Decisions of a Queen

By Stephanie Jefferson

When Princess Kandake reached 14 years, the age when all Nubian women left childhood, she was named as the next to rule the kingdom. That same year she rescued her brother from foreign warriors, ruled in her father’s place when illness brought him to the edge of death, cured a poisoned pharaoh and prevented an evil advisor from seizing Egypt’s throne, and then rescued her sister from a dishonorable prince and blocked his path to Scythia’s throne. But all of that was last year.
Now she is 15 and must begin life as a woman and Nubia’s future queen. There are so many decisions.
The king of Aksum has requested Kandake’s help to flush out raiding bandits that are encamped within the Strand. The sovereign of Scythia requests Kandake to assist his daughter in attaining the skill level of a Nubian warrior—and contend with the prince who brought harm to her sister. In the midst of all of this, Kandake must be a mother to her adoptive daughter, when she is little more than a child herself.
Every person in Nubia has an expectation for Princess Kandake and each situation requires the wisdom of a queen—including setting the date for her marriage ceremony.
Can Princess Kandake become the ruler the kingdom deserves, continue to grow in strength as a Nubian warrior, be a good mother to her daughter, and most of all, is she ready to become the wife she believes she must be?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stephanie Jefferson
• Release date: May 7, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370795055

Stephanie Jefferson

I love story! I love it in all forms: oral, written, cinematic, and any other way I can get it. Now I write story! It makes my brain feel great. I'd love to share mine with you. Check out my latest offering.

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CHAPTER 1

Kandake swung Naomi up and behind her onto the back of Strong Shadow. They rode from the palace courtyard out into the open country of the kingdom. Before long, they were well into the untamed portions of the kingdom of Nubia, far beyond the herdsmen and their cattle.

Where are we going, Princess Mother? Naomi asked. It had been almost one year since Naomi had come to live in Nubia and it was her fortune to be adopted by Princess Kandake, the next ruler of that kingdom.

My Chosen has planned a special morning for us. We are to meet him along his favorite hunting trails. Of the men who had presented themselves as suitors to Princess Kandake, Amhara had been the man she chose that would become her husband. Did you remember to fill the stone pouch for your sling as well as arrows for your quiver?

Yes, Princess Mother. Are we to hunt this morning?

We shall see. Kandake urged Strong Shadow from a trot to an easy gallop. Their weight and the pace she set was no strain for the horse. He had been trained to carry Kandake into battle and travel long distances.

Kandake directed Strong Shadow into a grove of trees where she slowed him to a brisk walk. Not long after, she reined the animal to a stop and she and the young girl dismounted. We will walk the rest of the distance. It will give Strong Shadow time to cool down before we arrive. They came to a small clearing where Amhara and Ezena awaited them. Their horses were tied to saplings not far away.

It is a beautiful morning, My Queen, Amhara said. He stood tall and the bulk beneath his skin gave witness to the strength he commanded. Bare from the waist up, Amhara’s skin was testimony of their god’s favor. Skin kissed by the sun, it was as dark and rich as the ground they stood upon.

Yes, My Chosen, it is a beautiful morning. Kandake tethered Strong Shadow near the other horses where he would be within reach of sweet grasses if he chose to nibble at them.

But the morning is no comparison to the vision that now meets my eyes. He turned to Naomi. And, my daughter, how does this morning find you?

Excited to see what we will do in this place, Naomi said. Good morning, Auntie. She wrapped her arms around Ezena’s waist.

Good morning, Little One, Ezena said, returning the embrace. My husband has sent you a gift, if your father allows it. She untied a small parcel hanging from her waist and passed it to Amhara. He peeked inside and handed it back then he nodded his permission. This is for you if you do well today.

Do well? Naomi turned to her parents. What is it I am to do that I must do well?

Nothing that you have not done many times. Amhara untied one of the horses and brought it with him as he walked toward her. You have hunted, have you not?"

Yes, My Father.

Using both sling and bow?

Yes. She stared at him. These are things you already know.

You are correct; I have this knowledge. I am also aware that Prince Dakká is training you to do these things from the back of a horse.

