Dreams of Akasha: The Visionary Chronicles, #1

By Khali LaBre

It is the year 5130 C.E., Akasha finds herself ruling over the mighty city of Shujaa, in the country of Jakar, over 3,000 years after the Day of Settlement. The human race is recuperating and is left scraping up the pieces of past technologies, cultures, and philosophies. Many of the historic forms have vanished without a trace, and few cities are able to provide the contents of detailed research to resuscitate them. The world has been in a state of peace for over a decade due to the need to rebuild; yet, an evil queen of the South has decided to challenge the mighty queen by targeting her sister city, Adi, but will Akasha and her army conquer evil forever? Submerge yourself into the adventurous world of the mighty Queens of the Jurisdiction, as they rely on faith to guide their queendoms into deliverance, and destroy the ugly face of an evil soul.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lemons & Gold Publishing
• Release date: Jul 4, 2018
• ISBN: 9798201721671

Khali LaBre

Khali LaBre, author of Dreams of Akasha: The Visionary Chronicles is the self-appointed “Queen of the I-4 Corridor” which runs from the east to the west coasts of her native State of Florida. She is from both Tampa and Orlando, Florida, and is an animal and food-loving free spirit who is passionate about incorporating her cultures into her work and demanding the preservation of the true African-American Vernacular English. Her debut novel, Dreams of Akasha: The Visionary Chronicles is available online through various major ebook retailers, and in the ePULP section of the Orange County Public Library System in her hometown of Orlando, Florida. Her upcoming novel, Scribe, set to be released in November 2022, will take place in the city as well, and is expected to be somewhat controversial. She’s gifted in many areas besides writing, she’s a member of the Thespian Honor Society, Sigma Tau Delta, USF alumni, is musically-dramatic, and she is a lifelong Bipolar Warrior. She will always be a proud Floridian, but she follows her heart wherever the rainbows are.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

T here is nothing new under the Ball of Fire. She said to herself, as she cut the houscous fruit she picked fresh that morning. Houscous was her favorite, because it reminded her of her mother, and how she would make houscous pies in the kitchen, leaving the house smelling sweet and spicy. You can’t ever be disappointed with people when you already know what to expect of them.

She sat on the large white chaise and threw her gaze to the village out the window. She was disappointed in the way the Jakarian Prime Minister dealt with the rogue cities. As long as the cities agreed to pay their dues of municipalities, they were pretty much free to do as they wished. However, not on my watch! She’d said in previous meetings with the Prime Minister and his colleagues.

She allowed the lights of the village city to marinate in her mind...

Myyyyy...what a lovely little thing we have here! Come on in my sweet! I know you must be sooo tired and hungry. Please, help yourself to the dining hall...Oh! Before you do, please enlighten me as to how you say your name? The witchy woman said, as a large and facetiously warm grin spread across her face, like that of a demented jester.

Akasha. The little girl replied with distrust in her eyes, she seemed to have lived previous lives.

Akashaaaaaa....! The woman hissed. How delightful! I will have to practice it more. Please, go have what you will in the dining hall!

"Wait! The little girl squeaked. What is your name?"

I beg your pardon?

It is rude to ask me my name and not tell me yours, what do you have on me?

The Headmistress pointed her brows at the little girl. The first thing you will learn this instant, little one, is that I am not one to be questioned!

And with a shaking fury radiating out of her body, she struck the little girl across the face with her staff.

Akasha screamed and wailed in pain as tears poured across her face, as she lay sideways on the floor. She screamed as visions of her mother and father flashed before her.

They were there, and then they were not.

WHY WOULD YOU LEAVE ME!?!? TAKE ME WITH YOU!!! She squealed, as she began to rock and writhe in emotional torture.

She was left to cry until her body surrendered to falling asleep...

Akasha! Akasha! A voice began to chime from a distance.

My Queen...are you okay?

Akasha snapped her head around toward the voice; it was her love, Dakarai.

I’m sorry, dear soul, yes, I am okay. She replied as she shook her head into the present.

What, are you time traveling again? You know the Grand Healer gave me rights to drag you to his dwelling if this kind of thing kept happening!

Dakarai, with no disrespect to the Grand Healer, what is with me cannot be cured. She pierced the soul of her husband with her eyes, and begged him to understand.

Dakarai acquiesced, and walked over to their enormous window, looking over their city.

I came to inform you of something that may be of great interest to you.

HHHWHOOP!!

My Queen...I beg your pardon, but there is something that I must inform you of; something absolutely emergent! The Queen of Mayaba has stated that she...

Shove it, bird! Dakarai interrupted

Pardon me? The bird questioned the King.

Akasha, in no mood to witness an argument, intercepted. Dhati, what have you found?

