I closed my eyes and breathed deeply of the exotic flowers surrounding the pool. Tilting my head back, I allowed cool water to be poured over my thick black hair. Gentle hands of my servant, Dikeledi, spread aromatic oils through my long tresses. Silently, she worked to make my hair smooth and fragrant. Her assistant, Nyah, massaged my hands and feet with more of the sensuous oils. Although accustomed to such luxurious treatment, I still was able to enjoy the beautifying process.
My eyes fluttered open as an out-of-place noise echoed in the rushes beyond the pool.
"What is it, highness?" Dikeledi asked of me as I shook my head in disbelief.
When another noise like the first met my ears, I said, "Can I be imagining it? I thought I heard a babe's cry."
"I as well, your highness," added Nyah, who immediately received a reproachful look from Dikeledi.
"It's alright, Dikeledi. Nyah, go and examine the source of the cry." I ignored the evident, although attempted concealment, fear on Nyah's face. There was the occasional snake or crocodile that, unseen in the reeds, could attack without warning. Such occurrences were so rare, however, that I thought it unnecessary to acknowledge Nyah's apprehension.
Lazily, I watched her slight figure as she walked to the river. I thought another cry had issued from the baby (I assumed at this point that it was a baby). Apparently Nyah heard it as well, for she halted abruptly and bent down, spreading the rushes to get a better look. She inhaled sharply and with swift movements picked up a bundle and strode quickly back to me.
Wordlessly, Nyah's glowing face told all. Indeed, it was a baby. Instinctively, I reached out my arms, "Hand the child to me." Although its face was streaked where tears had run, the baby was now cooing and gurgling. I was in love. The baby must be mine.