[b][/b][i][/i] I have heard a lot people say Nigerians don't like fantasy stories, it's not part of our culture, yet we watch fantasy movies, time-travel movies, alien movies, etc. But fantasy has been part of us for ages. The stories of tortoise, folktales, myths and so on. I remember the wisdom and massages behind most of those tales we were told. Okay, enough of the talks. Let us enjoy this story titled Hidden. Thank you very much.




One


Tom opened his eyes and let out a deep sigh. He saw the vast azure sky, stretching and dotted with fluffy white and sapphire clouds, while the sun beamed, casting a beautiful glow on the earth. The breeze, hitting him with a soft touch of serenity and comfort and he closed his eyes again.
He hoped he was not late. He sat up then cringed.
He was on the ground, covered with green grasses stretched further to meet what looked like woods. Okay. He must still be dreaming and it was Tome he woke up. He got on his feet, looked round the hummock befuddled. Where was this? This did not feel like a dream.
It was at that point he heard some voices, and he turns round. He realized he was on a little hill so he moved to the edge. The slope lead to a flowing pellucid stream which extended to meet a river. Now he was sure he was not dreaming because he felt the lower temperature of the hummock now hitting him.

He saw three women, all dressed in long gowns with sleeves, over skirts with linen chemise. They all had their hair decorated with hair flowers, pearl feathers and made into braids. They talked and laughed.
Tom was astonished when he did not see the camera crew as he assumed they were acting an epic movie. They did not look like they were acting a movie. Why were they dressed like 16th century damsels?
How did he get here? He shook his head and assured himself he was not dreaming. He seemed not to remember how he got here.
“What do we have here?”

A voice said and Tom turned swiftly. He saw three men standing behind grimly. Just like the women, they looked like the men of the 16th century. They wore contrasting fabrics with embroidery, applied trims and surface ornamentation. It seemed they were dressed for a special occasion
They looked at him as if they were seeing an alien. He was right; they began to move back while their hands moved to their swords as they saw him as an alien.
“Hey, guys chill.”

“What are you?” One of them asked, fear displayed on rotund face while his hand shivered his sword. They saw his dark square cut and wondered what king of hair he was wearing. Then he wore denim pants, white T-shirt which he covered with a black leather jackets. His high-top basketball sneakers looked so strange they were sure he was not from this planet.
“I am Tom.” He said and saying his name brought a spark that popped up some memories into him. He remembered he was Tom Hacks; a nineteen year old college boy based in Manhattan. How did he get here?
“Where am I and what year is this?” He asked.

The men looked at each other. They got the message. He was not from here and maybe the seed of the Dark Dragon.
They drew out their swords.
“He is the seed of the dark dragon.” One of them said and they all moved back in readiness.
“He is I spying on our girls and plans to snatch them to the Land of Quiranza.” The second man said
“Kill him!”
Tom knew he was in trouble so he turned and broke into a run. He did not hesitate to take a jump down the cliff which was over eighty feet high and jumped into the river.

He submerged for a few a minutes before emerging but the men did not jump after him. He began to swim away, still trying to figure out how he got here and why he could not remember how he got here.
He kept swimming and after about forty minutes intuition told him to get out the water. He felt cold, wet and famished.
He had to leave this place but how? He had to remember how he came in order to have an idea of how he would leave.
He was now walking along a farm with no idea of where he was going to. He heard voices and stopped, quickly lay down and crawled underneath the plants.

It took just a few seconds before he saw a man with bushy moustache holding a woman as they talked and laughed.
“John said that to me a long Tome ago.” He said.
“Really?” The woman said. “But he feels you can handle it for him.”
“I can handle more than that, my honey. I can handle his wife too.”
She giggled and they kissed.

“Secret affair has it’s unique sweetness.” She said.
“Especially when we are both married and have to come to the farms.”
They laughed again.
Tom watched them cuddle and their clothes began to fly off their bodies. Just within a few seconds, they were on the ground and Tom knew he had no Tome to hesitate. They were just a few hundred yards away from him but adultery had overwhelmed them and they were lost in ecstasy.
Tom crawled and within a few seconds, he dragged his clothes and got up. His steps alerted them and they sprang up in shame but did not see him.

“Hey! Hey!” he shouted but Tom was running already. He could not believe his luck when he saw a horse tied to a tree. He quickly untied it and mounted it and rode away.
Fifteen minutes later, he stopped the horse and alighted. He tied it to a tree and pulled off his clothes and wore the man’s clothes. He chuckled as he imagined what he looked like. He threw his clothes away. Those were like a death sentence. He then covered his head with the man’s cap to hide his haircut and felt safer. He mounted the horse and began to ride on.

He felt so hungry and tired he allowed the horse to lead him on. After a few minutes, he found himself on a windy road. Should he go on or stop? But he had to find food or a place to rest and at least have the mindset to know what was really going on.
He saw a man on a horse riding towards him. He hesitated. A part of him told him to turn back but another part told him that may lead to suspicion. The most scary part was that he had no idea where he was, what Tome year it was or the kind of people living there.
“Good afternoon, Sire.” The man said and rode past him. “Happy Salvar day.”
Salvar day?

“Good afternoon, sire.” Tom repeated. “Thank you and Happy Salvar day too.”
He began to see more people, all dressed alike and, while some walked on foot, some were in horse drawn carts while some on horses. He began to see a few houses, mostly built wooden frames filled with bricks with thatched roofs .Some were just huts and it was obvious that the type of house one built depended on his financial capability.

He saw kids playing around, women holding pots and probably going for water, and men could be seen around but it was a small village.
Even though Tom was dressed like them, some gave him curious looks which meant it was a village where a stranger would be identified easily.
Now he was here with no money and needed food and a place to have a rest. He saw an old man sitting on a wooden pew by the road.
“Happy Salvar day, sire and good afternoon.”
“Happy Salvar day kid. Have you had your Salvar stringing?”
Salvar stringing?

