*** 3 MONTHS LATER ***
It’s the Karmagha’s market day. On this day, people from different clans come to purchase commodities including agricultural produce from Karmagha due to the great yield it has yearly. The Wonderful Market – so it is being called – was 25 miles away from the palace. The topography of the place is one that you can be on this end of the market without seeing what is going on few metres from you but you can see what is happening in another part of the market 10 to 20 kilometres from you.The air has been infiltrated with dust as a result of the movement of individuals and horses in the market place including camels and donkeys used to carry loads. People of Karmagha who have gathered their farm produce displayed it and then used their hands to beckon on passers by to patronize them. At one end of the market, there is this band of musicians playing instruments and displaying all kind of dance steps. Passersby who are intrigued by the music dropped money for them in the sack positioned on the ground for that purpose.Sagamus, a trader, displayed his wares for people to see and patronize him. A lady approached him to inspect some of the clothes he displayed for purchase. Her love for fashion was top-notch. Her hair was solferino-red and it rested over her shoulders. She wore voguish clothes in a stylish manner making it match with her shoes.“That dress will fit you well, it suits your standard,” Sagamus said to the lady.“It’s like you have a nice sense of fashion, as I touched this particular one, I got attracted to it,” she smiled.“It is raining! It is raining!” a man ran pass shouting.Sagamus sighed in relief and said to the lady “This is the first rain since the past three months, come and sit inside so you won’t get wet.”The lady entered the store and sat on the wooden chair with him. People began to run to shelter; a little boy’s feet clogged to the muddy soil and he fell on the ground but was raised up by his parents. Sagamus watched as the rain fell and enjoyed the scent oozing out of the ground.One of his kinsmen raced towards him panting heavily.“What is it that made you run to this place under the rain, hope all is well?”“A toad does not run in the day time for naught, all is certainly not well.”“What is it Emendy?” Sagamus asked curiously.“Your wife just lost the baby.”“Ahh! Poor baby, what’s all this? I thought I was becoming a father soon.” He exclaimed with his two hands on his head as droplets of tears rolled down his cheek.Racing down to his home – a little bit far from the market square, not minding that he had no protection from the heavy down pour. Seeing relations and friends wailing outside, never bothered to salute anyone, he entered into the room where his wife was, breathless, just then he fell on the bare floor and became unconscious.Vast majority of the people in Karmagha preferred it to shower directly on them, appreciating the sacred goddess Sarmandra for remembering them. Till this day, every fourth day of the sixth month is celebrated as one of the festive days in the whole land of Karmagha in remembrance of the goddess’ kindness.The next day, Carrita went into her sacred room to consult and ascertain if the curse have been taken away from the kingdom. The things in the room where she was beginning to shake as though there was a mighty wind that entered into the enclosed room. She started seeing things double and it felt to her as though the world was turning upside down. Not being able to withstand it, she fell to the ground and suddenly a voice was heard from the direction of the carved image of Saramandra placed on the altar.“The curse still remains, this is my great kindness shown to the land of Karmagha.”Carrita was on her knees, her face bowed to the earth, while fidgeting she asked, “How then can we take away this curse?”“A male child will be born to the king; he alone can do this.”“How?”“By defeating the evil sorceress who placed this curse on the land.” ***Carrita was alone with the king in the palace while the guards were positioned behind the closed doors.“I’m elated that the great goddess has remembered us in causing a great down pour on the land yesterday. I am very much convinced that the curse has been lifted. Wow! After three months,” he took a deep breath, “What do you think?”Carrita had a furrowed brow and her upper lips curled into a scowl.“What’s the matter, are you not excited?”“My king, the curse is not yet over, the down pour was the kindness of the goddess shown to us which we will not experience again for decades.”“What are you talking about? I seem not to comprehend,” the king said curiously.“In the early hours of today, I inquired at my altar and that was the response I got.”“So, what is the remedy? What is the hope of Karmagha?” The king inquisitively asked.“There will be a male child born to the king, he it is who will take away this curse from Karmagha.”“How can this thing be?”