The Azurean Trilogy (All Three Books: 1, 2 & 3): Essentia, Burgeor & Manifest

by Fatimah Ashaela Moore Ibrahim

  We reached the guest room, and I admired the way Sister Saffiyah had decorated it. A small bed waited invitingly over to the far right corner of the room, and three guest-pallets had been unrolled on the hard-wood floor. Thankfully, these pallets were much thicker than the ones from the boat. Each was covered with a hand-made quilt, all in shades of blue and white. The left wall featured a window with light-blue muslin curtains and stood behind a small table holding various sized vases. Freshly picked field flowers shot brightly out of the vases, and their faint herb-mint smell filled the room.

  “It's beautiful, Sister, thank you so much,” Sister Josephine said, and we all gave our host a grateful hug before she retreated to check on Elias.

  That night, my tired mind drifted and dreamed. I was walking down a lane that was lined on either side with tall dogwood trees. Their lacy white blossoms reclined on the branches like lazy butterflies, their wings fluttering in the occasional breeze. The sunlight was warm and inviting, making me smile as I walked. This is a nice dream, I thought to myself.

  I walked a little further and came up to a black woman sitting on a park bench. She looked up at me and smiled. I smiled back and took a seat next to her.

  We sat in a comfortable silence for a few moments. She was reaching into a wrinkled brown paper bag and throwing birdseed onto the ground. Little birds flittered down to eat the seeds while glancing questioningly up at us every few seconds. They would have their fill, and then fly away.

  “Nice day today, isn't it?” The woman addressed me, looking up at the birds as they flew off.

  “Yes, it is. It's beautiful.” I looked over at the woman and took her in. She was dressed in a pale yellow day dress that was belted at the waist. She wore old fashioned stockings and plain brown leather t-strap shoes. She wore a modest little brown hat that sprouted three brown and cream feathers. I felt like I knew her...had known her for years, but I knew instinctively that she was from a totally different era than me. She had smooth cocoa skin and brown eyes that shimmered with little copper flecks the color of a brand new penny.

  “Peace of the Most High to you. My name is Yaya,” I said, extending my hand. The woman took my hand in hers. It was warm and soft.

  “And the Peace of the Most High to you, my Sister. My name is Henrietta.”

  I instantly knew who she was. Henrietta Lacks, a poor black woman who lived during the 1950s who had a tumor. I had read about her in my Human Ethics & Biology class. Hers was a story of legend. Doctors and Scientists around the world had been working for years to grow human cells outside of the human body. All attempts had failed as the cells eventually died. But the doctor who treated Henrietta had taken samples from the tumor without her permission, and instead of dying, her cells had begun to reproduce many times over, making hers the first cells to survive outside of the human body.

  Problem is, she had never been told.

  Henrietta ended up dying from cervical cancer, but her cells lived on and were used to develop at least 11,000 tests, drugs, treatments and vaccines that benefited humans all across Planet Earth. Her cells were considered to be immortal. The tragedy of it all had been that neither she nor her family received any type of compensation for something that had made such a profound effect on medical history. Her cells had helped millions, and others were able to profit from it, yet her surviving family was unable to afford health insurance.

  I didn't know what to say to her. I had so many questions. Was she angry about what had happened to her? I studied the profile of the woman next to me, but she showed no signs of agitation. The peaceful and serene aura about her made the anger in me die down.

  “Yes, I could be angry,” she began, as if she had heard my thoughts. “But what I know in my heart gives me peace. What goes around comes around. God surely does not like ugly.”

  Tears sprung to my eyes. She was right of course. But the unfairness of it all was not a good feeling.

  I woke up in a cold sweat, shivering, my eyes still damp with tears. I brushed them away and glanced around the room. My Sisters were all deep in sleep, playing a quiet symphony of snores that varied in length.

  I wrapped a scarf around my head and crept down the dim hallway to the washroom. I stared at my reflection in the mirror, willing my eyes to glow as they had done before. They flickered in and out momentarily, and then faded. I smiled to myself. Since we had learned that we were the Gifted 5, to have signs was a comfort. I splashed some cool water on my face, and turned to go back to my room when I heard a voice.

