Chapter 1
They say the best place in the world is heaven . I do not doubt it. I respect that choice . But what is heaven? “Sirewa” I would whisper , “Sirewa!” I would then scream. Nobody is as fond of this place as I am , no one! In Africa there is no greater land . And among the 8 great states , Sirewa is the largest ! Ever since the great state war that occurred 100 years ago. When the graceful Samori land was bound to be divided, 8 great chiefs fought without restraint to dominate the land. At the end the state of Sirewa took the glory, and stays even after years , the largest state .The villagers of this state are all known to be excellent fishers and renowned craftsmen, the state of the water was and still is the best place to get fresh seafruits and the salt is abundantly furnished . The shops are lively and the smiles are frequent here . Labor is glamorised and respected . Men and women work hard hand in hand to support their households . No woman of great virtue would cry the moon if her man could support the house . And no man would curse the night if his woman could dance the thiele . Mansa ,the chief villager is known as a grumpy man, an angry man and even is surnamed “the worst of men” ! He married 5 wives . The five of them were titled after the five great waves . Mansa titled “the sea” did not only marry wives he married the waves themselves . We do not call the five waves by their respectful names, it would be a disgrace ! Nor do we call “the sea chef” by his name; it would be a greater disgrace ! The first wife was named after the wave of Ndaleya “ the wave that listens” . She was known for her softness , her delicate beauty and her gentle words, just like her designed wave she was known to be patient and smart . She excels in poetry and is the great parlor of the sea state . The second wife, titled after the wave of Korai “ the storm waves” , is the youngest. She is the most stubborn and hot tempered and has sharp features . It is said that she is the flame instead of the wave . That her anger could kill . She’s the general minister and handles every war affairs in the sea state as well as the police station of the state. The third one was titled on the 3rd moon after the wave of Seyna “ the wave that gives” . She is the greatest wife of all. The prettiest , the most elegant, and the most mannered . She dances the thiele with such grace that none would dare step on the same floor while she is dancing and one would not dare look at her without her consent . She is the great wife after all, the chief’s favourite . She is the Gentle flowing wave .Who brings fish, abundance, life. And is most beloved by fisher men . She regulates all the fishing activities as well as every great feast that should be attended by the chief. She is his great advisor , and is our great advisor. The fourth wave Mawira was the wife of the fire chief from Nilo state . He later died in one war in which the sea state won . Which resulted in her becoming a widow and being forced to be taken as a concubine by the sea chief . The villagers curse her day and night, claiming that she is not worthy to be married at all, therefore have a title. Because she is known to be silent and mysterious. She takes care of the grief and memory and is ordained to stay near tombs every great moon for blessing. In summary she is the death and it is her punishment and her duty to carry. The last wife , my mother, is named after the wave of Yalumé, the largest wave who has a rare tidal surge and is a symbol of fate, endings and destiny . She is the oldest wife. And the sea chief barely cares about her because she is a little older and in his view her beauty has vanished . She is the second great advisor and takes care of taxes ,trades and travels. I was born on the 9th moon and was named after the sacred river of “Ndiara” whom I was offered as a sacrifice . The sea chief and mama Yalumé had struggled to give birth for many moons , until a child was finally born on the 9th moon . The whole state screamed to the miracle. But before they knew it, the royal physician declared me to be deadly and to be on my way to die soon. Some said , I was some reincarnated evil spirit who wanted to live a great life. Mama Yalumé and the sea chief later gave me as a sacrifice to the sacred river and I got to be where I am today eating thiakry in my room while the maids get me ready for the banquet.
“ Stop eating your grace! you need to look pleasing for the great moon banquet. All of the 8th chiefs will be attending, and the great prince of war with whom you are bound to marry will be present as well!” screams my royal nourice .
“ Do not worry, I won’t make myself full and will keep my belly tight; None would notice” i replied with laughter
“What a disgrace! I taught you to be more pleasant” She exclaimed while hitting me on the ankle.
“ What would mama yalumé think of you? Hun . You are bound to become a married woman… you should start behaving.”
“ Worry less, I have no intention of marrying. And mama yalumé does not pay much attention to me. She won’t notice.” I say afterwards
“Keep your lips tight! How could you say such things? You are in age. You should now consider greater things” she finished
I’m in no mood of arguing. So I just sigh.
Me? getting married? What a joke!
I rather drawn myself in the sacred river!
“No more talking. Let’s get you ready. You shall look the prettiest; today is no random moon. The palace maids all gathered at the couture house to get you the best gown and jewelries . Sit let’s make you the most pleasant lady” She then carried a basket full of pieces which I guessed to be the gown and accessories, she seated me on the chair and started applying shea butter on my skin to add glow. The other maids then prepped my braids into a large high bun, and placed and wrapped a moussor
on my head. They then pulled the gown on both ends and unveiled the piece. It was a white silked gown with golden garments. It was simple and refined and the details were highly tailored and precise.