“He has to defeat the evil sorceress – Evelyn for everything to return to normalcy.” ***Days passed by, weeks passed, months passed but there was no positive change in Karmagha. No sign of rain, the agricultural produce was not yielding as before which led to a drastic decline of patronage from traders in other clans. Those who had the where withal had channeled waters from the sea to their farm. Miscarriage became the order of the day, at least in a month four families will weep as a result of it. Many went to the Sacred Ocean to beckon on Saramandra to come to their aid. The waters in the small streams began to dry up, hunters hardly get a catch because the famine has also ravaged the animals; things became very expensive that some persons began to use their properties in exchange for food. The king on his part provided the daily food for the nobles and the royal household out of the land designated for the royal family. Water has been channeled from different rivers to the farm. He also made provisions for the commoners once every week.One year gone and no sign of conception, it’s as though there is no remedy to Karmagha’s ordeal. The incessant disturbance of the people left the king to sleepless night thinking on the next step of action to take. Carrita had assured the people that there is hope and it is commonly reported in the land that the Queen will give birth to a son who will take away the reproach.“I just want to believe that this will happen.” Fandalia said to Agua’mie on the bush path while they went hunting.“If it happens, then it is a miracle seeing that none have given birth over a year now in this kingdom.” Agua’mie asserted.“Let the will of the great goddess be done” said Fandalia. ***“Messengers from the Queen my lord” was echoed by Shammah at the entrance of the palace.“Let them in” the king said.They walked into the palace where the king was sitting with a trusted chief who he normally leans on and take counsel from for he was regarded as a man filled with knowledge and wisdom. Chief Manda’Uke knows the answer to every question and proffers solution where needed. The messengers made obeisance to the king.“Speak on.”“The Queen wants the message to be delivered to you alone.”“Don’t worry, you can say it, Chief Manda’Uke is a good man and reliable. If the matter is difficult, he can proffer solution as well.”Chief Manda’Uke smiled and nodded his head in affirmation.“The Queen asked us to inform you that she’s conceived with a baby”The king interrupted, “How? When? Is this really possible?”“It’s 3 months now, she hid it so she will watch it to see if it will be like that of others”“Why did she do so?” The King became furious.“My King, this calls for celebration and not for all these questions. Finally, the great goddess has remembered us.” Chief Manda’Uke intercepted.“That’s a wise saying Chief, Saramandra has visited us.” To the messengers he said, “Tell the Queen I will come see her but let no one hear of this for now.”“Yes, your Highness” the messengers quickly left the palace.“Shammah!” The King calls.Shammah rushed in and bow before the king, “My lord, you called me.”“Send and bring Carrita to the palace this minute.”“Yes, my Lord” he went out of the palace.“Your Highness, I will take my leave now.” Chief Manda’Uke said while picking his walking stick as he bade to go.“I will speak to you later Chief, god speed.”Carrita was escorted by four royal guards to the palace.“The Queen is three months pregnant”“That’s great news,” Carrita interrupted, “truly the great goddess cannot lie to us.”“From now, your eyes should not move away from the Queen. You are to protect her and make sure the baby is safe. Use every protection spell you know to protect the Queen and the chosen child.”“Yes, my King.”Related Chapters
Karmagha The Chosen One
“Push, my Lady, you can do it.” The royal midwife who is in charge said to the Queen. “I cannot feel myself, I don’t think I can continue.” “Don’t say so my Lady, the great goddess is with you, for this is the hope of the people of Karmagha.” Carrita reassured the Queen. “The baby’s head is coming out my Lady,” the midwife said and then turned to other midwives there with her; “Make ready the water to wash the child.” One of them went to get it done while the other two were close by assisting. Carrita was standing by the left side of the bed close to where the Queen’s head was, cheering her up while the maid that ministered to the Queen was by her right hand. The Queen shouted in pain and with that force pushed out the baby; the cry of the child was heard. Shammah who was standing outside heard the cry and went to inform the king after proper inquiry.Carrita took the child from the midwife in charge, raised him up and said “This is the chosen one.” Then she handed him back to th
Karmagha First Battle
There years later, baby Forgus was in his room with the sorceress assigned to keep an eye on him. The bead was safely placed on the cloth used to cover him on the bed. It was bed time but he is finding it difficult to sleep. He turned to the sorceress and said, “Tell me a story.” Then he sat upright to listen. “Okay, listen very carefully I will ask you a question after the story.” He sits well and this time with rap attention. “Once upon a time, in a land terrorized by an evil sorcerer. He made sure no one sleeps comfortably in the land for fear of him. He might strike at anytime and he has edge over everyone due to his strong knowledge of sorcery. None was able to stand him; he even scares children away. But one day, a boy named Forgus” he smiled on hearing his name, “met him, pretended to be on his side; he killed him from behind and that was the end of the evil sorcerer. Now, my question; who saved the day?” “Forgus.” “That’s right. Give me a high five.” He was happy to hear
