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The Elders were informed of Famara Keita’s arrival earlier that day. They assembled in their chamber expecting his presence, the cool interior in contrast to the stifling heat of the dry season. Famara entered the meeting room to see them in a circle, eight men and women sitting on intricate blankets being served tea by attentive servants. Two horros accompanied him, warriors trained from childhood to serve the Elders and execute their plans. The bandages covering his shoulder wound hid under his robes; the book he’d been sent to retrieve rested in his hands. His fellow warriors led him into the center of the circle, proud smiles on their black faces.
Famara eased to his knees then extended the book.
“Elders, I have returned with what you seek,” he said.
One of the elders, a short wide man with a thick gray beard stood then waddled to Famara. He took the book from Famara’s hand then carried it to a woman wrapped in a colorful dress with large gold earrings hanging from her extended lobes. He opened the book before her; she took a pair of elaborate brass goggles from her sleeve then scanned the pages.
“Is it authentic, Kassaye?”
Elder Kassaye took her time studying the tome. After a few minutes she lifted her head, a smile on her face.
“It is as he says Yefarma,” she confirmed.
The other elders nodded simultaneously. The squat man closed the book then walked away into the darkness.
“You have done well, Famara,” the woman said.
“Thank you, aunt,” he replied.
Another elder spoke, a man with the broad shoulders of a former warrior.
“What of El Tellak?” he asked.
Famara suppressed a grin. “Tellak is dead by my hand, Elder Bosso. May the vultures choke on his putrid flesh.”
The elder nodded his approval.
Elder Yefarma spoke again. “For two years you sought this book. We are impressed by your dedication. You are a true horro.”
Famara said nothing, his face warm with pride.
Yefarma closed his eyes. “It is because of this that we must burden you with another task.”
Famara stiffened. He’d only been back days, barely enough time to enjoy the company of his wife.
“We know this is difficult for you, but this task requires your special skill. Besides, most of your task is complete. We know where the book is. Your job is to retrieve it.”
If the location of the book was known his assignment would be much shorter. If the elders required his ‘special skills’ it meant his task would send him beyond the Sahel.
“I am here to serve you, elders,” he finally answered.
“The book is in Fredonia, in the city of Atlanta,” Yefarma said.
Famara nodded. “I will leave immediately.”
“The ancestors are with you,” the elder said.
“Thank you,” Famara said.
He prostrated before the elders then left the chamber.
Famara stepped into the noonday heat fighting to keep his emotions in check. He’d pledged his service to the Elders immediately after his initiation rites. It was an honor he had no intentions of rebuking. But he had no idea what turn his duties would take. The discovery of Wagadu changed everything.
He trudged to the market and bought a chicken for the evening meal as well as sorghum and dried dates. A few moments later he arrived at his family compound, greeted by singing and laughing. Children gathered about his legs, boys and girls dressed in colorful tunics that scraped their ankles.
“Uncle, uncle!” they cried.
Famara reached into his bag, pulling out handfuls of dried dates. He distributed them among his nieces, nephews and cousins as he walked, giving away the last one before his home.
“Did you save one for me?”
Kande, Famara’s wife, leaned against the door well, a flirty smile on her beautiful face.
“Only the best one,” he answered, “although its sweetness is bitter compared to yours.”
He handed her a ripe date. Kande took it from his hand then placed it slowly into her mouth. She moaned with pleasure as she slowly chewed it.
“For this I’ll let you inside...the house.”
They kissed then went inside. Famara placed the chicken and sorghum on the table beside yams Kande was preparing for the evening meal. Kande inspected the fowl as she chewed her date.
“Are the elders satisfied?” she asked.
Famara ambled across the room. He picked up the metal poker beside the fireplace and coaxed the waning flames.
“Yes they are. So much so that they’ve given me another assignment.”
Kande slammed her palm on the table and Famara winced.
“No!” she shouted. “You’ve been gone for two years, Fa. Two years! That is enough.”
Famara took a deep breath. “You know I can’t refuse them.”
“Yes you can,” Kande retorted.
The house was almost silent, the crackling fire echoing off the mud brick walls.
“I can’t,” he repeated.
Kande didn’t answer. She prepared the meal while Famara tended his wounded shoulder. Normally Kande would assist him, but not this night. He understood her frustration, but she knew his obligations before they married. Still, in the four years of marriage they’d spent scant time together. Worst of all, they had no children.
Kande sat the bowls of stew on the table and they ate.
“So when do you leave?” Kande finally asked.
“In two weeks,” he answered.
Kande slammed her spoon down.
“No one else can do this?”
Famara wiped his mouth. “I must go to Fredonia to retrieve...an item. I am the only horro who can speak English.”
“And how long will you be gone this time? Two years? Three years? Ten?”
“I don’t know,” he confessed. “But it won’t be as long as before. This time we know where the item is located.”
Kande folded her arms across her chest. “The item. And you cannot tell me what this item is, an item so important that my husband is taken from me for years at time.”
“You know I can’t.”
Kande stood. “I’m your wife. You should have no secrets from me.”
Famara looked away. “This is different.”
Kande tilted her head. “Is it?”
She was right, of course. If something were to happen to him she deserved to know why.
“Let’s finish our meal, then I will tell you everything,” he said.
She took his hand then pulled him to his feet.
“Our meal can wait. Come with me. We will share secrets.”
She led him to the bed, sharing an expectant smile.