Custodians of Tomorrow

"Your Highness, you're still by the river?"

A small voice rose from behind, piercing through the music of the sea waves.

"Yes, Amsah, I feel like staying here to gaze at the river forever," Shanmala replied.

"But your highness, you know the tradition. You should be resting in your chamber now," Amsah added.

"Forget the tradition, come, sit with me," Shanmala requested. Amsah obliged and sat beside Shanmala.

"The traditions do not matter to me, I'm a good for nothing princess".

"Come on Shanmala, don't say that, your powers will come to you soon," Amsah replied patting her shoulders.

They became quiet, staring at the river as it flowed forward. Two young women, sitting by the sea side admiring the quiet torrents of Mata river. Shanmala all dressed up in a flowery garment heavily laced with glittery attachments. And Amsah was wearing a simple blue gown that had endings like heavy eye bags.

Santala Kingdom has always been known as a reservoir of nature's gifts. Bounded by tall purple headed mountains, mangroves and calming waters. The people had more than enough to keep their body and soul together. They had abundant grapes, dates, crops and silk. Every pair of animal lived in Santala.

It's been ten years since King Meldin ascended the throne. After the loss of Reewa – his father, he took the full responsibility of the kingdom on his shoulders. King Meldin's reign has been successful and joyful except for the death of Elvia – the late queen. He was depressed for years after Elvia passed away. Everyone in the kingdom felt her demise. She was such an inspiration to Santala. King Meldin never executed any move without consulting Elvia.

Her death was a strange one, no one could understand the circumstances that led to her death. Several stories filled the village and deciding which to believe was an endless road. Some said she was eaten by wild animals, others said she got drowned in Lake Tanla. Every household in the kingdom had its own version of the story.

Each time Shanmala asked her Father about what killed her Mother, he would say, "her lifetime elapsed so she had to leave us." Then, his eyes would get heavy and form balls of tears that eventually dropped one after the other. Shanmala was only a month old when Elvia passed away. King Meldin could not give her a satisfactory answer nor could the Royal workers. Like everyone else in the kingdom, she decided to make peace with her mother's death. Yet, she could not bring herself to take her mind off the mystery of everyone's silence.

"Your Highness, the sun is not having plans of resting," said Amsah. "Uhh, it must be one of those seasons when the day is longer than the nights," Shanmala said still gazing at the sea. "I don't think so, your highness," Amsah added. "Relax Amsah, the sun will set. By the way, I'm getting tired. I want to go see father." Shanmala said ending the conversation.

She got up straightening the full ends of her Royal blue gown while Amsah helped her with it. "You should wear casual clothings your highness, like Princess Taladi. This gown looks like its going to swallow you someday," Amsah teased. "Oh come on, enough with the teasing," Shanmala protested. They both laughed softly showing the upper parts of their canines. They kept talking as they walked towards the King's chamber.

The architecture of the palace was beyond beautiful. All the chambers intelligently erected side by side. It was difficult to pass by the palace and not gaze in awe. Elegance and style had their signatures on every part of the palace.

The flickering gold light at the top of King Meldin's chamber had the key to everyone's heart. To the left of his chamber was the Queen's chamber with diamond sprinkles on the walls. The chambers of the other royalties were by the right, the name of each chamber written in silver to differentiate. Then, all the other chambers surrounded them layer after layer in rank. Shanmala and Amsah were now standing at the main door. Amsah turned the bolt and opened the door.

"Thank you," Shanmala said stepping in and Amsah walked behind her. As they walked down the hallway, the maids tilted their heads down as they passed by Shanmala to show respect. They were ten rooms away from the Queen's chamber when Shanmala stopped to pull off her shoes. "Uhhh, I will rather walk bare footed," she said and Amsah busted out laughing. Shanmala raised her head up, her brows curved downwards, looking displeased. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, really, pardon me. But your Highness, you are highly amusing, "Amsah said still laughing. "I'm I?" Shanmala replied, a bit offended. "Hey! Don't be so upset now, we are approaching the King, but you should consider simpler clothings," Amsah added. "Enough!" Shanmala retorted and Amsah became quiet. She could not understand why Shanmala became so upset.

