Prince Juma was desperate for the throne his brothers stood in his way each plotting scheming and praying to the gods for favor but Juma was different he didn’t beg the gods he took what he wanted so when he heard of the legend that whoever consumed the Flesh of the golden Maiden fish would be blessed with unstoppable power he didn’t hesitate he hunted it he killed it and under the cover of night he ate it but what happened next was not Victory the next morning his Rivals were found dead in their beds drowned in saltwater miles
from the sea and deep within Juma something stirred a voice cold Relentless whispered in his mind you did not eat a fish Juma you ate my mother and now I am inside you they thought Juma had outwitted the gods instead he had angered the river itself this is the story of how a Prince’s hunger for power turned him into the river’s cursed vessel and how his biggest mistake became the one thing he could never Escape before we dive deeper into this epic tale we’d love to know where you are watching from tell us in the comments and if you love high
stakes fantasy filled with mermaids magic love and sacrifice don’t just watch be part of our adventure like this video share it with someone who loves powerful stories and hit that subscribe button because tomorrow we’ve got an extra special story lined up for you and trust me you won’t want to miss it the kingdom of banua was a land of Warriors and wisdom a place where the river shimmered like gold and the forests whispered ancient Secrets its great Capital inba was a city of towering clay walls and streets
filled with Merchants drummers and storytellers but despite its beauty the kingdom was in turmoil for King assuma the great ruler of banua was dead the people mourned in silence their heads bowed their hearts heavy but grief was not the only thing that filled the air a storm was coming for now three princes fought for the throne inside the Grand Palace in a chamber filled with flickering torches the three sons of the late King sat before the Council of Elders the eldest Prince Kofi was a man of strength he had the body of a warrior
broad shoulders arms thick as Tree Trunks and scars from battles fought in his father’s name I am the firstborn he declared his voice like Rolling Thunder it is my right to rule beside him Sat Badu the second born he was not as strong as Kofi but his mind was sharp his words like a well-honed blade the kingdom does not need brute strength alone he said smoothly it needs wisdom and I am the one who has studied the Scrolls spoken with the priests and listened to the spirits of our ancestors then there was Juma the
youngest Prince Juma was neither the strongest nor the wisest but he was the most dangerous his skin was dark as River mud his eyes sharp as a hawks and his smile oh his smile was the kind that made even the boldest men uneasy Juma leaned forward tapping his fingers against the wooden table and what if the gods themselves chose a king he asked his voice smooth as honey Kofi scoffed and how would the gods do that juma’s grin widened you’ll see that night as the moon hung High over the kingdom Juma Slipped Away From The
Palace he walked through the narrow streets of nsumba past the sleeping merchants and the watchful guards until he reached the banks of the great Nadi River there sitting upon a smooth Stone was an old fisherman the men was ancient his back bent like a bow his hair white as River foam he was untangling his Nets humming an old song one that spoke of water spirits and lost souls Juma approached his steps silent you are out late old man the fisherman did not look up so are you young prince juman narrowed his eyes how do you know who I
am the fisherman chuckled his fingers working swiftly through the nodded net I have seen many kings rise and fall child and I know the look of a man who seeks more than what is given to him Juma crossed his arms and if I do the fisherman finally looked up his cloudy eyes sharp despite his age then you must do what no man has dared before you must find the golden Maiden fish juma’s breath caught he had heard the stories a fish as bright as the morning sun a fish that was neither fish nor Beast some said it was a spirit of the
water a guardian of the deep others said it was a mermaid in Disguise but one thing was certain to eat its flesh was to claim the favor of the Gods Juma leaned in where can I find it the fisherman smiled but there was no war warm in it deep within the Forbidden Lagoon but beware Young Prince there is more to this fish than you know Juma smirked let me worry about that the Forbidden Lagoon was a place of Legends it lay beyond the forests of banua hidden beneath towering Cliffs and Misty Waters the villagers feared it
saying it was a place of spirits and lost souls Juma set out alone he stole a small wooden canoe paddling through the dark Waters his hands steady his heart racing the night was silent save for the distant call of an owl then a glow beneath the water something shimmered Juma held his breath there it was the golden Maiden fish its scales glowed like molten gold its eyes Shone like stars it was more beautiful than anything Juma had ever seen but as he raised his spear something strange happened the fish turned to look at him
and in that moment Juma felt something deep in his chest a pull a sorrow a whisper do not do this the voice was not loud it was soft like the rustling of leaves like the song of the river itself but Juma was not a men to hesitate with one swift movement he drove his spear into the fish’s side it thrashed it screamed a sound that was neither fish nor human Juma did not care he pulled the creature into his boat ignoring the way the waters behind him turned red Juma did not wait he built a fire deep in the forest far from prying eyes he
skinned the fish roasted its golden flesh and ate as he swallowed the last piece a strange coldness filled his bones his heart pounded his skin tingled he felt powerful but then a whisper you have taken what was mine Juma froze the voice was inside his mind the air grew heavy his breath felt damp and far away in the palace the rooms of his brothers began to flood the next morning the kingdom awoke to screams the palace guards burst into the chambers of Prince Kofi and Prince Badu both were dead their bodies lay in their
beds their skin pale their eyes wide with Terror but the strangest thing was the water Saltwater their rooms were soaked their blankets drenched their lungs filled as if they had drowned in the ocean but the palace was miles away from the sea the elders whispered of a curse the priests spoke of angry spirits and Juma Juma knew the truth it was the fish no it was something inside the fish a spirit a being something that now lived inside him and then the whisper came again you belong to me now Juma clutched his chest his skin felt damp
his breath smelled of the sea he had won the throne but at what cost the mermaid’s daughter Tanya had awakened inside him and she was not done with her revenge Juma stood in the Great Hall of banua Royal Palace his arms folded as the elders and Chiefs knelt before him outside the sun was high but inside the room felt dark and cold the people of banua had no choice but to accept their new king the law was clear when all rivals fell the last son of the great king would inherit the throne and so Juma was crowned but even as the Golden
Crown was placed upon his head Whispers filled the air how did the princes drown in their own beds what curse has fallen Upon Our Kingdom why does our new King’s skin smell of salt Juma could hear them he could hear everything the voices were loud but not as loud as the one inside him Ana she had not spoken again since that morning but he could feel her a presence a shadow a weight in his chest and then a cold breeze brushed against his ear though there was no wind inside the hall you were the crown The Voice whispered