Karmagha Magnus Institute of Sorcery
Getting into the open space around the lifted hand of Karmagha’s sculpture, there is a vast land that is hidden therein from being visaged by those in the ordinary world. There is an inscription on a board hanging on the air in a portrait manner without any support for it which reads ‘Magnus Institute of Sorcery.’ One cannot just enter into the open space although you can’t see what is going on within; trying to enter, it’s as though there is a barricade preventing one from doing so. Magnus and wife had placed a spell there that no one can enter into the institute without being granted access; this they learnt from a faraway land which none of the sorcerers and sorceresses in Karmagha have knowledge of.There are bungalows scattered over this vast land where the students lived in. People from various communities came to learn more of sorcery here especially the young ones. The place was built like the normal conventional high school; only that there are five classes of learning due to
Karmagha Love and Chase
Forgus entered the library only to find Ella sitting all by herself. She’s reading ‘The Ultimate Book of Spell’ written by Miranda Goshawk. He went to her and said, “Can I join you?” “Sure, you can.” “What are you up to?” “Trying to understand Hobert’s magic.” “That’s a simple thing to do.” He stretched his wand towards the book on her hand, performed a smooth swish and flick movement and said, “Wingardium Leviosa.” The book was elevated to the mid-air above her head, then he began to toss it back and forth. She tried to take the book but was unable to. “Stop it!” she said, “I’m reading this book, hand it back to me!” He refused, kept on swinging the book around the library. It obviously turned to a ‘chase and catch’ something. The joy in his heart knew no bound; she kept chasing it breathing heavily. He tossed it close to one of the shelves, she leapt to take it and landed on the floor after hitting herself on the shelf. Forgus saw the books about falling on her, rushed to he
Karmagha Kampela and The Lady From Amsnath
Kampella is a little town that was discovered by Sajious. He left his father’s house in search of a better place to stay with his offspring. He’s great in livestock and sought a better pasture for them. He sojourned into Kampella and decided to fallow the whole land for himself and his offspring. The place was named after the third son of his second wife. He loved him so much; he was his smallest child then. However, as he grew older and acquired wealth, he picked another wife from his kindred who bore him more children.In the late 18th century, King Dovia of Karmagha led his people into Kampella and wiped out everything having breath therein. Dovia slaughtered the king, his wife and son not knowing that Evelyn had hid herself. It was a great massacre; the livestock were taken by the warriors and the city was burnt.Magnus went out with his wife that day to visit someone in the neighbouring town. On his return, he discovered his house burnt down and his children all dead. He rushed t
Karmagha Quest For Solution
“Forgus! Forgus!” Flora paused for a while and said, “Where has he gone to?” She continued her search to the point of going into his room but he was not there. Anglo was close to the room with one of the female teachers discussing. “Do you know the whereabout of Forgus?” Flora said to him.“No. is anything the matter?“Help me look around for him, I need him to do something for me.”They both went in search of Forgus, entering different places in the vicinity calling on him but no response, he was nowhere to be found. Then Flora proceeded to the rocky part of the field in further search of him, he always goes there whenever he wants to be alone. Seeing him from a distance, she just stared with wide opened eyes and didn’t shake. After some moment of gazing, Anglo came there and was about to call him, she used her hand to close his mouth. They watched him closely without saying a word, then they went back. Later that day, Forgus was with Mr. Sarma in the library; “How’s it going wit
Karmagha Hope Sparks
Chief Manda’Uke tapped the king to allow him speak.“Dear people of Karmagha I greet you.” There was relative calmness. He continued, “The king is not in oblivion of the ordeal in Karmagha and I must tell you that he has been doing his best to manage the situation. We are all aware how he’s been of assistance in the area of food to everybody in this Kingdom though he’s also affected. As for the curse on the land, it will soon be lifted: the goddess Saramandra had assured. Don’t lose faith in Saramandra, remember the goddess showers us with rain at least three to four times in a year. This is because of her love for this Kingdom. The chosen one will soon surface, when I say soon, I mean very soon. He will defeat the evil sorceress and return the kingdom to its normal state. Our salvation is near now.”There was distant charter among the people“He’s right.” “I think we ought to have faith in the great goddess, if she has been showing us mercy to send rainfall, then she will certainl