Dhati shot a glance into King Dakarai’s face before proceeding, My apologies, Akasha; however, the Queen of Adi is seeking our assistance, as they are under attack. They need us, direly!

How could you dismiss your husband for the chirpings of that bird!? Dakarai exclaimed, pleadingly.

It is without any means of disrespect, my King. However, it is likely that Dhati would have access to any new information, as he is yet, a winged creature, and flies as fast as sunlight. Forgiveness is begged of you, dear soul. Akasha soothed, with a curtsy.

Of course, forgiveness is given for you, my Queen. He said, as they batted lashes at one another. Akasha gracefully retreated from the activity, Who is seeking to smite our kin city? Who might be that brave? She charged at Dhati.

Dakarai answered, Dear soul, the Queen of the land of Mayaba has declared war on our sister city of Adi. We must do something!

Akasha, now went over to the window, and fixed her gaze on the horizon.

Out in the distance, she could see the smoke begin to ascend from Adi.

This will not be the worst.

What could you mean, my Queen? Asked the king.

Just mark the words of my lips, dear soul. You will see. The queen gathered her fruit and went on her way to the lower room.

YOU’RE GARBAGE! NOBODY wants you! You’re so worthless, a joke of all jokes! Your parents died to get rid of you! Nothing but a waste of breath...peasant!

The Headmistress went on relentlessly.

When I say for you to clean the basins, I MEAN TO CLEAN THE BASINS! She screamed, as she cracked the whip on the little girl’s body.

Little Akasha had immediately left her body, and was now smothered in her thoughts,

But I saw nothing more to clean. They were all shiny. What does she mean? I miss my Mama and Papa. Save me Adonai.

YOU DUNCE! GET OFF THE FLOOR! WHAT IS THE MATTER WITH YOU ALWAYS ON THE FLOOR!?

Akasha slowly peeled her body from the floor, fixed herself up, and looked daringly at the evil Headmistress. Suddenly she thought a thought, and then she saw the thought unfold before her, and then she heard the thought speak.

One day she will pay. Do not be anxious.

And then suddenly the thought was gone.

She had seen tears and pain in the face of the Headmistress, but then it was all gone. It was as though a violent thunderstorm came over her, and disappeared just as quickly as it came.

Adonai.

AS SHE WAS BEGINNING on her journey to the city of Adi on foot, Akasha had been advised to take a horse and a small chariot, or to have someone with her for protection.

She was small and meek in stature; although, she was quite strong despite her appearance. She had skin the color of the sands of Earth, and hair that resembled the trees of autumn. She wore her hair as a crown, adorned with ornaments of gold and jewels. She was silently proud, and it was apparent in the way she held her composure.

She walked along the city streets of her queendom, nodding at those who crossed her path. She was known to mingle regularly with her community. It was greatly uncustomary for a ruler to do such a thing so consistently.

Akasha was familiar with almost every person in her queendom; the only ones she had not met were the newborns. Her city, the land of Shujaa, was known across the country as the most peaceful city. It was also the Capitol city of the country of Jakar.

Everyone knew everyone, and everyone respected everyone, and that was the land of Shujaa.

The queen had no fear, on her walk through the pathways of her city.

HHWHOOP!

Dhati, I told you I am fine on my own! Go back, you may get injured! Akasha scolded her falcon friend.  He had come to protect her, like he had always done since they'd met.

EEEEEEEEE! HHWHOOP!! Hey friend! What’s wrong?

Are you...talking to me? The little girl asked between sobs.

I fancy some intelligent human conversation from time to time...yes I am talking to you! Said the bird, he was enormous and elaborate with his glorious falcon feathers. His wingspan was that of a long tree branch.

I am trying to escape; can you please guide me out of this forest?

I can do better, actually! Said the bird. Hold tight, and try not to squeal, would you?

Um...okay... She replied.

The bird lifted the little girl off the ground, as she held her breath as they ascended above the canopies of the tree tops.

By the way...I’m Dhati! A pleasure to meet you!

And at once, Dhati propelled them both out of the forest almost as fast as the speed of light! Once they were out of the forest, Dhati provided a safe landing.

Thank you so much! The little girl smiled, hugging Dhati. She was pale in the face and catching her breath when Dhati asked:

And what is your name?

Friend! Akasha, my friend! Are you okay? What are you daydreaming of, now? Dhati squawked, waking the queen out of her vision.

Dhati, do you remember the day that we met? Akasha asked.

Why, of course I do! You poor fledgling! Let’s not think of those times now, queen...you have battles ahead as we speak!

You see, the queen had already fought numerous battles in previous years, but you would never know it, given her demeanor.

The duo continued on their path, greeting the citizens that approached them. Taking petitions for the queendom, as the queen, herself, received them, folding them neatly and putting them away in her pack, next to her spear.