but do you really rule juma’s hands clenched into fists I am in control he told himself but was he 3 days after juma’s Coronation the rains came heavy endless rain the N zadi River swelled flooding the lower parts of nsumba houses built close to the river were washed away the people ran to the Palace crying for help my home is gone my king the river has taken my children why do the gods punish us Juma sat upon his father’s great Throne of stone and gold staring down at the Des faces before him he could feel the water
calling it wanted more and then from the depths of his mind more must drown Juma shot to his feet his breath was ragged his fingers digging into the arms of the throne no he muttered I rule here not you the voice laughed oh my king we shall see that night Juma lay in his Chambers unable to sleep his skin felt damp as though the sea itself clung to him a knock came at the door my king a voice called softly it was Naima a young Palace servant a girl of no importance but tonight her voice trembled Juma sat up enter Naima stepped
inside kneeling before him her hands shook her clothes were still damp from the rain or from something else my king she whispered there is something wrong with you Juma stilled you speak of things unseen she went on your eyes look past this world as if something else moves inside you Juma forced a smile you are tired Naima go and rest but she did not rise I have seen it before she said when I was a child a woman from my Village was taken by the Sea she was found 3 days later but she was not the same juma’s breath caught she heard voices she could
not stay away from the water and in the end Naima hesitated her voice barely above a whisper she walked into the river and the water swallowed her hole Yuma’s fingers tightened around the edge of his bed his heartbeat was loud too loud and then she is wise this one the whisper in his mind Tanya juma’s mouth felt dry leave me Naima she bowed and hurried away but before she reached the door she spoke once more my king whatever calls to you do not answer then she was gone on and Juma sat alone Juma woke up gasping for
air his chest burned his lungs felt full he threw himself out of bed choking clutching his throat his feet splashed against the floor the floor was wet Juma stared water pulled around him dark and glistening in the Moonlight but how the walls of his chamber were dry no rain had fallen inside the water had come from him Juma backed away Breathing heavily no no no this was not possible then a reflection he turned toward the polished bronze mirror beside his bed and there staring back at him as that were not his own his own eyes were dark brown but
these were silver blue like the deepo I like hers Juma let out a shaky breath his hands trembled his skin was too cold he was changing and he did not know how to stop it the next morning Juma avoided his reflection he ordered all mirrors to be removed from his Chambers claiming he no longer needed them but he knew the truth he did not want to see the silver blue eyes staring back at him he sat on the great Throne of banua watching as the palace elders and Chiefs argued the Reigns had not stopped then zadi River had swallowed more land fear
had taken hold of the people my king we must perform a cleansing ritual said Elder seph an old man with a Long White Beard the river Spirits are angry if we do not appease them the floods will worsen yes agreed another Elder we must sacrifice a white goat and pour its blood into the water Juma listened but he did not speak he could feel it again the whisper they are fools Tanya’s voice murmured inside him the river does not want a goat Juma gripped the arms of his throne what do you want he whispered under his breath The Voice laughed
softly you know Juma closed his eyes a feeling washed over him the river did not want goats it wanted more it wanted people the elders performed their ritual they led a white goat to the banks of the Nadi River they tied its legs whispered sacred words and Spilled its blood into the water the people of banua gathered to watch the floods will stop now an old woman murmured yes said a young fisherman the gods are merciful Juma stood at the edge of the river watching the red stain spread across the water and then a ripple the
water stirred as if something moved beneath the surface a voice slithered through his mind this is not enough juma’s hands clenched into fists he stepped back from the river he could feel Tanya’s hunger but he could not would not give her what she wanted he was King he was in control wasn’t he that night as the rain pounded against the palace roof Juma sat alone in his chamber he could not sleep his skin still felt damp his breath smelled of salt then came a knock at the door my king a guard called a fisherman seeks an
audience with you he says it is urgent Juma frowned at this hour he refuses to leave the guard said his name is tund Juma hesitated then nodded send him in moments later the old fisherman stepped inside his clothes dripping with rain he bowed low my king tun said his voice horse I bring a warning Juma raised an eyebrow a warning Tong took a step closer his wet sandals slapping against the stone floor the river has claimed many lives before he said and I have seen what happens to those it touches Juma tensed tund met his gaze his eyes were dark but
knowing you are cursed my king silence then laughter it came not from Juma but from inside him this one is wise Tanya’s voice CED but wisdom will not save him juma’s fingers dug into his palm leave he ordered his voice sharp ton did not move she will take everything he said she will drown this Kingdom in sorrow and when she is done there will be nothing left of you juma’s heart be quickened tund leaned in the river does not let go my King juma’s Vision blurred his skin felt colder he could hear the sound of waves crashing but
there was no sea for miles and then ton turned stepping back into the night Juma let out a shaky breath but even as the fisherman disappeared into the darkness his words lingered the next day Juma ordered more guards to patrol the Riverbanks but it made no difference the rains continued theadi River swelled more people went missing one by one the villagers disappeared some were last seen fetching water others went to fish and never returned their bodies were never found and in the dead of night when all was quiet Juma could hear them their
voices soft distant calling his name and when he closed his eyes he saw them floating drifting trapped beneath the water Tanya’s voice curled inside his mind they belong to me now juma’s breath hitched stop he whispered but she would not stop and deep inside he knew she never would Juma barely slept anymore every time he closed his eyes he saw them the drowned they floated beneath the river’s surface their faces pale their eyes wide with silent screams he recognized some of them his brothers his Rivals his people and in
the center of them all Tanya she was smiling the moment juma’s eyelids grew heavy cold fingers brushed against his skin The Whisper of waves filled his ears she was waiting but Juma refused to give in he fought against sleep he refused to close his eyes yet that night she came anyway it was past midnight when Juma awoke to the sound of water a low Rippling sound the soft crash of waves against Stone but that was impossible he sat up breathing hard his heart pounded the air smelled of salt the floor beneath him was wet and then a
noise a soft distant dripping Juma turned his head his breath caught in his throat there at the far end of his chamber water was seeping through the walls dark shimmering water it trickled down in slow steady streams pulling onto the floor juma’s hands clenched into fists you will not take me a laugh echoed in his mind I already have and then movement from the corner of his eye Juma saw it a shadow a shape rising from the water long tangled hair dark glistening skin silver blue eyes Tanya Juma stumbled backward his breath ragged she
smiled tilting her head you fight me she murmured but we are one my king juma’s chest Rose and fell in heavy gasps he could not move he could not breathe Tanya took a step forward the water beneath her rippled You Belong To The River now and then she reached for him her fingers cold as ice brushed against his skin and Juma screamed the next morning Juma woke on the floor of his chamber his clothes were damp his fingers trembled but Tanya was gone he sat up swallowing hard his mind was clouded his breath shaky he could not go on like this he
