Chapter 11
While McCanna was in town Persu showed Stella the jungle. Coming near a clearing, she moaned out a cry. All that was jungle had been destroyed. She could make out the outline where homes were lined, where the little village was set for McCanna's people. So sad, the pain these people suffered at the hands of evil men.
Swallowing back tears, she looked down at Persu who was now in human form. He was sitting with his legs crossed, saying a prayer to those in his village who had gone before. As she admired him she could see his body was just as beautiful as McCanna's. His features were perfectly chisled, his body strong and powerful.
Sitting down beside him she took his hand offering her comfort. As they sat there in the silence, neither saying a word Persu eyed her.
"This is what your man did to our people. This is what your human race does to each other everyday in your society. It is all man knows how to live by. Greed, power, war and destruction." Stella knew he was right, she knew there was no argument she could give him to defend her own. Tearing up Persu watched as her tears fell upon the earth.
"This is why you were chosen Stella. Your have a pure heart. One that is filled with strength, comfort and love. You are a trustworthy soul with a beautiful spirit that did not need to be guided by a teacher. These qualities you possess on your own, they are very rare and unique. Making you a fitting queen to help rebuild and carry on the Mombasa line."
"As much as I would thank you, there is still one question. What if I cannot give McCanna children? What if for some reason I'm unable to create life."
The Shaman sat there, then with a wave of his hand, he took Stella into the future. Watching as her and McCanna were running through the jungle with a child. A small boy who could have been no more then six, followed by two others the same age. Then looking at herself, she seen she was heavy with child again. Smiling between her tears, it disappeared.
"This is why they need to kill you Stella. They need the Mombasa line to end. It's the only way they can get this side of the jungle."
"Then why not McCanna? Why me, I don't understand."
"Man fear what they do not know. To them McCanna is a great warrior. To kill a great warrior will bring on many curses to the men who killed him. This is why they will try and kill you. You are the one that can bare another Mombasa child. Eventually they know McCanna will die of old age, leaving the jungle open to the highest bidder. But now he has a queen, they know it is no longer possible to take what is left of McCanna's land for his child shall inherit it all."
Looking over to Persu, she noticed he had changed back into the cat. Stroking his fur she whispered... "thank you, thank you for explaining and showing me a small piece of our future."
Getting up, Persu walked back home with his queen.
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In the village McCanna picked up enough food and supplies to last a week. Walking down the path, he seen a beautiful green dress with white flowers around the neck and bottom. Closing his eyes, he could see his wife dancing through their home heavy with child. McCanna wasn't sure what made him think of a child in that moment, but he had. Hoping it was an omen he walked into the store and purchased the dress.
Heading back home he noticed Hilda flying above him. Smiling to himself, he knew she would beat him home. Nearing the edge of the jungle he seen the huge black cat that did not belong in his jungle . He had a feeling whoever was after his queen, had sent in a spy. Making like he didn't see it, he called to Persu and Hilda through his mind.
Hearing McCanna's call, Persu noticed Stella was sleeping. Heading out, he placed a seal over the home so it could not be breeched. His only hope now was, that Stella wouldn't wake till they got back, else the seal would be broke leaving her vulnerable for an attack. Racing to the edge of the jungle Persu seen the black panther and attacked, while Hilda clawed and pecked at its eyes. Between the two of them, they had destroyed him. Watching as he changed. He became a man.
"He is one of the evil ones McCanna. Which means your enemy is one of our own. So you best think fast . Try to remember which one of those boys betrayed their own kin. " said Persu
You said there were six taken back with you, right?" asked Hilda.
"Yes Hilda. But we were all so close. I honestly don't think they would have done that. Not unless they were tortured. Forced to give information to whoever is behind this evil game."
Sighing deep Hilda said... "let's get back, McCanna. I have news for you and your queen."
Walking back towards home, McCanna knew it wasn't good. For Hilda's face was one of worry and concern.
tbc...
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Thanks for the wonder review Asprine. :) *smiles*