Written piece
The Etnafian King
Nafisa Isah
Nigeria
About this piece
The story is centered in the fantasy world of Asitna, it follows the King from a tribe with golden blood that once resided in the jungle. He goes to the Spider Queen who hates the male being because of her mate that betrayed her by dying. He makes a proposal that she cannot deny.
In the world of Asitna, lies the jungle of Tuktikky and in the heart of the jungle echo the memories of the Etnafian tribe, people blessed with golden blood. Moons had passed since the Season, when the tribe migrated.
The world of Asitna is built on the belief that no true change would happen if one remains in the same place. So it is valid to say that when Nixade of the Etnafian tribe returned to the jungle, he was completely changed; a mighty King strengthened by the Eternal Flame, and far more reckless. He sought an ancient being, one so powerful her webs could travel through time, space, and realms. The giant Spider Queen, who loathed every male.
The Queen had been betrayed before by the very one she loved; he died, leaving her alone. So when King Nixade walked into her territory, promising her the chance to see him again, he found himself thrown onto the web with the threat of death looming.
“The Eternal Flame is from the soul of Asitna. Your mate is in the soul, that is why your webs cannot find him. I can open a door for you. All I want is stories from worlds beyond,” he said. The Spider Queen, filled with longing and desperation, agreed. There was nothing more to lose anyway.
The door was opened and she passed through. Though she could not remain there, for her mate was in the land of the transcended and she, the land of the breathing. It was enough. The Etnafian King got what he sought.
So now, when you see a single thread of web carried by the wind, just know that it is the King listening for stories. And who am I? I am the King's shadow, woven into this thread.