Avva Maria (The Risen Sun)

By Angela N. Mata

Former Roman cardinal Joseph Babayaro is the principal founder of the Avva Maria Society, a mysterious women's order operating out of West Africa. Avva Maria is unique in that most of its members are virgin-born. It is an ascetic community whereby those of the priestly caste have taken a vow of celibacy. At the heart of the society is Serwa, a powerful seer and traditional healer who receives divine revelation directly from God. God, Serwa claims, is a woman and she Her divine mouth-piece. The elder is formally addressed as Avva Maria, the beloved veiled Mother Superior whom the faithful bow humbly before. Yet difficult is the road to life for Babayaro, her foremost champion. The college of cardinals has laicized him for heresy. Members of the Order of Avva Maria soon find themselves under a spate of deadly attacks from an opposing brotherhood when their lengthy search for Serwa's successor comes to a surprise ending in America. Six year old Alisha Audrey may or may not be the "Chosen One" whose coming the Avva Maria has prophesized. Only Serwa knows for certain. The Avva Maria has forewarned that a traitor among them will complicate the society's mission to find and procure their "Risen Sun". Will the order survive or self-destruct? 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Two Black Doves Publications
• Release date: May 10, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201538255

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Ile Aye was an independent microstate situated in Yorubaland’s ancient Oyo Katunga region. At the heart of the village lay the walled compound where Ola Serwa governed from. A brigade of stalwart young women guarded the principality night and day. Her Grace was a mystery to the Aye people. Adherents addressed her as Avva Maria. But all respected her authority. They feared the powers she was rumored to possess.

The Nativity of Mary was at hand. It was the most sacred feast on the Avva Maria calendar. Offshore members of the order arrived in the village days in advance.  They draped themselves in seamless white garments and covered their heads. Shoes were not allowed.

The Avva Maria compound was an immaculate settlement of modern peaked longhouses. Its luxurious temple served as Sera’s home. At the middle was a beautifully groomed courtyard. Her Grace was seated on her throne at its center.  Nikki, the fearless beauty to her right, headed the order’s small militia known locally as the Oju ti Iberu. On Serwa’s left stood Monica, the newest member of the faction. She equaled her superior in strength and grace but was less grounded in faith.

Devotees rewarded the Avva with a multitude of beautiful flowers at the onset of the ceremony. She was their Queen Mother, and they her daughters. Three rings were formed around her. The inner circle comprised the priestly caste. They too were Avvas, the highest division of the order. Four carried Serwa in a palanquin to her throne and then joined the others in full prostration.

The second ring was made up of servants. Their only duty was to live in sanctity. They’d traded the world for a life of peace in the order. All initiates started at this rank. The servants made a joyful noise with drumming, tambourine-playing and song while circumnavigating Serwa’s throne.

The Oju ti Iberu formed the outer ring.  They stood with their backs to Her Grace, ever on guard. The Oju ti Iberu were a fierce conglomeration of sword masters, archers, and spear throwers, reminiscent of the ancient crusaders. Each of them wore a red flowing scapular over their white garment. It was all ceremonial. They’d been trained in modern combat. The compound included an armory as well.

The music drew a host of villagers to the compound. They’d come in the hope of catching a glimpse of the Avva Maria. Rarely was she seen in public. Despite the order’s peculiarity, rumor held that to look upon the Ola’s face would guarantee a lifetime of good fortune. But members of the priory knew better. To gaze upon the face of their Mother Superior was a direct challenge to her authority and that of the Almighty. The Avvas’ prostration was a gesture of absolute obedience.

AVVA IYANDA ONIFADE knelt humbly before Her Grace. She allowed the veiled matron to bless her in the customary manner - with a traditional cow-tail switch. Serwa requested an audience with her immediately after the festivities. They met inside of the obi, the heart of the compound where the Queen Mother received guests. Serwa dismissed her guards. Their presence wasn’t necessary whenever holding counsel with fellow Avvas. Iyanda was her most trustworthy servant. She called the Avva her right hand.