“Ohhmmm, I am a stranger here and in need of food right now. I will deal with that after that.”
“You still have Tome kid. Sunset is still a few hours. Did you say you are a stranger? The old man gave him another look. “Have you lost your way? That is where you need to go and you will have plenty of food.” He pointed at big wooden building at the far end of the street. “You must be Joseph of Guhamton. I recognize you now. You grandfather and I were in King Vincent’s Special Regiment during the Rebel uprising. There he met your grandmother. Okay, boy, sure do come and have a Salvar drink with me later. I need to tell you some old time stories.”
“Sure sire.”

“Happy Salavar day once again.”
Tom nodded and rode on. He was now so famished and lassitude he felt like falling off the horse. He saw women carrying food in trays, men slaughtering and roasting lambs.
Then a group of teenagers, all dressed in blue dresses came up the street, holding blue flags and singing aloud

Sal-sal-sal-sal
Sal he had to up there
Dying for us he says my dear
Sal-sal-sal-sal-salvar is rare
Dirty dragon. Oh you dark fire sputter
Now is winter
Your reign is glimmer
Sal-sal-sal-sa-sal
Here comes Salvar
The great server
Now it’s happy, happy time
Gold and diamond in my mine
Take the egg and go away
Can’t you see it is my day
Saaaaaaaaalvaarrrrr!


Tom saw the people around singing along with them with bliss so he began to move his lips and shaking his head if he was singing along. After his experience with the three men with swords, he never wanted to have a similar experience here.
The building was large and stood out. The wooden frames were thick and the bricks were decorated and painted. The roof was high and the door was wide.

Tom wondered why he was directed here and was mistaken for Joseph of Guhamton. Well, if that could fetch him food right now, he was going to keep being Joseph but he paused. He should have asked the loquacious old man more about Joseph. But that may have raised suspicions.
He went to the front door and knocked.

“Happy Salvarrrr!” a youth tapped him hard on the back and ran past him excitedly. “I got my first Salvar stinging! I am now a Sapharino.”
Tom did not expect the tap and that scared him at first, coupled with his paranoia.
“Shut up, Pius. I got my fifth today.”
“Because you are old, ol’boy.”
Some girls laughed.

The front door opened and a lady appeared and gave tom a quizzical look. She looked at him in a similar manner the three men had looked at him. What was wrong? His head was covered and did not look different from them.
“Good afternoon ma’am and happy Salvar day.”
For a woman, she was one of the tallest woman he had ever seen. She was chubby with a slim neck and small round face. Her braided hair was milk colored adorned with shiny crystals and flowers. Her inner gown was skinny from the top and widened below. She had the widest hips he had ever seen and he could guess she was a between twenty-eight and thirty years old.

“I am Joseph of Guhamton.” He did not know that to say next. Should he tell her that he was here to get food.

“Ohhh, Joseph, come inside. How are you?”
He felt a sensation of relief.
“I am fine ma’am.”
“What a pleasant Salvar surprise. You must be tired. Wait please….” She turned, “Gaius!” she called and a young man Tom guessed was a servant appeared.

“Get the horse to the stables.” Yes, Madam.” He said, came out and bowed at Tom before taking hold of the horse and taking it away.
“Please come in.” She said and tom walked into a big living-room he found beautiful but archaic. This triggered some memories in him. He saw images of LCD Smart TVs, laptops, i-pads, phones…The thought of a hone gave his heart a bang. He tried to know why that fell different when he thought of a phone but he felt that part locked up.
“You must be tired. Please sit down.”
“Thank you, ma’am.”

As she walked away, Tom saw her vibrating bum and quickly took off his eyes. She must be the wife of a powerful and rich man. While she went out of the cast, heavily furnished living-room, a lady he guessed was a maid pass by and climbed up the stairs.
After a few minutes, she came back with a smile.
“Are you going to stay for a while?”
“Yes ma’am. At least for a few hours or more.”
“You look fagged-out. Please come with me.”

She led him to a long dining table where the maids had served food already. Tom was salivating already.
“I guess you have not had the new meat introduced to England and my husband ordered for plenty. Only three families eat it here and only three families use sugar. Sugar is very expensive so the poor have to use honey. It is called Turkey. Introduced to England Last year. It is called turkey”
Turkey? Was she serious? It was official that he living in history.
“Last year….what name is last year, please?”
She gave him an astonishing look.
“1525 0f course.”
1525? So this was 1526. Oh God. Now some things made sense to him like the fruits that were cooked and made into pies and tarts. It was believed at the 16th century that fresh fruits were bad for health so it was cooked and made into pies. The rich Tudors ate preserved fruits. Rich Tudors ate vast amount of meat but rarely ate vegetables and were therefore poorly fed. Poor people ate plenty of vegetables because they had no option and vegetables were cheap while meat was expensive and a luxury.
“Oh, I thought it had a special name like the year of Turkey.”
She chuckled.
“No.”

On the table were a variety of preserved fruits, gingerbread, sugared almonds and jelly, turkey soup, Charismas pudding and lots more.
“Come on, enjoy your meal. Excuse me please.”
She walked away and he starred after her for a second as she swayed her hips. Who was Joseph and why did they think he was him? Was it his double-ganger or someone he possessed his soul to come here?
He forgot about all of that and pounced on the meal. The taste felt different from the food the was used but he enjoyed it and coupled with the fact that he did not know when last he had any meal. He did not even know how long it took him to get here.
After the meal which was obviously for the poor, he felt satiated and more relaxed but the image of a phone kept resonating with him.
She came back.

