black clothing wrapped over their faces which covers their head leaving only the eyes visible, they were not also allowed to come into the palace. they must always be identified with the masks. Nasara Emirs believed that most strangers must have been banished from their original lands and they wouldn't want them a have a strong reputation in Nasara, although Baba Abarshi was right, Nasara was the only Emirate that gave chances to strangers to own their businesses and houses. The strangers obeyed because they might face serious consequences if they failed to wear the mask, they may suffer serious illness that could lead to their end and vice versa , the main citizens must never wear the stranger mask to hide who they were.

"One day we shall be free from this unholy mask," Hamza said to himself, they met their Gerau, a mutual friend as they walked to the gathering.

"Where are you coming I was at your house earlier?" Hankarau asked Gerau

"My father had travelled to the neighbouring Emirate," Gerau quickly replied.

They continued walking but their speed of their feet reduced as they saw people emerging from the palace looking quite dull, some argued while others wore loomy faces.

" What has the Emir said again?" Hankarau asked a fellow citizen.

" He would release the prisoners once their loved one fights and beats Rushewa,"the fellow replied

Hankarau was shocked, The condition was impossible.

" Who can beat that witch?" Gerau slammed

" He just wants some entertainment, I had told you, let's gang up and finish that evil lord once and for all," Hamza charged

" You keep saying it like it was that easy, how can you kill someone that has eyes all over Nasara? he would fish you out if you even think of killing him" Gerau said, he was the only third and last son of his Father (an influential merchant), he was mischievous and cunning and those behaviors of his irritated Hamza.

" That is a lie, I have told you to stop spitting rubbish, I always see my self killing him,"Hamza continued

" Don't let the small fighting skills you have deceive you. You are a beggar in Nasara,"

" Enough please, my sister life is at stake, Rushewa's one punch will kill me," Hankarau said with a dark look.

" Must it be a relative? can a friend help?" Hamza was agitated

" He said loved ones, are you related to her?" Gerau asked Hamza.

" I wasn't referring to you so shut up," Hamza was ready to hit Gerau

" He knows me too well, I have been to the palace severally to plead for her release. He knows I am her only family" Hankarau heart bled.

" What do we do? Gimbiya will remain a prisoner if you don't fight and win" Hamza placed his palms on Hankarau shoulders

" Gimbiya is gone, just take it, no one can win a lost battle, fighting her is impossible not to mention beating her up" Gerau snapped.

" You are too hopeless, I can beat her"Hamza charged again while Gerau mocked him with a sardonic laughter.

"How? you always forget that you movement is restricted " Gerau turned to Hankarau" I have to go to the palace, there is a message for my brother"

" Ever since you got a free pass to go into the palace , you have begun to think that you have become successful in life" hamza threw

" Hamza, at least I don't have a piece of clothe on my face!" Gerau replied in anger , he left his a friends standing.

" I don't know why you still talk to him, he is a loser, I have always known this, if he was the one who knew that the strangers curse has no effect on me, I would have be casted in Nasara, he is so full of himself, "

"I am also glad he knows nothing about your special strength, but can you defeat rushewa?"

" Give a sword, an iron mask to hide my identity, and I will send her back to her coven"hamza sounded so sure.

" She has the strength of 100 men"

" My own strength has not been weighed yet, you remember how teacher sent me home because he noticed the trait, and I became the indoor child till I mastered how to control it, I think it is time to unleash it"

" I know you are special, I confirmed when you we went to the palace together to deliver some fish to Gimbiya"

" The good thing was that nobody knew who I was, even Gimbiya"

" How do we go about it?"

" Get the iron mask, I will be in the changing room with you, we have the same skin color,you will remain inside the room while I go out go out to fight, once I defeat her , I will pretend like I am in pains and run back to meet you"

" I hope it works out"

" Believe, many has been killed by Arzika because they wanted to end him, they said a stranger movement is limited but I have broken the rules and became stronger, I think there is a god somewhere that has been on my side"

" The Maker"

" Nasara never gave them a chance to even spend a day , I was opportune to meet one and he called me Hamza"

" Okay, thank you, I will go and get the pass before the sunset".

Hamza returned home , he explained everything to his father but he never mentioned that he would fight in place of Hankarau, Baba Abarshi was mad " why would he do that? how on earth does he think he could defeat Rushewa! She is not Human,she is a cannibal, do you know how many lives that have been sacrificed to make her who she is?"

" Everyone can't give up like you Baba" Hamza said as he ate a dried tail of a fish and caressed a short knife with His left fingers.