My spirit rejoices, Iyanda, as I bear witness to the progression of this order. Your years of hard work and have finally come to fruition.

Highly glorified is our Lord the Mighty!

Serwa laughed. The lioness has grown old, my daughter. You must return to your post now and wait patiently for my replacement. A new sun is on the horizon. Guide her home safely. Instruct her in all the ways of Avva Maria.

But how will I know her, Your Grace?

Your heart will know!  I will confirm your suspicion the moment I set eyes on her. This will not be an easy task. Our enemies are far and near. One among us will betray the order.  But you mustn’t lose heart no matter what!

Iyanda kissed the old woman’s feet. Ave Maria, blessed are you among women! she proclaimed.  Should I fall in my duty, let my death not be in vain.

MOTHER TO DAUGHTER

Maya Audrey stood powdering her face in the bathroom mirror. She hummed merrily to the classical orchestration airing over the kitchen radio.  She was due at the office in less than an hour. But her daughter had to be dropped off at school first. She and six-year-old Alisha shared a modest one bedroom flat in San Antonio. Money was tight even though it was only the two of them. Maya worked as an office cleric and dressed accordingly. She didn’t normally wear makeup but understood that it was expected of her.

Hurry up, Mommy, Alisha yelled from a short distance. You don’t wanna be late for work again. Mister Chamberlain will be so disappointed in you!

Maya froze suddenly and smiled at her reflection. Lord, your ways are mysterious to me. But I thank you for this child! She grabbed the tiny gold cross dangling from a chain and kissed it.  A small veiled woman appeared in the mirror soon after. Maya dismissed the effigy, snuffing it out with a flip of the light switch.

Alisha was setting up for breakfast when Maya entered the kitchen. She wasn’t allowed to cook yet and decided to start the day off with cereal and orange juice. The dainty little six year old had already dressed herself in the closed already laid out for her. Maya grinned at the sight of the girl. Alisha appeared to be the picture of health despite the recent onset of seizures. Her clothes were second hand but always neat and tidy.  Maya kept her hair braided for convenience. 

With a single wave of her hand, Maya paused the counter smart display then joined Alisha at the bar counter for breakfast. It’s your turn to say the blessing! she said.

I know!

They both clasped their hands for prayer.

God is great, and God is good.

And we thank Him for our food.

By His hands we must be fed.

Give us, Lord, our daily bread.

Amen.

Amen! Maya declared.

Alisha had already filled two vintage juice glasses to their rims with Tropicana.  Generic raisin bran was a morning staple.  A bottle of whole milk set next to the counter’s sugar bowl. They were fortunate it wasn’t powdered this time. Maya’s pay had increased since her last evaluation. But it was still barely enough to get by on.  Her smile remained as she watched the child take more than her share of sugar.

Mommy, what if God is a lady?

Maya’s smile faded slowly as she thought of an appropriate response. Well, I don’t think it would make much of difference, sweetheart. We wouldn’t adore Her any less. Right?

She grabbed hold of the girl’s hand and shook the excess sugar back in the bowl. Alisha sighed irritably. No, I suppose not, she said in her usual adult way.

Well, why have you asked?

Because sometimes Gods speaks to me. I can see Her, too.

Maya froze in the midst of saturating her cereal with milk. Her heart fluttered as she met Alisha’s eyes. She capped the bottle while studying the girl’s disposition. Baby, how long have you been experiencing these visions? she asked.

She comes whenever, Alisha answered with a shrug. She tells me to be strong when I’m about to be sick.

Maya swallowed hard before daring a response. Pumpkin, sometimes people experience what is called an aura just before the onset of a seizure. It’s very important that you tell the doctor all about this during our next visit. Alright?

Alisha hung her head and tossed the flakes around in her milk with her favorite novelty spoon. She said he won’t understand, she answered drably.

What else has she told you?

That you wouldn’t believe me, either. You don’t, do you? She met her mother’s eyes and waited patiently for a response. Maya continued to study the child in silence. She reached for her juice after a short while and took a long sip. 