“I hope you enjoyed the meal. We have the best cooks in Dransvalle.”
“Excuse me?”
“The name of this village, have you forgotten?”
“No ma’am.”
“Now you need a wash. Come with me.”
As he followed her, he had troubles trying not to stare at her wide, round back and the fact that she swayed the hips coquettishly exacerbated his libido stir.

She led him to a beautiful quarter with a small pool carved of stones with a channel that allowed used water to flush out and another for replenishing. There were pots of indoor flowers.
“I guess you need a bath and new clothes.” She said and added, “Joseph.”
“Yes, ma’am and a shaver.”
“Very well. My husband got a shaver giving to him as a gift from King Pius. I will let you use it.”
“Oh, thank you. Is he around?”

“Excuse me.” She went out and came back after a few minutes with an obsolete straight razor shaving stick. She also brought a towel and said, “you will have to bring your clothes so the laundry man can handle it. I got new clothes for you. I guess you must be hungry. Today is Salvar day and there is more than enough to eat. My husband hosts Salvar night which starts from midnight as a tradition.”
“Tom wanted to know about Salvar but this was not the right time.
“Have you had your Salvar stringing?”

“No ma’am.” You will do that with the men. We do it traditionally here but as you know, only adult men do it and that starts from age fifteen.”
“Fifteen”
“Yes, why? A fifteen year old is an adult. Puberty, hair on places and voice changing.”
Tom was used to adulthood starting from eighteen.
“Yea ma’am. I forgot …”

“When did you have your first Salvar Stringing?”
“Uhhmm…I was seventeen.”
“How old are you, Joseph. I guess I forgot.”
“I am nineteen and would be twenty in three months time. I will like to watch Chicago Bulls play that day.”

“Chicago Bull? What specie of bull is that?”
Chicago Bull! That just slipped out of his mind and it must have come from a subconscious, preconditioned mind-set of his.
What was Chicago Bull? He could see the head of a bull and something round with stripes.
Basketball! Yes, Chicago Bull was his favorite basket ball team.
The memory locked again.

“Enjoy your bath, Joseph.” She said and went out.
He quickly removed his cap and shaved his hair. It was better to have a shaven hair which had had always existed than the flat top he wore.
He pulled off his clothes and was now naked. He got himself into the water and was astonished to find it warm. How did they do that? Then he saw the water inlet and guessed they have pumped warm water into the pool.

He felt the warmth and closed his eyes to let all his troubles drain so he could enjoy the warm bath after the royal meal. He heard a sound and opened his eyes.
“I think I need a bath too.” She said and Tom saw her standing by the doorway, stark naked. He shivered as she began to walk coquettishly towards him. He knew he could not refuse her after the reception and the youthfulness in him.

*******

“You are such a sweet young man.” She said as they lay on the bed. “My name is Isabella, Joseph and I have a little story for you. I want to know how good your memory is. Are you ready?”
Tom nodded, still not comfortable because he knew whoever her husband was, he was rich and powerful.

“A young man called Timothy Peter is a native of Fishtown and was taken to East Cathedral Academy where he lived for so many years. His uncle is Simon Aaron and now he has to connect with his cousins and relatives he has not known or seen in years……” She kept talking while Tom listened attentively.
“I feel ashamed to celebrate Salvar Day when I don’t know what it is all about.”
He thought this would astonish her but she had only smiled.

“Salvar is a hero who single handedly fought the Dark Dragon twenty years ago. The Dark Dragon was said to have evolved from a Dragon egg which was preserved by in the cave of Syrusis and found by a witch called Durenga. She hatched it and cast a spell on the dragon which terrorized us and killed a lot of people for three hundred years. No one could face it as many soldiers and warriors were killed. Salvar is from Syrusis and made a team of hunters who hunted the Dark dragon. He was a very smart and inventive warrior who invented a device that could explode. He had to sacrifice his life by blowing himself and the Dark Dragon which was the only way the Dragon could be killed. It is reported that he also destroyed the sister egg which was scheduled to hatch in 1510. So every year, on the day he died, he is celebrated all over England and the cities around it and that includes us. So that is about Salvar the Great.”

She had sex with him again before she went out after giving him new clothes and going away with the old ones.
Tom did not know if capitulated to this adultery because she was his host or her voluptuousness. After an hour, he was woken up by a maid who said to him it was time for the traditional Salvar Stringing.
Tom felt his heart racing. He did not know anything about the tradition and he could not ask Isabella. He got up, dressed up and as he walked out; he saw a man and froze.
“Who are you?”

There was no doubt; this was the owner of the house and Isabella’s husband. Tom recognized him to be the man who he saw making love to a married woman and stole his clothes and horse. This meant one thing; Isabella recognized the clothes and horse and knew he was lying. What would happen to him now?”
“I said who are you and what are you doing here?”

******

ride on

Thank you very much

devilmaycry:
ride on

Two

2018, Los Angeles, USA.


The SUV pulled up outside a brown building at the end of the street. A fifty-two year old man alighted and walked briskly into the building. He was of average height with grizzled balding hair and wore a clean shaven face. His Italian made suit looked expensive and his golden wristwatch with diamond crystal glittered and made his opulence vivid.

He stopped before a wall and removed a smart card. He slots it into an ID machine and small camera-like equipment projected from the wall and scanned his eyes. He then pushed his thumb on a flat glasslike panel which identified him and the wall split to give him entrance.
He walked in and the door automatically closed back. He did not turn back but walked down a narrow corridor before he took a left turn and entered a lobby.

“Good morning, sir. Mr. Phil is waiting for you” A middle aged secretary said.
“Thank you, Gloria.” The man said and went towards a door and turned the door knob.
“What the hell is going on, Jacob?” The man said angrily as he went into a lavishly furnished office.
“Please calm down.” A smallish man, probably in his 60s wearing a Charlie Chaplin mustache who sat behind the desk said.
“What do you mean by calm down? How the hell do you want me to calm down when my son is missing? What did you do?”
“I don’t know what you are talking about.” Phil said.