Four guards were at the door to the King's chamber. They all looked the same in their protective vests except for the slight differences in the shapes of their eyes which was the only visible part of their body. Shanmala had to wait for one of them to go inform the King of her arrival. He had an intimidating aura, walking with his head up and wings high. In a second, he returned. Guards selected to stay by the door to the King's chamber had the superpower of speed. They can do and undo things in milliseconds. He gestured that the Princess could go in. Amsah waited behind as Shanmala proceeded to go see her father.

The Princess walked through the first door and closed it quietly behind her. She moved for the stairs climbing up till she got to the throne where King Meldin was seated. In his midst were two elderly citizens dressed in the usual white regalia for formal meetings. Shanmala tilted her head and stretched out the ends of her gown to show respect. The two citizens got up as she climbed the stage and they remained standing till she sat down before they took their seats. She knew she had to remain quiet till the meeting was over. For the first time in her life, this gave her some relief. Shanmala had been a girl of many words, talking about virtually everything. She would fidget at the thought of keeping shut for a minute. As the years passed by, she did less of the talking and more of the listening. Now, the thought of having to stay active in conversations scares her. The bars of expectation have been raised and every word has a unique weight.

"Your Highness, the sun is yet to set," one of the men said standing up. "I'm sure it will set," the King replied. The other man got up too, adjusting his garment. They both bowed and took their leave. Shanmala watched them as they walked out of the palace closing the front door behind them. Then, she felt air closing up on her again. She was anxious. The king noticed her unease so he decided to start the conversation.

"Princess Shan, are you okay?" He said with eyes fixated upon her. King Meldin was concerned but his gaze only aggravated her anxiety. "I'm fine Father," she said still looking at her feets with her arms locked in each other. "What do you want to talk about?" King Meldin asked folding the skin around his forehead. He was wondering why she had come to see him at such an odd hour when she should be resting in her chamber.

"The priest. I want to talk about the priest and the letter I was sent yester night," she finally opened up. "What did the letter contain?" King Meldin questioned folding his wings. He became curious. "Your Highness, the priest is here," a masculine voice said from beneath the palace. It was the one of the guards. The sound of the priest sent shivers down Shanmala's spine. "What's he doing here? What does he want? Even worse, why does he have to interrupt this conversation?" She thought to herself.

"Let him in," King Meldin replied. Hmmm, she sighed wondering when she would get another opportunity to talk to the King alone. She had to wait for 17 hours and now this.

"It's a good thing the priest is here. Since you wanted to talk about him. I was about to summon him too. We can all talk things out," King Meldin said. "Yes Father," Shanmala replied cursing under her breath. The priest was a few steps from the throne. They both watched him climb up. He was now sitting in their midst wearing a long face with his brows carved downwards.

"Greetings, Your Highness, greetings Princess Shanmala," he said bowing his head.

"I was about to summon you. What's happening to the sun?" King Meldin asked.

"Our hub world is being plunged into chaos. The sun is angry. We need to get serious with the coronation procedures," he replied and paused before turned over to Shanmala. "Princess Shanmala, did you get my letter?" He added and the whole room went silent.

Once again, she was being dragged into an adult conversation, she wished she would just be left alone. "Yes Priest, I got the letter and I was thinking of coming to see you at your shrine," she replied forcing herself to sound confident.

"Good," the priest said then turned back to the King.

"Your Highness, we need to make preparations for the purgation ceremony, it has been years since such an anomaly happened in Santala. What we need is a hub world cleansing."

"Alright then, I will have the messenger birds deliver the message to every household and you will lead us for the ritual. Just fix a date. What do you think about this Princess Shan?"

There he was again, doing the very things she dreaded. Shanmala wished within herself that she had the abilities of Houria – an ancient priestess that had the power to disappear and reappear at will. Now four eyes were on her. She pulled her gown downwards trying to cover her feets. Whenever she had to speak at serious occasions, she got this feeling of being naked and bare.

"Ehm, ah, I-I -I think it's a good move. We have to contain the issue at hand in the best way possible," she said pausing to catch her breath.

"My little sweetheart, you indeed are endowed with wisdom. With the right guidance, I know you will make a great Queen," King Meldin said feeling proud.

"Thank you Father, I will give Santala my all."

"I know," he replied smiling. "What did you want to ask the Priest?" He added.

"I-I wanted to know if it would be appropriate to resume the sessions in the coming month."

