CHAPTER 1

The sun seems to be on a revenge mission due to the fierce heat that kissed the soil of Zamunda, making it hard for all those under it to achieve impeccable work.

Zamunda, being the only village to have survived the drought imposed on them by their power-hungry gods, tried irrevocably to make ends meet both for themselves and their neighboring towns, earning them a position and intense respect from the neighboring villages.

The village women never ceased gossiping about the last battle the village encountered with their gods before the famine fell on the land.

It was still fresh in their memories like yesterday's event. The eery and terrifying sound that smeared on the land that fateful day, the priest's proclamation, the king's sacrifices, and all other queer actions that were carried out that fateful day.

Not being changed by the sun's wrath, Lucas Manger, a renowned son of the village's seer, a perfect spec and most ladies' favorite, worked tirelessly with all his veins threatening to ooze out defiantly. Unfazed by their opposition, he continued triumphantly giving them no choice but to oblige.

'Indeed, you are supposed to be my successor'

Ortom praised the moment he graced the farmland with his presence. Being the only seer born with spiritual eyes, he dreamed that one day, Lucas, his last son would inherit his divine gift amongst his three older sons.

Moments later, the moon rose victoriously after defeating the barbaric act of the former. Still, the men worked harder as though their strength renewed after every moment their tools kissed the soil.

Resting beneath a tree, Ortom watched in admiration Lucas as his tools gripped onto his firm hands expertly while tilling the soil skillfully.

'It's time to retire Lucas' He called out, feeling a little sympathy for the young lad who believed in working tirelessly.

Lucas definitely won't dare to object to his father's opinion so he wittingly withdrew.

'I know you aren't tired son but I don't want you to age quickly' He smirked, pouring him a wooden bowl of water.

Lucas gazed at the man who had been a great father to him despite being vague about his main origin. He remembered being abandoned in this land by some men back when he was just in his fifth year. Tears streamed down his cheeks as the memories came flooding his mind.

That night was dreadful. He remembered wandering around with the hope of finding somewhere to hide from the howling sounds that emanated from the forest nearby. Not used to this kind of life, he grew up perfectly under the supervision of the man sitting beside him, who had grown so much love for him superior to the ones he had for his biological sons.

'Thanks, Father. I will be forever loyal to you and your people' He spilled.

Ortom's heart tightened the moment he recapped Lucas' true identity. All these while, he had only wished that the gods would grant him another child who would be the exact version of the young boy sitting beside him at the moment.

His three sons have been a pain in the ass. They sought nothing but to bring unbearable shame his way. Their assaults seem to be at their peak these days and have only ruined his reputation further. He wished the gods would favour him with another child who would be as reasonable as the boy he had saved fourteen years ago.

'You are indeed an extraordinary lad and I must commend you for it' Ortom complimented.

'You've also been an impeccable father' Lucas replied.

Lucas stared with utmost sincerity at the farmland he had been on since dawn as a satisfying wave surged through his spine. He also recalled the maidens that had wanted to assist him back then, he then let out a loud laugh gaining a questioning look from Ortom.

'What is the amusement all about?' He asked in wonder. He had a lot on his mind and only wished to share them with Lucas but the latter's sudden chortle made him uncomfortable the more.

Lucas halted the moment the question dropped. He gazed intently at his father, wondering if it would be a good idea to blab about the maidens from earlier but concluded to not spill any details before a marriage proposal would be arranged in his stead.

Yes, the Zamundas get married early. They believe in brewing a family once you can do so.

Ortom stared at his son, wondering why the latter refused to spill a word to him.

"I know how desperate you are father but don't you think some things are better left unsaid?" Lucas spilled, taking a sip from the little bowl his father offered.

He smirked then smacked him on his left shoulder before hoisting himself to head back home.

"Let's head back now" He announced, making advancements while Lucas just sat back watching him in so much despair.

Knowing fully well the chaos that would befall the family the moment his feet kissed the soil of their compound, he stayed back instead, staring at the retreating figure of the only man who values and respects him for who he is.

Ortom could sense the silence that walked behind him the moment he left the farm. He turned around swiftly in a bid to see his son but his eyes only greeted the silence that stood behind in the darkness. Then, it dawned on him that Lucas had played another big one on him again.

Tears streamed down Lucas' face. No matter how much he tries to fit in, the rest members of the family just can't see him being one with them. His father's wife would always remind him of how different he seemed from every other member of the village. Those words always brew up some hot coals deep down but he had always been careful not to involve his father in it.

"Lucas!"

Hearing the maiden's voice, his heart leaped for joy. Diadem had been the only maiden his heart accepted fully. The first day he saw her, her beauty was not his weakness though her name defines her beauty her voluntary behavior was his attraction.

"Lucas!" She called again in the darkness.

"You are supposed to be indoors now, Diadem" He instructed.

Beaming with joy, she pulled him into her embrace, ignoring his earlier taunts. Lucas relaxed, enjoying the warmth emanating from her.

"I see you've missed your friend" She spewed, detaching from him as the duo both became exhilarated.

"Indeed, I missed your company" He accepted, twitching her nostrils.