Children of Anguish and Anarchy by Tomi Adeyemi

Author:Tomi Adeyemi
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)

PART III

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

AMARI

WHATEVER SALVE THE Green Maidens give me keeps me unconscious for the next half-moon. At times I think I’m back in Lagos, safe in the pampered comforts of my old quarters. In the brief moments I stir, Mae’e’s maidens surround me, feeding me spiced meats and freshly picked fruits. At times they draw me baths and rebraid my dark curls. If it weren’t for the flashes of the Skulls’ ship, I would think I’d passed into a new life.

By the time I pull myself from the sea of satin pillows and woven blankets, the crescent moon hangs in the starry sky. The ground beneath me quakes. The mountain rumbles with a sudden force before the tremble quietly fades away.

A bronze table to my right withstands the quake. Welded to the mosaic floor, it holds a full spread with jasmine tea. The candles that never seem to go out flicker against the vine-covered walls. A warm bath steams in the other room, calling to me with its floating lilies and bright sunflowers.

But as I sip the tea, my gaze shifts to the wooden entrance of my room. I set the ceramic saucer down. Soft pink silks glide across my skin as I slide the gilded doors apart.

A melodic voice echoes from down the hall. I follow the sound to find Mae’e kneeling before a magnificent portrait carved out of the entire stone wall. More candles dance across the intricate sculpture, bringing it to life. The work of art captures every detail of New Gaīa, from the rice fields to the underground canals. Children gather in front of the floating schoolhouses. Chiseled villagers stand before the imperial palace, heads bowed for a coronation.

At the top of the stone sculpture, I see the goddess of their statues, the largest of the majestic faces carved into their mountains. The goddess opens her arms to the cloud-filled skies and vines made of emeralds shoot from her hands. Lava crafted from shattered rubies erupts around her in waves.

Something about the sculpture captures me. I’m surprised at the way I drift near. It’s as if the goddess looks right at me, seeing me for who I truly am.

“Obrigada.” Mae’e kisses her fingertips and offers them up to her goddess before bowing her head. Free of her usual braid, her raven hair cascades down her back in waves. Orange skirts shift around her russet skin.

I step back as she moves to her feet. The air seems to shimmer in her presence. Her eyes widen in surprise when she turns and spots me. My cheeks flush as I take in the sacred space. What was I thinking? I shake my head. I am a stranger in a foreign land.

“I apologize—” I start, but Mae’e smiles and presses a hand to her heart.

“You are up!” The melody of her voice tickles my ear.

“I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“You are my guest.” Mae’e waves her hand. “You could never interrupt.” She speaks as if she were hosting a royal envoy, instead of escaped prisoners from King Baldyr’s ship.

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