Chapter 349
Ezinne nodded slowly. "The branch, filled with vibrant energy, is exactly what shamans like myself need. The journey to the underworld is not a simple task, especially for someone like me who already has one foot in the grave."
She paused, her eyes intense. "Having this branch nearby during my breakthrough will increase my chances significantly. My occasional conversations with ancestral souls reveal that the underworld is changing. I strongly believe my shamanic path could help advance this transformation."
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"The ancestors have mentioned that the goddess finds joy in seeing the changes the souls bring to the underworld," Ezinne continued, her voice now softer. "This is a dangerous and daring thought, but what if we shamans break through with the help of this branch and hope that our breakthrough brings a significant change to the underworld?"
She looked directly at Nwadiebube. "If it works, I believe we could earn the grace of the goddess Keles, who might intercede to offset Ikenga’s wrath."
Nwadiebube’s mind raced as he absorbed Ezinne’s words. She was proposing an audacious plan, one that sounded as much like a gamble as a solution. Yet, her logic was compelling. If the shamans, guided by the ancestral spirits and empowered by the branch, could make a breakthrough that impacted the underworld itself, it might indeed catch the attention—and possibly the favor—of the goddess Keles. Her influence might be enough to shield them, or at least temper Ikenga’s inevitable wrath.
The princess stepped forward, watching the exchange closely. "Brother, Ezinne’s suggestion may be our only hope. The branch is powerful, perhaps powerful enough to do what she suggests. But... can we be certain Keles will listen?"
Ezinne turned to the princess, her voice solemn. "Keles is known as the goddess of death and darkness. Her joy in the changes happening in the underworld is no secret. If we can show that this breakthrough will add to the beauty and strength of her domain, she may lend her grace to offset Ikenga’s fury. But you must understand, child," she added, looking back to the king, "there are no guarantees. We may succeed, and Keles may grant her grace—or we may awaken her ire as well."
Nwadiebube let out a long sigh, running his hand over the branch as if seeking answers from its ancient, pulsing bark. "Then we proceed with the ritual for your shamanic breakthrough. But Ezinne," he warned, "we must prepare for any outcome. This ritual must be executed with precision; no detail can be overlooked."
Ezinne nodded, her eyes flickering with both excitement and apprehension. "I will prepare the sacred grounds and consult with the ancestors one last time."
Handing the branch hastily to Ezinne, Nwadiebube felt its vibrant energy like fire in his palm, suddenly wary of the power it held.
Just then, his hand began to pulse. He looked down to see a red mark forming. "The people of Björn are contacting me," he muttered, frowning. "It seems the news of their priest’s death has already reached them."