Then he must have told you that I am not excelling at this skill. She turned her face toward the ground. Uncle says that I need more practice. I go to the warrior compound most days. When I am with Kheb, she allows me to practice riding her horse. She is training too, so we have to share her mare. I cannot see how I am to practice more, but I will, Father. I give you my word as a Nubian Warrior.

I believe you. Amhara said. Let me see how well you are doing, now. He handed her the reins of the horse. Mount.

Naomi stepped a few paces backward. She ran at the horse. Just before she collided with him, Naomi reached for a handful of the horse’s mane. At the same time, she hopped to put one foot in the stirrup and swung the trailing leg over the animal’s back. It was Kandake’s signature mounting.

I wonder where she learned that, Ezena muttered.

Kandake could not suppress her smile of pleasure and pride at the young girl’s behavior. Amhara harrumphed and shook his head. Ride her around the clearing to get the feel of him beneath you.

Naomi took the horse around one time at an easy walk, then returned to her father.

You look good on her; the mare’s gait suits you. Now try it at a trot. He gave the animal’s backside a light slap.

She sits her well, Ezena said.

Yes, she does, Kandake agreed, never taking her eyes off of her daughter. Let us see how well she controls her. Kandake raised her voice. Naomi, drop the reins. Once she did so, the horse continued around the circle at a steady pace. Now change directions. The move was smooth and seamless.

Pride welled in Kandake’s heart. Evidence of the same emotion shone from the faces of Amhara and Ezena.

She will make a fierce warrior, Ezena said.

Amhara beckoned Naomi to him. Do you see those gourds I have placed on the ground? When you ride by them, I want you to hit each one with a sling-stone.

She rode past them and managed to hit only one of the gourds. She wheeled the horse around and made a second pass. This time she hit a different gourd, but still only hit one of the five that had been set out. With a look of determination on her face she turned the horse again and tried for her targets. This time she missed altogether. Amhara signaled for her to join them.

I am sorry, Father, please let me try again? Naomi pleaded with her voice and her eyes.

There is nothing for you to apologize for, Amhara said. I believe I see what your problem is. He walked Naomi on the horse to where his was tied. He loosed it and mounted. The horses walked alongside one another with Amhara speaking in gentle tones as he instructed his daughter.

My cousin appears to be enjoying his role as father, Ezena said. Have you discussed setting the time of your marriage ceremony?

I have just entered my fifteenth year of life and he has not yet completed the building of our home. Kandake shrugged her shoulders.

So that is the reason Amhara is working on his house well after the sun has left the sky. You have set him a formidable pace, my friend.

There is no rush, Kandake said, watching the two who held her heart work together. We are young yet. There is much time ahead of us.

CHAPTER 2

Amhara walked his horse to the center of the clearing. Try hitting the gourds again. His gaze followed Naomi as she trotted the animal.

Naomi filled her sling. She twirled it round and round as she prepared for her approach to her targets. As she came closer to the first gourd, her sling whirred faster. Just before she loosed her stone, the young girl raised her seat the smallest amount from the saddle. Naomi launched the stone.

Thwack! The sling-stone hit the gourd. With speed, Naomi refilled her sling, twirled it, and sent the next stone flying. Thwack! The next gourd was toppled. And so it went with her remaining targets. Kandake, and Ezena, cheered her success.

It appears she will be wearing Nateka’s gift, Ezena said. But I am certain that she will want to chase him around the house first. She chuckled and shook her head.

Why would she want to do that? Kandake tore her gaze from her daughter and looked at her friend.

You will see. My husband truly enjoys teasing her.

Amhara ran to reset the targets as Naomi circled the clearing. Her joy and astonishment were evident in the manner she sat the horse.

Now, try it again, but use your bow this time. Amhara returned to the clearing’s center. Remember what I told you.

Naomi tied her sling around her waist. She pulled her bow from across her back, slipped her thumb ring into place, and adjusted her quiver. As she trotted the horse inside the circle of trees she nocked an arrow to her bow. Her approach to the first target continued in an easy trot as she took aim. And just as before, Naomi lifted her seat prior to releasing the arrow. Thwack!

The arrow hit its target, burying its head deep into the body of the gourd. The force of the blow carried it a short distance from where it had been set. Naomi continued on to the next target and then the next. Thwack! Thwack! Thwack! The sound of her success rang out through the clearing.