" You talked him into it, do you want to close their existence? Gimbiya and Hankarau are the only surviving children of their long dead parents"

" He won't die, if he does not defeat her, he would have a story to tell, he was bold enough to face her"

" If you want your friend to live, tell him to return the pass"

" I won't , I would encourage him, for how long are we going to remain slaves to a man with just one head? If you are not tired! I am"

" Abarshi!, you are being highly unreasonable"

" I am not" he stood up and kept the short knives in his pockets " can we just leave? don't we have our own place?" Hamza was enraged, Baba Abarshi noticed.

" Be calm, I have explained to you"

" No I am tired , I live like a prisoner in your house, I am the worst prisoner in Nasara, I can't even express myself and my talents because you fear that I will get killed, but just know this Baba, I am not hiding my strength because of my safety, I am doing it for you! people are suffering and they can't voice out because they fear Arzika, I know he has a weakness and I will find it and end him"

" Hamza!" Baba Abarshi called out and this amused Hamza " it's enough, you see, Arzika had traveled wide and beyond the imaginary to sought these evil powers, he is non forgiving and so cold hearted. His step brother and step mother had been imprisoned by him for years "

" I know the stories Baba"

" I will take you to Dangali, he will tell you everything, there is no safer place, don't let your gifts deceive you"

" does he know Arzika's secret?"

" let's get there first"

They both put on their masks and walked to Dangali's house whose father was a priest, as they made entrance they discovered that he must have been busy, they kept knocking until he opened , he was wearing a loosed Robe. Fara, Gerau's younger sister was seen with him, she was on her way home. She smiled and walked out shamelessly while hamza glared at her till she faded.

" Come inside" Dangali said, Hamza and his father revealed their identities by lifting up the mask "I have told you severally that you can take off your mask when you are around me" said Dangali.

" We are used to it, but do you have plans of marrying her ? You are old enough to bear her" Baba Abarshi sounded concerned.

" She likes me, which is not my fault at all, what brought you here?" Dangali asked while he tightened his robes

Hamza shook his head in great disappointment.

" is there any problem?" Dangali inquired

" Abarshi wants to defeat Arzika" Baba Abarshi blew.

Dangali laughed for a while " you could just jump into the river if suicide hunts you, suicide is far better than Arzika's wrath"

"You mean we should have our eyes closed " Hamza smirked

" Abarshi, Arzika's power cannot to compared to your strength" Dangali got himself some fresh wine from a clay keg.

" There should be a way to end him" Hamza said

"Of course , there is an impossible way " Dangali Sighed" Abarshi , you are very young, don't attach a death wish to yourself, Arzika might be mean, but he only kills those who step on his toes"

" What is the impossible way?" Hamza insisted.

" Abarshi! This is the son of a high priest telling you what he knows" Baba Abarshi came in.

" I don't understand you" Hamza directed to his father " I came here to discover how to end the bastard"

" Don't let your petite gifts come over you" Dangali appeared more serious.

" I am not like you, I face my fear, and I don't subject to merry to forget my sorrows"Hamza slammed

"Abarshi!!!" Baba Abarshi screamed.

" Leave him, I will tell him what he needs to know. Arzika has been adopted by lord Riya, lord Riya is the meanest god existing, He is extremely evil, to become his descendant, you will have to do the some real cruel things"

" So?" Hamza wanted more

" Arzika sacrificed his mother to lord Riya" Dangali landed.

" what?" Hamza was shocked

" Yes, he also gave up his conscience" Dangali expatiated

" But why did he do that?"

" For powers"

" What powers? He was going to be the Emir anyways"

" Hmm mm, he wanted more powers, he is angry with his father and Nasara citizens, however, my father told me that, his father, the late Emir sentenced the father of his beloved to death, he was the emir personal guard, it was believed he became possessed and attacked the Emir,even after her confessions that he had some mental challenges which was confirmed, the Emir was unforgiving, he was stoned to death, whilst he was being stoned, his daughter ran to the stand were he was tied and the people didn't stop stoning, they were both killed. It is believed that this is the main reason for Arzika's rage, although many don't know about it"

" So he is avenging by killing the innocent people and making life so difficult for Nasara citizens"

"Probably, I believe what made Arzika really mad was that the remains were given to Rushewa, Rushewa had been a dog to the Emirs of Nasara , they use her on special occasions, but since she could easily be misused, she was tied in shackles and thrown into the deep dungeon where nobody could reach out to her, she is a cannibal but could live without food , Rushewa will become a slave to whoever feeds her with human flesh after a long time of fasting, the deceased Emir believed that he needed more security after he was attacked, so he woke her up with the flesh of the the girl Arzika loved, her efficiency depends on how she is fed, but once she is fed ,even if it was just for a day, she would serve her master for a decade"

"So whoever feeds her within a decade will have power over her and now, Arzika had woken her again" Hamza said

" So I heard"

" What is the impossible way to end Arzika?"

" Arzika gets to die when his abode gets burnt "

" The palace?"