Karmagha Search for Freedom
“Forgus, let’s not do this, I don’t think it’s a nice idea.” Ella said.“Don’t you want to view the outside world? You’ve been here for years and I’ve spent all my live in this place. I need to see how other people fare.”“Isn’t it better you talk with Professor Magnus about this? He’s your dad, I bet he’d listen to you.”“I don’t think so, he wouldn’t want me out of this place all my life. Shhhhhh! There’s someone approaching here let’s hide.”They both hid themselves behind the flowers. Mr. Sarma walked towards that place, looked around as though he was in search of something then proceeded back to the library.“Phew! Thank goodness were not caught, let’s return back immediately.”“I really need to see the outside world, please support me and go with me.”“Fine. But then, we don’t have the key to leave this institute. Have you forgotten that’s surrounded with spell and no one knows it except Professor Magnus and his wife? There’s really no way we can get out of this place. Let’s get
Latest Chapter
- Karmagha
Beneath the Surface
Ella gazed at the tranquil surface of the pond, her eyes reflecting the shimmering water. She lowered her fingers, causing ripples to dance across the liquid canvas. It was a soothing routine that often helped her clear her mind. As the water responded to her touch, she felt a connection, a flow of energy between her and the element she commanded.In the midst of her contemplation, a sudden surge of emotion gripped her. Memories of her parents, who had perished when she was a child, surged to the forefront of her thoughts. She inhaled deeply, focusing on the water's ebb and flow. As she exhaled, her hand instinctively moved in an intricate pattern over the water, almost as if the liquid recognized her unspoken desire for connection.Her heart raced as the water before her began to respond in unexpected ways. Droplets floated upward, coalescing into an ethereal figure that seemed to mirror her movements. Awe and disbelief intermingled within her, yet the connection felt natural, as if
- Karmagha
Trial by Flame
"Did you hear what happened a few days ago?" Maya's voice carried a tone of intrigue as she spoke to Ella. They stood near the Institute's courtyard, where the sun cast dappled shadows on the ground.Ella arched an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "What incident?"Maya's eyes gleamed with excitement as she leaned in slightly, as if sharing a secret. "Word is, a student accidentally conjured a flame so powerful that it almost got out of control."Ella's eyes widened with surprise. "Really? What happened?"Maya shrugged, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "No one knows for sure, but there's talk that Professor Simon had to intervene to bring the flames under control."Ella's lips curved into a playful grin. "Sounds like quite the spectacle."Maya chuckled. "Oh, it definitely was. Imagine flames dancing like they had a life of their own."Ella's gaze wandered across the courtyard, her thoughts drifting to the various magical talents that the Institute's students possessed. "It's fasc
- Karmagha
Earthen Roots
The sun's gentle rays painted the Institute's grounds with warmth as the Earth group assembled on the edge of a lush meadow. Ten students, their faces alive with anticipation, stood in a loose circle around a circular patch of earth. Professor Ant, a figure of quiet wisdom, stood before them."Today, we delve into the heart of earth magic," Professor Ant announced, his voice resonating with reverence. "Feel the earth's energy beneath your fingertips."The students extended their hands, palms hovering just above the soil. Whispers of incantations fluttered in the air, mingling with the soft rustle of leaves. Their expressions held a mixture of focus and excitement, as if they were on the verge of uncovering a hidden treasure."Let the earth's pulse guide you," Professor Ant instructed, his eyes twinkling with ancient knowledge. "Merge your magic with its essence."As the students channeled their energy, the earth responded. The ground beneath their hands quivered, a subtle dance of mag
- Karmagha
Winds of Change
The courtyard was ablaze with fiery demonstrations as Forgus and his fellow Fire group students practiced their magic. Sparks flickered and flames danced, reflecting their growing mastery. Joseph's grin widened as he twirled flames like an artist with a brush, while Ella molded water into intricate shapes nearby."Nicely done, Forgus!" Joseph called out, flames following the wave of his hand.Forgus wiped sweat from his brow, a sense of accomplishment flooding his veins. "Thanks, Joseph."Ella joined them, her clothes lightly damp from water manipulation. "You're both improving leaps and bounds."With a chuckle, Forgus glanced at his friends. "It's the result of burning the midnight oil, or in this case, magic."Their training session wrapped up, and Professor Simon's voice carried across the courtyard. "Well done, Fire group. Keep in mind, it's about finesse, not just power."Amid the dispersing group, Forgus noticed Professor Magnus watching from a distance, his intense gaze fixed o