  “Is someone there?” it was Elias. His weakened, horse voice sounded so innocent and frail. I gently pushed open the door, hoping nothing was wrong.

  “Peace of the Most High to you, Elias. My name is Yaya. I am here visiting your family tonight. Shall I get your Mama or Papa?”

  A genuine smile spread across Elias' face. “No, that's OK. I am happy to see a new face. I haven't been able to go outside for weeks now, not even to school. Please, come in.”

  Elias was about 9 years old, and was small for his age. He had olive skin and black hair that spilled onto his forehead in big curls. His body looked frail under his striped pale blue and green pajamas. There were faint dark bags under his hazel eyes. He looked as if he were dealing with a bad bout of the flu.

  I felt so sorry for him and immediately wanted to help this little boy. I propped some pillows behind his back as he scooted himself up in the bed.

  “You're not from here, are you?” Elias said as he studied my face. I was a bit taken aback. Did I look that out of place here on Boralia?

  Elias laughed, “Don't worry, Sister Yaya. It's your bracelet that gave you away. The stone in the middle is made of Taris shell. That shell is found in abundance on Deloria, isn't it?” There was a twinkle in his eye.

  So, this was a young man after my own heart! The bracelet I was wearing on my right wrist had a thin silver band and featured the free-form Taris shell in the middle. It's delicate purple and white swirls made an intricate pattern across the surface. The shell housed the small Meloite crab when it was in the ocean. You could find tons of them on any beach in Deloria. I had found this one on a family trip to Sansord Beach, and Mama and Papa had gotten the local jewelry maker to fashion it into a bracelet for my 17th birthday.

  I flashed him an impressed smile, “You're absolutely right! So, you like Planet Studies, too? I plan to finish my Mandate in one of the Universe Science fields.”

  “Wow! That is so great!” Elias said, his eyes shining. His expression held such life, you could tell it really was a passion of his. “I can't wait until I can begin my Mandate. I just hope I can get better soon. I miss going outside and collecting different samples of leaves or dead bugs. I have a whole collection. Maybe I can show it to you sometime tomorrow?”

  I nodded enthusiastically. “Of course! I'd love to see that!” We were silent for a moment, and then I decided to ask, “Elias, what exactly are you sick from?”

  Elias leaned back against the pillows, suddenly tired from the effort of sitting up. It was as if that small bit of time talking had taken all of the wind out of him.

  “They really don't know. It seems to be some form of the Veaon deficiency. Low immune system, an over growth of white blood cells, weakened lymph nodes, fatigue, stuff like that. I also get dehydrated easily.” Elias closed his eyes momentarily, and took in a deep breath.

  I reached for the cup of water on the table next to him and he took as sip.

  “And what about herbal mixes? You know, we have a very gifted herbalist back on Deloria. Maybe....” I began, but trailed off as Elias began shaking his head.

  “They've tried everything. The herbal mixes worked at first, and then they stopped helping. We even tried Houdakin medicines which worked a little bit, but caused other sicknesses that I hadn't had before. My parents tried to appeal to the Houdakin Aoki Council, but they denied my application to get the medicine at a cheaper price. We just can't afford what it costs.” He said shrugging his shoulders.
Tears sprung to my eyes before I could stop them. I didn't want him to see me cry. I looked down and tried to blink them away.

  “It's just not fair,” I said. It made me so angry inside. How could they have denied their application? Why not make the Aoki available to everyone? I looked up and back into Elias' eyes. He didn't look angry. He accepted his reality. He smiled at me.

  “Don't worry, Sister Yaya,” he said, placing his small hand on mine.

  Wasn't I supposed to be the one that made him feel better? And here he was, trying to comfort me.

  Elias continued, “The Most High sees all things. He sees into the hearts of every man and woman. He gives them each a chance to make the right decisions. This life is all one big test.”

  He paused and took another deep breath.