Our daughter will be a formidable warrior. Kandake ran to her chosen, throwing her arms in the air, cheering louder with each step.

Yes, Nubian blood runs true in this one! Amhara called their daughter to them.

Did you see? Naomi joined the three adults, panting more from excitement than exertion. I hit them—every time!

The blood of your mother speaks in your actions, Amhara said. The girl turned a questioning look toward Kandake.

He speaks of Irty, Protector of the Pharaoh. Kandake placed a gentle hand on her daughter’s cheek. I am told you look very much like her and now we see her talent in you as well. Naomi’s face broke into a bright smile. Her eyes shone with pride.

There is a reason we are among the trees, Amhara said. I have one more thing I would like to teach you. For this, we all must mount. Once they were astride their rides, Amhara moved his horse alongside Naomi’s.

A warrior must be prepared for every eventuality in battle, he said. Some are fought in clearings such as this. Other times, a warrior must avoid objects such as buildings, trees, or even people. The Nubian warrior must be prepared for any situation. He turned his face toward his cousin. Ezena, lace the trees.

Ezena kneed her mount into action. She trotted the horse through the trees, weaving this way and then that. Amhara then whistled to her and threw up a hand signal. She signaled her acknowledgement, then urged more speed out of her ride.

See how she maintains her seat? Amhara said. Watch what happens now. He whistled for his cousin’s attention again. My Queen, if you would join Ezena. As Kandake moved out he signaled that she should give chase to her friend. Now watch them both. He gave them another signal and Ezena took off with Kandake following. Both at full gallop with their horses’ tails trailing out behind them.

Ezena pulled away from Kandake. Her mount dodged first one tree and then the next. Strong Shadow chased behind without hesitation. Ezena wheeled her horse around the next tree and sped off in the opposite direction. Kandake cut off her friend’s path, but Ezena changed direction again. Amhara called a halt to the chase. Both women walked their horses in a wide circle to cool them down, then rejoined Amhara and Naomi.

How could you go that fast around all of those trees? Did you not fear that your horse would stumble or be frightened? Naomi threw question after question at the end of the demonstration.

Our horses are well trained, Amhara said, and our warriors are trained beyond greater capability. He turned to Kandake My Queen, while you are allowing Strong Shadow to rest, I will walk our daughter through the beginning paces of running pursuit. Amhara and Naomi walked their horses through the trees.

Your daughter learns with eagerness and ease, Ezena said. She and Kandake dismounted and continued to walk their horses

She works hard at whatever task she is given. Kandake spoke those words with pleasure and pride. She and Ezena set out water for all of the horses as Amhara and Naomi joined them.

You did very well, today. But it will take more practice to bring you to the level of a Nubian warrior. Amhara guided both horses to drink.

Father says that I have done well, Auntie. Does that mean I have earned your husband’s prize?

It does indeed, Ezena said. She pulled the small parcel from her waistband where she had tucked it. He crafted this one for you. Your mother wears something very similar.

Naomi opened the package. It is for my hair, to tie my braids away from my face! Please tell Uncle, thank you. It is beautiful! She examined the gift. It consisted of an iron disk with a hole in the center and a wedge-shaped slice cut from it. The disk had characters carved into its surface. To it, was connected a leather thong and at the end of the thong was a bead. What are these characters? They look familiar, but I do not understand them.

Let me see? Kandake accepted the piece from her daughter. She examined the engraving on it. A snicker escaped her lips before she could cut it off.

What is it? Naomi looked from her mother to her aunt. Both of their faces held grins that neither disguised very well.

Give it to me, my daughter, Amhara said. I will read it for you. He looked at the characters on the piece. Mirth filled his eyes, but he did a better job of keeping it from his face than Kandake or Ezena, These characters are from an old dialect of our kingdom. Very few use this language anymore.

Yes, but what does it say? Naomi stared at her father.

It says, Little Princess.

Naomi made a face that held annoyance mixed with laughter. I told him never to call me that. I will see what I can do to help him remember. The adults surrounding Naomi broke into laughter.

