Sending you lots of happiness and good wishes for the coming week.
It is back to Sipho and the Golden Nails. Chapter 5, I am hoping you are all enjoying the story so far. Don't give up, the story becomes more and more intriguing as the adventure around Israel continues and of course Satan up to some nasty tricks again.
Chapter 5
THE FETUS
Zanu returned from the council chambers after the sun had set and immediately went in search of his wife, Randia. He found her in the lounge chatting to Lindiwe and the children; he walked up to her, and gently kissed her on the forehead. After greeting his guests, he walked toward the door and turned around when Sipho, touched him on his back.
"Sipho, you are looking well," he said.
"Zanu, can we please talk?" he enquired.
"Of course, come let us go to the study and chat," he said and left with Sipho following him.
Once inside the study, Zanu told him to take a seat and closed the door. He walked over to the front of the desk and offered Sipho some juice. Sipho took the glass, and sipped the fresh mango juice. Looking directly into Zanu's deep eyes and watching him stroke his grey beard; Sipho wondered how to approach the discussion.
"Do you know where we went today?" Sipho asked.
"I believe you had a tour of the capital city and one of our universities." Zanu answered and watched Sipho’s expression change to a more serious one.
"Yes, and in particular, I want to talk to you about the science university and Professor Tylor," Sipho said.
"Ah, Professor Tylor - such a brilliant man."
"Yes, it is about something I saw in his laboratory."
"Let me guess, the jar with the fetus."
"How did you know?" surprised he asked.
"It is a well-kept secret of the professor's and he does not enjoy anybody talking about his experiment."
"What experiment, that was a human fetus in that jar?" Sipho sounding more serious stated.
"Sipho, dear Sipho, try not to concern yourself with matters of no importance to you," Zanu stroking his beard replied.
"No, I cannot! There is something about that fetus that I cannot forget, and I want to know about it!"
"Sipho, I cannot help you and for your own good ignore what you saw."
"It is just that, I saw something more than the fetus in the jar and I want to know more."
"Inquisitive as always."
"Zanu, I believe you know the history and true story of that fetus, please tell me."
"Very well, I will tell you but you must promise not to say a word to anybody about this, and I mean anybody!" Zanu stroking his beard again watched Sipho’s earnest face and began to speak.
Zanu told him that he was unable to reveal the full story of the fetus just yet. If he could show restraint and control his inquisitive nature, Zanu would take him to the Temple where the angels would explain the true meaning of this. Sipho shook his head and once more pleaded with Zanu to tell him. Zanu, realizing the boy would not give up until he knew the true story, told him they would go to the Temple in the morning. He stood up, walked over to Sipho, rustled his hair, and told him to be patient. Zanu left him sitting alone and went into the lounge to join his family.
Emma and Irma wanted to go and find Sipho; they excused themselves and went to the study. Sipho was not there. Wondering where he had gone, they ran upstairs and went to his bedroom. Sipho was lying on his bed staring at the ceiling when Emma asked him what he was doing. Not wanting to be rude, he told her he was tired and wanted to rest. She tried to coax him into telling her the truth, but he would not say another word. Frustrated with his withdrawn behavior, the girls left and went into their room and were surprised to find Idranda, Zaci’s daughter sitting on their bed.
"Idranda, this is a surprise," Emma said.
"Emma I have to talk to Sipho, and you know my parents don’t really allow me to spend too much time with you and him," Idranda seriously replied.
"I will go and fetch him," chirped Irma and off she went.
A few minutes later Sipho, still feeling rather withdrawn, entered the room with Irma. Immediately Idranda stood up and before he could ask her any questions, she told him to look at the television set which of course was not on. Confused at this stupid request they stared at the blank screen, and then they saw the university, the professor, the jar and the fetus. It was as though they were watching a recorded video - then the screen went blank!
So many questions asked that Idranda shook her head and told them to keep quiet. She explained that her gift was to record events with her mind and she could randomly replay them. Because of this gift, she lived a secluded life with her grandfather. Zanu was afraid of consequences, which could jeopardize their safety. Sipho asked why God Most High allowed this and she explained that He had told Zanu the reason for the gift could not yet be revealed but would most certainly be helpful in the future.