  “We are supposed to love God with all we have inside of us. We are supposed to treat others as we would like to be treated. He gives us all the chance to receive guidance, and then many chances to put it into action. And I trust that our Creator keeps count of all things. That is the way that I can have peace.” Elias stopped, and began to cough violently.

  I reached for the cup of water again. He took several gulps, then dropped back against the pillows. He spoke again, “It was so nice to have met you, Sister Yaya. Tell my Mama and Papa that I love them, and not to worry.”

  And then horror filled my heart as Elias took his last breath, and died.

  Chapter 7

  After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.

  The Holy Bible, KJV, The Old Testament,

  Genesis 15:1

  I sprang to my knees, grabbing Elias by the shoulders. I gave him a gentle but urgent shake. “Elias!” I whispered, my voice quivering and terrified. His head lolled backwards as if there were no muscles in his neck at all. I let him go and scrambled over to the door. “Help! Please, someone, help!” I shouted, my voice filled with panic.

  Within moments, Noah and Saffiyah ran into the room, followed by the rest of the Brothers and Sisters. I stumbled backwards into the hallway, shaking my head, my hands trembling as everyone rushed to Elias' side. His mother's wail pierced my heart and I sank to the floor, covering my eyes. I felt Joelle's arms around me. “Oh, Yaya, it's OK. It's OK.” I couldn't speak. The tears slipped past my closed eyelids, wetting my cheeks and hands.

  I couldn't believe it. Elias was dead.

  In the moments that followed, I gave a full account of everything that had happened. It had all been so quick. He hadn't even gotten the chance to say goodbye to his parents. My heart felt heavy. And not just because Elias had been such a wonderful and sincere child, but because there was something that existed that could have saved him. That could save my Grandmother and Aunt. That could save the countless number of people who sat suffering in sickbeds and in Health Centers around Mercia.

  I wanted to have peace with what had happened, to remember Elias' words. But I just felt angry. And resentful. I knew The Creator was just. I knew there was a plan. I knew these things, but Elias dying in front of me was a heavy load. For the next day, many of us spent time to ourselves, in meditation and in prayer, seeking understanding and peace.

  The next evening, it was time to leave for the next safe-house. Experiencing Elias' death all together, while on this mission, had drawn us together as close as any family. Noah and Saffiyah had restocked our food supplies, and we had all said our sincere and heartfelt good-byes. Right as we were about to leave, Saffiyah touched my shoulder.

  I motioned to Aziz that I would catch up, and turned back to Saffiyah.

  Her hazel eyes shone in the moonlight. “Yaya, this is for you. I can sense that seeing Elias die was hard on you. I'd like you to have this.” She opened her palm to reveal a necklace with a small silver pendant. It was an Arabic symbol, and I admired the delicate swirly script as it glowed in her palm.

  “It's beautiful,” I whispered. “What does it say?” I followed the curves of the design with my index finger. It was smooth and warm from being in Saffiyah's hand.

  “It says 'Al Fattah' or 'The Judge'. It was one of Elias' favorite things.” She slipped it into my cupped hands and gave me a kiss on the cheek.

  I looked into her warm eyes. I hardly knew what to say. “I will cherish it always. Elias was a blessing, and I am so grateful that I got the chance to meet him. May he return to The Creator in peace.”

  We embraced once more, and then I fell in step along with the rest of the group as they followed Noah through the dark woods on to our next safe-house.

  Our next stop was at the home of Mother Natasha Needham. She lived in a small farming community to the east of Noah and Saffiyah's home.

  As we walked through the forest, we could make out crops of corn, beans and other vegetables. We made our way up to the back of the home, and we waited in the shadows of the forest while Noah went to the back door and lightly tapped the secret knock. It immediately sprang open, and we all scurried from our hiding places and into a warm kitchen filled with the smell of baking zucchini bread.

  Once we were gathered safely inside the house, we got a look at our newest host. She was a tiny old woman with a nest of curly green hair pinned on the top of her head. She had skin that was weathered with age, and emerald colored eyes that sparkled in contrast to the red apron she wore. She wiped her hands on a kitchen towel and looked at us like a proud grandmother.