Akasha was a master javeliner, and came in 2nd place against the Lordess of Awan, Adana, in last year’s Festival of Fire games. Adana was masculine in appearance, with broad shoulders, and long lanky arms that hung from her small frame. She was a bit shorter than the queen. She was accustomed to hunting, fighting, and directing the production of chariot repairs and enhancements, thus proving as a tense, but friendly challenge to Queen Akasha. She wore her tight curls in a topknot at all times, it seemed, as she was rarely seen with her hair flying free. Queen Akasha and King Dakarai were so impressed with Adana’s skills; they signed a treaty with Lord Ziven and Lordess Adana as allies in battles going forward.

This was one of Akasha’s first stops on her journey to the Land of Mayaba. As she and Dhati approached the palace doors of the Lordess, the guards quickly assembled to greet them.

Your Majesty, it is with great joy in our hearts to welcome you! Proclaimed the shortest one of them, quickly bowing.

Akasha returned the favor.

Likewise! She declared, But gentlemen, I am here to ask a mighty favor of Lordess Adana, may I proceed in good faith?

Yes, Your Highness, allow us to guide you, Said the guard, pray tell, what is happening? The Lordess herself has suddenly been on edge, we cannot seem to decipher it. He finished, with a great concern in his face.

Dear soul, I’m afraid to speak of it at this moment, as I detect that she is reacting with knowledge of the words that reached me earlier this day. Please allow us to discuss with each other before a word of this rings your ears, I don’t want to add to your angst. I hope you understand.

The little guard sighed in disappointment, Yes, Your Highness...it is understood, we will prove ourselves patient.

They were at the doors of the great room in the Lordess’ palace. Akasha bowed quickly to the guards, and they bowed quickly, showing themselves to the lower rooms.

Akasha knocked on the enormous door.

Show yourself! An angry voice replied

Akasha gulped, Pardon me, Lordess, it is I, Akasha!

She paced carefully through the great room, admiring the grand marble vases that held living gardenias and lilies. The numerous mirrors, all tall and reaching the high, and colossal ceiling. The floor was cobblestone, as a city street, but embellished with gold. Akasha had always admired their sense of style.

I beg your forgiveness, my friend! Adana said, as she burst into the commonplace, as Akasha had arrived. She was sweating, and drenching herself with water in a gourd bottle.

I know you are here because of the news of Adi! Oh, greetings to you as well, Dhati! I am so flustered at the moment...I..I

I’m aware of your frustration; however do not fall into despair, Lordess! I have come to you to accompany me in the battle! I need your skill! Akasha beckoned the lordess.

Yes, yes...whatever you need, Queen! I cannot bear to think of the atrocities the eyes of the Adian people may be witnessing! Think of the children! I have family out there! My spirits! She said, sobbing and pacing.

Queen Akasha now looked at her friend in a different facet, and tears began to form in her eyes, as she felt the pain radiating from Adana.

Adonai, the Great Celestial Spirit of the skies and the Heavens, and all things powerful, and all things peaceful, is the Spirit of Life. We will not lose, as we fight in his will! I vow that you will not lose a soul in this battle, in the power above. Akasha petitioned over her friend, Guide us on this path.

Adana grabbed Akasha, and both rulers hugged each other as the Lordess cried, and Akasha offered comfort.

After a few minutes passed, they gathered spears, guards, foodstuffs, and this time, chariots, and continued the long journey to the Land of Mayaba.

Go forth, my child...and conquer.

CHAPTER 2

As they continued on their path, they being: the guards of the District of Awan, the warrioresses of Shujaa, Dhati and the Flock of Lanaii, the Tribe of the Jujamites, myriads of chariots, waving flags of war, and the legendary Golden Horses, pulling the preparations of a conquest, all lead by Lordess Adana and the Capitol Queen of Shujaa herself, Queen Akasha, walking with grace, pride, and her signature slight limp. The people wondered if she would still be strong enough to rule as queen, but it didn’t bother Akasha so much. As long as she held strong to the Celestial Spirit, every footstep was mightier than the last.

The army made music amongst themselves, as some of the guards brought their drums, the warrioresses sang, and played their tambourines and bells. The Jujamites sang in harmony the beautiful war song of their land, while Dhati and his flock sang the melody. Queen Akasha clapped her hands happily, joining the army in unison. Lordess Adana sang under her breath, glumly in appearance, and still filled with the anxiety of not knowing of the unspeakable things the Queen of Mayaba could be bestowing onto the people, once they arrived at the City of Adi. She was going into battle with a hopeless heart.

You know, Adana... Began Akasha, ...you may be titled as Lordess, but you are just as much of a queen as I am!

What are you getting at, Akasha? Adana retorted.

The queen giggled, and requested, What is your concern as to why you are wearing your face so lowly? Have you no faith at all in our petition to Adonai?

The