needed to break free and so when the palace Elders came to him that morning speaking of the upcoming Blood Moon Festival Juma saw his chance the blood moon comes in three nights my king said Elder seph it is a night of power a night when the gods listen Juma forced himself to nod a night when the gods listen perhaps that meant they could save him perhaps during the festival he could rid himself of Tanya but deep inside a cold voice whispered foolish King Tanya was not leaving on the night of the blood moon the
village of nsumba was alive with Fire Light drums pounded in the distance the people of banua danced and sang dressed in red and gold their faces painted with sacred symbols but Juma did not celebrate he stood at the edge of the festival watching the Flames flicker in the darkness waiting and then she appeared a woman cloaked in white stepping out of the Shadows her eyes were deep and knowing you seek Freedom my king juma’s breath caught who are you the woman tilted her head one who knows the river’s Secrets Juma took
a step closer can you help me she watched him for a long moment then she spoke the river does not let go but there is a way juma’s hands clenched tell me the woman leaned in her voice low you must find the heart of the river a shiver ran down juma’s spine what is that the woman’s eyes gleamed the place where the water’s power is strongest where the spirits listen juma’s pulse quickened this was it his chance where is it he asked the woman’s lips curled into to a faint smile deep beneath the river beneath the waves you
fear juma’s mouth went dry he would have to go into the water and the moment he did Tanya would be waiting the words of the woman in white echoed in juma’s mind you must find the heart of the river he stood at the edge of the Nadi River its Waters black beneath the light of the blood moon the village of nsumba still celebrated behind him dancers moved drums pounded voices Rose in song but Juma felt none of it only fear he had avoided the river for weeks knowing it watched him called to him but now if there was any hope of breaking Tanya’s
hold he had to go in Coward The Whisper slid through his mind like a cold hand on his spine juma’s fingers curled into fists he would not run he took a step forward then another the water lapped at his ankles the cold sank into his bones instantly The Whispers grew louder come back to me Juma clenched his jaw and waited deeper the water Rose to his knees then his waist then Darkness a sudden Force yanked him downward the river pulled him under juma’s world became water it swallowed him filling his ears his nose his mouth
the river was alive it did not let him sink it carried him and then light a glow shimmered beneath him deep in the Blackness it pulsed like a heartbeat the heart of the river Juma kicked forcing himself toward it his lungs burned his muscles achd but he reached something grabbed his wrist juma’s heart stopped he turned Tanya her silver blue eyes gleamed her hair floating like seaweed around her face you cannot leave me Juma struggled but her grip was iron she pulled him deeper you are mine chapter 19 the deal
juma’s lungs screamed for air his vision darkened but then he remembered the woman’s words the river does not let go but there is a way Juma stopped fighting he let himself sink Tanya’s grip loosened in Surprise Juma seized his chance he grabbed her instead T’s eyes widened what are you doing she whispered juma’s lips parted his last breath escaping in a stream of bubbles take me to the heart he mouthed Tanya stilled for a moment there was only silence between them then slowly she smiled the glow of the heart of the
river surrounded them Tanya pulled Juma forward leading him deeper deeper the pressure built around him but she held him steady and then they arrived the heart was a mass swirling Vortex of light and Shadow pulsing with ancient power the water trembled around it Tanya turned to Juma this is where the river was born juma’s hands trembled he could feel it the river’s Soul its hunger its endless thirst Tanya leaned in do you still want to be free juma’s throat tightened did he to be free meant to break the bond to silence
Tanya forever but a part of him was no longer sure Juma floated before the heart of the river his chest tight his body trembling it was alive it pulsed with raw ancient power sending ripples through the water everything came from this place the river the floods Tanya and now him Tanya’s fingers traced his arm you are part of this now Juma clenched his jaw no her silver blue eyes gleamed then why are you here juma’s hands curled into fists he had come here to break free to rid himself of her hadn’t he the river
had taken his brothers it had stolen the lives of his people and she was the one whispering in his mind controlling him twisting his fate but now standing before the heart he realized the truth she was not the only one who wanted him the river itself had chosen him Tanya tilted her head you have two choices Juma the heart of the river pulsed behind her growing brighter waiting you can break the bond she said Return to your world as a man no longer King no longer blessed no longer mine Juma swallowed or he asked Tanya’s lips
curled into a slow smile or you can become what you were meant to be the river trembled power surged through the water juma’s breath caught in his throat the weight of his decision pressed down on him he had spent his life fighting for the throne he had defeated his brothers he had consumed the golden Maiden fish and it had led him here to this moment Juma stared at Tanya her eyes held No Malice now only expectation the heart of the river pulsed again waiting calling he had to choose Juma exhaled how do I break the bond Tanya’s
smile faded for a moment the water around them grew still then Softly She said you must give me back what you took juma’s pulse pounded in his ears he knew what she meant her heart her soul her life Tanya stepped closer if you do this the river will release you you will return to the surface you will be free juma’s hands trembled he could end this no more Whispers in his head no more visions of the drowned no more salt in his lungs but as he looked into Tanya’s eyes something inside him hesitated would he be free or empty do
it Tanya whispered end this juma’s fingers tightened he raised his hand toward the heart the power swirled around him humming pulsing pulling he could feel the bond unraveling Tanya’s presence loosening inside him Juma took a deep breath and then he stopped his entire body stiffened Tanya’s silver blue eyes widened she knew juma’s voice was barely a whisper no the river shuddered the bond snapped back into place stronger than before Tanya’s breath hitched Juma but it was too late Juma reached for her his fingers found hers gripping
tightly his voice was steady I am not leaving T’s eyes filled with something unreadable you don’t understand Juma smiled I do the river roared the heart of the river pulsed and suddenly Juma was no no longer drowning he was breathing breathing the River Power surged through him rushing into his veins his bones his soul the water no longer fought him it embraced him and in that moment Juma understood he had never been fighting against the river he had been fighting against himself Tanya’s lips parted in awe you accept it Juma nodded I do the
heart of the river glowed one last time then it shattered the light exploded outward Rippling through the water through Juma through Tanya and when the glow faded Juma was no longer the same Juma opened his eyes they were no longer Brown they were silver blue he lifted his hand watching as water curled around his fingers obeying his call Tanya stared at him Juma he looked at her really looked at her for the first time he saw not just a spirit not just a curse he saw her and she saw him Juma stepped forward cupping
