Hoping you all had a wonderful and blessed week. It's weekend and time to relax a little.
Today I will share Chapter three with you, it is about Zanmorn, you will recall he is a prominent character of our story, the ever faithful messenger to Zanu, the Governor of Anglur. Zanmorn being a spirited being has a confession to make and it concerns our wonderful Lindiwe, the feisty Zulu woman, who defied the village rules, ran away and got entangled in an adventure greater than expected.
Chapter 3
ZANMORN CONFESSES
Zanmorn, since his return to Anglur, had spent most of his time with his sister Bethsaida. He wanted to stay away from Lindiwe and he knew the more he saw her, the more his feelings of love toward her would become evident. He went to the Temple and wrestled with the angels over these emotions. He was always expected to remain a single man and not have a relationship. Finally he was given an ultimatum by the angels - marry Lindiwe and instant death will follow, or leave Anglur forever and then you may be with her. Thoughts of never returning to his home planet scared him - yet his love for Lindiwe overwhelmed his rational mind.
Now, after several days of avoiding Zanu, who had constantly called him to come over to the residence, he knew he would have to face this feeling of uncertainty.
It was a warm day, the brilliance of the sun shining on the sidewalks and the soft wind blowing made Zanmorn’s trip to Zanu’s home pleasant. His mind constantly dwelling on Lindiwe and her sumptuous beauty, he could not focus on the importance of his decision. He wanted to spend his remaining life with her and he wanted to stay on Anglur. How could he forsake one for the other!
He arrived at Zanu's home and found the children playing in the pool having fun. He walked up closer and watched how innocent and fearless they appeared.
"Hello everybody," he raised his voice in order to be heard over their constant chattering and laughter.
"Zanmorn, we missed you," Emma said and ran up to him giving him a huge hug and wetting him in the process.
Sipho, Irma, and Olomos came over and greeted him. They were happy to see him and after a few minutes, he said goodbye to them and left to enter the house.
He went inside and wondered where Lindiwe was - he needed to see her and confirm his love to her. While standing in the entrance, hesitating on which direction to go, he did not notice Zanu standing near his study.
"Zanmorn, I was wondering when you would return. This is after all your home too," he said and walked closer to him.
"Zanu, please forgive me, I needed to see my sister and adjust to my return from earth," he replied and extended his hand to his leader.
"Come inside, sit down, and let us have a chat," Zanu said, motioning him to enter the study.
Zanmorn sat down and watched as Zanu walked around the large mahogany desk and took a seat. Staring at him with a slight frown on his face Zanu asked,
"Zanmorn, is there anything you want to tell me?"
"No not really. I enjoyed spending time with Bethsaida," he said while looking out of the window.
Zanu offered him some refreshments and he gladly accepted a fruit juice. Sipping the juice and trying not to look directly at his master, he spoke about his sister’s children and the weather. Zanu had been informed of his dilemma by the angels and wanted Zanmorn to tell the truth, without forcing him to do so. He noticed how Zanmorn tried hard to avoid the real issue.
"Zanmorn, I believe you want to tell me something," Zanu said after deciding to tackle the subject head on.
"I should have known you would know about my confusion, I am sure the angels told you." he blurted out.
"Yes, but you should talk to me," Zanu said and raised his eyebrows slightly.
"Well, I am not sure what to do, I want to marry Lindiwe, and if I do, I will have to leave Anglur for good. I am not even sure if she will marry me. I am confused," he said feeling relieved at being able to tell his master his thoughts.
"Zanmorn, the instructions from the angels are clear. There will be no change in their decision. You must however, go to Lindiwe and tell her about your feelings. If she accepts you, then you will be able to make a decision."
"I am not sure if I can tell her," he said.
"You must, you are jeopardizing your career and of course our assignment has to continue," sternly he told Zanmorn
"I am sorry, this is all very new to me, and all my life I accepted my calling and served you and Anglur as best as I could, I never planned for this to happen to me. It is all the years on earth and spending so much time with the earthlings, I am sure."
"I will arrange for Lindiwe to go to the mall with you and then you must use the opportunity to talk to her. Once you know, we can discuss this further," he said and stood up.
Walking toward the door, he told Zanmorn to meet Lindiwe after dinner and take her for a walk. He said goodbye to his servant and left him alone to ponder over the situation. Zanmorn remained seated and was now more confused than ever and wanted to run away. Cradling his head in his hands, he did not notice Lindiwe walk into the room.
