| |
Amber awoke exhausted and famished. Grandma loomed over her, her comforting smile lessening Amber’s fatigue but not her hunger.
“I could eat a horse,” she croaked.
“I don’t have a horse, but I do have dates.”
Grandma handed her a plate of the desert fruit. Amber remembered not being particularly fond of them, but at that moment they were the best fruit she’d ever tasted. Her hunger dulled immediately; she set the plate down and sat up. Lush pillows and chairs encircled her, the smell of pleasant incense calming and comforting. Bissau slept on a bed opposite, his head propped on a gilded headrest. But it was Grandma who intrigued her the most. She was no longer the elderly but sprightly women she’d set out on this journey with. She was much younger, resembling the old photos she’d seen in the house.
“Yes, I’ve changed somewhat,” she said, answering Amber’s questioning eyes.
“But how?”
Grandma chuckled. “Marai is selfish with her time. She takes back what belongs to her.”
Amber didn’t understand Grandma’s words.
“What are we going to tell mama and dad?”
Grandma looked thoughtful. “That’s a good question. We’ll figure that out when we see them again. In the meantime, it’s time for you to meet my baba.”
Amber ate another date. Energy eased into her body with each fruit. By the time she finished she felt refreshed.
“I think I’m ready,” she said.
Grandma led Amber to adjacent room. It was simply furnished; a small desk with a cushioned stool and a plain chest of drawers close by. The most prominent item was a large mirror bordered by a frame obviously carved by a true artist. The patterns of stylized animals and people captivated Amber so much that she almost forgot the reason she’d come to the bedchamber.
“Amber, meet my baba Jakada,” Grandma said.
She broke her gaze from the mirror then looked to the opposite wall. Grandma’s baba lay on a simple bed, his head supported by a plain head rest. His white robes fell over the edge of the narrow bed, his chest rising and falling slowly. He shifted then turned toward them both. A weak smile came to his bearded face.
Grandma went to his side and then sat beside the bed. Amber approached then stood beside her.
“You are here at last,” he said. “Marai is safe.”
“Hello, baba,” Amber said.
“Your voice sings like Alake’s when she was your age,” he said. His eyes strayed to Grandma.
“It feels strange seeing you as an elder,” he commented. “Though I saw you in the mirror this way, to see you before me is much different. You were still a child when I let you go.”
Grandma smiled. “You will meet my family one day. I promise. I am sorry you never met my husband.”
“I am, too.” Great grandfather touched Grandma’s hand.
“But there will be time for such meetings, I hope,” he said, his voice becoming stern. “Bagule still hopes to be selected Sana of Marai. He knows you escaped and has stationed his allies around the elders’ chamber to prevent you from entering. You must get inside.”
“But how?” Amber asked. “I’m assuming his ‘allies’ are warriors.”
Baba nodded. “They are. But you are not alone and you have your own skills.”
Amber shivered. Her skills were not certain and appeared on their own accord. Bissau entered the room. Aisha followed with a sly grin on her face.
Baba grinned. “Ah, our wrestlers have come.”
“What is she doing here?” Amber said. “She’s with Bagule!”
“I’m with whoever pays,” Aisha replied. “Jele Jakada has restored my abilities so I owe him a debt. Besides, you impress me. I’d like to see how this all works out.”
Amber looked to Grandma. “Do you trust her?”
“She’s a woman of her word,” Grandma said. “We need her help as well. There are not many who will stand against Bagule.”
“There are others that will assist us,” Baba answered. “It’s best they remain concealed until they are needed. What happens today will determine not only the fate of Marai, but possibly your world, too.”
“What is happening, Baba?” Amber asked.
Great grandfather sat up. He seemed to be getting stronger as they spoke.
“Marai is an old city, older than you can imagine. It is the center of all things good and wonderful, but it is also the center of all things dark and dangerous. Our ancestors realized this early in the city’s existence and decided in their wisdom to seal the city off from the rest of the world. A spell was created to do so, one that would render Marai invisible to all.”
“But what about the people of Marai?” Amber asked. “They have done nothing! This is like a prison.” She thought about Solonke and the kindness of her family.
Great grandfather nodded. “Some would think so, especially Bagule. It seems we are being punished for a condition we did not ask for. That is not the issue. The reality is that we have been given a great responsibility and we owe it to our ancestors and the rest of the world to be diligent of it.”
“Still, I can understand why Bagule feels the way he does,” Amber admitted.