her face the river hummed between them Tanya’s voice was a whisper you are mine Juma smiled and you are mine the River Rose around them carrying them higher then N zadii River stretched Beyond them wild and endless and Juma once a prince once a man once a king was now something more he had embraced the river and in doing so he had become its ruler Juma stood at the edge of the river the water swirling around his ankles he was different now he could feel it in his bones the river no longer rejected him it obeyed him Tanya Stood
Beside him her silver blue eyes watching carefully the bond between them was no longer forced no longer a curse they had chosen each other Juma turned toward the land toward the Towering city of banua the palace sat upon the hill its golden rooftops gleaming under the morning sun his kingdom but he was not the same King who had left and banua would soon learn that Tanya’s fingers brushed against his are you ready Juma exhaled ready or not it was time the river’s chosen had returned Juma stepped through the palace Gates the guards
stiffened their hands flying to their weapons servants gasped eyes wide with fear and awe they had thought him dead but here he was and he was not alone the river shimmered on his skin the mark of the deep now etched into his being Tanya moved like a shadow beside him a presence not entirely of this world the high priest stumbled forward his voice shaking why your majesty Juma lifted his hand water curled around his fingers responding to his will a silent answer the priest dropped to his knees the the gods have
blessed you a murmur spread through the court some whispered prayers others looked terrified juma’s Brothers had drowned in their beds his return marked by water in the impossible presence of a spirit woman could not be ignored he was no longer just King Juma he was something more not everyone welcomed his return the Warlords of banua fierce Warriors who had once been loyal to his brothers gathered in the Great Hall that night Chief ayro a hardened man with scars across his chest stepped forward his voice was rough we are
warriors not servants to the river Juma met his gaze calm as the tides then fight me a hush fell over the hall a Dio’s eyes narrowed you challenge me Juma did not blink no you challenged me when you doubted my right to rule Ado’s jaw tightened he had no choice a king’s challenge could not be ignored the courtyard was silent the Warriors of banua stood in a circle torches casting flickering Shadows the night air was thick with tension a Dio stood with his blade ready his muscles tense he had fought a 100 Battles slain King K before Juma stood
with nothing but the river the drums pounded The Duel began a dyro Charged blade flashing Juma lifted his hand water erupted from the ground twisting like a living thing it caught a Dio’s blade freezing it in place gasps rang through the courtyard Juma stepped forward the water oyed him it wrapped around ayo’s wrists his legs pulling him down he struggled but the river was Stronger adiro gasped for breath this this is not battle this is sorcery juman knelt beside him his voice was soft this is power the river tightened ayo’s breath hitched he was
drowning on dry land and then as quickly as it had come the water receded adiro collapsed coughing but he was alive Juma turned to the watching Warlords do any of you still question my rule no one spoke Juma smiled the throne was his completely that night as Juma sat upon the Golden Throne of banua the river spoke it was not a voice but a feeling a presence the river was alive and it whispered of things unseen it told him of enemies still lurking in the shadows it warned him of a greater power beyond the waters it spoke of a debt
that had not yet been paid Juma clenched his jaw he had won the throne but the river was not finished with him yet Juma stood on the Royal balcony gazing over the kingdom of banua the city stretched before him baked in Moonlight its golden rooftops gleaming he had one his enemies were gone his throne was Secure the Warlords now bowed to him and yet the river whispered a debt remained Tanya appeared beside him her silver blue eyes unreadable you feel it don’t you Juma didn’t answer he didn’t need to the power he had taken it was not given
freely something was coming and it was coming for him it started as a rumor fishermen whispered of figures rising from the river at night Shadows lurking beneath the waves then the first body washed ashore the Royal Guards brought the corpse before Juma the man’s skin was pale his lips blue his chest still dripping with river water though he had drowned miles away from any shore door juma’s blood ran cold Tanya knelt beside the body touching the man’s forehead her breath caught Juma frowned what is it she lifted her gaze
this man did not die alone the doors burst open a second body had been found then a third then a fourth and by Dawn they were everywhere the people of banua were afraid Merchants refused to set sail mothers kept their children away from Wells and streams the river was no longer their friend Juma stood before the great Council his Warlords watching him carefully Chief ayro still bearing the bruises from their duel spoke first this is the river’s curse juma’s jaw tightened there is no curse the warlord’s eyes dark
then why does the river kill Juma had no answer Tanya stepped forward because it is hungry silence fell Tanya’s voice was soft but firm the river has taken Juma as its king but all Kings must offer tribute the council exchanged uneasy glances juma’s heart pounded tribute Tanya met his gaze the river Demands a life in return for the power you now wield juma’s hands curled into fists he had given enough I refuse Tanya’s expression remained calm then the river will take what it is owed and as if to prove her words true a
scream rang out in the distance Juma and his Warriors ran to the Lower Village they arrived just in time to see the waters rise up unnaturally High a woman screamed pointing to the riverbank it’s them Juma turned and froze figures stood at the edge of the river their bodies slick with water their eyes Hollow and dark the drown ones juma’s stomach Twisted they were the same men who had died but they were standing waiting for him Tanya stepped beside him her voice barely a whisper they are here to claim the debt the
drowned ones moved and the River Rose the water crashed over the village moving unnaturally fast it snaked between houses wrapping around people’s legs pulling them in Juma reacted without thinking he lifted his hand calling to the river commanding it to stop for a moment the water hesitated but then it fought back Juma gritted his teeth his fingers trembling the river was not listening it wanted blood Tanya grabbed his arm Juma if you do not pay the price banua will drown juma’s heart pounded he had to choose give the river what it wants or
watch his people die the water rushed forward and Juma made his Choice Juma raised both hands his voice thundering enough the river froze for the first time since his return it ayed the drowned one stopped the water trembled Juma exhaled turning to Tanya what does the river want Tanya hesitated then she touched her chest juma’s breath hitched no Tanya’s expression was calm a king must sacrifice his Queen juma’s World tilted no Tanya smiled softly you cannot refuse forever the river stirred the drowned ones waited juma’s hands shook for the
first time since he had become king he was afraid Juma stood before the river its dark Waters Rippling with with unseen power the drowned ones ghostly figures of The Men Who had perished hovered at the water’s edge their Hollow eyes locked onto him and beside him Tanya his Queen his curse his salvation the river Demands a Sacrifice Tanya repeated her voice steady it wants its due juma’s fists clenched it wanted her but she was the one thing he would not give no he said his voice unwavering I will not pay this price the
drowned ones shifted the air grew thick with the scent of brine of death the river stirred Whispering then banua will drown Juma took a step forward not while I am King the River Rose like a beast ready to strike but Juma did not flinch he reached deep into the power that now flowed through his veins into the bond that tied him to the water and he pushed back a roar echoed across the land as the river bucked and trembled resisting his command but Juma did not let go Tanya gasped Juma stop you can’t but he could