" No, the house in the Mugunta, which is ruled by lord Riya, the god of evil, it is impossible to get there even with the map"

" How can I get there?" Hamza asked

" Abarshi, are you deaf? it is impossible! The routes are hunted!" Baba Abarshi yelled.

" There is no justification to what he is doing! If he is not stopped, he would do more"

" Nobody can stop him, he is Lord Riya's son" Dangali added.

" Then why are we stuck here baba? Well, I am not scared a bit, I need a map if you have one"

" Anyone one wishing Arzika death has a death wish for himself " Dangali paused for a while "Abarshi, i need you to get me my cloves, I spread them under the sun"

Hamza obeyed and left immediately

" I told you about this boy, his agility will end him, Arzika is not a soft meat" Dangali spoke quietly to Baba Abarshi

" He feels he can do anything because he has some special strength"

" Abarshi is a wild pet, no matter how you care for them, they might still betray and leave you to face your problems alone"

" I have to keep talking to him, I cherish him so much"

" No , you cherish you wife, she is the reason why you kept him"

Hamza returned with the cloves,

" Thanks, you can go now, my Fara will be around in no time"

Hamza wasn't satisfied, he was desperate to get hold the map of the Mugunta ,, he couldn't wait to defeat Rushewa as he would fight in place of his friend in the next two sunsets.

The contenders in disguise

Gerau was trying to pave a way for himself in the palace, he wanted to also be a guard like his brothers so he was almost always at the palace, he saw Hankarau from a distance walking out of the palace , then ran to approach him " I hope you didn't come here for the pass"

" I have collected it already, I am the only person on the list "

" Are you mad? How on earth do you think you could defeat her? Don't let that bastard deceive you"

" Lower your tones, I can't let my sister remain in that dungeon where they are fed with little or no food"

" That's not true, Arzika gives then food daily"

"Then why don't you send your sister to prison if it was a good place?" asked Hankarau and they discussed more as they left the palace.

" Hankarau,You can still return the pass, it's not too late"

" Gerau, you are selfish, you claim you like Gimbiya but you cant do anything to save her, she does not deserve to be in prison, you and I know that she was implicated ''

" No I am not, I am trying my best, leave it to me, I will save her, I promise, but I don't want to loose you , you can't fight her, you and I know that Abarshi is the strongest amongst us , he knows this and he keeps comparing himself to us"

" Well , he is a better Friend ''

" What do you mean?''

" It will be better if you both stop acting mean to each other," Hankarau paused " I need an iron mask"

" Why not the normal combat mask?"

" would you give me or not?''

Gerau had a feeling that Hankarau was hiding an information from him.

" What's your plan? I thought I was your friend, you don't believe in me anymore"

"The only plan I have is to fight Rushewa and I need to be properly dressed"

" Hmm, okay, I will bring the mask to you by dawn"

Hankarau nodded, but Gerau was deep in thought, he knew Hankarau was up to something, he walked down to Hamza's house but he was told by Baba Abarshi that Abarshi had gone alone for hunting.

" Anytime Abarshi goes for hunting alone, he would definitely practice swords fighting, is he trying to fight in place of Hankarau?" Gerau thought deeply" I guess that's the reason for the iron mask " Gerau was thrown into confusion " but it is not possible, it is forbidden for stranger to go into the arena ''

The main day finally arrived, the combat field was all set, and Rushewa was fully prepared, Arzika was beginning to enjoy the scene , he laughed so hard when he was told that only two citizens took up to the challenge.

" I never thought anyone would take the challenge," he said to the first maya,

" Your highness, I think she should take some rest, the third maya is ill" the first maya reported

" What is she trying to reveal that is eating up her strength?" Arzika asked" I told her to be calm, I smell no danger, let's get prepared for the show".

Hankarau appeared less nervous , Hamza was with him all through the night, Hamza was caressing the iron mask with a dark face, when they heard a loud bang on the door and it was Gerau.

" Why were you banging?' Hamza threw.

" I will come back to you" Gerau started" Hankarau, do not make this dangerous mistake! my father just returned and I have told him to speak with the Emir"

" There is no turning back, stop being a hypocrite!" Hamza said

" I know you talked him into this you fool! what sort of a friend are you?'' Gerau attacked.

" A better friend than you can ever be!"

" Well I won't let you fight, Hankarau"

" You cannot stop him" Hamza stood up, he was getting agitated

" Why can't I? Who do you think you are?"

Hankarau tried the handle the situation but Hamza burst out.

" Because he won't fight Rushewa, I will!'' hamza said

Gerau was stunned for some seconds then he burst into a long screeching laughter like that of crazy hyena.

" You actually forget who are are! you are a common slave whose life lies on Arzika's palms '' he talked through while laughing.