She continued by explaining to Sipho that the fetus was a special creation and the baby would eventually be born. But, the timing of the birth remained a mystery to all. She told him not to focus on this for now, but rather concentrate on his future mission and family. Not sure what exactly she meant, Sipho agreed and promised to keep her secret safe.
The children liked Idranda who was a few years older than they were and asked her to try to meet with them on a more regular basis. She told them she would and said goodbye and then left the room. Emma sighed - she was happy Sipho felt better and hugged him. He told her they should be more alert to the happenings around them and they made a pact to protect each other. He said goodnight and went to his room.Knowing the children were ready to retire for the night, Lindiwe went downstairs to the lounge where Randia and Zanu were enjoying their tea. She thanked them again for their wonderful hospitality and continued chatting about their wonderful planet. Zanu watched her, and then decided to confront her about Zanmorn.
"Lindiwe, I need to discuss your relationship with Zanmorn," he said unexpectedly.
"There is no relationship! Please I cannot do this," she pleaded. She got up, said goodnight to them and left the room. Zanu and Randia looked at each other and shook their heads.
Zanu stood on the terrace enjoying the early morning freshness and quietness; he looked up at the skies and wondered if the visit to the Temple would indeed reveal the reason behind the fetus to Sipho. He knew and felt confident the angels would appease Sipho's curiosity. With his hands folded behind his back and still in deep thought, he did not hear the door open. Sipho ran up to him and greeted him.
"Zanu let us go to the Temple now, the others are still sleeping."
"Very well, let us walk, it is a pleasant day," he said and took the child’s hand.
They left the property, and headed down the neatly designed streets, passing several council members as they wandered in silence toward the Temple. Zanu did not attempt to start a conversation and Sipho, still in awe of the brilliant city, did not seem to mind the stillness.
Arriving at the Temple, Zanu reminded Sipho to remain quiet and not ask questions until requested to do so. Sipho agreed and Zanu opened the door. The sun was beginning to rise and a soft light shone down the aisle as they walked toward the front of the Temple.
Zanu and Sipho sat down and waited. The soft gentle sound of crystals chiming could be heard in the background and Sipho began to feel relaxed in the great Temple. His mind tranquil and at peace, he did not move when he was summoned to stand up. As if in a trance, he got up and stood still, with Zanu standing beside him. He stared ahead at nothing in particular.
"Sipho, your concern with the fetus is disturbing and God Most High has requested that you remain patient until the correct time comes to reveal the meaning of this," a soft gentle voice said.
"Please tell me just a little. I promise I will then remain patient," he pleaded in a subtle tone.
"The fetus has been removed from Anglur and no longer exists," the angel replied.
"Very well. I know that all my pleading will not change your mind, I will accept this, but I promise you, I will uncover the truth, even if it takes me my entire life," Sipho stated emphatically.
"Good. We are pleased with your determination. You must remember you are a special child with a very important mission to complete. Zanu will tell you more and before you return to earth, you will come back here for another visit."
"Thank you," Sipho said and stood still not sure what to do.
Zanu took his hand and guided him out of the Temple. Once outside, Zanu told him to heed the instructions received and continue to focus on the future. He reminded Sipho the truth would be revealed in good time. Sipho agreed and they walked back to the manor.
There they met up with, Emma and Irma who greeted Zanu. After breakfast, the children went to the pool and enjoyed a few hours of good fun. Zanu went to his study and found Zanmorn waiting for him.
"Ah Zanmorn, what can I do for you?" he asked and closed the door.
"Zanu, I am still struggling to control my emotions and I have tried to tell Lindiwe that what happened was not supposed to happen," he said.
"Zanmorn, I will talk to Lindiwe! I want you to go to the Temple and remain there until the angels tell you to leave," he said.
"I will go straight away and thank you once again," he said and left the study.