“How can you say such a thing after what he’s tried to do to you?” Bissau said.
“Because she is who she is,” Grandma answered. “And she wears the necklace.”
Amber touched the necklace around her neck. She’d worn it nearly all her life, never imagining its power. Now, sitting before Grandma’s baba and the others the responsibility rested on her shoulders.
“So, what will we do?” Amber asked.
“My friends will come for you tonight,” Great grandfather said. “They will take you to the Elders’ chamber where the deliberations are being held. You will go as servants bearing refreshments. We have someone inside who is awaiting your visit. Once you get inside you will go to the kitchens and replace the servers. When you are in the presence of the Elders you will reveal yourselves.”
“But how will they know who I am?” Amber asked. “And why will they believe me?”
“You must figure that part out,” Great grandfather replied. “I have faith you will.”
It was not a good plan, Amber thought. Her secret would be out and she would be exposed to anyone who meant to do her harm.
“And if I can’t convince them?”
“Then I will get you out of Marai. You are only a threat to Bagule as long as you are here. If you are gone, he will leave you be.”
Amber looked into her great grandfather’s eyes and saw the lie. Bagule’s reach extended beyond Marai’s walls.
“What about you?” Grandma asked. “If Bagule becomes Sana you will not be safe.”
Her great grandfather grinned. “Then I will finally learn what life beyond Marai is like.”
Another lie, Amber sensed. He would never leave Marai. He would die first.
She glanced at the curtains. Night was coming, the waning light fading behind the colorful fabric. A few weeks ago, she was an awkward girl struggling her way through middle school. Now she was sitting in a city that shouldn’t exist making a decision that she was not qualified to make. It was like being in a movie she didn’t ask to be in, or having a dream she would rather not have.
Her great grandfather touched her hand and broke her thoughts.
“I know this is much for you to comprehend, but you have performed well beyond my expectations,” he said. “That alone tells me that you can do this. Once the selection has been made you can return to your home and your life. The Sana of Marai is a long-lived person. You will never have to see this city again.”
She’d never considered that. How was she going to forget this? And did she want to?
“Let’s get some rest,” Grandma said. “We have a long night ahead.”
She followed Grandma back to her room then lay down on a hard bed with a plush silk head rest. Amber slept soundly, dreaming of home, mama and daddy. When Bissau shook her awake she was well rested.
“Amber, it is time.”
Amber sat up on the edge of the bed then took a deep breath to calm the tempest in her stomach. This was it. In moments she would stand before a council of men and women to make a decision that would change the course of their lives. She shut her eyes tight, trying to imagine the scene, attempting to convince herself she was ready for this.
“Come now,” Bissau urged. “We must go.”
She took another deep breath then stood, pushing out her chest as she straightened her back. She strode into her great grandfather’s room projecting more confidence outside than she possessed inside. Grandma, Bissau and Aisha stood by great grandfather’s bed, joined by three people she did not recognize. Two men flanked a woman who wore as flowing head wrap and large golden earrings. She gave Amber a motherly smile before coming to her and taking her hand.
“I can feel it,” the woman said. “She is definitely the one.”
“This is Baramouso Sissoko,” great grandfather said. “She is a trusted friend. She will take you to the elders’ council.”
Grandma bowed to Baramouso and Amber did the same. The woman waved her hand with a smile.
“Come, we must hurry,” she said.
The two men accompanying her lit their torches then led the way with Bissau and Aisha close behind. They entered the dark dusty streets, walking swiftly up the wide avenues. As they approached the main market Amber felt a chill course through her.
“Wait,” she said.
Grandma came close to her.
“What is it?” she asked.
The chill increased.
“Something is coming!” Amber exclaimed.
Baramouso’s eyes widened.
“Everyone back!” she barked.
They ran back then hid in the nearest alley. The chill Amber felt transformed into a concoction of fear, disgust and anger. She looked at Baramouso, who confirmed Amber’s feelings with a curt nod.
“A jinni approaches,” Baramouso whispered. “It was probably summoned by Bagule. It is good you sensed it.”
The jinni appeared in the road, an apparition resembling a sentient cloud with red orbs that searched about like eyes.
“I think I can stop it,” Amber whispered back.
“No,” Baramouso said. “I don’t doubt that you can daughter, but now is not the time for you to reveal your skills. If the jinni does not report back to Bagule he will suspect something. We hide until we are close. Then all will be revealed.”
