Chapter 7 Pound of flesh

Kalenje pov

I went back to the cave to meet the seer and get answers to the ritual i had undergone.The seer had prepared food and offered me, and after I ate, she said to me, "I have made you one with the gods, you have the gifts of the seven faces of Miko."And also, "you can't be harmed now in any way until after you have completed the task of killing your enemies. Then, I will undo what I have done, but for now you will be the avenger of your people."After we had talked, I left with her blessings to go after the Gbali people.I made my way to the village of Gbali that same day.Hiding behind the tall trees watched them as they lived in peace after tearing down my home.They did not deserve to live, I said to myself, closing my eyes. I can feel my bones shift as their scent grows stronger.With the head of an eagle, the body of a leopard and the tail of a snake, I ran into the Gbali village, shooting my feathers to the scampering men and women.As I grabbed and tore, i clawed and bit the people into pieces.The chief ran out to meet me, he called"Beast of Miko, we are not the ones who have killed your children, spare us."Yes" I said, "I will spare you once you are dead."The lie he so confidently told reminded me of the arrow that hit my left leg before I fainted.Remembering what had happened infuriated me the more. And as I rushed forward, and I bit off his head, as I continued to kill, I made sure no one was spared before shape shifting back into my human form.And as I stood there, tears rolled down my cheeks as I picked out the arrows of those who had tried to protect their home.And the wounds sealed off like I was never injured.I walked slowly back into the forest, and as I did, the screams of the people I just killed remained in my mind. it reeled as I walked to Tela.I knew it would stay with me forever, unless the seer would give me something to care for it.I made my way to Tela, I saw smoke coming from inside the forest.I changed into an owl and made my way to the point where the smoke was coming from.And there as I sat on a branch, I could see something strange.Laziza was bounded, and a few others too,Changing to a snake and making my way down, I morphed back into my chimera form and attacked this bunch too.From my first episode with the Gbali people, I have gotten stronger and sharper with my abilities.More screams and filled my ears as I tore through them. They attacked continuously, but they were not a match for my strength and speed.Soon they were all scattered like the Gbali people once were.It seems I am now the face of death. my people have been worshiping a beast that reeked of the blood of others.As I changed, the spot she had been was empty.I went and released the others before setting the camp on fire.I made my way to Tela as quickly as I could, but when I got there, Laziza was on the floor injured.I could feel my heart bleed that instant, I could feel my whole world turn upside down.And when she said "Ara", it only occurred to me that I should save "Ara".I followed her scent after Laziza had died, and it led me back to the cave, where the seer was on the floor trying to catch her breath, "whatHappened I asked her?She spoke slowly, It is AraAnd then she closed her eyes.Borankama I yelled continuously, but I could feel it she was gone.I tried all the portions on the table, but nothing happened. And as I sat there, dawn came and I dug a place for her in her garden where she rested."What has Ara done?" I tracked her down by day, and by night I followed and watched her until she arrived at a far kingdom after several days of travel.I entered the kingdom too. and there I went to a shop whose owner offered me a job the moment I stepped in."Welcome", you will stay here while I am out and take good care of the place. he said before rushing out.I stood there looking at him, walking the distance until he disappeared.I sat and waited, people came and offered grain for the pottery.I just accepted without a word until he came back. he checked the wares and the grains.Good, he said, and then he took a bag and handed it to me. I collected it. Then we loaded the remaining into his carriage and made way for his home.I am not who you think I am I said slowly as I followed behind him.He turned to me and said, "You have come from far and in search for a job, yes?"I agreed, and he smiled. "I was in a hurry and had no one to take my place, so when I saw you, I decided to leave it on your hands."Remembering I am now a beast without a home, I try to make an acquaintance."My name is Kal." I say with a sigh."My name is Lodiwe, son of Mongo."I don't follow his introduction as he continues to speak. I ran to the palace, a princess had returned, actually the daughter of the king had married someone from far away. Now the daughter has returned with news that her home is no more.I sigh, and then he asks "are you from the same place as her?"I look at him, but don't answer. and as I turn my head away, he says, "You can stay with me here and work, and as you work, I will pay you and give you shelter"."You are very kind." I say. Lodiwe had taken a liking to me, and I don't know why, but I am grateful and I do not complain