Zanmorn did not notice Lindiwe standing at the top of the stairway. She wanted to call out to him, but noticing his haste she watched him walk out of the house. She decided to confront Zanu with this issue.
When the door opened, Zanu looked up and saw the sad face of a remarkable woman.
"Lindiwe, a pleasant surprise, come in and sit down," he said.
Lindiwe greeted him and sat down. Feeling nervous, she fidgeted with her hands under the desk and kept her head bowed down to stay out of the gaze of Zanu's piercing eyes. Zanu sensed her nervousness and spoke to her about the return to earth thereby hoping to cheer her up.
"Zanu, I am not here to talk about earth, I need to talk to you about Zanmorn," she said.
"I am listening."
"This is not easy for me. Zanmorn confessed his love for me and has asked for my hand in marriage."
"Continue" he said leaning back in his chair and trying to look surprised.
"Well, I am not sure; I don't think it would be fair to him or me. You see, I have never had a relationship with another man. I have always regarded Zanmorn as a big brother, but when he kissed me, he roused up emotions and feelings I never knew I had. I am confused and afraid. His confession about his love for me could ruin a perfectly good friendship."
"Lindiwe, I must be honest with you. Zanmorn told me how much he loves you. I can understand you are an attractive woman and a most unusual person. Please accept that there can never be a relationship between the two of you. If a relationship was pursued, Zanmorn will be taken away by God Most High."
"I am not sure that I understand. Please believe me when I say, even though this is difficult, I will do everything I can to ensure that no harm comes to him."
"Lindiwe you are a wise and logical woman! I realize this is difficult for you, and as a human being, controlling your emotions must be extremely complicated, he said and walking around the desk he put his hand on her shoulder.
"Lindiwe, Zanmorn will be away for a few days and will be undergoing a change of heart toward you. When he returns, he will appear to be as casual as the old Zanmorn you knew - a friend and a big brother. Embrace that relationship and if you ever feel the need to confide in someone, you know I will always be here for you."
Lindiwe stood up, hugged and thanked him and left the room. She felt a sense of relief for having spoken to Zanu. Yet thoughts of a relationship with Zanmorn still bothered her. Pondering a life with him and without him kept her busy for most of the morning. Emma dashed into the room out of breath, and putting her hands on her knees, looked at Lindiwe, who appeared to be startled. Lindiwe rushed over to her and enquired if she was okay. Emma, feeling a little hot and excited said she was fine, just tired from the game of fourball they had played at the Capital School. She sat next to Lindiwe and told her all about the game. Explaining in detail how talented the other children appeared to be. Lindiwe listened to her and holding her head close to her chest, told her it would be fun to get to know the other children. Emma told Lindiwe that a tournament was being held next week and they would be part of Olomos' team. Irma came into the room, and wiping her brow threw herself down on a lounger and sighed.
"What is wrong Irma?" enquired Lindiwe.
"Nothing, just tired, I need to rest," she said.
Lindiwe and the girls remained in their quarters for the rest of the day enjoying a few private thoughts.
Over the next few days, the children were entertained with delightful sightseeing and sporting events. Sipho, during a game of fourball, scored a goal and was voted the best player of the match. Excited and full of enthusiasm, he collected his trophy and jokingly said he would return to retain his position in their favorite game. Cheers and loud clapping made him feel like a true Anglurian.
Emma and Irma were delighted with the attention they received at the school from all the Anglurian children. Fascinated by their good looks and blonde hair, the Anglurian children told many tales that delighted the twins. Over the next few days, the children struck up a few good friendships with the Anglurian children.
Lindiwe spent most of her time with Randia, shopping and sightseeing. Still confused about her feelings for Zanmorn, she made a point of not mentioning his name or making enquiries about his transformation.
Zanu did not see much of his family or children over the next week due to attending to council meetings and the Temple daily to collect information and plan the upcoming mission requested by God Most High. He had to deal with the great concerns shown by the council members, who voiced their opinions about the dangers expected on the mission. Zanu found this tiring and frustrating, but did his best to assure the members all would be well.
Have an awesome week.
Until next time, all the best.
Your friend, Laura.