Amber looked at Grandma and she nodded her agreement. They waited for the grim being to pass before continuing.
“This way,” Baramouso said with a wave of her hand. “Hurry!”
They worked their way stop and go through the city, dodging more jinni.
“Why do they not see us?” Amber asked Baramouso.
“The jinni doesn’t possess long range sight or hearing. Touch is the way of identity for these ones. Most don’t recognize the jinni as they are. They think they are patches of fog or smoke. But you have the gift. Others are not so lucky.”
They finally reached the center of the city, the home of the Sana. The tall walls resembled those of the private compounds but were constructed of huge blocks of granite. A wide gate occupied the center of the wall, rising several feet higher than the wall and dwarfing the guards patrolling either side of the entrance. The gate was open, its towering ironwood doors turned inward.
“Now we play our role,” Baramouso said.
Amber reached out to the men at the gate. They were diligent and suspicious, as guards should be.
“They will question us,” she said.
Baramouso smiled. “I know, which is why I will do all the talking. Keep your eyes down and say nothing, especially you, Amber.”
Amber nodded then pulled her hood over her head. The group stepped out into the open then marched single file to the gate, Baramouso leading them. The guards straightened then stood before the entrance, crossing their spears between them then resting their free hands on the hilts of their swords.
“Good evening, sons!” Baramouso called out. “I hope we’re not too late!”
“Mama Baramouso,” the guard on the left said. “What are you doing here?”
“The elders sent a message that they needed more servants so I brought them,” she answered.
“There have been no messengers,” the other guard said.
Amber tensed. Aisha began to step from the line; Amber grabbed the back of her robe.
“Let me go,” Aisha whispered. “I’ll deal with them.”
“No,” Amber answered. “Let Baramouso handle this. They are trained warriors.”
“So am I,” Aisha replied. “This will be easy.”
“Quiet!” Baramouso shouted at them in a commanding tone.
Aisha allowed Amber to pull her back in place.
“I’ll give her a few more minutes,” Aisha whispered.
Baramouso turned her attention back to the guards, a smile on her face.
“It’s so hard to get good servants these days. Now, where were we?”
“There have been no messengers,” the guard said, his voice more forceful.
“You actually think the elders would send me word through a mere messenger?”
The guards glanced at each other then stepped aside. Baramouso walked through the door. As Amber approached the curious guard stopped her then began lifting her hood.
“What are you doing?” Baramouso asked.
“Inspecting your servants,” the guard replied.
“That is not necessary,” she replied.
The guard turned to her. “I’ll determine what’s necessary.”
“This is rude behavior, Diallo,” Baramouso scolded. “You treat my assurance like dust. I know your mother raised a better warrior than this.”
Diallo held the edge of Amber’s hood between his fingers. He glared at Baramouso, apparently angered by her words. He snatched his hand from Amber’s hood.
“Go!”
“Now that is the courtesy I’m used to,” Baramouso said.
Amber and the others followed Baramouso down the corridor leading to the elders’ chamber. More guards lined the walls and stood before the chamber entrance, their eyes on the group. Baramouso waved everyone to her.
“We will proceed directly to the meeting hall,” she said. “Do not stop for anything or anyone. We will run if we have to. The main task is to get Amber before the elders. Nothing must stop us from doing so. Are you ready?”
Everyone nodded. Amber felt someone touch her hand and smiled.
“Don’t worry,” Bissau said. “I will protect you.”
“I don’t need your protection,” she answered. “But I’m glad you’ll be with me.”
They hurried down the corridor, ignoring the curious stares and questions from the other guards. They were halfway to the hall when the questions became shouts. Amber turned to look behind her. A group of warriors and others were running after them, including the guards at the compound gate.
“Run!” Baramouso shouted.
Bissau let go of her hand then ran in the opposite direction. He joined Aisha at the end to their line, apparently preparing to defend her if the warriors caught up with them. Grandma pushed her ahead.
“Go, Amber! You must make it to the hall!”
Amber ran, following Baramouso to the chamber. The woman was surprisingly fast despite her age, as was Grandma. But Amber knew Grandma was changing, growing younger the longer they were in Marai.
The door guards took defensive positions before the chamber entrance, their weapons drawn. A hand gripped Amber’s wrist then yanked her back.
“Get behind me!” Grandma shouted.