Doctors had not been able to make a comprehensive diagnosis. Alisha’s symptoms didn’t fit into any specific category of seizures. They weren’t sure if it was epilepsy at all. Alisha passed the photo-sensitivity test but suffered two additional seizures a few days later.

Alisha, things aren’t always what they appear to be. We’ve talked about hallucinations before. It’s a common symptom among those who suffer from your particular ailment. Honey, the more your doctor knows about you, the better he can help us.

"Maybe she can help us!"

Maya smiled. Yes, or she. But, honey, these visions you’re having are not real. It’s important for you to understand that.

No, Mommy, she’s real! I never tell a lie. God is a lady. She tells me things.

The child’s revelation stunned Maya to tears. She didn’t believe. Yet it was true that her daughter never lied. Finish your breakfast, she answered softly. It’s getting late.

Alisha hung her head again and stirred her cereal.

SALVE MARIA

Dillan Bradbury had been teaching first graders at Salve Maria Montessori for the past five years. He was a gangling young graduate student with a fuzzy face and big crazy hair that his pupils adored. The school insisted that he wear the traditional shirt and tie. His love of children made him compromise. Dillan’s students were always eager to learn. Their day usually began with circle time. They settled on the floor one by one after removing their coats and sweaters in the coat room. Their chatter grew louder as the class size increased.

Alright, let’s settle down, class! Dillan commanded while preparing paperwork at his desk.  We have a lot of work to cover today.

He smiled when his prize student settled among her peers. Alisha! I’ve chosen you as my helper today. And do you know why?

Nope! the girl replied nonchalantly.

Well, you’ve been selected because...you made the only one hundred on yesterday’s spelling test! Yeeey! Good for you, angel. Class, can we clap for her?

Alisha smiled helplessly as her peers applauded. She knew everyone and got along well with them.

You may take your prize from the treasure box, Dillon announced amid their clapping.  

Alisha approached the wooden chest of goodies and dug in for her prize. But the room’s brilliant lights proved unbearable so early in the morning. She squinted while rambling through the toys. She stood to inform the teacher that she wasn’t feeling well again. Her mother had instructed her to. But she stopped midway and dropped to the floor. The pain was back. Alisha grabbed her head and grinded her teeth as her audio and vision grew impaired. Then the voice came.

Be strong, child! God is with you.

Alisha! Dillan shouted. He dashed towards her seemingly in slow motion. But blacked out before he could reach her.

MAYA WORKED AS A SECRETARY for the corporate branch of Chamberlain & Associates, an importing and exporting franchise in the Downtown district. She was busy preparing spreadsheets at the reception desk when the conference phone rang. Maya took the call at once. Good morning, Mr. Chamberlain. How may I help you?

I need to meet with you right away. Hope you’re not too busy.

No, I’m just finishing up some spreadsheets that I started yesterday.

Leave them and let’s get on with business. You’d better bring your notebook along.

I’ll be right in, Sir. Maya ended the call and removed a small tablet from her desk drawer.  She carried the computer down the hallway and rapped lightly on Chamberlain’s door. He seemed carefree when she entered before his invitation. Champlain was a deep thinker. His mind wandered often. The man couldn’t seem to tear his eyes away from the all-in-one screen before him. He was an attractive middle-aged third generation Bavarian impeccably dressed in costly business attire. Maya still wondered if he was married. Chamberlain had never volunteered information about his private life during their five years together. Nor was he partial to jewelry.

Have a seat, Maya, he insisted while typing speedily on a noisy mechanical keyboard. I hope you’re not too far behind. This may take a while.

Maya settled in one of two chairs positioned before his desk then opened up her computer for dictation. So what’s going on? she asked.

He sat back after a while and smiled dreamily at her pretty face. Something’s come up with one of our shipments, he said. I’ll be traveling abroad to handle the matter personally. I hope that I can trust you to keep things in order while I’m away.

Oh, but of course!  Chamberlain’s announcement had caught her completely off guard. He’d never left her in charge of anything before. Chamberlain ran six locations across the country. There had always been a fill-in from management whenever he was away from headquarters for any extended period of time. But she needed the job and wasn’t about to contest his will.