“My son is gone and it was not time. He is not even prepared and you let him go.”
“I did not let him go. He asked to study it and I gave it to him.”
“Balderdash! I want him back now.”
Phil bowed his head foe a split second.
“I am afraid I can’t do anything about it.”
“What do you mean? Will he get stuck in the old time?”
“I don’t know and I was only trying to help. You want to save your family name and change history, Mr. Richard Salvar. I am not a foe. Tom Salvar will be fine, I promise

*******


“My dear this is Timothy, Uncle’s Peter’s son.” Isabella said as she appeared on the corridor.
“Uncle peter?” The man wondered “He has a son alive?”
Now Tom got the message of the story she told him.
“I have been in the Academy for years sire.” Tom lied smoothly.
“Oh, that is great. Which Academy?”

“East Cathedral. I have not been to Fishtown in years.”
“And now he feels Salvar Stringing and Feast are infidelity. Those clergies are taking my little cousin away from tradition.”
“Is that true?” The man, Sir Wellington asked, raising his eyebrow.
“Yes, Sire. We celebrated only Christmas, Easter and Christian feast. I have never seen Salvar Stringing.”

“Salvar deserves to be honored. I thought the Bible says Give honor to whom honor is due. I can’t remember it precisely but that is the message. Salvar is a hero and we are celebrating him tonight in my house. I have guest and I will be glad if you join us for your first Salvar Stringing.”
“Give honor when honor is due: Romans chapter thirteen Verse seven.” Tom said from an unlocked part of his memory.
“Oh, thank you.” Wellington said.” Same message so honor is due for Salvar.”
“Is my memory failing me, my dear?” Isabella said.
“What is it my dear?”

“Your clothes. This were not the clothes you wore in the morning.”
“Ohh…. I let it go because it a day of celebration. Some young kids poured mud on me and said they did not recognize me. My good friend Edwin let me have some of his clothes.”
“And yours?”
“He gave it out for laundry but I told him to keep it. I should not take back such things even though I would have to return this.”
Tom could see the assertiveness as he lied. He would not know that she had the clothes hidden somewhere. She did not ask of the horse.
“Very well. Won’t you have lunch before…”
“No my dear. I will have the Salvar Stringing and keep my appetite for Salvar Party. The Dukes of England, Suthaland, and Syrusis would be attending and I must have an entourage to pick them from the sea port. I better have the stringing fast before sunset approaches.”
“Very well my dear.”
“Are the servants ready?”

“The ad hoc servants are on their way but the cooks are ready.”
“Very well. I should change into my attire. Please get one for Timothy.” He said, turned at Tom, gave him him a smile and said, “welcome to Dransvalle. We shall meet at your first Salvar Stringing and what luck do you have to get your first one in my house.” He walked away/
Making sure he was gone, Isabella moved and kissed Tom.
“You are not just handsome, agile, lovely and able but smart.”
“You knew I was lying all these while.”

“He may have numerous clothes but it would be difficult for me not to recognize his clothes and horse.”
“What is going on?”
“Immediately I set my eyes on you, I knew it was time.”
“Time for what?”

“To have my revenge. Wellington has been cheating on me with an unknown woman. I tried to find out who she is but failed and each time I try to sleep with another man, I chicken out until I saw a strange young man who swept me off my feet, dressed in my husband’s clothes and riding his horse. When you claimed to be Joseph, who was a young kid who once visited to deliver a letter to Wellington, I knew you must have stolen the clothes and what else would get Wellington naked and give you access to his whole clothes and horse? I am aware he loves going to the farms with a certain lady. I am glad we had it right on his bed, and his pool.”
Tom knew it was the wife of a friend of Wellington called John but he was not going to say that.“Now that you got your revenge, I guess it ends now, right.”

She smiled and kissed him.
“That is the perk of tasting the forbidden fruit. You gave me what I never had, darling. I can’t stop having you right now. Come on, you need to get dressed and I will be moving you to the quarters behind. That will be your place and our secret haven.”
Tom realized that the main building which could be called a castle had a very vast compound behind with smaller buildings, gardens, fields and a massive kitchen where the meals for the members of staff was cooked. There were many servants, and guards . Tom felt he must be one of the richest men around here.

He was taken to a small, beautiful cabin with a living-room , two bedrooms, a study and toilet but there was no kitchen which meant there was no need for it.
“This was my Uncle’s room. He was Wellington’s foreman and Wellington met me through him. He died three years ago so this place is like my family member’s guestroom. You deserve it now. I hope you find it comfortable. The bed will be changed because it does not fit me. Better get dressed while I go and organize the party. Wellington is bad when it comes to organization and he leans on me. See you, darling.” She kissed him again. “We will meet later, and don’t forget your name; Timothy.”
She walked out, swaying her enormous derriere.

Tom puffed out air and moved round the house. He liked it and what attracted him most was the study. He saw a lot of books and realized that he had to study to have a better idea of where he was. But the thought of how he got here and how to eave still lingered.
He removed his clothes and wore the Stringing costume. It was a long, blue colored cloak with embroidery and a big picture of a dragon behind.
There was a knock at the door. He went and opened it and saw Gaius standing with a sets of clothes.
“Madam asked me to bring this for you, sire.”
“Oh, thank you.”

Gaius came in and dropped the clothes on a sofa.
“You are indeed a special relative of Madam.” Gaius said.
“I don’t get it.”
“Madam is a woman difficult to please and even her ralatives fear her. She is their go-to woman but she really likes you.”
“She likes us all.” Tom said studying him. “Maybe because I was away for years. I have not seen her since I was a kid.”
“That is understandable.” He smiled. “I am glad you are here. I will be loyal to you.”
“Thank you.”
Gaius began to walk out then stopped.
“Sometimes, I find it difficult to make a request from her. I hope you would assist me convey some messages.”
“What do you mean?”