"No, Princess Shanmala, you have been given enough time. The sun has refused to set and this could be a factor. You need to brace yourself for your responsibilities," the priest replied.

"She will resume Priest. I believe in you Shanmala. My Fore fathers were blind to the strengths of their daughters but I would not thread the same path. The Princess has the fierceness of her Mother. I know she will make Santala proud. I don't need a Son when I have an able daughter. She will be my successor. And, she will make us all proud." King Meldin added.

"Thank you Father. I will put in my very best! I shall begin in three days," she said getting up. She bowed towards the King and the priest stood up . "I will see you at the shrine," she added. The priest bowed and she took her leave. He was now smiling jaw to jaw stretching his lizard skinned cheeks.

He took his seat and continued briefing the King about the matters that needed attention. Shanmala could still hear him as she walked down the stairs towards the front door. Everything the Priest had to say irked her. As she opened the door, she felt lumps grow in her throat. Her eyes locked with Amsah but she could not say a word, her voice will give her away. She walked quickly moving both legs almost the same time as she headed to her chamber and Amsah followed behind.

Amsah tried to keep up with Shanmala's pace but she was just too fast. "Your Highness, wait, what's wrong?" Amsah asked with burning curiosity still running behind Shanmala. She got to her chamber and closed the door behind her. Amsah tried to open the door but it was locked. "'Princess Shanmala, are you okay?" Amsah asked from outside.

Shanmala had her head buried beneath pillows sniffing and crying. She could have just asked Amsah to retire to her quarters but she could no longer do that. Her maid must be by her at all times as she prepares to become Queen. She knew Amsah would go no where. Locking her outside will only make matters worse. She raised her head up walking to the front of the dressing mirror. Using the ends of her sleeve, she dried her eyes and made for the door. Turning the wheel left, the door unlocked and Amsah came in. She was looking super confused trying to understand Shanmala's funny display.

"Your Highness, are you alright?" she asked again but this time she was not trying to laugh or tease her. She was actually concerned. Reading her verbal cues, it was pretty obvious she had been crying.

"Yes, I'm fine. Nothing is wrong. Why do you ask?" Shanmala retorted and Amsah felt like laughing again but she tried to hold it back. Letting out a loud laugh now will only add fuel to the fire.

"You're not fine. I know something is up," Amsah said sitting beside her. You can tell me. I'm here for you. She added and rested her hands on her shoulders.

Her care did not mean anything to Shanmala. If for anything she would not be asking Amsah for help. She had a deep feeling of hatred towards her. She could not explain why but she tried to contain it.

"I don't need sympathies, Amsah. I told you I'm fine. Can you head to the dining hall and get my meal. I don't feel like dinning with the others tonight," Shanmala replied.

"How do you expect me to do that? I can't! What do I tell Madam Lavoti and Royalty Genjoh. What do I tell the others? They will blame me for leaving you in your chamber and even accuse me of supporting you to break the rules. Look, Princess Shanmala, you are about to a become Queen and all these things matter. You have to follow the traditions and dine with the others."

Shanmala was quiet. She got up, walked to the windows and winded the first bane down. Birds were flying in troops. The first set that passed by had light green feathers with bright pink eyes. They flapped their wings in unison as they made out to reach the top layers of the hub world's sphere. Behind them were chocolate brown birds with cream colored beaks. The beauty was there but they lacked unity. Unlike the first set they could not get to the top. She watched them fly away quietly. Gazing right at her was a confused Amsah. To act or to not act.

"What do I have to wear for dinner?" Shanmala asked sounding like a child deprived of playtime.

"It's dinner time so an evening gown would be appropriate. You can choose from the new collection delivered from Moonshine designs." Amsah replied, hoping she doesn't have to fight with her on what to wear.

"When did the collection arrive? Have you paid for them?"

"Yes I have, by the left in your dressing corner," Amsah replied. I will be returning to my quarters now so that you can get ready for dinner.

"Alright, thank you," Shanmala replied walking to the inner room in her chamber.

Amsah was shocked to hear her say 'thank you'. It felt like having the sun shine at night. There she stood growing a soft spot for Shanmala again, trying to understand the drama Queen. She turned around, walking towards the door. She locked the door behind her inputting the lock code. Then she made out for her quarters stopping to greet the royalties that passed her by.