the river fought him but he was its chosen King the drowned ones howled as the current reversed sucking them back into the depths the water shuddered swirling in a violent Dance Before receding and just like that the river ayed four now the village was silent the people of banua had watched in horror as Juma defied the river and they were afraid that night as he sat upon his Golden Throne his advisers whispered among themselves the river will not forget this said chief ayro his voice laced with unees you have angered
something greater than men Juma met his gaze I have saved our people adiro shook his head for how long Juma clenched his jaw he did not know but he would not let fear rule him not now not ever that night Juma could not sleep he walked through the palace Halls the Torches casting flickering sh Shadows along the stone walls then he heard it Whispers not from the river but from his own Court he moved closer silent as the tide through a crack in the door he saw them his Warlords his counsel Chief ayro stood in the center his voice low the river will
not forgive him and when it comes for him banua will suffer another Chief nodded then we must act first juma’s breath stilled Ado’s eyes gleamed a king who angers the gods cannot be king for long they were planning to betray him juma’s fingers curled around the hilt of his dagger let them try Dawn broke over banua Juma gathered his loyal guards his heart heavy with the knowledge of betrayal he had planned to strike first but the river was faster the screams began at Sunrise Juma rushed to the Palace Gates and froze the streets of banua were flooding
not with water but with bodies the drowned ones were back and this time they did not wait they Rose from the wells from the Lakes from the streams that fed the city and they took women children Warlords they dragged them into the Water Into the Depths into the debt that had not been paid juma’s blood ran cold this was not just a warning this was war Juma stood at top the palace walls watching his people drown Tanya appeared beside him her voice shaking you cannot fight the river forever juma’s heart pounded then what
must I do Tanya turned to him her silver blue eyes glowing with something ancient something unknowable the river chose you but it also owns you Juma gritted his teeth I will not be a slave Tanya touched his face sadness in her touch then you must make a choice Juma looked down at the streets at his people his kingdom falling to the Wrath of the waters and deep in his soul he knew the river would never stop unless he made it he turned to Tanya what must I do she hesitated then she spoke the words that would seal his fate you must go to the
heart of the river and claim the power that even the gods fear Juma took a slow breath the war for banua had only just begun Juma stood at the edge of the palace walls staring down at the chaos below his people screamed as the drowned ones dragged them into the water the river surged through the streets like a living Beast swallowing homes and lives alike Tanya’s words echoed in his mind you must go to the heart of the river and claim the power that even the gods fear Juma clenched his fists he had no choice
if he stayed banua would be destroyed if he left he might never return Tanya stepped beside him her silver blue eyes watching him carefully Juma are you sure his jaw tightened if the river wants a king then let it face one Tanya took a deep breath then we must leave before Sunrise Juma turned away from the Carnage below and barked orders to his guards prepare my boat we sail at dawn the war for banua had begun the r was angry the air smelled of salt and death as Juma and Tanya made their way to the docks a handful of loyal guards followed
their Spears clutched tightly the people whispered as they passed some called Juma savior others a curse as they reached the riverbank a shadow moved in the darkness chief ayro he stood with a group of Warriors their swords drawn his eyes gleamed with something close to Madness you cannot leave Juma adiro said stepping forward the people need a leader not a coward running to beg the river for Mercy Juma narrowed his eyes I am not running adiro chuckled Darkly no you are walking into the jaws of death and I will not let you return
to curse this Kingdom further juma’s fingers curled R around the hilt of his blade then you have chosen your fate adiro smirked no Juma you have and with a sharp whistle his Warriors attacked steel clashed against steel Juma moved like a storm his blade slicing through the night his guards fought beside him but they were outnumbered Tanya raised her hands and the river answered a wall of water surged from the shore smashing into ayo’s men sending them sprawling ayro roared in Rage swinging his spear at juma’s heart Juma ducked
Twisted struck his blade sank deep into ayo’s chest the warlord gasped his eyes wide with shock he staggered backward his mouth opening as if to speak and then the river claimed him the water Rose unnaturally and pulled him under his body disappearing beneath the dark waves the remaining Warriors fled Juma panted his hands slick with blood Tanya placed a hand on his shoulder we must go now Juma nodded set sail as the boat drifted into the current Juma cast one last glance at bansa and then he turned to face the
river’s heart for 3 days and three three nights Juma and Tanya traveled along the river the waters grew darker colder unnatural the river no longer whispered it watched on the fourth night Tanya pointed to the Horizon we are close Juma followed her gaze and saw it a great Stone Archway half sunken in the river covered in strange carvings the river swirled around it unnaturally still Tanya’s voice was barely a whisper the gate to the river’s heart Juma gritted his teeth then let’s finish this and with that they sailed
into the unknown the moment they crossed the archway the air changed the Stars vanished the sky turned an eerie shade of green the water beneath them was no longer water it was alive a deep voice rumbled through the air you have come at last king of banua juma’s blood turned to ice a shape Rose from the depths a figure made of flowing water and Shadow its eyes glowing like twin moons the river god it towered over them its presence suffocating you seek to claim the power of the river it said but power is not given freely Juma swallowed hard
he would not kneel what must I do he demanded the god smiled you must survive and with a flick of its hand the waters exploded Juma plunged Into the Depths cold water wrapped around him pulling him down down down Tanya’s voice was distant fading and then he was alone the river was not just water it was a world Juma landed on Solid Ground gasping for breath but he was no longer in his body he was standing in a vast endless riverbed the sky above him swirling with storms before him stood three figures his brothers but they were dead
drowned their eyes Hollow their hands gripping weapons made of bone the eldest stepped forward you killed us Juma juma’s heart pounded this was a trick the second spoke and now we will kill you Juma drew his Blade the first trial had begun juma’s breath came fast as he faced his dead Brothers in the endless riverbed their skin was pale their eyes Hollow their hands clutching blades made of bone we were meant to rule banua together his eldest brother Madu said but you wanted the throne for yourself Juma tightened his grip on his sword I
did what I had to do his second brother bako bared his teeth and we will do what we must without warning the dead attacked Madu lunged his bone sword swinging toward juma’s throat Juma barely dodged the blade scraped his shoulder cold as death itself Bako struck next his movements inhumanly fast Juma blocked his blow but the force sent him stumbling back his heart pounded this was not a normal fight these were Spirits Shadows of Vengeance and they would not stop until he was dead Juma fought desperately his sword clashed against