“Em..Sire, I m a native of a small village called Yorkshire, just a few kilometers from Syrusis. Unfortunately, my family lost lots of crops due to flood. I mean the entire village and we are suffering right now. King Pius did not respond to our request for assistance because they say we are a minority. They forget that Salvar originated from Yorkshire but only migrated to Syrusis as Sir Fidel’s apprentice and was naturalized due his to intelligence.”
“You mean he is not from Syrusis?”
“No, sire and a lot of people did not like him. They felt intimidated by his smartness. He invented the WT.”
“What is WT?”
Gaius raised his eyebrows.
“You don’t know a WT?”

“If I knew, I would not be asking you.”
“Water puller. It is a mechanism that pulls water from the well without expending much energy. It is sold all over Europe and made Syrusis famous. He also invented a device that goes…kapoon!” He made a gesticulation that showed explosion.
“So what exactly do you want from Madam?”
“I want Sir Wellington to employ my uncle in his farm. That means coming with his family and that will help ameliorate our sufferings. A lot of people are leaving the village to seek for jobs outside to feed their families. Mt wage can’t do much.”
“What skill do your uncle have?”

“He is a very good farmer. His wife knits and he has three sons and a daughter. They would all be productive. The can build their own house and live. Very hard working people.”
They heard the sound of the bell/
“Oh my God!” Gaius said. “It is time for the stringing. I have to put on my cloak. I am proud of Salvar even if they don’t recognize Yorkshire. Thank you sire.”
He left in a hurry.

Tom went out and walked to the Salvar Stringing gown. He was happy that Isabella had established that he did not know about it so it won’t look strange now.
There were about sixteen young men and new adults there. These were the lucky ones who were privileged to have their Salvar Stringing in Sir Wellington’s house. Each year, he selected a few villagers who either won his archery completion, farming award, bravery award to participate in the Salvar Stringing in his house.

All of the boys wore the cloaks which were different from the ones the poor wore. The material was expensive and the embroidery was done in England and sawn in Syrusis. Wellington loved elegance and class.
The Salvar ground was adorned with low green grasses, bounded by colorful flowers and a well carved sculpture of a man with long hair worn in a pig tail, long thin nose and tight lips. His chest was stout and wore shirt with baggy sleeves. He was in a genuflection position, portraying a fierce warrior holding a sword stuck to the ground and a round object in his other hand.

Immediately Tom saw this image, a sudden flash dazzled his eyes and he closed them. Was that physical? It seemed he was the only one who saw the flash. No, it was not physical but something that nudged his memory. He had seen this statue before. Where did he see it?
He pictured himself in a big room with modern equipment.
Tom Richard! That was a name that rang a bell. He frowned and saw a man saying to him, “I told you that Richard is my name but for hundreds of years we have maintained the family name, Salvar. You are Tom Salvar, okay.”
That was him as a child and he accepted the name, Tom Salvar. That was his father and they had the picture of the portrait in their home. Now he remembered his father saying, “that is your ancestor, my ancestor, Salvar Benedict The Great.”
“Did you meet him?” Young Tom had asked.

Richard and smiled and sais, “no my boy. I never met him, not my father, nor my grandfather or my great grandfather but we have always preserved history. There are some missing parts of the history that I really want to put together but I have tried all I can but to no avail.”
“Missing parts?”
“Yes. I read through history books, journals from my grandfather but could not get it. You are too young to understand this now but I hope I will put it together one day.”
“Why is he great?”

“He was revered through our Europe and was celebrated for twenty years and then something happened.”
“What happened daddy?”
“I will tell you, my son but not today.”
“Did they stop the celebration?”
Richard had sighed.

“Yes. That is what I want to sort out.”
“Why? Why was he celebrated in the first place?”
“You have not read the book by Smith Davon Titled Salvar and the Dark Dragon. It is not really a children’s story book but you will read it someday. It was about him. He killed the Dark Dragon, a beast that devoured and terrorized the people of Europe for three hundred years. Your ancestor killed it and sacrificed his life. He was considered as the greatest warrior in Europe in his days. He fought the Bavazian war and captured the rebel leader, Cane Frod. He also saved the Princess from the notorious pirate, Drud Mackfort and he was below twenty five years old then. He was born in 1470 and died in 1506. He was just thirty-six. He had three children: David, Simon and Paul. His wife was called Suzana. She was a princess and the daughter of King Pius.”

“Was she the one he saved?”
“Very good my boy. She fell in love with him and the king married her off to him. He was naturalized and became The Baron of Syrusis, the biggest kingdom then. Come on, you have to go to school. So what is your name?”
“Tom Salvar.”
“Good. I love you son.”
“I love you daddy.”
Tom Salvar! That was his name.