I do realize that it’s short notice, he said. But you’ve been with us long enough to know the routine. Besides, I’ll only be gone for a week. Now, first things first. I want you to create an itinerary for me. Prepare and compile the necessary travel documents as well. I want us to get started on this right away. Time is of essence, Audrey.

Maya’s phone rang unexpectedly. She carried it with her at all times. Chamberlain watched as she checked the number then met his eyes. He seemed stunned by her gall.

It’s my kid’s school, she pleaded in a timid voice.

Chamberlain released a long exasperated sigh then gestured for her to take the call.

Yes, this is Maya Audrey speaking.

Ms. Audrey, sorry to bother you. But this is Nurse Ellison from Salve Maria. Your daughter Alisha appears to be having another seizure. We don’t have any medical doctor or insurance listed for her, sweetheart. You’re the only emergency contact that is listed.

I’m on my way!

Miss Audrey, this is the second emergency for you this month! Chamberlain scoffed. Last month, it was three. If you leave this time, then you can forget about your job.

Maya ended the call and rose to her feet as they continued to lock eyes with each other. Mister Chamberlain, I’ve given my all to you and this company for five long years. But my daughter holds first priority, always! If this is how it must end, then so be it. I wish you all the best. She exited the office, closing the door behind her.

Chamberlain sat up in his chair and slammed his fist down on the desk. Damn! he shouted.

MAYA RUSHED INTO THE health room at Salve Maria with Principal Myers steady at her heels. Alisha was lying asleep in bed when she arrived. Dillon sat holding her tiny hand. 

Nurse Ellison had just tested her vitals again. She faced off with Maya and removed her stethoscope from her ears. They were already acquainted with each other. Good morning, Maya. I’m so glad you’re here! She needs emergency care. But we were unsure of who to call.

She passed out this morning no sooner than class began, Dillon explained. There was absolutely no indication that a seizure was coming on this time! She seemed perfectly healthy to me. Then, all of a sudden, it was if she’d been struck by lightning! She blacked out after that. I carried her here to the health room. We’ve been here by her side ever since. Poor thing!

Maya traded places with him and stroked Alisha’s face ever so gently. The girl seemed to know her touch and moved her head from side to side.

Hi, sweetie, it’s mommy!  

Alisha followed her voice and tried ardently to focus in on Maya’s face. Suddenly she begins to cry. Mommy, my head!

Maya was on the verge of tears herself as she took the girl in her arms and cradled her.  You’re gonna be just fine, pumpkin. The worst is over for now.

She looked back Ellison. Her face was desperate. They increased her dosage some weeks ago, she explained. She’s been having trouble adjusting. But the hospital still refuses to admit her.

Nurse Ellison walked to her desk and removed a single index card from the middle drawer. She wrote profusely on the back with an ink pen.  There’s a wonderful pediatrician at Children’s Hospital that may be able to help, she said. She’s worked wonders in the past. Her name is Doctor Onifade. Please, give her a call.

Principal Myers placed her hand on Maya’s shoulder as if to bless them both. Sweetheart, I hate to say this. But I’m gonna have to insist that you keep Alisha at home until these seizures are under control. She’s a great liability for us in her present state.

But I have to work! We have no one else to depend on. And what about her education?

Well, you do have the option of home schooling.  There are tutors available through the public school system. If I were you, I’d consult with them as soon as possible. Alisha is a brilliant child – one of our finest. We’d hate to see her left behind for any reason."

Dillon swallowed hard as he stepped closer. Whatever decision you make, please, keep us informed, he said. Alisha’s classmates are very concerned for her. But not nearly as much as I am.

Nurse Ellison placed the card in Maya’s hand. Take this and get on top of things right away!

Maya read over it silently while rocking Alisha gently in her arm.

AVE MARIA

The severity of Alisha’s condition caused Maya to seek prompt medical attention. She drove to the nearest emergency room and carried the child