bone The Echoes rang through the Endless River bed but his brothers did not slow they did not Tire they did not bleed Juma could not win this fight with strength alone madk voice echoed through the stormy sky you think the river will let you rule bak’s laughter was Hollow the river takes what it is owed Juma gritted his teeth they were right he had tried to fight the river but he was part of it now he had to stop resisting he closed his eyes and reached into the water within him the power of the river the power of Tanya a new
weapon formed in his hands a blade of pure flowing water when he opened his eyes he saw the fear in his brother’s faces Juma smiled now the real battle could begin Juma moved like the river fast fluid unsto able his blade of water sliced through bone like air Madu fell first his form dissolved into mist his hollow eyes filled with shock bako screamed in Rage swinging wildly Juma Sid stepped one swift strike and bako was gone the storm above vanished the riverbed Shook and a deep voice rumbled from the sky you have
passed the first trial Juma fell to his knees gasping his body achd but he was still alive and the trial was far from over Juma awoke in a strange place he was back in the boat but the river was different it was silver glowing endless Tanya was beside him watching him with unreadable eyes you survived she said Softly Juma sat up was there ever a doubt Tanya hesitated Juma the trials will only get harder the river is testing you Juma wiped sweat from his brow let it test me I will not break Tanya’s gaze darkened that is what I’m afraid of Juma
frowned what do you mean she touched his hand the river does not want you to survive Juma juma’s jaw clenched then it will learn that I am not so easy to kill Tanya looked away she knew something he didn’t and before Juma could ask the next trial began the boat vanished Juma fell he landed in a village but not just any Village banua his home but some something was wrong it was Burning juma’s Heart pounded as he ran through the streets the people were screaming he reached the palace and saw himself standing on the
throne but this was not him this other Juma had eyes as dark as the river and in his hands he held a crown made of Bones Tanya’s voice echoed in his mind the river does not want you to survive Juma clenched his fists was this the future or just another test Juma stepped forward the other Juma smiled you took the river’s power he said and this is what you become Juma shook his head no the other Juma laughed you think you can rule banua and defy the river you cannot have both the Flames grew higher the people screamed louder and then a
voice whispered in juma’s ear choose king of banua before him two paths appeared one led to the Palace Throne the other to the river Tanya’s words came back to him you must choose juma’s chest tightened the river had not brought him here to win it had brought him here to decide who he would become Juma stood Frozen the palace Throne his Birthright the river’s path his Destiny the Flames around him roared but he barely heard them the choice before him was greater than anything he had ever faced the other Juma sat on the throne
his black eyes gleaming you were never meant to rule brother his voice was cold distant the river owns you now juma’s Fists clenched I am no one’s puppet the other Juma leaned forward then prove it the paths remained one would lead him to power the throne the other to something else something unknown Tanya’s voice whispered in his mind the river does not want you to survive juma’s chest tightened did the river bring him here to destroy him or was this another trick his fingers twitched toward his blade there had to
be another way and then he made his choice Juma stepped away from both paths the other juma’s eyes widened that is not an option he hissed you must choose Juma smirked no the Flames flickered the world trembled the other Juma Rose from the throne you think you can deny the river he roared juma’s blade flashed watch me the two jimas clashed steel against steel power against Power the battle shook the heavens and Juma realized he was not fighting a spirit he was fighting what the river wanted him to become Juma fought with everything he
had the other Juma was fast too fast for every strike Juma landed his dark twin landed two more his strength was fading the river was trying to break him and then Tanya’s voice echoed in his mind the river does not own you juma’s heart pounded was that true had he allowed himself to believe that this was his fate his grip tightened on his blade he was still Juma Prince of banua king of banua and he would decide his own fate with a roar he drove his sword through the other juma’s heart the dark twin gasped his black eyes widened and then
he vanished the Flames died the palace disappeared and Juma was falling Juma hit the water with a crash the river swap followed him whole his lungs burned his vision blurred and then he was standing in a vast Open Sea before him stood a towering figure of Shadow and water the river god you have denied my will the god rumbled Juma stood tall I have chosen my own path the gods glowing eyes narrowed then you will prove yourself the waters Rose a Great Serpent made of pure river water surged toward Juma the final trial had
begun Juma barely had time to react the serpent of water surged toward him its body twisting like a raging tide its eyes glowed with the fury of the river itself Mighty endless merciless juma’s heart pounded he tightened his grip on his sword but doubt clawed him him how do you fight water the Beast struck Juma barely leapt aside before its massive Jaws snapped shut where he had stood the force of the attack sent waves crashing in all directions Juma hit the water and sank Darkness swallowed him the river wanted
to drown him and then Tanya’s voice reached him Juma listen to me his eyes flew open through the murky depths he saw her floating above him like a silver light do not fight the river she said become it juma’s mind raced become the river he had always fought against it struggled to resist its pull but Tanya was right the river was inside him flowing through his veins it did not own him but he was part of it now Juma closed his eyes and let go he stopped struggling he let the water fill him a new power rushed through his body when
he opened his eyes the serpent was charging again but this time Juma did not run he raised his hand the water around him answered his call the serpent lunged its mouth wide and Juma became the Tide Water wrapped around him lifting him into the air the moment the serpent struck Juma vanished into the current the Beast snapped at nothing then Juma reformed behind it the serpent hissed in confusion Juma smirked now it’s my turn he swung his hand the water around them ayed a massive wave Rose from the depths and slammed into the serpent the Beast
howled its body breaking apart like Mist in the wind Juma landed Softly As the river calmed and then a deep voice echoed through the waters the river God’s towering form Rose before Juma the gods glowing eyes studied him you have done what no mortal has dared the God rumbled you have become one with the river Juma met the God’s gaze I am no longer your prisoner the God’s voice was like thunder no you are my chosen juma’s breath caught what the river shimmered around him the Throne of banua was never meant for an ordinary King the river God said
you have proven your worth and now you shall rule with the power of the river itself a crown of silver water formed above juma’s head Tanya floated beside him her eyes soft this is what I tried to tell you juma’s chest tightened Tanya does this mean she placed a hand on his heart you are the king now Juma but you are also mine Juma swallowed hard the weight of his new Destiny crashed over him he had won the throne but he was no longer just a man he was the river King Juma stood Frozen as the crown of silver water hovered
