The Bene's Daughter by Milton Davis

Author:Milton Davis
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Milton Davis
Published: 2017-09-15T00:00:00+00:00

-8-

Tension was high at the morning meal. Mama and baba sat side by side, glaring at the Bene. Kashta eyes wandered over everyone, a concerned look on his face. Kulal was jovial as always, yet there was stiffness in his movements that revealed his unease. Hajanika observed them all, recording the moment as was her duty. Only the Bene seemed unaffected as she filled her plate with the foods on the platter. Omolewa was rigid, waiting for the argument to begin.

“What is this about Lewa getting married?” mama said.

The Bene froze then placed her bread on her plate. She gave Omolewa scolding look before turning her attention to mama.

“No marriage is being planned for Omolewa...yet,” she said. “I was just discussing with her the responsibilities of her position.”

“What position?” baba asked.

The Bene’s expression became hard. She pushed away from the table then stood, taking on a regal bearing. Kulal’s face became serious as well as he looked to his mother.

“What do you think has been going on these few months?” she asked. “Why do you think Kulal was sent to bring Omolewa back? Do you think this is some game you will play until you’re tired and ready to go back to your meager lives in Nacala?”

She looked at baba then scowled.

“You were given a mission Mikijen,” she said, using baba’s old profession to describe him. “And you were paid well for it. Apparently you lost sight of your duty.”

Baba looked at mama then looked away. Mama’s eyes went wide.

“I am sorry that he did not explain everything to you, and I am sorry that you feel you have some say over what Omolewa’s future will be. She should have been raised knowing what would someday be. Instead you lived a lie.”

“How could I know what to tell her!” Baba blurted. “You blocked my memory!”

“You knew enough,” the Bene replied. “The rest we blocked to keep you from revealing the truth in case those who sought her found her before we were ready.”

“But I don’t want to marry!” Omolewa said.

“And you won’t,” the Bene said. “Any such thing is far away at this point. You have your education and training to concentrate on. I’m sorry now that I brought up the subject. I thought you were mature enough to handle the discussion. Apparently I was wrong.”

The Bene looked to one of the servants.

“I will finish my meal in my room. The others can do what they please.”

The Bene marched from the room, Hajanika close behind. Everyone else sat still for a time, looking at each other with bewildered expressions.

“She’s mad,” Diwani said.

Omolewa smiled at her brother then patted his head.

“Yes she is. Now finish your food.”

They completed their meal in silence. Kulal was the first to finish. He stood then attempted to smile.

“Not the way I planned to start my day,” he said. The humor was lost on the others.

“I apologize for the Bene,” he continued. “These have not been good days for her. There is so much that she cannot tell you, at least not now.

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