26

TEARS OF A ROYAL BLOOD

26

 

Solwazi drove Londiwe and Zama home. Zama stepped out of the car to give them space.

Londiwe:Thank you once again. But, I don't recall you around the neighborhood. Are you new here?

Solwazi:Yeah, about that... I need to tell you something…

Londiwe:Okay…

Solwazi:I came here to actually talk to you. The person who stabbed you, he was sent to kill you.

Londiwe:Me? I don't have anything in life, why would anyone want to kill me?

She was shocked.

Solwazi:It's not about what you have. Look, I can't tell you everything here because this is not the right place to talk. But I don't think you're safe here anymore.

Londi:My mother... She's inside…

She said already opening the door..

Solwazi followed her inside the yard.

Londi:Mama…

She shouted for her when she opened the door..

“Yini kwenzenjani?(What's wrong?)”680 asked a woman walking to where Londi was.

Londi:Oh you're okay…

Solwazi entered the house but stopped at his feet realizing that he didn't even knock. He doesn't want to give off a bad first impression.

Her mother looked exactly like her. It's like they are twins.

Solwazi:Sanibonani ma(Greetings ma).

He said respectfully. Londi's mother smiled and greeted her back. She told him to sit down and he did.

The house seemed decent.

Londi:Ma this is Solwazi, Solwazi this is my mother, Nontombi.

Solwazi:Nice to meet you ma.

He reached for a handshake. This was so awkward. He regrets coming into the house, but he needed to make sure that her mother was okay.

Nontombi:Nice to meet you too my son. So Londiwe is this my future son in law?

Londiwe laughs.

Londiwe:He helped take me to the hospital.

Nontombi:Hospital?

Londiwe:Before you worry, I got hurt a little but I'm fine.

Nontombi:But you were at the hospital.

Londiwe:I'm really fine mom. I don't want you to stress.

Nontombi sighed sadly. She knows she's hiding it from her, she hates being treated like a child because of her cancer. She just got a chemo, and the side effects are really kicking in. She lost her hair and she had no choice but to shave all of it off. Then there's the nausea and vomiting.

Solwazi:She's telling the truth. The doctors said it wasn't anything serious.

Nontombi:If you say so.

Solwazi kept quiet and looked at the both of them. He didn't know if he should just tell them that his family stole the throne from their family. Or should he tell them that Madida won't rest until he destroys them? It's too much, even for him. All he knows is that, it's not safe for them here. It's better if they are with him, that way he can protect them. But his house is already crowded with his family.

Londi:What are you thinking about handsome?

Solwazi:About what I told you in the car.

It was just the two of them in the room now. Nontombi left.

Londi laughed.

Londi:You're being paranoid. No one wants to kill me. I was also shot last year, I'm used to it.

She laughs again.

What he has noticed about her in these few hours is that she uses humor to hide her pain. She just got stabbed, but she's laughing. He definitely needs to break that exterior she's put up. She needs to allow herself to feel the pain so she can get closure.

Solwazi:I am serious. I wouldn't have wasted my time coming all the way from Morning side to share a joke.

She saw that he was serious and she stopped laughing.

Londi:But I don't understand why would anyone want to kill me. I never wronged anyone. Unless it's that guy I owe R100 from. Please tell him I'll pay him back when the month ends. I don't work, I have nothing on my bank account. I can't believe he wants to kill me for R100.

Solwazi:Whoa hold up. Just relax. Please call your mother. I need to tell you something.

She stood up and went to call her mother.

Solwazi:I didn't fully introduce myself. My name is Solwazi Zondo, son of the late Qhawe Zondo.

Londi:I knew you looked familiar. I can't believe I'm in the presence of a royal.

She was suddenly feeling threatened. He probably has a wife back at home.

Nontombi:My prince, I'm sorry I didn't even offer you a drink.

Solwazi:No need for that. We don't have much time. I need to tell you something that will change your lives. You may hate me after I tell you.

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At Nqoboka Kingdom.

The doctor came to check on Phazama and he suggested that they hire a nurse to tend for his wounds everyday. The damage was really bad. Phazama couldn't even move. His whole body hurt. He didn't need the doctor to tell him that Madida almost killed him. He did almost kill him, if he(Madida) had a gun he would have killed him.

Kholo comes into the room he was in, she had a basin with warm water and a towel.

Phazama:I don't need your help.

Kholo:I'm the only one in this house who can help you.

Phazama:Because you are the only one left. Your son chased out everyone.

Kholo:You are just the seer here. Royal affairs are none of your business. Now I see why my son hit you. You have a loud mouth.

Phazama:Of course! you can find fault in everyone but not your son.

Kholo:What is that supposed to mean?

Phazama:Exactly that. You are so blind that you don't even see what's happening right in front of you. All you care about is being Queen mother! A title that came at a tears of another family.

Kholo dipped the towel in the warm water and pressed it against his wounds. He winced feeling pain.

Kholo:I will shut that mouth with a slap. You do not know anything about me. My son is king and that is all that matters.

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In the other room, Madida just finished wearing his clothes and prepared to go about his day. Now that the Ntuli girl was killed, he has nothing else to worry about. Mkhonto can take back his useless body. He just need Phazama to make things happen and bring him back. His father lived for so many years, that's how great of a witch he was.

Madida:No no no no.…

He says as he feels himself getting sucked back in.

He falls on the floor and his whole body shakes vigorously like he was having a seizure.

He gasps out loudly with his eyes open, before closing them again and laying flat on the floor.

After a while, he stands up and walks out of the room.

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Back at Londiwe's house.

Solwazi:Your great great ancestor, Ntuli was a king.

Londi:I'm sorry what?

Solwazi:Please don't disturb me.He was a king and he had a kingdom known as KwaSompisi. Madida Zondo was his friend. And my ancestor. He stole the throne from Ntuli.

He Narrated to them all the events that happened as to how Madida stole the throne from their family and now he's back to make sure it doesn't go back to them.

Londi laughs a little before standing up.

Londiwe:Yeah nice story.

Solwazi:I am not making up a story.

Londiwe:Ntuli and being Royal? Yeah right. You mean to tell me that we have suffered so much in our family for generations because your family stole the throne from us?

Solwazi:Sadly yes.

Londi:This would make a great script for a movie. You could title it, "Tears of a royal blood". Because we have never had a happy life as the Ntulis. Our lives are doomed and subjected to misery and poverty from generation to generation. While you and your family enjoyed the benefits of our tears. Please leave.

Solwazi:Londi please I know you are upset, but we need to talk about this. I also didn't know, I just found out and I want to do the right thing. Please don't shut me out.

Londi:Dude I just met you and I'm not afraid to cut you off. Please get out of our house.

He looked at Nontombi and she was sobbing silently. Okay maybe he shouldn't have told them now.

Londi:Please leave. We don't want anything to do with you or your family. If that Madida wants to kill me, let him come and I'll show him who I am.

She pulled him up from the couch and dragged him outside.

Solwazi:I won't stay away. I understand this is too much to take in but I'm not staying away. I just found you and you think I'm going to let you slip through my fingers? Forget it..

He declared and walked away.

Londi:Okay that was hot. But I hate and love him.

She spoke to herself and hurried back inside to her mother.