Grandma bounded straight into the warriors. They apparently didn’t expect her to attack. Grandma delivered a quick kick to the first warrior’s stomach then a palm heel strike to his jaw as he doubled over. The man hit the floor unconscious as the other warrior moved to attack her. She stepped into the second warrior’s swinging arm, delivering a twisting elbow to his head. He fell away gripping his broken jaw. The third guard approached slowly with his sword and shield. Grandma took up the unconscious warrior’s weapons then they circled each other. They clashed as three more guards appeared from inside the chamber.
Amber turned to call Bissau but he didn’t respond. He and Aisha battled the warriors that came down the hall, Bissau fighting with quiet determination, Aisha yelling like a bad martial arts movie. Baramouso and her companions also fought, which meant there was no one to stop the three warriors coming at her. They brandished no weapons; their intent clear. They meant to capture her.
Amber remained motionless as the first man advanced on her. As he reached for her she grabbed his wrist then twisted, snatching the shocked man off his feet then throwing him. She continued to spin, crouching low then extending her left leg, sweeping the next man off his feet. As he crashed to the floor Amber rose, jumping over him as she delivered a snap kick to the third man’s groin. He crumbled to his knees, his hands instinctively groping his privates. She let her momentum take her over him, landing gently on the balls of her feet.
“Amber!”
She looked in the direction of the call. Grandma and Baramouso pulled at the chamber doors, Grandma motioning her with her head. Amber wanted to stay and help her friends, but this was the reason they’d come so far. As the door opened she sprinted inside the elders’ chamber. There was a collective gasp from those inside as she entered. She quickly surveyed the scene. The elders sat in a circle, each resplendent in their colorful robes and jewelry. Guards were spaced evenly against the wall of the circular room, each brandishing a sword and glaring in her direction. In the center of the circle stood Bagule, Nieleni by his side in a beautiful silk dress, her face still bruised from their earlier encounter. She glared at Amber, but Bagule seemed amused, a knowing smirk on his face.
“And so, she enters,” he said, gesturing toward her with his free hand. The other hand held the kora.
“Elders, I present to you the great granddaughter of Jakada, the woman from beyond the Veil, Amber.”
Amber straightened, her skills focused on the crafty noble. He hadn’t been able to stop her from coming to the council, so he would attempt to discredit her. Grandma and Baramouso joined her, Grandma on her left, Baramouso on her right.
“Jakada convinced us centuries ago that we must separate ourselves from the world, less it taints us and we it. We agreed, allowing him to use his powers to hide us from its contamination. Yet standing before you is proof that Jakada’s words pertain only to others but not to himself. How long has it been since anyone has seen his daughter Alake? Well here she is elders, standing before you as a young woman with not only a child of her own but a grandchild. If she was among us she would be no older than her grandchild. Our humble protector has separated us from the world while he uses the Veil as he chooses.”
“My father sent me away to save me,” Grandma said. “He knew the day to choose a new Sana was drawing near and he knew there were some that would not want the new Sana to be chosen the old way. He could not protect me in Marai, so he allowed me to escape.”
One of the elders, a thin man with a wisp of a beard, cleared his throat.
“Who would wish to harm you, child? We are all brothers and sisters under the ancestors’ watch.”
Grandma cut her eyes at Bagule. “Some of you would choose a Sana not based on who you think would be best to rule Marai, but by whom you think would best serve your interests.”
The elders shifted uncomfortably. Bagule’s face became angry.
“How dare you insult the integrity of our elders!” he shouted.
“And how dare you attempt to buy them like cheap cloth!” Grandma shouted back. She grasped Amber’s shoulders. Amber tensed with her touch.
“This is what we came for, Amber,” she whispered. “You must be strong and open your mind to your powers.”
“My granddaughter possesses what I have lost to time,” Grandma said. “She will choose the next Sana.”
Bagule laughed. “Are we to trust the seed of Jakada, the very man who trapped us here? The man who has violated his own edicts to satisfy his whims?”
“Then let me judge you,” Amber said. The words surprised her as much as they surprised everyone in the room.
“Yes, let her judge you,” Grandma repeated.
A stout woman with huge golden earrings and a collection of necklaces stacked from her shoulders to her chin raised her hand.
“Why would you judge us? We are not candidates.”
Grandma leaned closer to her.
“That is Yenge Diabate, highest elder. Her family is the oldest lineage of Marai and the most powerful. Address her as Nana.”
Amber stepped away from Grandma’s grasp then bowed deeply.
