Sandstorm
Part 3
Once everyone was inside the shelter, the screaming stopped. Rajaf and Frego started tending to the wounded.
As the wind ripped through the city, several people started praying to heathen gods. “That stops now. You are in my city and you will pray to our God or you will not pray at all.” Kol roared with great authority. He started a chant all Meccians knew. It was quickly taught to the new comers.
The wind continued to roar.
Kol was worried about Kessa. He knew that Rajaf was. He got up walking around the perimeter of the room.
“How long as it been?” A young female voice asked.
No one answered.
A small faction of the court gathered in one corner of the room, whispering amongst themselves. Kol asked in front of everyone, “what are you whispering about?”
They looked at each other, startled. “Well sire,” one gentleman bowed. “We are praying to God and the storm is getting stronger. Perhaps we should pray to a different god? Ours seems to have abandoned us.”
“I disagree.”
“How so?” The young lady that had asked about the duration of the storm questioned.
“God knows what he is doing. It is up to us to have faith in his plan. His storm is happening for a reason. Only time will show us what those reasons are.”
“That seems like a pretty weak answer.” She snorted.
“You are?”
“Emona.”
“The grand dukes daughter. You’ve been away for several years.”
“Yes, my lord.”
Rajaf rolled his eyes.
“Emona,” the grand duchess scolded.
“Sorry, sire.” Emona stared at the floor.
The wind knocked something loose and it shattered close to the shelter. A singular gasp overtook the room.
Kol spoke again, “I’ve watched this court, it has started drifting away from God. And I have done nothing about it. I’ve even done a great deal to make it happen. It stops now. If you have an issue with this,” he took a deep breath before shouting. “LEAVE!”
Rajaf elbowed Frego and winked.
Some of the people in the room flinched at his elevated voice. Others still tried to make their bodies small. His mother looked shocked by the outburst.
“One hour.” Someone spoke. “We’ve been in here one hour.”
“Thank you.” Kol replied.
They all continued to set there in silence. It was a long time before anyone spoke. A female stood, “it has been a long time since we have heard the wind. Should someone go check?”
“And who are you?” Kol asked.
“Emma, my lord. I am a friend of Emona.”
“Emona has done you a great disservice.”
“I don’t understand, sire.”
“Frego.” Kol looked at his son.
“It has been a law in this kingdom that no one is to be called lord. That is a term reserved for God and God alone.”
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