above of his head the river God’s Voice rumbled through the currents take your throne Juma the waters around him shimmered with power Juma looked at Tanya his heart pounding what does this mean for me Tanya’s gaze was unreadable you are no longer just a king of men you are a king of the river Juma clenched his fists the power of the river was inside him now he had fought to claim the Throne of banua but this this was something far greater do I still have a choice he whispered Tanya reached out brushing her fingers against
his cheek there is always a choice Juma but no King rules without sacrifice the river god raised a hand and the crown of water lowered onto juma’s head the moment it touched him a flood of memories and power surged through his mind Juma gasped his vision blurred he was no longer in the river instead he stood in an ancient Palace one made entirely of flowing water figures moved around him their bodies shimmering like the tides they were kings and queens rulers of banua from centuries past one of them a tall regalman with
eyes like the ocean stepped forward you are the first in many generations to wield the river’s power the men said but with it comes a burden Juma frowned who are you the men studied him I was once like you a prince who sought the throne a man who thought he could control the river juma’s pulse quickened and what happened the man’s expression darkened I became its servant the palace shuddered juma’s chest tightened was this his Fate The Vision shifted now Juma saw banua his kingdom the city was thriving the rivers flowed
freely the people celebrated but then the waters darkened the River overflowed swallowing the streets juma’s own face appeared in the sky but it was not him it was a version of himself with Hollow glowing eyes a king consumed by the river’s will the Regal man’s voice echoed the river does not take without giving but what it gives it never allows to be taken back juma’s breath caught the vision vanished he was back in the water the crown still on his head Tanya gripped his arm Juma what did you see juma’s Hands shook
I saw what I could become Juma turned to the river god what do you want from me the God’s deep voice rumbled you sought power now you have it Juma gritted his teeth I wanted to rule banua not become a slave to the river the gods laughter sent ripples through the water you cannot separate them banua was born from the river its king must be bound to it juma’s chest tightened he had fought for this Throne risked everything but had he won or had he only traded one master for another Tanya stepped forward there must be
another way the gods gaze turned to her you were born of the river you know better than any mortal that fate cannot be undone Juma met Tanya’s eyes a silent question passed between them was there truly No Escape from this the river surged around them and suddenly Juma was falling the water rushed away as he plunged downward then he crashed onto Solid Ground gasping he pushed himself up and found himself in the heart of Ban’s Palace the throne room his people were gathered around staring at him in shock juma’s clothes were soaked the crown of
water still shimmered above his head Whispers rippled through the crowd the prince has returned he disappeared into the river days ago but look at him he is no longer just a man Juma slowly stood the river’s power still flowed through him he could hear the water beneath the palace feel the pull of the tides even from here he was back in banua but he was no longer the same Tanya appeared beside him stepping forward the council Elder stared at her then at Juma an elder with a long silver beard stepped forward Prince Juma no King Juma
juma’s throat tightened the Elder knelt before him all hail the river King the room erupted into cheers and shouts but beneath the celebration Juma felt a deep unease he had claimed his throne but at what cost Juma stood before the gathered Nobles and Warriors of banua the weight of the river’s Crown pressing down on him like an invisible hand the throne carved from Black Stone and adorned with golden inlays stood before him it had once been his greatest desire now as he looked at it all he felt was uncertainty Tanya’s Presence at his side
was the only thing that kept him steady the Elder who had knelt before him Chief Damu Rose to his feet all hail the river King he declared once more his voice strong the people responded with cheers but Juma could hear The Whispers beneath them he vanished into the river he returned with water in his veins is he still truly one of us Juma took a slow breath and stepped forward people of banua he said his voice steady the war for the throne is over murmurs Ripple through the crowd the river has chosen Juma continued and I will rule in its name
but not as its servant the Nobles exchanged glances the gods do not dictate the fate of banua we do juma’s gaze swept over them and under my rule no man woman or child will be at the mercy of forces they do not understand the murmurs grew louder some nodded in agreement others remained silent Chief damama cleared his throat and what of the river my king juma’s grip tightened the river still pulsed through him whispering in his mind it was part of him now it would never let him go but he would not let it consume him we will
respect the river Juma said but it will not rule over us Tanya’s eyes flickered with something unreadable the people bowed but Juma could feel it the river was watching later that night Juma sat alone in his chamber staring at the bowl of water in front of him the reflection in the water was not his own it was the face of the river god you speak boldly King of banua the God’s voice echoed Juma clenched his fists I will not be your puppet the water rippled do you think you can rule without my blessing Juma gritted his
teeth I did not ask for your blessing the god laughed the sound like Rolling Thunder then you will learn mortal the water exploded upward wrapping around juma’s wrist like a shackle a searing pain shot through his body Juma gasped as strange symbols burned into his skin glowing with the light of the river the God’s voice was a whisper in his mind you may sit on banua throne but you will never be free the river is in your blood your breath your soul the reflection vanished Juma stumbled back his breath ragged he pulled up his sleeve the
symbol still glowed faintly on his skin the river had marked him and it would never let him go Tanya found Juma at the edge of the Royal Gardens staring at the moonlet river she didn’t speak at first she simply watched him you felt it didn’t you she finally said Juma exhaled it won’t release me Tanya’s expression was pained it never does Juma turned to her how do I fight it Tanya’s gaze softened you don’t fight the river Juma you learn to walk the line between men and God Juma shook his head and if I fail Tanya stepped closer then the river
will claim you the weight of her words settled over him like a storm he had won the throne but the true battle was just beginning Juma lay awake in his Royal chamber staring at the ceiling the faint glow of the river’s marking still pulsed along his arm a reminder that his body was no longer entirely his own his mind was rest less The Whispers of the river slithered into his ears voices flowing like water banua was born from us you belong to us you may rule but you are never free Juma clenched his fists ever since he had claimed the
throne the river had not stopped calling to him Tanya had warned him the river does not let go of those it chooses but Juma was determined he would rule banua not the river and if the gods thought they could control him they were wrong the next morning Juma sat at the head of the grand Council Hall the elders and Warlords of banua had gathered before him the tension in the room was thick Chief Damu his most trusted adviser stepped forward my king the people are uneasy Juma leaned forward why Damu hesitated because of the river juma’s jaw
tightened explain the chief took a slow breath since your return the waters have been different Juma frowned different how the tides rise and fall without warning fishermen speak of Shadows in the Deep some say the river watches them Juma felt a chill crawl down his spine the river was reacting to him superstitions one of the younger Warriors scoffed the people need only see that our King is strong jumma considered this but deep down he knew the truth the river was alive and it was waiting determined to understand his