" Gerau, you are so ignorant, I am not like others" Hamza continued ,Hankarau did his best to intervene but Hamza wouldn't stop" I have gone into the palace without my mask countless times, I have broken many rules and instead of getting weaker, I became stronger and bolder! I put it to you, I will beat Rushewa mercilessly and Gimbiya will be released and she will become my bride ''

Gerau laughter slowly disappeared " is he mad? " he directed to Hankarau

" You two should stop!" Hankarau exclaimed.

" Hankarau" Gerau looked deep into Hankarau eyes

" Yes! He is fighting Rushewa' Hankarau replied.

" Are you both insane? Arzika would kill the both of you"

" Gerau, you know nothing about Abarshi, he is special and the curse has not effects on him. We need you on our side"

Hamza tore his stranger mask and revealed is face "you are not really used to my face Gerau"

" I am not in support of this, I know you are very good with swords but Rushewa is destruction"

" Is she immortal?" Hamza asked

" No one knows what would kill her, she has proven to be so strong" Gerau narrated

" All those powers were acquired, she must have been modified by the evil gods Nasara Emirs worship" Hamza added

" I don't know what is giving you such guts but it is not too late t o give up the fight"

" I am not giving up" Hamza said, he buried his short knives in his pockets " you have to be on our side, because I won't spare who ever spills the beans, no one should know about this,"

Gerau stared at them for a while , he nodded and concluded " I need to go the arena to go set the tents and place the swords the contenders would make use of, Rushewa is going to face just two people, I still hope you change your minds and choose life over death" he finished , then he used the door.

" Hamza , would this work out?" Hankarau was exhausted

" It has, I am too certain, let's stick to the plan"

"What if Gerau ..

" I would make sure no one believes him, he could betray me but I am not certain he could betray you "

The combat

The arena was well arranged and the citizens had taken their positions , Arzika sat with his two mayyu guiding him, they have become visible and their sight lighted up some discrete murmurings amongst the crowd. The main field were surrounded with guards and there was a small wall between the main field and the spectators stands, Hamza and Hankarau were in their respective tents, Hankarau was obviously scared " be at ease , I am the one fighting , not you" Hamza kept repeating.

Rushewa was in her a small cage, she was all charge, Arzika announced the commencement of the combat. The first person was called upon, he also had the iron mask, he was cheered up by the crowd but they never knew his heart was already in his mouth.

Rushewa was released, her appearance had changed the nature of his bladder, she was so fierce, she roared like a lion, the giant held a heavy sword, the contender was too scared, he shivered and retreated, he did that by raising his swords in the air which was the sign that he had given up the challenge.

"I said it, nobody can face her, bring in the second contender, i think I know that one, he is a regular beggar" Arzika commanded.

" It is time" Hamza said" remain here no matter what"

Hamza walked boldly into the field, he was heavily armed, he had his short knives all buried in every pocket of his combat clothes.

Rushewa roared as usual but hamza didn't potray any reflex, and the crowd hailed him for that.

" Let the combat begin!" Arzika announced and the drum was beaten.

Hamza was a bit defensive at the beginning , Rushewa attacked first, her sword was heavier ,she aimed for his fists which made Hamza drop his swords but he drew the second sword which cut a part of her neck, Hamza was able to reveal the color of her blood, the cut caused a mild terror in her throat, Arzika was astonished! Rushewa tried to slash him but he blocked her by sliding beneath her , the swords crashed and he followed her up with a kick which left her body vibrating , she roared and tried to charge again. There was a silence among the crowd as they all couldn't get their eyes of the combat, the combat got more intense, it seemed like the fight was between two monsters, Arzika tried to fathom how Hankarau could have become so strong, he was engrossed to the combat ,but alas, he was distracted by the the first maya " some boy has something to tell you about this battle, he said some one else has replaced the contender,"

" What? bring the boy, you" he directed the one of the guards " beat the drum!"

The drum was beaten, which signalled the end of a field combat " halt the fight!" Arzika shouted, Gerau was brought to him , he stood next to Arzika. Hamza knew that he had been exposed when he sighted Gerau.

" How dare you! take off your iron mask now!!" Arzika ordered

Hamza knew that the only solution was to escape, he didn't take off the mask, the guards were asked to attack him, but he left deep cuts on them , he moved closer with high speed to Arzika's stand whilst he defended himself , he sent his short knife to Arzika's direction, Arzika was also fast, he used Gerau as a shield and the knife dug Gerau's throat, this alarmed the mayyu and Arzika, Hamza played a smart one, he went into the crowds ,There was a huge commotion and every one ran for their lives, the guards tried their best but they eventually lost him.

Arzika tried to bring Gerau back but he was confirmed dead " he was not able to tell them who the contender was , get that fool named Hankarau!''

Hankarau was still in the tents, he shivered as he stood still, it was as if his feet were glued to the ground, he knew it was all over as soon as some guards came into the tent and dragged him out.