ACT 2 SCENE IV

There are no secrets in Barwa. The news of Mangi’s reaction had reached the lowest parts of Barwa and Mukunda was furious. Mukunda quickly called in an urgent meeting with one of the elders.

MUKUNDA

This is treason.

ELDER 1

It is indeed. But why call it treason is it not what you have always wished for. It is clear now that your brother has chosen a stranger for his throne. Now it’s your turn to strike and avenge for your father.

Deep in his heart Mukunda knew the truth. He loved Rachel as much Mangi loved her. He thought by posing a threat to Mangi, Mangi would walk away and thus giving him room to fall in love with Rachel. But this did not happen.

MUKUNDA

I am in love with the mistress too.

ELDER

 What?

MUKUNDA

I did all this because I hoped my brother will fall for my plan. When he leaves her I will go and win her heart but it seems all has failed and I am left with only one option.

 ELDER

Mukunda do not be weak. Do what your father would have done. It is an opportunity that you have always wanted in your life and do not trade it for nothing.

MUKUNDA

Stop it! It is not nothing, it is called love. He holds his head crying. I loved her too, I loved her first but my brother fooled me the same way his father fooled my father. But this time things will be different. Elder I now present to you the new chief of Barwa Mukunda Malamuli.

ELDER 1

 This is the Mukunda I know. A meeting will be called soon and be ready to be crowned chief.

The plot was simple. The council had to vote against Mangi being chief. Mukunda too carried the royal blood and he was entitled to be chief . But Mangi was the chief.

A Rachels place

She did not go to school that day. She spent the whole day at her home. Her heart was heavy. A knock at the door, it is Mukunda.

MUKUNDA

Rachel (she sat by the corner of the bed and said nothing. Her heart was heavy she did not want to speak). I heard that Mangi was here. He is not what he says he is. When you came to the village I did not see a foreign mistress in you. I saw a woman that would complete my life and dreams. Later on Mangi came; he sat me down and ordered that I should take back the bed that I had given to you. I tried fighting but I failed. I loved you with all my heart and I still do. I was tricked away in to not loving you. I wish I had fought more but I thought by doing so I am doing us a favor. (She still did not say a word. But every word that Mukunda was speaking she heard clearly and kept in her heart.)

Rachel I beg you today that you love me. I promise I will protect you this time. Do not listen to Mangi; his motives are still the same they have not changed. He is the same man who ordered your bed to be taken. He is the same man who was plotting that the education officers transfer you. Choose me therefore today; love me and not my brother.

He did not speak more after that he left. At this moment none of the brothers knew the fate for their loved one. Only war was to follow and one of the brothers had to fall.

#keep reading i will keep writing.

written by Hawulethu Patrice Dube

a saxjaz7 production

all rights reserved

 follow me @hawulethu

like our page on Facebook ''There is a Zulu in my blog''