Amsah spent part of her day at the 'caretakers quarters' and part of her day at her grandmother's hut located at the heart of the hub world. Her parents passed away when she was five. Her grandmother had taken her into her care ever since. But now, the old lady can barely take a few morsels to her mouth herself. So at Seventeen, Amsah has to fend for herself and her grandmother. When she first applied to work as a caretaker at the palace, she was turned away by Madam Lavoti for no reason. Madam Lavoti has this grim face that screams indifference to everyone and everything that crosses her path. Shanmala had objected saying Amsah should be hired. From then on, she became Shanmala's Chief Maid. The work relationship has been a rollercoaster, the crazy thing was how Shanmala felt so comfortable breaking the rules with her.

Amsah was now wearing a brown gown that stopped by her ankle. Cream colored flowers were lined all over the chest and wrist area. She put on a golden pendant given to her by her grandmother when she turned sixteen. The pendant has secured a safe spot in her heart.

"How do I look?" Amsah asked Dalfee turning around.

"Really Amsah, you're the maid. You should not be worried about how you look when you walk with her Highness," Dalfee replied.

Amsah laughed. "You'll never know. I could run into luck with and get a prince charming someday. Then, we will get married and I will be a royalty too. What do you think?"

"Hmmm, really big dreams for a common caretaker. I will advise you to focus on your job here. As for me, I'm saving every buck I can lay my hands on. Once I have enough, I will return to my village."

"Agreed! You're right Dalfee. I do get carried away sometimes."

"It's completely normal sweetheart! We all want good things."

"I will be leaving now. Before 'Drama Queen' cooks up a new scene."

Dalfee smiled. "Get going trouble. I really need some peace and quite right now. I need to sleep. Today's laundry was really exhausting," she said yawning loudly.

"Bye oldie. Sweet dreams in dream land! "Amsah said ending the conversation. She walked briskly swinging her arms till she left the quarters. As she stepped into the royalties chamber, she tried to increase her pace. Going for dinner late would really get the princess in trouble. The giant bell was already ringing loudly. The lounge was full as all the royalties were heading to the dining hall. She prayed within herself to find Shanmala. Lost in thoughts of what might happen if she fails to catch up, she bumps into a strange figure colliding head to head.

"Ouch," she screams out rubbing the side of her head with her palm. "Can't you look where you are going?" she screams out again at the smiling creature in front of her. He had his hair all coiled up, dyed in gold, matching the vest he was wearing.

"Excuse you, you weren't looking your way not me," he said straightening his face.

"Just move away, I don't have time for this," Amsah replied pushing her way out but he held her back.

"Pretty little angry bird! Care to introduce yourself? I'm Norwaya." He said and his antennae lit up. Amsah then realized he must be a visitor from a neighboring hub world.

Amsah hissed loudly pushing him away with both hands. He gave in to her resistance, watching her walk away with lustful eyes.

She was now searching busily for Shanmala but it seemed she was no where around the lounge. Doubling her steps, she rushed to her chamber pushing the door open.

"Can't you knock?" Shanmala screamed as she caught sight of Amsah starring at her in confusion.

"I'm sorry but what in the world have you been doing? We are late! Look I'm not going to let you tarnish my reputation before Madam Lavoti. I can not afford to have my pay slashed. Go get ready, I'm giving you five minutes."

"Hey! Hey!! Watch it and don't scream at me okay. I can pay you from my allowance, double the amount Madam Lavoti offers you monthly. By the way, I'm the reason you work here so get your priorities straight," Shanmala replied in a surprisingly calm tone.

"You may be the reason I work here but why do you have to be such a pain? I have tried my best to understand you but all my efforts have been futile. What do you want?" Amsah screamed.

"I'm sorry okay. The whole tradition and responsibility thing is just pissing me off. At tonight's dinner, I'm to meet a prince from Fananala. I'm not ready to get hooked with any Tanti yet. Just cause I'm princess, I'm not allowed to have a life or do things my own way."

"If you ask me, I would say you're only being ungrateful. Look at your chamber. All you have. Any girl in Santala will kill for such a shot at life. You get everything you ever want, money, clothes, maids of any number. I fail to see what you mean by 'I'm not allowed to have a life'. What kind of life do you want?"

