Soul of the Deep by Natasha Bowen

Author:Natasha Bowen [Bowen, Natasha]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Random House Children's Books
Published: 2022-09-27T00:00:00+00:00

THE TREES GIVE way to a seemingly endless plain of tall grass, the occasional large bush breaking up the sway of yellowing green. The thought of the full moon tomorrow keeps me going, even though my thighs and back ache in a way I didn’t think was possible. At least we’re not walking, I think as I turn to check on Folasade again. She tries her best to smile at me, but I see the pain in her expression.

“Let’s stop for a rest,” I call out.

Kola scans the grassland and nods, dismounting with ease. He helps Folasade, who practically falls from her horse, and he lowers her to the ground as she groans, hands going to her back. I see him glance at me and I slide off my horse quickly.

“I have aches in places I didn’t even know I had muscles!” Ara moans dramatically, clutching at her legs. “Does this ever get easier? I feel as if every bone has been rattled and rearranged.”

“No,” answers Yinka as she leaps from her horse, looking sickeningly invigorated. “But you get used to it.”

“I’m sorry,” Ara says, turning to her horse as she leads it over to us. “But your back is too bony.” She rolls her eyes at the animal as it snorts. “Don’t be like that. I honestly don’t think my buttocks can take any more.”

I laugh as Ara reaches for her pack and brings out some more water. She offers it to Folasade, who gulps greedily. I turn to the horizon where the trees begin again, lining the river that leads to the chasm. I can feel the rush of the water, feel the pull deep in my stomach. The want is there as always, like calling to like. Soon, I think, pushing the need away for now.

We are drawing closer to the chasm and the Mokele-mbembe. I think of the great number of lives it has taken and its insatiable appetite. I wonder what kind of song it emits when it kills. Would it be something dark and low or triumphant and sickly-sweet as it reveled in my death?

Small bumps rise on my skin despite the heat. I rub at them and remind myself of my encounter with the Ninki Nanka. Although the river monster snatched Kola in its giant jaws, intent on drowning and eating him, I freed him. I can do this, I think as I accept the dried papaya Ara holds out to me. But will Folasade be able to? The girl stands now, arching her back to stretch out the ripple of her muscles, taking the fruit she is offered.

“Will you be all right?” I ask.

Folasade nods, chewing delicately and scowling as she scans the land around us. “Yes. But it will be a relief to get to water.”

We ride through the hottest part of the day and as the tributary grows closer, I feel it even more. My skin crackles with want, scales prickling beneath.

“How far do we follow the river until we get to the chasm?” I ask Folasade, slowing my horse so that it trots beside hers.

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