The loud sound of the bell brought Tom out of his thoughts. A man dressed like a priest appeared, followed by two young women. He came and stood close to the statue which was placed in front.
Gaius appeared, already dressed in his Stringing cloak. Wellington, flanked by two armed guard appeared, walking majestically as people made way for him. He commanded respect and he seemed to be enjoying every bit of it. His cloak was different. The embroidery was adorned with gold and diamond and the material was pure silk used as the inner material.
“I hope I am not late.” Another man. Also dressed in his Stringing cloak appeared. He was also flanked by two guards. He was short, chubby with a wide side burns and small rattle snake eyes. His cloak was also very expensive and seemed to command a lot of respect too.
Wellington turned and saw the man before he smiled.
“You are punctual my good old friend.” Wellington said. “I feel honored to have you here.”
“Thank you my good friend.”
They embraced.
“How is Isabella?”
“It’s all hunky-dory, John.”
John!
That was the husband of his mistress.
“I hope Rita is fine.”
John smiled and that point, Tom watched him keenly.
“Yes, my friend. She is was out for a horse ride to the farms and now preparing for the night’s party. You know women, that preparation may take hours.”
Both men laughed and the image of Wellington and Rita having sex in the farm displayed. What a shame!
They walked forward and stood at a point marked with white paints.
“Come on, move to your point.” Gaius said to Tom.
“I don’t get it.”
“Stringing point.”
“Em.. it is my first. Being in the cathedral all my life and you know how clergy men are with certain traditions.”
“Ohhh, okay, come with me.”
He led Tom a point that was marked. The points were like two feet apart and made a semi-circle . Wellington and John took the center positions while the sixteen boys, Tom, Gauis and seven other servants took position.
The priest was in front of the statue while the two ladies stood by his sides.
The bell jingled and everywhere went silent.
Tom remembered reading about this rite but could not remember the details.
“Hail Salvar!” He said in a deep shaky voice.
“Hail Salvar!” They chorused.
“Hail Salvar!” The priest repeated.
“Hail Salvar!”
“It is another year to remember the Great son of Syrusis!” He went on, “The Baron himself and the lion of the wildest jungle. The one who walks and the sky rumble, the ground crumble and the battleground humble. He stands firm and never stumble; the attacks the enemies with no grumble and he makes the battle field flow with blood and no fumble. The Baron of Syrusis and the warrior of Europe, he gave hope and cut the darkness’s hope. The dragon killer, the peace pillar. He is the dearer and the sealer; The Baron of Europe! He is the light and the fight. The walk and the flight. The cleaner of plight and the one with the eagle sight. We celebrate you, Salvar The Great…time to raise the flag, and stamp the tag, surely you look royal even in your battle rag and you never brag.”
Immediately he said that, many girls came out and began to share a blue flag with the picture of Salvar standing on a dragon. Tom collected his.
“You may raise your flags, please.” The priest said.
They all raised it up and they began to sing


Sal-sal-sal-sal
Sal he had to up there
Dying for us he says my dear
Sal-sal-sal-sal-salvar is rare
Dirty dragon. Oh you dark fire sputter
Now is winter
Your reign is glimmer
Sal-sal-sal-sa-sal
Here comes Salvar
The great server
Now it’s happy, happy time
Gold and diamond in my mine
Take the egg and go away
Can’t you see it is my day
Saaaaaaaaalvaarrrrr!


After the song, each man would come to the middle of the field and a lady seductively dressed would come out and use a string to tie both of his hands and drag him to the statue and he would kneel down. The lady would remove a big piece of meat from her purse and drop it on a tray. The man would eat it with his hands tied. Everyone went through this and Tom could not make any sense out of it. They believed it was spiritual. After that which they called ‘devouring the dragon’ which the poor used vegetables instead of meat, then they would go before the statue and raise both hands before the lady would rub blue colors on his face while the priest would sprinkle wine on hi s face and the lady gives him a full glass of strong wine to drink.
The poor used locally brewed wine instead of the one Wellington used. After this ritual, the bands men began to play a war song and the men danced with the ladies joining them while they sang the Salvar anthem.
Tom found himself singing along with them and he knew he did not learn the song there but from his past life in the present world. He learnt it from history and it unlocked. After the dancing time, the ladies came in with trays of sweets, dry meat, preserved fruits and they enjoyed.
After the Stringing, Tom felt exited. He was witnessing what he read about and a part of him like shouting that he was a descendant of Salvar The Great but he dared not do that.
After the rites, Wellington gave gifts to every participant and they left. That was not part of the rite but he always loved to show his riches and made everything of his unique.
Tom went back to his room and slept off until to be awoken for the party. It was a party that would begin to unravel the mysteries that the world did not know. This was the beginning of the saga….

Three


The time was 12:00 AM and the large party hall was filled with important dignitaries. This was a time Wellington loved so much. When Dransvalle was bubbling and the villagers gathering to have a glimpse of men at the top and making the fact that they were his guests. He had organized a group of the villagers who would stand in rows along the roads to welcome his guests. He did not care how much he spent to do this.

There were over two hundred specially designed carts, pulled by decorated horses to convey the guests to his house. He also had quarters he called Guest Quarters to accommodate them. He had gone to welcome the Duke of England, Sir James Hudson, The Duke of Suthaland, Sir Amos Aaron and the flamboyant Duke of Syrusis, Sir Fell Amadon.

Wellington was not just connected to the royals and the high just because he was rich; he had a history with them. He was a small time money lender in England. He was approached by the infamous Baron of England, Hamilton Faggerson, who was a very dubious and avaricious man, for a deal. Hamilton was going to give him five hundred thousand pounds and one hundred pieces of gold as a secret investor. They agreed to 7:3 profit ratios, with Hamilton taking the lager share since Wellington had just five thousand pounds capital. Wellington used a chunk of the money to buy slaves from Africa and started slave trade.
Hamilton was not involved in this and did not know the details since Wellington gave him profits which were altered. Wellington did not give the true details. It was a case of two fraudulent people doing business.

Wellington opened a secret lodge where he made back slaves sleep with high profile men for money and never paid the women. He also started farming using the slaves as the main laborers. His firm began to grow and he discovered that Hamilton stole the spoils of Gregory war which involved three boxes of gold.
On the night Hamilton brought the gold which he did not want anyone to know he had, after killing his soldiers who knew about it, Wellington asked him to spend the night in his brothel because he had new girls from Africa.

Wellington poisoned him and buried his boy in the fields. No one knew Hamilton was back to town because he believed to be on his way back from the war.
No one ever saw him and his soldiers again and they were believed to have been waylaid by the enemies.
Wellington was now very rich and had top friends who were interested in black women. He had VIP lodges for the noble men who patronized him.