“Nana, my talent allows me to see into your heart,” she said. “There are no secrets to me. Give me your hands. I will share only with you something that no one else knows, not even your husband. If I can do so, then surely I can select the new Sana.”
Yenge approached Amber, her hands extended.
“Show me,” she said.
Amber took Yenge’s hands. She closed her eyes then cleared her mind. Images swirled into the emptiness, forming shapes and symbols she couldn’t comprehend. She let go of Yenge’s hands.
Bagule looked into her eyes, a triumphant smile gracing his face.
“See? This is a waste of time.”
“Let me try again,” Amber said. “I’m not from here. The symbols are different.”
Yenge gave Amber her hands again.
“Try again, daughter,” she said with a comforting smile. “I am no friend of Bagule. His arrogance is beginning to annoy me.”
“Thank you, Nana,” Amber said. She closed her eyes again. The unfamiliar shapes reappeared but now they coalesced into scenes she could understand. She saw a young chubby girl sitting with a woman she resembled, the two of them working a worn loom. The fabric they created was an elaborate pattern of blues and greens.
Amber smiled. “You miss your mother, especially the days you made kente together.”
Yenge’s mouth formed a circle as tears came to her eyes. She turned to her peers and their eyes widened.
Bagule stepped toward her.
“This means nothing! So she reads Yenge’s hands. Any street trickster could do the same. Does that mean she can select our new leader?”
“Then give her your hands,” Grandma said. “Let us see what lies in your heart.”
Amber jerked her head to Grandma, her stomach hard like stone. She did not want to be anywhere near that man. He meant to kill her. Grandma gave her an assuring nod but it did not calm her. Her stomach churned.
“I have nothing to prove,” Bagule replied. “My fate, as the other candidates for Sana, lies in the hands of the wise counsel of the Elders.”
“And who are you to declare such a thing?”
Jakada staggered into the room, leaning heavily on a thick staff crowned with a golden falcon. He smiled weakly at Grandma and Amber as he entered then bowed the best he could toward the Elders. Bissau rushed to him, giving the mage his shoulder to lean on.
“The true violator comes!” Bagule announced. “Here is the man who should be condemned by us all. He imprisons us with his magic yet comes and goes as he pleases. Why should we be deprived of the bounty of the outer world while he enjoys its fruits?”
“I am not the only one who has breached the barrier,” Jakada replied.
“This family is polluted,” Bagule said. “The Elders must choose.”
Amber looked back to her great grandfather then to Bagule. Her senses roiled inside her head, obscuring her skill to read them. But she was sure of one thing; something bad was about to happen.
Jakada pointed a finger at Bagule. “You speak of my transgressions but what of yours? Did you not send Aisha to stop my daughter’s return? Did you not contact bandits to do the same thing once Aisha betrayed you?”
“Enough of this!” Bagule shouted. He struck the strings of the kora hard. A sharp discordant sound filled the room. Amber’s ears ached and she winched. When she opened her eyes, a brilliant bolt streaked toward her. She raised her arms to protect herself and was swallowed by light and heat as she fell to the floor. For a moment she the power consumed her, and then the sensation changed. The energy subsided and she rose on her hands and knees. She looked to her great grandfather then gasped. The light crackled from Bagule’s kora to her great grandfather’s extended palms. Grandma, Bissau and Aisha lay unconscious on the floor around him. She crawled toward him, the amber necklace hot against her skin.
Great grandfather looked at her.
“No Amber,” he said. “You must go now!”
Amber continued to crawl to him, growing weaker with each moment. She was almost to him when someone grabbed her leg then dragged her away. She jerked her leg free then rolled onto her back to see Nieleni looming over her, a curved dagger in her hand. Nieleni lunged; Amber brought her knees to her chest then kicked out. Both feet smashed into Nieleni’s face. Bagule’s consort dropped the dagger as she fell onto her back. Amber struggled to her feet then jumped to her great grandfather, embracing him. She felt the necklace’s power surge from her then into her great grandfather. The stream of light coalesced into a blinding sphere which burst throughout the room, knocking her to the floor. She was blinded for a moment; when her sight cleared she saw her great grandfather lying beside her. His head turned toward her and he grinned.
Amber stood. Everyone in the room was either lying on the floor or struggling to sit or stand. She studied each face before saying what she felt.
“Bagule and Nieleni are gone,” she said.
Bissau and Grandma staggered to great grandfather then helped him to his feet. He looked about the room as well.
