The King Of Qadesh: The History of the Power Talisman

“Years ago our nation was facing unparalleled peace. After the split from Egypt, our people established themselves near the basin.” Grandma stated as she held the book containing the secrets of our nation’s history. Today we are learning about the history of our nation. This week we have to learn about our kingly duties.

I am Amana, descendent of Amaziah, King of Qadesh. My twin brother and I are to rule this wonderful nation of ours when the time comes. Our father taught us that the best leaders are those who are knowledgeable of their past. As part of our preparation for future leadership, father expects us to have these constant meetings. Today, my grandmother said she would teach us the forgotten history of our people. I am excited!

The twins sit attentively as their grandmother, Aderonke, a beautiful elderly woman with short grey hairs opens the book in her hands. “Now, boys, this book has contained and sealed away information for the royal family only for decades.” She exclaims softly peering down over them, holding the book close to her chest. “What you will learn today should never leave this room.” Both young boys nod eagerly as they glance at each other with a smile.

“Before your grandfather’s grandfather was King the nation of Qadesh was unprotected.” As grandmother speaks, the room swirls and transports us to the past. The palace of the Kingdom of Qadesh is in view. I stands tall in the center of the capital. People walk by the gates and gaze upon its beauty. The King Uzoma, towers on the balcony watching over the city.

Queen Iyawa approaches from behind him. She clings to him gracefully and leans her head on his shoulder. “What has your mind, my king?” He lets out a soft sigh as he wraps his arm around her and leans his head on top of hers. “Sometimes I wonder how you do that. Just get in my head so seamlessly.” He chuckles softly. “I am your wife, it is my duty to know you better than you know yourself.” She turns into his arms and brings her hands up to cup his cheeks.

“Tell me, what is causing you distress?” She gazes into his eyes intently, hoping to break down the walls of his mind. A moment passes, and he steps back away from their embrace and lets out a soft sigh. “I fear there is so much on my mind Iyawa.” The King turns away looking down in frustration. “We have to make the country more money. The trade has been down, and without the backing of Egypt we may go under soon.” Queen Iyawa smiles and approaches Uzoma. She rubs his back gently before embracing him.

His eyes widen as he feels her soft touch. “My King, this dilemma has faced us before. You always find a way to keep this nation going. I know that you will find a suitable solution.” The tension in his shoulders flies away instantly as a large grin overcomes his face. “You always know how to bring a smile to my face. Thank you.”

King Uzoma turns to face Queen Iyawa. He holds her waist as they gaze into each other’s eyes. At that moment a loud crash is heard throughout the capital city. The king and queen turn and look over the city as a rush of wind shoots towards them. Dust and debris fly everywhere as Uzoma rushes Iyawa into the palace as the guards hurry to get them to safety.

General Debare, a tall powerful man rushes into the royal chambers. “My King, are you ok? Are you hurt?!” Uzoma waves Debare off. “We are fine. What is going on out there?” He asks as they make their way down the palace hallway. “There are multiple casualties near the wall. The few survivors say something crash landed near the border. We have gathered a few troops to go investigate.”

Uzoma nods understandingly. “I should go see what is happening.” Debare halts abruptly. “My King no. We have not assessed the situation yet. It could be too dangerous.” Uzoma shakes his head aggressively. “No, as your King I demand…” Iyawa gently touches his arm. She looks up into his eyes pleadingly. “Please, my love, wait until we have more information.” He looks down into her eyes. He lets out a soft breath.

“Fine.” Turning to Debare with a stern look. “As soon as you know something I want to be informed.” Debare nods and bows gracefully. He leads the King and Queen down the hall into a safe room. “I will be back shortly, my King.” Debare states as he closes the safe room and runs off. Standing in the safe room Uzoma turns and rubs his neck. “Do not stress my King. We will make it through this.” Iyawa says comfortingly as she embraces him. Uzoma nods softly.

“I just worry this threat is greater than anything we have ever faced.” Iyawa chuckles softly as she reaches up and cups his face. “You my love are the King of Qadesh. This nation will weather any trouble that comes it’s way because of you.” He smiles and nods softly. At that moment the door opens. A medium sized man in military fatigues enters the room. He is bloody and bruised.

“Apologies my King for the intrusion. General Debare sent me to tell you about what happens at the border.” Uzoma approaches the soldier and grabs his shoulders firmly. “Tell me son, what happened?” The soldier takes a deep breath. “Sir, after the explosion a small group of us went to investigate. We were not ready for what we found.” The soldier hyperventilates and steps back.

“What is it son? What did you see?” Uzoma asks anxiously. “There was a ship and when it opened a large orange beast stepped out. It demanded a mineral.” The soldier pauses for a few moments, eyes widened. “It attacked us…we lost so many men.” The soldier looks into Uzoma’s eyes, full of fear as he recounts the tale. “It killed General Debare.”

Uzoma takes a step back. He shakes his head in disbelief as he fists his hands. “Take me out there, I will bring this beast to his knees.” “My King…no, there is no way to defeat this thing. It is not human.” The soldier protests. Uzoma paces the safe room. “I cannot leave Qadesh unprotected. I must do something.” Iyawa grabs his forearm softly. “Maybe the mystics can help?”

Uzoma pauses for a moment, pondering the idea. Nodding in agreement, King Uzoma, Queen Iyawa and the soldier traverse through the palace down into the secret chambers. As they creep into the room they find five mystics sitting in chairs. “King Uzoma, what do we owe the pleasure of this visit?” The mystics state in unison. King Uzoma steps forward. “Mystics, I need your help. Qadesh is facing an insurmountable threat and we need your power to defeat it.”

The mystics cackle loudly as they rise from their seats. “Oh King, this threat is defeatable. We have seen you do it.” Uzoma smiles and approaches the mystics. “Please, help me save this nation from a great calamity!” The mystics stand in unison and approach a large table off to the side of the room. “Ofcourse our King. We live to serve the throne.” On the table the mystics approach are five shards arranged in the shape of a talisman.

“We have the ultimate weapon to aide in your fight against this unspeakable evil. We must warn you; however, this will cost you greatly.” Uzoma nods as he approaches the mystics. “I will pay any price.” The rooms grows dark as the mystics begin to chant in unison. Uzoma looks back at Iyawa and the soldier as a rush of wind flows through the room. Sparks of lightning shoot from the table.

After a moment passes one of the mystics grabs the talisman and slowly approaches King Uzoma. “Here lies the power to defeat the beast and save Qadesh.” King Uzoma reaches to grab the talisman. Before he can grab it the mystic pulls back and shakes her finger. “Remember this comes at a cost. See this talisman grants the wearer incredible abilities. The ability to control the elements. Earth, Fire, Water and Air all within your control.” One of the other mystics steps forward and interjects. “What will give you the edge over this beast is the ability to manipulate time itself.”

Uzoma pauses for a moment as he listens intently to the mystics. “The cost of this powerful talisman is years of your life. Using this talisman's powers will decrease a wearer's lifespan by ten times.” The mystic states with a wicked grin. Iyawa rushes towards Uzoma and grabs him. “No! This is unacceptable! There must be another way!” Uzoma shakes his head. “I don’t think so Iyawa. I have to do this. To protect Qadesh.” He states softly as he turns and grabs Iyawa firmly. They gaze into each other’s eyes warmly for a moment before embracing in a hug. Uzoma turns and faces the mystics and takes a deep breath. “Ok, I am ready.”