"Hello Zanmorn, I am sure glad to see you again," she said and tapped him on his shoulder.
"Lindiwe how are you?" a startled Zanmorn asked and stood up.
"I am fine and enjoying the stay on your beautiful planet. We have done so much and I believe we still have much more to see and do," she said
"Later on after dinner, let me take you on a tour of the capital state. I think you will enjoy the night walk - it can become quite unusual," he said.
"Wonderful, I will meet you after dinner," she replied and left the room.
Feeling more relaxed and thankful for the guidance from Zanu, he left and went upstairs.
Dinner was pleasant, the children commenting on their eventful day and Randia, as usual a great host. Lindiwe stood up and left, followed by Zanmorn. The children wanted to tag along and Zanu told them to remain seated. Sipho confused asked why. Randia told the children Lindiwe and Zanmorn wanted to go for a quiet walk and that they should go watch television.
Lindiwe and Zanmorn left the house and walked down the long driveway toward the gate in silence. It was a beautiful night, the moon bright and shining on the golden paving, emitting light under their feet. No wind and the night air still warm, he took her hand in his and continued walking in silence. Unable to contain his emotions any longer, he stopped walking. They were standing in the garden. Zanmorn picked up her hand and laid it against his face, giving him the full, blasting glory of her smiling brown eyes.
"Lindiwe, I shall always love you as tenderly as ever," he said and without giving her a moment to reply kissed her softly on her lips. Lindiwe could not ever recall the exhilarating feeling of such a touch and kiss, from any experience she had known before. She quickly entwined her arms around his neck and kissed him warmly.
He did not expect this reaction and he hugged her and softly kissed her neck. He stepped back still holding her hands and looked into her loving face.
"Lindiwe will you marry me?" he asked in a soft voice.
"Zanmorn, dear Zanmorn, I know I love you, I think I have loved you for a very long time - but marriage, I am not sure?" She said and hid her face in his broad chest.
"At least, please promise me you will think about my proposal," he said while stroking her back.
They never left the estate - just walked around the gardens; holding hands and joyfully enjoying each other’s company. It was late when they returned. Knowing everybody was asleep, they quietly went up the stairway. Outside her quarters, he kissed her with a passionate kiss that made her squeal with delight. She gently put her hand on his chest and pushed him away, as she slowly opened the door and went inside. Closing the door and leaning against it, she knew she had done the right thing. She wanted more, but as difficult as it was, she had controlled her feelings. She went to bed smiling.
The next morning, Zanmorn went down to the study and found Zanu sitting behind his desk, writing in his journal. He walked up to the front of the desk and without asking for permission to speak, he told his master about the events with Lindiwe. Zanu looked up at this remarkable man and shook his head.
"Zanmorn, my dear Zanmorn, I was hoping Lindiwe would reject your love and let us continue our mission without any human emotions."
"Zanu, I am going to wait for her answer and if she agrees, I will live on earth with the woman I love!" he said in a determined voice.
"Well, then we wait! In the meantime, I have to inform you that your position as my head messenger is suspended." He stood up, without any warning and walked around the desk, and taking Zanmorn’s arm escorted him to the door.
"Zanu, no please don't do this! I must stay here! Where will I go and how will I get back to earth, if you make me leave," he pleaded.
"This discussion is closed - remember Benjamin? If you change your mind, we can continue as before but not until then," he said and shoved him out the door, slamming it closed.
Zanmorn, stood at the door, convinced his life was over. Never before had he seen Zanu so upset. He thought about the discussion and knew he had to make a decision now. He opened the door and looking directly at Zanu, said
"I am sorry, you are right, please forgive me. I want to continue with our relationship as before," he pleaded.
"A change of heart on your part? Well I suppose we could continue working together, but you must understand that certain issues will change," he said in his authorative voice.
"Of course, I understand. I will not have any more contact with Lindiwe, and if it is possible, can I stay at my sister's place until she leaves?"
"No, if you want to continue as before, then you must show restraint. You cannot run away from your feelings. Either face them and move on or leave," clutching his grey beard Zanu sternly replied.
"Very well, I will remain and continue to be the trustworthy servant I have always been," he said looking down at the floor.
"Good, and remember what happened to our brother Benjamin when he was disobedient. Go find the children and take them on a short tour of the capital state."
Zanmorn thanked him, said goodbye and went in search of the children.
Hope you enjoyed this chapter, please leave a comment.
Have a delightful weekend.
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