“It seems so,” he said.
Amber looked into her great grandfather’s eyes as heaviness set into her mind.
“Did I...did we kill them?”
Jakada patted her shoulder. “Whatever has happened to them was meant to be,” he said. “Do not feel guilty.”
“He is right,” Grandma said as she hugged her. “Bagule had a choice. He is responsible for his fate.”
Healers and servants rushed into the room moments later then set about tending the elders and others.
“We will have to postpone the selection,” Jakada said.
“There is no need,” Amber replied.
“What do you mean?” Bissau asked.
She gazed about the room once more.
“It is said the Sana was a great man. I did not know him. But I know something of Marai.”
“Everyone! Gather about!” Bissau shouted. The elders and the others came, forming a circle around Amber, Grandma, Bissau, great grandfather and Aisha.
“Speak Amber,” Jakada said.
“I must say what I feel, what is inside me,” she said. “There is no one in this city worthy to take the Sana’s place.”
A collective gasp filled the room. Yenge stumbled back as if struck.
“What do you mean no one?” Yenge said. “There has always been a Sana!”
Amber closed her eyes, concentrating on the feelings coursing through her. She saw images of Marai from the day it was founded, faces of the men and women who had been named Sana, selected by women with her power. And as much as she tried to find someone among the people before her to continue that tradition she found none. But there was one who would be Sana one day. She did her best not to show any gesture that revealed her feelings, for that person was far from ready.
She looked at her great grandfather instead.
“When you sealed Marai from the world you did so with the best interests of both sides. It was a wise decision. But times and people change. The world can benefit from what Marai holds, and Marai can benefit from what the world holds. Bagule was right; it is time for the wall to come down. But his intentions were wrong.”
“So, what do we do, Amber?” he asked.
“The Elders will rule Marai,” she said. “They have always served as counsel to the Sana. Now they will issue decrees by consensus.”
She took Nana Yenge’s hand.
“Yours will be the final say,” she said. “Your lineage is the strongest. It is your right.”
“Yet I am not fit to be Sana?” Yenge questioned.
“It is what I feel,” Amber answered.
The elders murmured to each other, their heads nodding in approval of Amber’s words.
“You say we must let down the Veil,” Yenge said. “But our people are not ready for this outside world.”
Amber nodded in agreement. “Someone must teach every Maraibu the ways of the outside world, someone who has lived in both. There is no better teacher than my grandmother, Alake.”
Grandma stepped forward. Great grandfather placed his hands on Grandma’s shoulders. The Elders whispered among each other again then faced Amber with approving nods.
Amber relaxed. She felt as if she was being released from gentle hands. Fatigue washed over her and she staggered. A pair of familiar arms wrapped around her; she looked over her shoulder into the smiling face of Bissau.
Yenge gazed over the chamber.
“The ancestors have spoken through Jakada’s daughter,’ she announced. “Her words carry their wisdom. The elders will administer Marai until that time a new Sana is ready, whenever that may be. The Veil will come down.”
There was neither cheer of approval nor a roar of protest, just a consensus of head nods and grunts of assent.
Grandma and great grandfather stood before Amber. The confidence she displayed earlier trickled away.
“Thank you, Amber,” great grandfather said. “You’ve come a long way to help us. You saved our city.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t pick you as Sana,” she said.
Great grandfather smiled. “The truth plays no favorites. You did well.”
Her eyes went to Grandma.
“You’re not going back, are you?”
Grandma smiled. “No, Amber. I’m staying here.”
“I didn’t mean you had to stay here all the time.”
Grandma stepped back her arms wide. “Look at me, Amber. Would you go back?”
Amber grinned, and then hugged Grandma tight.
“I guess not.”
“It is time for you to return,” great grandfather said. “Your parents must be worried.”
“That’s an understatement,” she said. “I haven’t spoken to them since we left Senegal.”
“Then we must hurry,” Grandma said.
“We must go to the mirror,” great grandfather replied.
Amber’s stomach tightened as she turned to face Bissau. The young man smiled as she took his hands.
“Thank you, Bissau.”
“I would never let harm come to you,” he said. “You are of Jakada’s blood. You are like a sister to me.”
Amber’s smile faded. She had no intentions of being Bissau’s sister.
She hugged him tight then kissed him. When she stepped back Bissau’s face was frozen somewhere between shock and fear. Amber laughed.
“I’m ready to go home now,” she said.