Mixed Feelings

Even though he was tired and hadn't slept more than a few hours, Elim woke up very early the next morning to continue his search for Asha. He must find her before Odmudo does. The thought kept echoing in his mind as he jumped on his horse and began his journey again. 

He hadn't gone very far that morning when he heard noise in a nearby clearing. Slowly dismounting from his horse, he hid behind a tree and there he saw Ada dancing in the midst of men who cheered and touched her body however they liked. She was in tears. He couldn't believe it. He would have thought she would like to be the center of men's attention since that was what she had been doing all her life. 

"I can't take it anymore Odmudo. It's my turn. My body yearns for a woman. Let me have her!" He heard one of the men screaming as he breathed heavily. Odmudo waved his hands for the man to go ahead, and Ada began to run backward away from them

"No, please! I haven't had a moment of rest. Have mercy! I can't take it anymore," she begged, stumbling over another man behind her and falling unceremoniously to the floor. The man who had asked Odmudo for permission suddenly grabbed her legs, dragging her roughly across the sandy floor and pinning her down.

"Do it somewhere else. I am in no mood to watch. We are yet to find Asha, and that has darkened my mood. Take her into the bush and do what you want. And whoever else is interested can join him. But know that there will be no rest and no time for fun once we begin our journey and hunt for Asha," he warned, taking a long sip of his wine.

Elim watched from behind the tree as Ada was carried like a piece of meat about to be roasted by two men into the nearby forest. He was disgusted by it all, but he knew there was no saving her. She was paying for the sins of her parents. Besides, he was only one man and couldn't possibly fight Odmudo and all of his men.

Ignoring her screams for help amidst the commands the men gave for her to stay still, Elim slowly pulled his horse and followed another route to Aku village. He feared for what would happen to Asha if Odmudo and his men caught her. She was innocent and would not be able to endure all that abuse. And after they were done with her, they would surely take her to Maribah where she would be killed. No! He must protect her!

The thought of her suffering in the hands of Odmudo and his men disturbed him so much that as soon as he was far from where Odmudo and his men were, he doubled his speed. Aku village wasn't so far away. He must find Asha and keep her safe until Odmudo and his men were gone.

Aku village! His eyes widened in delight at knowing that Asha was within his reach even though he was still weary. But now that he was right at the gate of the wealthy town, he wondered if Asha would want to go with him after how he treated her the last time they met.

"Who are you?" The guard at the gate asked, "and what have you come here for?"

"I am only but a trader who has come to get some wares from Aku village. Here is my coin," Elim replied, bringing out a bag of coins to show the guard, who observed him from head to toe. For a moment, he thought the guard wouldn't let him in, and that he would lose his chance of finding Asha, but eventually, he was permitted entry after the guard scrutinized him for some time.

"Your sword! You must keep it with us because swords are not allowed in here. We are not violent people," the guard instructed Elim as he attempted to enter the well-guarded village. Grumpily, he relinquished his sword to them, though they remained unaware that he had a knife well-hidden inside his robe.

After the inspections, the gate was opened to a bustling city filled with laughter, traders, and happy people. This would have been Maribah if the king wasn't such a wicked being, Elim thought as he scanned for any sign of Asha or a place to rest before he began his search. It was crucial to find her before Odmudo and his men did. The thought tugged at his mind as his eyes finally rested on an inn where he could secure his horse and have some good food. No rest! He would only rest when he finds Asha.

It didn't take long for Elim to find Asha, contrary to his expectations. She seemed as free as the wind, her smile captivating him as he stood in front of the inn after eating. She was walking and chatting with a young girl and a handsome man who watched her as if under a spell. Though the mere thought of any connection between them annoyed him, he knew he couldn't simply storm out and whisk Asha away from the man who seemed enchanted by her presence. He had no desire to stir trouble with the people of Aku village.

Observing them as they headed to the market, Elim followed at a distance, waiting for the right moment to reveal himself to Asha. The young man adorned Asha with various beads, his hands lingering on her body, which ignited a surge of anger within Elim. Drawing closer, he finally spoke, "Daughter of Maribah, you are far from home."

The mention of Maribah caught Asha's attention, and she trembled, fearing someone from Maribah had discovered her. But to her relief and apprehension, it was only Elim, the rugged man who had abandoned her to face her fate alone.

"What's wrong, Asha? Are you alright?" Nse inquired, gently holding her hands.

"I'm fine. I just... how did you find me and why did you leave me? Why are you even here?" Asha directed her questions at Elim, whose intense gaze sent tingles down her spine.

"Do you know him?" Nse asked.

"Yes."

"I've come to save you, Asha. We must speak in private and quickly because your enemies are close," Elim interjected urgently.

Asha glanced around fearfully, checking if the assassin the king had sent was already in Aku village.

"Don't listen to him. You're safe here in Aku. And I will protect you," Nse reassured her, gently massaging her back.

"Now is not the time for soft words of deceit. I vowed to protect you, and I've come all the way from Akwara to do just that. I shouldn't have left you..."

"But you did abandon her! She doesn't need you now!" Nse retorted.

"Asha, they know nothing about you or the danger you're in. We must talk privately and plan our next move," Elim urged.

"You're leaving?" Elsa asked, her voice filled with sorrow.

"Not yet. Just let us speak in private, please," Asha pleaded.

"No. If he wants to talk to you, it'll be in our home where I can protect you," Nse insisted .

"Fine, as long as we're off the street," Elim conceded, earning a glare from Nse. Asha couldn't comprehend the tension between the two men, as no one had ever fought for her like this before. Even though it made her feel somehow important, her primary concern remained staying safe from the enemies who were after her.

All four of them hastened into the house, where they were to determine Asha's fate. As they arrived and Asha entered the room to converse alone with Elim, she noticed the sad expressions on Elsa and Nse's faces. She wondered if her departure would forever shatter their hearts. Because she knew she must have to leave! 

"You must know that hearts are meant to break, and not everything is destined to be. Never grow too attached to any place, especially when your presence could pose a threat to them. This place is a fairytale you must leave behind," Elim remarked, taking a seat on the bed as if it were his own.

She observed him, her face trembling with anger as she recalled how he had departed without bidding farewell.