"Can you do me a favor? Just one time? Tonight?" Shanmala asked ignoring all she had said previously.

"I'm not breaking the rules for you this time if that's what you want from me."

"No, it's not breaking the rules. We both will be satisfied. We will get what me want."

"I'm listening," Amsah replied her face lighting up with interest.

"I want you to wear my clothes and act as Princess Shanmala while I wear yours and be the maid for tonight's dinner."

"What in the hub world? Tonight I'm convinced you have gone nuts" Amsah replied turning her back and walking to the sofa. She sat on the sofa staring in an opposite direction.

"Amsah please. Just tonight. You will have fun too," Shanmala said walking to the sofa where she sat.

Amsah was not yielding to her plea. She had gotten into trouble several times because of Shanmala.

"Okay, I will give you one tenth of my allowance by the end of the month. That's like twenty times the pay you get from Madam Lavoti." She paused noticing Amsah's facial expression. She was easing into the suggestion slowly. "I will also give you five ball gowns from my most recent collection. Please?"

Now, it seemed like a fair negotiation. Even if they got caught, Amsah had nothing to lose. She could not deny the fact that she would also love to act like the Princess for a while and dine with the other royalties.

"You have been with me for close to a year now. You can act like me. Right?" Shanmala asked trying to see if her bargain has gotten to her heart.

"Right! I can fill in for you for tonight."

"Thank you Amsah, I owe you a lot. Common go take off your clothes. I have pulled own a light green gown, it's designed with fuchsia pink flowers. It will look good on you. Then, you give me your clothes."

They both walked into the dressing room to change into garments of mischief. In a few minutes, they rushed back out, trying to put on jewelry that supported their garments.

"Wait! My face. They will know it's not you. What do we do?" Amsah asked a little worried

"Oh my! I didn't think of this!"

"What do we do now? We are already too late for dinner. I knew this was a bad idea," Amsah put in.

"No, don't worry. You will use the Queen regalia. No one will know."

"Queen regalia? What's Queen regalia?" Amsah asked folding the skin around her forehead.

"Laws of Santala demand that when the crowned Princess goes on the first dinner with her Tanti, she puts on the regalia. It is an extra head covering that you extends to the shoulder area. We can have it cover your face," Shanmala said.

"Great thinking. And while my face is covered, wouldn't the others recognize you?"

"No they won't. The chief maid must dress in a similar fashion to the Princess to show respect to her Tanti. So tonight, the traditions will dance to our tunes," said Shanmala.

"My God, you are the Queen of mischief," Amsah replied giggling.

"Give me a minute. I will go get the regalia," Shanmala said walking into the dressing room.

Amsah turned to the mirror adjusting her gown. She was looking really beautiful with her slim figure. The darts and seams of the gown fitted around her curves making it look like a perfect fit.

"I am indeed prettier than the princess," she thought to herself.

Shanmala returned, holding the regalia. A bright pink cotton material laced with heavy dangling jewels. The other material was linen, brown with a touch of black and grey colored jewels.

"Come over, I will help you place them," she said gesturing to Amsah. Amsah walked to where she was standing and Shanmala placed the regalia on her head. Amsah moved back to the mirror to adjust the regalia as it covered her whole face. Shanmala placed the brown linen over her head and moved to the mirror to adjust it. She was now looking in the mirror but it felt odd all of a sudden. She could not recognize the image in the mirror. She looked so different even to herself. Yes, she was happy she would not have to talk to the Prince of Fananala and she would be free from the traditions for a night but she still was not satisfied.

Amsah on the other hand was excited. It seemed like a once in a lifetime opportunity. She turned left and right in front of the mirror amazed at the beauty she saw. She could feel her acting skills warming up for the big event. It all felt like her life long fantasy coming to life.

"We are running late Amsah, let's go," Shanmala said. "Yes, " Amsah replied. She held the ends of her gown up walking stylishly. Shanmala walked behind her closing the door after her. She began to feel butterflies grow in her tummy but she knew her anxiety would not get the chance to embarrass her at dinner. At least not now that she has succeeded in morphing into someone else, a maid.

They walked out of the lounge straight to the dinner hall. The lounge was empty and quiet this time except for the creek-creek of Amsah's steps as she struggled to walk with the heels.