  “Well, well, you finally made it here! Peace be upon you! Thanks be to the Most High! I hope you are all hungry. I've got a stew on and some bread in the oven which should be just about done. Take a seat, take a seat!”

  She gathered some white ceramic mugs together and poured a burgundy colored drink in them. I could tell from the fragrant steam that it was Shalenda tea, one of my favorites. Made from small berries found only on Boralia, it had to be imported to the other Sectors. I had only tasted it a few times, as it was brought out on special occasions, so I was really excited.

  The old lady bustled around the kitchen, and Aziz got up to help her. “Oh, thank you young man. So thoughtful to help an old lady. Well, well! Let me introduce myself. My name is Mother Natasha, and it is an honor to have you all in my home.” Her eyes twinkled as she spoke, making her seem younger than she actually was. “I have waited a long time to see the Prophecy come alive. It gives me great hope to have you all here in my kitchen.”

  We all shifted uncomfortably. We sure hoped we could fulfill all of the expectations everyone had.

  Father Zouadin broke the silence. “Sister Natasha, this is a truly wonderful meal.” Everyone nodded their agreement. It really was delicious. The stew consisted of some type of beefy meat, potatoes, onipers, carrots, and a few leaves of some herb I couldn't name. It was such a comforting meal, it almost made me feel as if I were at home.

  “Well thank you, Brother. I am glad that you like it.”

  I looked back from Father Zouadin and then back at Mother Natasha. They were looking at each other, but then each shyly turned away. And....were they blushing?

  Aziz and a few of the others caught the exchange too, and we all looked at each other with raised eyebrows and knowing smiles.

  I don't know why it did, but it put a little spark of hope inside me. You never knew what the future could hold. Here Father Zouadin was 98 years old, and Mother Natasha couldn't be that far behind. I couldn't believe that we were witnessing the sparks of a possible romance.

  Mother Natasha showed us to our rooms, and as usual, we all fell asleep quickly. The next morning after breakfast, we helped the small village collect vegetables from the crops which were ripe. By that evening, we were all exhausted, but the smells of another fantastic meal made it all worth it.

  We gathered around the table in Mother Natasha's kitchen and gulped down the meal of Yama, rice, and some vegetables from our days work.

  “So Mother, what line of work are you in?” Chord had asked, crunching on a fresh green
bean.

  “I am a seamstress. I repair and make new clothes for the community. I also have some of my items taken into town to be sold. It's a modest living, but one I am very happy with. And one, thank the Most High, that my hands have still let me do. I used to get terrible bouts of arthritis, but I got a herbal mix to soak my hands in, and they haven't hurt since.”

  “Wow,” said Hantaywee. “What a blessing that the herbal remedies can provide so much relief. I wish more people used them.”

  “I don't know when that will happen,” Mother Natasha sighed, “Not when the Houdakin are making so much money on their bio-medicines. They tolerate it for now... there are so very few herbalists still operating because of all of the strict ordinances and regulations. But you are right, many of our herbalists have provided healings that have no side effects. And I'm living proof of that!” Mother Natasha said, wiggling her fingers back and forth in the air.

  We all finished our dinners and began to gather our things to travel to the next safe-house.

  Earlier, Mother Natasha had asked Aziz to help her move some boxes into her sewing room, which he readily did. They had taken an instant liking to one another, and seeing them reminded me of his interactions with our own mother. I could tell that he was missing her. And Mother Natasha treated Aziz like the son she never had. Father Zouadin had also happily taken to helping her move the boxes she needed. Now that is was time for us to leave, she looked very sad.

  "Well, it has been my honor to meet you all. I hate to see you go. But please, do come back and visit? Let an old woman know how you have all fared?”

  “Of course, Mother. I will come back for you,” Father Zouadin began, and then caught himself quickly, embarrassed. “I mean we...we all will come back to visit you.” We had to hide our giggles. Poor Father, he had really taken a liking to Mother Natasha too.