CHAPTER 3

Kandake and the others returned their horses to the stables at the warrior compound, then walked to the palace courtyard. Are the two of you available to share midday meal with me? she asked Ezena and her chosen.

Nateka is not expecting to eat with me, but I told him that I would return at this time, Ezena said.

May I send a message to him that you will be with me? At her nod, Kandake called one of the palace messengers to her and sent him to her friend’s husband. And you, My Chosen, will you dine with me as well?

Only if our daughter will sit near me. I have something very serious to discuss with her.

Naomi took hold of her father’s hand in answer to his question.

At Kandake’s request, food was served to them at the table on the portico. Plates of sliced meats and cheeses along with fresh radishes and small onions were placed before them. Two pitchers were set on the end of the table. One held cool water and the other, pomegranate juice—Kandake’s favorite. At her request a bowl of nuts and dried figs was added to their meal.

From their vantage point on the wide porch there was an easy view of the citizens of Nubia going about their day-to-day business. I love sitting in this spot, Kandake said. It gives me an opportunity to observe the health of the kingdom. I can see the market from here and get a glimpse of the goods being traded, I can watch many of the herds that pass by, but my favorite sight of all is watching the children play—Nubia’s greatest resource. She folded meat and cheese within a slice of bread and took a large bite.

I would think the kingdom’s gold or ironworks to be the greatest resource, Naomi said.

Gold and iron are things to be possessed, my daughter, Amhara said. He poured a small bowl of water and gave it to the young girl. You can place those things anywhere, but their presence does not make that place a kingdom. But the children…, he turned to look at the group of children playing. Their feet kicked up a cloud of dust as the chased one another. They are a kingdom’s true strength and wealth. A child who grows to be a man or woman, they are the kingdom.

Naomi turned her face to where her parents watched. Princess Mother, does that mean that when I am a woman, I will be the kingdom?

You are the kingdom now, my daughter, just as they are.

In Egypt, the pharaoh is the kingdom.

That is Egypt, this is Nubia. Every citizen of this kingdom is valued. No person more than the next.

But you will be queen. Does not that make you more valuable? Naomi sipped the water and bit into a dried fig.

No, it makes me more responsible. It is my duty to see that Nubia remains strong. I must protect it…even with my life, should the need come.

Then that is the reason you became a warrior—to protect the kingdom. Naomi’s gaze moved from the children to the marketplace. Her head swiveled from side to side. My mother protected Egypt’s pharaoh only and I wanted to be just like her. You protect the whole kingdom. Does that make you a greater warrior than she was?

I have learned much of who your mother was and her strength as a warrior. I do not believe that I am greater. I believe our focus is different, nothing more. Kandake laid her hand on top of her daughter’s. Every warrior serves with their heart as well as their skill. That is the mark of a great warrior.

Then I will become a warrior like both of you. I will practice long and hard until my skill is a match for my heart. I will serve and protect what I love.

If that is true, Amhara said, then you will need to spend more hours on horseback to improve on what you have learned this morning.

I will, Father. But it will not be an easy thing, Kheb must practice too, and I have no horse but hers to ride.

How is it you say, you have no horse to ride? Amhara asked his daughter. Kandake caught sight of the gleam in his eyes. Were you not riding this morning?

Yes, Father, but that mount was not mine.

But she is! Did I not trade for her yesterday before the sun had set?

She is mine? You traded for me? Naomi threw her arms around her father’s middle and squeezed.

Daughter, you have pressed the air from me. Amhara laughed at Naomi’s joyful response. Please, release me. You must save such strength for the sparring floor.

May I go to her? Does she have a name? Wait until I show her to Kheb! Naomi folded meat and cheese together and wrapped them in bread to take with her. Then she snagged several radishes, bouncing as she waited for permission to go to her new horse.

Yes, you may go. Her name is Gentle Breeze, but I suspect you will change it to Strong Wind when you see her run. Naomi ran from the portico in the direction of the warrior compound.

I recognize that mare as part of Senka’s herd. It is one that he was hoping to breed when she reached maturity. How did you get him to agree to a trade? Ezena asked.

It was not difficult. I have a young cow that is near to calving. I promised him that he could add the calf to his herd once it no longer suckles its mother. He is hoping for a female.

"I know that you had plans to trade