Page 13 of Wrath of the Oracle

“Did you two fight? Again?” Tula asked. As Sholei’s best friend, she was aware of the turbulent relationship between mentor and apprentice.

“She found out my plans for going to Faye Islands this year,” Sholei answered with a long, drawn-out sigh. She knew of Sholei’s ambitions and fully supported them.

“That didn’t go well, did it?” Tula’s lips thinned into a single line.

“Words were exchanged.” Sholei recalled her outburst. She learned long ago Musembi was set to join the Imperial Physicians but couldn’t because Sholei was days old. Young Musembi couldn’t join the physicians in the Faye Islands. Sholei always wondered if that was why Musembi hated her; she cut off her dream. There was an age requirement to join the Imperial Physicians, and Musembi was well past the entry phase. Students couldn’t come in with young children since the training was rigorous. If Sholei missed her chance this year, she would never be admitted to the Academy.

After their altercation about Prince Gane, Sholei didn’t leave the medicine yard. Musembi swamped her with responsibilities. Sholei immersed herself to prepare medicine and attend to patients to forget her misery.

Earlier in the morning, Musembi left to search for a special herb, and Tula used that chance to sneak Sholei out. Musembi left in excitement, talking about the discovery of a special herb that bloomed once a year. A healerfrom the neighboring city of Suneka had sent her a message.

“Sholei,” the smooth voice of Prince Gane called. She turned to him and recalled Musembi’s words. Prince Gane wasn’t as simple as she purported him to be.

Tula sent her a sly smile and melted into the sea of people before Sholei could stop her. Her best friend knew Sholei attended to the prince before.

Prince Gane stood before her, dressed in long silk robes and sporting his signature smile. In his golden robes, Gane shone brighter than the warm light from the lanterns around them.

“It has been a while since I last saw you.” His white smile fitted with the golden circlet on his head. Sholei felt underdressed in front of him. Her hand unconsciously went to straighten the wrinkles on her cotton attire. Tula had lent it to her since Sholei didn’t have many clothes presentable for such an occasion.Most of the money she received went into saving for the future. She figured that once she became a big name, she would have all the fancy dresses in the world.

“I have been busy at the medicine yard. How is your wound?” She shifted the topic back to him.

“Cured, thanks to the miraculous physician before me.” His appreciative sentiment reenergized her dark mood. Musembi was wrong about Gane.

“I have a gift for you.” He signaled the servant beside him to hand him a small pouch made of silk. Gane placed it in her hands. Another gift? Sholei’s heart beat fast in her chest. Would the prince use her as a pawn in his agenda?Why would he waste time handing her gifts? An insignificant physician?

“I can’t possibly accept this.” She tried to return it. Musembi would flip her lid if she knew Sholei met Gane, let alone accepted more of his gifts. Sholei didn’t have the energy to go another round with her mentor.

“Turn around.” Gane took her shoulder and twirled her. Because of his status, Prince Gane attracted attention. Several people glanced at them and whispered amongst themselves.

“I...” Sholei protested, uncomfortable with the scrutiny.

“Stay still…” Gane’s voice was good-humored as he placed a small necklace around her neck and fastened it.

“It’s lovely,” Sholei marveled despite her worries. The chain was made of colorful wooden beads assembled with experienced craftsmanship.

“A beautiful gift for a beautiful woman.” Gane winked at her. “A few days from now, I will call upon a favor from you. Will you indulge me?” Gane leaned down and whispered in her ear. Sholei’s heart skipped a beat at his request. Musembi was right. Prince Gane was going to use her. She turned and caught a cunning glint in his gaze, covered by a half smile. The overhead lantern cast half his face in darkness and the other half in light. His gaze bore into her as he waited for an answer.

“My Prince,” a soldier called to Gane from the crowd. Sholei lowered her gaze and broke the tension between them. Sholei became aware of the surging crowd, the sound of drumbeats and the cheerful ambiance became loud again.

“Soon, I will send for you. Wait for my message.” Gane waved her goodbye and disappeared into the crowd. Sholei followed his tall form until his golden headgear disappeared. What trouble had she landed herself in? Sholei slapped her palm on her forehead.

“What is going on between you and Prince Gane?” Tula reappeared beside her and elbowed Sholei, her puzzled gaze followed the tall prince. Sholei grew hesitant to tell Tula about her deal with Prince Gane and the heavy pouch of gold she received. Gold Musembi confiscated. Sholei released a slow breath. Would she be working for the prince for free?

“Prince Gane is appreciative of my skill, that’s all.” Sholei cleared her throat. Under the bright street lanterns, the necklace shone, and the various bead colors popped before her eyes.

“He gave you a necklace. It must mean something special.” Tula’s eyebrows furrowed in thought.

More like a noose against her neck,Sholei thought as she glared at the jewelry. The more she stared at it, the brighter it burned her eyes.

“You think so?” Sholei asked. What if she chose to work with Gane? After all, he was a prince with a pristine record. Apart from making medicine, he wouldn’t ask her for anything unethical, like poisons. That thought hit Sholei like a kick from the only donkey in the medicine yard. She recalled Musembi telling her that King Gusiwaju’s sons suffered a variety of maladies. Nothing life-threatening, but they were of ill health. Did Gane have something to do with his brothers’ sickness?

“Obviously,” Tula rolled her eyes. “Gane is focused on training and chasing down bandits. My brothers tell me he’s never shown interest in a girl. Maybe you caught his eye.” Tula popped one of the sweets inside her mouth.

“Dream on, witch,” the loud screech came from Sholei’s arch nemesis, Mmbone. “One necklace and you think you can stand by his side?” Mmbone was surrounded by four of her cronies, daughters of wealthy merchants in the city. They descended on Sholei and Tula like hungry vultures.

“You are jealous. No matter how much you try to attract his attention, you’re not the recipient of his gift,” Tula fired back, and squared up, ready to fight. Sholei pulled her back by her sleeves.

Ever since they were young, Mmbone and her friends harassed them. Tula and Sholei bonded together to fight off the group. As the only daughter of the head of the Chamber of Commerce, Mmbone was spoiled and had a nasty attitude. She behaved like the whole world was at her feet, and she had everyone walking on eggshells. Mmbone told everyone who bothered to listen that she would be the next queen of Mukuru and set her eyes on Prince Gane. Sholei vowed to be out of the city before that day arrived, or else when Mmbone attained such status, her neck would be on the chopping block.

---