“This gown is indeed magnificent,” said one maid .
They then removed the moussor before putting it on the table near my foot. And dressed me before reputing the moussor on my head. I then got to wear a pair of white sandals before applying on the given golden jewelries the maid had prepped for me. The great nourice then advanced and brought a mallet that contained many small jars. A lady whom I didn’t notice was there took the mallet and placed it in front of me, while keeping her eyes on the floor.
“Here are the scented oils selected by the great alchemists . Here is the apprentice of the Yapu. She is going to display the scented oils for you and you can pick the most pleasant one.”explained the royal nourice
“it would be a blessing” i thanked
The apprentice then approached with the mallet and displayed the various scented oils. Among those oils one stood out to me. It was a really soft scent, it reminded me sea shells; It was of a blue color and it smelled amazing
!
“No women would cry to the moon, if they were furnished with that scented oil. This oil was specifically maiden for your grace according to the request of your mother” exclaimed the nourrice.
The apprentice then stepped forward and added:
“This oil was made from Imphepho, a wild plant from the sea cliffs. Women would soak its gold flowers in soft marula oil right by the water.
It smells just like a seashell dried in the warm sand”
“ It is indeed a great pleasure to own this scent” I thanked again.
Even though jewelries and cowries are known to be our greater richness, to women of Sirewa, scented oils are greater. I then step forward and warm the oil between my hands first. Then, I would rub it directly onto my skin, on my arms, neck, and chest.
The maids would then gather around my gown to carry the ends. We are now heading to the banquet. The great moon occurs every 8th years celebrating the blessing of the ancestors and the grace of the moon spirits. This year the great moon banquet will be organised by the sea state. All great scholars and priests as well as noble men and women will be attending the great banquet. Not forgetting the state’s chief and the great king Samori . I, as a princess, have to attend such bothersome events. I do not despise it much at the end of the day. I enjoy eating the appetising meals prepared by the great cooks and never would I complain dancing the tchiele on the sand at night on the border of the great sea.
Later this evening, great banquet 19th lunar hour:
As soon as the sun laid down, the town crippled with joy. Fireworks were lit. Drums and several other instruments were played. Griots and singers were vividly occupied. Children were joyfully running around the place.
The great moon banquet finally started. The royal compound was beautifully decorated. All the 8th great chiefs were seated on respective seats. The main hut would soon be occupied for the great ceremony.
Main hut, 21th lunar hour:
All chiefs have gathered in the main hut followed by their spouses. Prince and princess , nobles , consorts and ministers as well as scholars and elder advisors sat on the nap; The ceremony could start .
“ We are all gathered here today to celebrate this important event, the great moon has risen and the night is starting. With our stomachs now full let’s start the great ceremony . Am i heard ?” announced mama Ndaleya
“ you are heard” the crowd exclaimed with joy
“let the party begin. Let each state present their gifts”
The first chief from Talmera, the State of Earth, rose from his seat.
He did not hurry. He adjusted his robe once, then twice, as if even his movements were part of tradition. When he stepped forward, the ground beneath him felt heavier, as though the hall itself recognized the weight of his state.
Behind him came the maids and servants.
They moved in a straight, disciplined line, their feet silent against the polished floor. Between them, they carried a large clay jar wrapped in woven palm fiber. The jar was heavy enough that two servants had to support it from each side, their arms trembling slightly with effort.
A faint, sweet scent drifted through the air even before it was revealed : earthy, floral, warm.
The Talmera chief stopped at the center of the hall.
He placed one hand over his chest and bowed slightly.
“From Talmera, land of harvest and endurance, we bring the sweetness of our soil.”
At his signal, the servants carefully set the jar down.
A quiet sound echoed .
One maid stepped forward and untied the palm wrapping.
Slowly, the lid was lifted.
A purple liquid was revealed inside, thick, glowing under the firelight.
A murmur moved through the crowd.
The scent of bissap filled the hall completely now, rich and fragrant.
The chief continued:
“From our fields, where sun and rain meet in balance, we offer this harvest drink. May it remind the great states that life comes first from the earth.”
A few nobles nodded approvingly. Even the harshest faces softened for a moment.
The jar was left at the center table ,not removed, not reclaimed.
A mark of presence.
A mark of contribution.
Before the applause could fully settle, the drumbeat shifted again ,deeper this time.
A warning of the next arrival.
Mama Ndaleya lifted her hand slightly.
“Let the next state present.”
The doors at the far end of the hall creaked open.
And the air changed.
The second to enter was the new chief of Nilo, the State of Fire.