- Karmagha
Bonds Unveiled
The Institute's library was a haven of hushed murmurs and the scent of ancient parchment. The soft illumination of enchanted lanterns cast a warm and inviting ambiance, illuminating row upon row of shelves that held the accumulated wisdom of generations. In a quiet corner, Forgus and Joseph were engrossed in the study of an ancient tome that delved into the history of fire magic.Forgus' finger traced the intricate illustrations on the brittle pages, his brow furrowed in concentration. "Joseph, can you imagine the raw power wielded by the fire mages of old? Their stories are woven with flames that consumed kingdoms and forged empires."Joseph leaned closer, his voice low as if sharing a secret. "True, but it's not just about wielding power, it's about understanding it. Like harnessing the power of a wildfire without letting it consume everything in its path."Their conversation held more than just scholarly curiosity; beneath the words lay their shared aspiration for excellence and re
- Karmagha
Igniting Potential
The training arena hummed with eager anticipation as Forgus found himself surrounded by fellow students in the Fire group. The rhythmic flicker of flames at the center of the arena cast a mesmerizing, warm glow across their excited faces. Joseph stood beside Forgus, their shared enthusiasm evident in their exchanged grins."Today, my young flames," Professor Simon's voice resonated, "we delve into the intricate dance of fire magic."The exchange of a quick glance between Forgus and Joseph held unspoken determination, a silent pact to immerse themselves in the art of fire manipulation."Embrace the flames," Professor Simon continued, his voice steady like a heartbeat of a fire. "Feel the energy within you, an ember waiting to burst into a blazing inferno."Closing his eyes, Forgus surrendered to the sensations enveloping him. The whispers of fire brushed his thoughts, a beckoning call to command their untamed power."Visualize the flames responding to your will." Professor Simon guided
- Karmagha
Magnus Institute's Induction Ceremony
The grand hall of Magnus Institute of Sorcery buzzed with electric anticipation. Banners of vibrant colors adorned the walls, representing the elemental powers—fire, water, air, and earth. Students who had completed the first stage of their training stood together, their eyes shining with excitement and a hint of apprehension.Forgus and Ella, their hearts racing, stood side by side. Today was pivotal, marking the unveiling of their magical paths.Anglo, a revered sorcerer known for his wisdom, stepped forward. His robes flowed like a gentle breeze, a blend of blue and silver reflecting his affinity for air. With a commanding presence, he addressed the assembly."Welcome, esteemed students, to the zenith of your journey—the Institute's Induction Ceremony!" Anglo's voice resonated, capturing the attention of the hall. "Today, you will be sorted into groups that mirror your unique magical talents."As he spoke, the banners above shimmered, symbols aglow with magic. One by one, students'
- Karmagha
Danger looms
“It’s already getting dark and there’s no trace of Forgus and Ella, it’s high time we moved out of this institute in search of them.” Margret said to her husband.“How could they be able to pass through the boundary spell? They don’t know the spell.” Magnus said with confusion written all over his being.“It’s not the time to begin to think how they got the spell; it’s better we start looking for them immediately before another person gets them and they will expose the existence of this place leading to greater danger.”“You’re right darling.” He moved close to her and kissed her on the forehead, then hugged her tightly.“We have to move quickly.” She interrupted the moment.They moved quietly to the boundary with their lamps making sure no one sees them. However, Mr. Sarma who walked out of the library saw them and quickly hid himself to ascertain what they were up to. They used the magical word to remove the boundary spell and immediately dived into the thin air. They quickly landed
- Karmagha
Search for Freedom
“Forgus, let’s not do this, I don’t think it’s a nice idea.” Ella said.“Don’t you want to view the outside world? You’ve been here for years and I’ve spent all my live in this place. I need to see how other people fare.”“Isn’t it better you talk with Professor Magnus about this? He’s your dad, I bet he’d listen to you.”“I don’t think so, he wouldn’t want me out of this place all my life. Shhhhhh! There’s someone approaching here let’s hide.”They both hid themselves behind the flowers. Mr. Sarma walked towards that place, looked around as though he was in search of something then proceeded back to the library.“Phew! Thank goodness were not caught, let’s return back immediately.”“I really need to see the outside world, please support me and go with me.”“Fine. But then, we don’t have the key to leave this institute. Have you forgotten that’s surrounded with spell and no one knows it except Professor Magnus and his wife? There’s really no way we can get out of this place. Let’s get