His fame grew across Europe and the slave trade made him connected to top men. When King Edwin III died and his son, Price Victor took over, he decided to investigate Wellington. He pounced on his brothels and his illegal activities but Wellington was ready for this.
He had established his mega farm in the small village of Dransville, employed many of them, built a palace for the king and became a force to reckon with. He moved out of England and relocated to Dransvalle.

Prince Nathaniel, King Victor’s brother saw this as an advantage. He travelled to meet Wellington and expressed regrets over what his younger brother did. He asked Wellington for support to over throw his brother.
Wellington agreed and provided funds, mercenaries and even trained slaves to support Prince Nathaniel. The battle was fierce and King Victor was killed along with his wife and three children so Prince Victor became the king.

Wellington never went back to England but he now had the friendship and support of King Nathaniel and many other kings and royals.
He was one of the richest men in Europe now with one of the biggest money lending firm. He was also one the biggest farmers of cotton wool.
Most of the dignitaries came along with their wives, guards and servants. There was prestigious to travel along with workers.

Wellington was ready to impress his guest with the expensive cuisines made for them. The newly introduced turkey was in surplus, chicken, beef, pug, fish preserved fruits, expensive wine, and so many delicacies were arranged on long sets of tables. Smartly dressed waiters in service.
Musicians were invited from various parts of Europe. Also in attendance to entertain were magicians, dancers, poets and drama artistes.

The Duke of Syrusis, Fell Amadon, was a tall, strongly built man with a white long hair with a pony-tail. His face was clean shaven, with an aggressive square jaw and thin red lips. His wife, Joana was smallish and very pretty. She was elegantly dressed in expensive out fits.
The Duke of England, James Hudson was of moderate height with round puffy cheeks and swaggering mustache. He was with his wife, Suzana .
Then the short, chubby man was the Duke of Suthaland, Amos Aaron whom also came with his wife, Helen Magafen.
The royals and their spouses were on one side, including the host, Wellington, Isabella, John and his wife, Rita.

Tom had seen Rita arrive with her husband and saw how pretty she was. She was more beautiful than Isabella but Isabella had a more attractive body. Rita was slim, a little above average height with large sexy eyes.
The party began after Wellington officially welcomed everyone, mentioned the top names, thanked his wife and workers for the organization and praised Salvar Benedict.

There were wonderful performances by the invited entertainers, general dance and something happened during the entertainment; Tom decided to sing so he moved to Isabella and said he wanted to perform. She ordered that he should be given a chance and before he came on stage, he quickly had a short rehearsals with the bandsmen and they found his pattern strange but seeing that he seemed to have an influence with the Wellington Family, they followed his order.

When he came on stage and the bands men started playing music the way he told them to, the audience became a little curious. What kind of music was this?
It became more strange as Tom began sing Whiz Khalifa’s song; See you again but added a name.

It’s been a long day without you Salvar
And I will tell you all about it when I see you again
We have come a long from where we began Salvar
Oh, I will tell you all about when I see you again
When I see you again
He began to rap:

Damn, who knew?
All the planes we flew good things we have been through
That I will be standing right here
Talking to you about another part
I know we love to hit the road and laugh
But something told that it wouldn’t last…


“He is talk-singing.” Fell observed. “What kind of song is this?”
“It is beautiful.” His wife agreed. “I have never heard anything like this.”
“What is a plane? Did you hear him say they flew a plane?” Duke of England, James asked.
“Part of beauty of music is invention of poetical words. Plane may just be a word to make his song sound nice. I will like to invite this musician to England to sing for the king.” He added.
“Who is this musician?” Fell asked.

“That is Timothy. He is my wife’s cousin.” Wellington said proudly.
“That is interesting.” Fell said. “He will be a great musician. The way he sings is unique. He is singling like he is talking with a rhythm that flows like steady ocean waves.”
“Hey yo!” Tom went on, “shout out to my home boys…”
“He means his boys at his hometown, perhaps.” A man said.

“Respect to Whiz khalifa and Charlie Puth for the hit song and all the crew and artistes of Fast and furious. Can’t step down from here without a big shout out to Paul Walker. You live on bro. Now I need you to sing after me…just a sec.” He moved to the drummer and said, “just go..boom-boom….boo-boom..boom.boom….” The drummer did that until Tom felt satisfied.
Then he began to sing the a part of I Don’t Care, a song by Ed Sheeran featuring Justin Bieber.

Don’t think I fit in at this party

And the audience sang after him.

Everyone’s got so much to say, yeah
I always feel like I am obody,mm
Who wants to fit in anyway?

‘Cause I don’t care when I’m with my baby, yeah
All the bad things disaapear
And you are making me feel like maybe I am somebody
I can deal with the bad nights
When I am with my baby, yeah
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh ooh
‘Cause I don’t care, as long as you just hold on to me near


Tom’s songs made the night so lively with the audience singing aloud and trying to dance like he was doing. Isabella was mesmerized and felt so proud of her young lover. The party went on smoothly until around 4:00 AM when the big shots began to retire to their lodges.
“I need to leave, honey.” Isabella said to Wellington. “I know you have a lot to say to your friends.”
“I regret this but you are right and don’t blame me for being a business man. I have a message from King Nathaniel which must make me visit Jame’s lodge.”
She smiled and kissed his cheek.
“I understand my love. I am proud of you. I love you.”
“I love you more.”

She excused herself and walked away. John smugly starred after her.
“John, I guess you will have to see Demetrius on my behalf, please.” Wellington said. “He will be leaving in the morning and we have not finalized the cotton deal.”
“I will do that.” John said. “I am in the loop.”
“Very well and be sure to get your 10% cut.”
John smiled.
“Very good of you.”