The hall grew quieter without anyone telling it to.
Behind him came strong men and women in dark red cloth. Their steps were sharp, like they were not walking but marching. In their hands, they carried a long object wrapped in thick animal skin.
They stopped in front of the crowd.
The chief of Nilo did not smile.
He spoke clearly:
“From Nilo, we bring what protects the empire.”
The servants removed the wrapping.
A spear appeared.
It was iron, dark and heavy, with markings burned into the metal.
A few people leaned forward to look.
The chief placed it down carefully.
No more words.
He returned to his seat.
The drum changed again.
Soft wind seemed to pass through the hall.
Zephara, the State of Wind, stood next.
Their servants moved quietly, almost like shadows. They carried something light, covered in white silk.
When they reached the center, the cloth was removed.
A long scroll and thin silk fabric were revealed.
The chief stepped forward and spoke:
“From Zephara, we bring messages that travel faster than feet.”
He touched the scroll lightly.
“And words that reach places we cannot see.”
The scroll was left open halfway, showing writing from many languages.
Then he stepped back.
The air felt colder.
The doors opened again.
Umbra, the State of Shadows, entered.
No one spoke when they came in.
Their maids wore dark cloth, covering most of their faces. They carried a wooden mask and a bundle of herbs tied tightly.
They placed them on the ground.
The chief said only:
“From Umbra, we bring what is remembered… and what is feared.”
The mask faced the crowd.
Then silence.
They returned to their seats without another word
A sudden sound broke the tension.
Hooves echoed softly outside.
Kintara, the State of Storms, entered.
Their servants carried a leather saddle and a long horn.
The chief stepped forward quickly, full of energy.
“From Kintara, we bring strength that does not stay still.”
He touched the horn.
“And speed that no wall can stop.”
He placed it down firmly.
A few people in the hall nodded with respect.
Then everything softened again.
A sweet smell entered before the people did.
Elyra, the State of Bloom, arrived.
Their maids wore light fabrics. Their steps were gentle.
They carried flowers, oils, and small glass bottles.
The chief smiled slightly.
“From Elyra, we bring healing.”
He lifted a small bottle of oil.
“For the body… and for the heart.”
He placed it carefully among the other gifts.
The room felt calmer.
Next came heavier footsteps.
Darakai, the State of Desert Trade, entered.
Their servants carried a sealed chest and a carved stamp.
The chief spoke with a firm voice:
“From Darakai, nothing moves without order.”
He placed the stamp on top of the chest.
“We bring trade. And control.”
The chest was locked again.
No one questioned it.
Finally, silence returned to the hall.
All gifts now sat in the center.
Bissap from Talmera. Iron from Nilo. Messages from Zephara. Masks from Umbra. Strength from Kintara. Healing from Elyra. Control from Darakai.
A map of power without a single battle.
Mama Ndaleya looked at the hall.
“All states have offered their gifts.”
She paused.
The firelight flickered.
“Now… let the ceremony continue.”
The ceremony continued and nobles from all the eight states gathered to appreciate the gifts. After the crowd has quietened. The sea chief stepped forward standing firm, raising his right hand slightly
“Come here, dear,” said the sea chief.
I stepped forward and saluted the people I encountered on my way.
“Am I heard?” asked my father.
“You are heard,” I responded.
I had no desire to stand in that assembly, nor did I want to listen to what he had to say.
“I have the honor to announce that the hand of my rightful daughter will be taken by none other than the Prince of War himself,” exclaimed the sea chief with joy.
May the most ardent wave curse him. I have no desire to get married.
“What an utmost pleasure,” exclaimed the crowd.
“You may dispose now.”
As I should. I was tired of standing there.
I then stepped down and went to sit in the back.
“May the greatest waves bless us. An apprentice scholar of the Yapu, whom I took under my hand, will now recite a poem to bless this marriage.”
A young man with delicate features stepped forward in the assembly. He appeared quite tall. He did not look local and seemed to have an Arabic background. His skin was tanned, and he looked strikingly pleasant. He then recited:
“To all the ones I love, I give five blessings: To the first I love, I give longevity; To the second I love, I give wealth; To the third I love, I give health; To the fourth I love, I give spirit; And to the last I love, I give marriage.
These are indeed the greatest blessings, And to marriage, I wish the best.”
The crowd exclaimed with pleasure and only pleasant words were said.
I came to find him really pleasant and really smart. It is a pity that he has to be an orphan.
The ceremony later ended after the dance of the tchiele that was performed near the sea at the great lunar hour as the custom recommends. Ndiara later headed to her designated hut and couldn’t find herself to sleep. Her thoughts were filled with her upcoming marriage with a man whom she barely knew , and she was still intrigued by the mysterious man that stepped forward that night. 