“Since you men turn the party into a business conference, I may have to leave.” Rita said with a pout.
“I am sorry about that, madam.” Wellington said with feigned formality. “It is my fault.”
“I understand.” She said with a smile. “That is what you men do to put food on the table.”
“I am glad you understand that, Madam.”
Wellington smiled and left. He was followed by his guards but as they left the hall, he asked them to leave him alone. He Climbed a horse and rode down to his personal garden; a place he loved so much. He alighted and saw another horse tied to a tree.
He smiled as he saw her.

“Welcome my love/” Rita said. “Happy Salvar day again.”
“Thank you my love.” Wellington said and held her.” We started the day together and ending it together. My best Salvar day ever. I never have enough of you.”
“Same here darling. Fifty Johns can’t make one Wellington.”
He chuckled.

“You make me feel on top of the world. Come on, let’s get down to business.”
“John handles the business while you handle the real deal. You are such a good friend. Taking care of a friend’s wife is an act of kindness.”
Wellington chuckled but in his mind, he said, “but I do not want anyone to take care of my wife in such a manner.”
Only if he knew that his wife was moaning as Tom made love to her in his cabin.

******


“You made me wet while you sang.” Isabella said as she caressed Tom after a period of sex. “Where did you learn such a style of singing. Fell called it Talk-singing?”
Tom laughed.
“That was raps.”

“What? Like wrapping something up, right?”
He knew there was no way he could explain this so he decided to take a credit that did not belong to him in a place he could not be falsified.
“I invented it. I call it rapping and in future, I will have protégés like Easy-E. Doctor Dre, Ice Cube, Eminem, Snoop Doggy Dog, Drake, and lots more.”
She laughed shortly.

“You have funny imaginations. The names sound funny. You called one of them a dog.”
“Yeah, “He giggled. “I guess he will be proud to be called that.”
“What about the dance steps?”
“I don’t know. I just did it.”
“Really? Okay, now I want to know the real you. What is your real name?”
Tom turned and looked up the ceiling.
“I don’t know.” He lied.
“You don’t know? Please be serious.”
“I mean it.”

“You didn’t just drop from the sky and started living the day we met. Where did you come from?”
“I wish I knew, ma’am.”
“Please cut the ma’am when we are alone.”
“Okay.”
“You did not just drop from the sky, did you?”
“That is the irony. The only thing I remember is waking up on a hill without remembering what happened.”

“Oh my God! You lost your memory?”
“I guess so.”
“So tell me what happened.”
“I got up, saw some men who attacked me because they thought I was spying on them. I ran away and got my clothes soaked in water. That was when I found your husband’s clothes.”
“He was with her, right?”
“Yes.”
“Bastard! Can you describe her?”
“No. she was under him.”
“Okay, skip the details. So you can’t remember your name or where you come from, huh?”
“Yes but I get fragments of memories.”
“Like what?”

“A family that took care of me and they were in poverty. They had little to eat but gave food for me. I wish I can pay them back.”
Isabella had other ideas. This was good news to her. He had no family he could think of or any home he would go back to.
He was hers! She would have him for life. She loved him and wanted him for the rest of her life. She would do anything to keep him and she just got that chance. She wished Wellington would fall down and die. She would gladly marry him and they would rule this house and the entire empire and enjoy the wealth. She knew Wellington had secrets but he had been so smart and as slippery as ice.
What if Wellington just dropped and died? Or someone helped end his life? She was now getting ideas.

She was sure there was nothing she wanted more than this young, handsome and sexy boy. He was also the very good in bed, with styles she had never seen or heard of. She could not even imagine him with another girl. Never! He was hers and she owned him now.
“Can you remember where they you met them?”
“Yes.”

“Where exactly is that?”
“It’s a town called Yorkshire.”
“Yorkshire? That is where Gaius comes from.”
“Really?” Tom feigned ignorance. “I never knew about that.”
“So you want them to have money?”
“No ma…sorry, no my love.”
She blushed.
“You called me your love! I love you.”
“I love you too.”

“Please take me. Take all of me and leave nothing behind. I am all yours, my love.”
They spent another ten minutes making love and while in the act, he paused and said, “ I want you to make your husband give them a job. He is a farmer and his wife knits.”
“Anything you want my love.” She said, high in ecstasy. “They have a job already.”
“And a place to live in.”
“I will personally buy a house for them. A big one and plenty food. Just forget about them for now and let’s make love.”
“One more thing. I can’t locate them. You will permit Gaius to go and bring them. I will ask him if he knows them.”

“Done and please shut up. Take me, please.”
It was while they deeply in adultery, and she was moaning uncontrollably, knowing the cabin was sequestered and she would not be heard, they heard a sudden scream.
It was so loud and a lot more voices emerged. Women and children screaming then a loud rumbling sound that made them disengage at once.

“What is going on?” tom asked. “Part of the celebration?”
“This is strange.” She said and got off the bed and quickly wore her dress.
Tom got dressed too. She peeked and snuck out. “Let me find out.” She disappeared and Tom came out.

The town was now in higgledy-piggledy. There was confusion and the servants, guards.
“What is going on?” Tom asked a lady running.
“The dragon is back!”
Tom looked up and what he saw scared the hell out of him!

*******


[b][/b][i][/i] What did Tom see? How was he going to end up with Isabella, would Wellington find out ? Would he succeed in his mission or he would get stuck here? There lots of mysteries to unravel. If you really want to find out more, it's simple. Please follow marmoodarlee on Dreame.com or simply type marmoodarlee -Dreame and you are there where you can enjoy the full story. Please do not forget to follow me to get updates on my books. You will also find the new versions of Married to a fink, Beneath my heart, The last insurgent, The root of a cynosure and more of my books there. Thank you very much.