connection to the river Juma rode to the water’s edge Tanya Stood Beside him her silver hair catching the light you feel it don’t you she murmured juma’s eyes locked onto the rushing current the river pulsed beneath his feet it’s part of me now he admitted Tanya studied him then prove it Juma raised a brow how Tanya took a step closer call it Juma hesitated he had never tried to control the river before he had fought against it feared it but now it was his closing his eyes Juma reached out with his mind he felt the water beneath the Earth in
the air in his blood and then he pulled a deep Rumble filled the air the River Rose Water surged upward spiraling into the sky twisting and coiling like a living thing the Warriors behind Juma gasped even Tanya looked stunned juma’s eyes widened he had called the river and it had answered Juma released his grip and the water crashed back into the river silence fell the Warriors exchanged uneasy glances one of the elders took a step forward his face pale my king what have you become juma’s stomach Twisted they
feared him he had fought his brothers for the throne he had risked everything to win but now his own people looked at him like he was a God or a monster Tanya placed a hand on his shoulder you have power Juma but Power alone does not make a great king Juma swallowed hard he had claimed the throne but had he lost himself in the process Juma stood motionless by the riverbank watching as the water rippled where he had just commanded it to rise behind him his Warriors and council members murmured among themselves did you see that he
controls the river is he even still a man Juma turned to face them their eyes were filled with awe but also fear his hands clenched into fists he had fought killed and sacrificed to sit on banua throne and now his own people feared him Tanya stepped beside him her voice low you need to reassure them Juma took a deep breath and faced his people you call me your king he said his voice echoing across the river then do not Whisper In Fear speak the warrior shifted uneasily Chief dammo was the first to step forward his wrinkled face was
unreadable my king he said slowly we have followed you because you are strong but strength is not enough juman narrowed his eyes then what is Damu held his gaze a king must be one of his people not above them the word stung because Juma knew they were true he looked down at his hands the same hands that had wielded swords that had spilled blood that had now commanded the river itself could he still be one of them or was he becoming something else determined to prove his place as king Juma ordered a great gathering in the
city Square people filled the streets Whispering as they awaited his speech Juma stood on the high stone steps of the palace Tanya at his side he raised a hand and the crowd fell silent I have heard your fears he said and I will not ignore them his voice carried over the square I am still your king I am still Juma son of banua but the river is part of me now just as it is part of this land the crowd murmured some nodded others frowned a fisherman stepped forward if you are still one of us then prove it juma’s pulse quickened and how would you
have me do that an elder woman her face lined with years of wisdom stepped forward the river does not serve men my king if you have power over it then let the river serve your people Juma met her gaze a challenge the river had taken so much from him could he now use it to give back that night Juma stood before the driest fields in banua for months the land had cracked beneath the sun crops had withered families had gone hungry now the entire Kingdom watched Juma closed his eyes and reached deep within himself he felt it the pull of the river
the weight of its power inside him he called to it a deep Rumble shook the Earth the people gasped as the ground split open and water burst forth from the earth a new River flowed winding its way through the barren Fields soaking the dry soil the land drank deeply and then the first green shoots began to rise the People Fell to their knees they had called him cursed a God’s Pawn a danger to banua but now they called him a blessing and for the first time since taking the throne Juma saw hope in their eyes that
night Juma stood alone by the water’s edge he had done it he had used the river’s power for good but he knew this was only the beginning the river whispered to him do you see now my king juma’s jaw tightened I see that I can control you the water laughed you do not control me Juma you and I are one this is only the beginning Juma clenched his fists he had proven himself to his people but deep down he knew he was still proving himself to the river and he wasn’t sure if he was winning Juma stood by the River Bank staring into the water’s dark
depths for the first time since his return he felt at peace the people had accepted him the river had blessed the land for the first time he thought perhaps he could rule as both men and River King then he saw it the water shimmered and a bloody hand floated to the surface juma’s heart pounded another hand emerged then a body a soldier of banua drowned then another and another bodies Rose from the river their lifeless eyes staring at the sky Juma staggered back his Warriors rushed forward as the people screamed what is this Chief damama
gasped juma’s blood turned to ice the river had killed them and he didn’t know why that night the elders gathered in the Royal Hall the bodies had been laid before them six Warriors all drowned all with the mark of the river burned into their skin the same Mark that pulsed on juma’s own arm this is no accident One Elder whispered another Elder stepped forward the river chose you my king but did it reject them juma’s breath was UN steady the river had killed them just like it had killed his brothers had it acted on
its own or had he done this Tanya touched his hand you must find out the truth Juma nodded he had no choice that night Juma returned to the river alone he knelt at the water’s edge and placed his hands in the Cold Stream I know you hear me he whispered the river stilled and then a voice Rose from the depths you were warned Juma juma’s breath caught you thought you could rule without sacrifice juma’s fingers clenched I made no sacrifice the water laughed oh but you did the river split open revealing something beneath juma’s heart stopped
beneath the water more bodies lay in the depths dozens hundreds all staring up at him with lifeless eyes Juma stumbled back these were not just soldiers these were people from The Villages women children the river had been taking them and it had used his power to do it Juma collapsed to his knees no I didn’t I never the river whispered did you think you could take from the sea without paying its price juma’s breath came fast you ate Tanya’s mother you took the mermaid’s flesh you took my power the Cold Truth sank into
him he had thought he could rule without consequence but the river had never been his servant it had been feeding on him all along every time he had called upon its power it had taken a life in return and now the debt was too great The River had come to collect Juma staggered backward his mind racing he had to undo this he had to stop the river before it took everything before it took him juma’s breath came in sharp ragged gasps as he staggered away from The River’s Edge The Whispers in his mind grew louder you thought you
could take from without giving in return you thought you could rule without sacrifice the water churned violently as if laughing at his horror the dead bodies beneath the surface swayed with the current their lifeless eyes locked onto him Juma clenched his fists I never agreed to this the river’s voice slithered around him like a snake but you did the moment you swallowed the golden Maiden fish the moment you accepted my gift you became my fine juma’s pulse pounded in his ears he had thought the river was his to
command but now he saw the truth it had been controlling him all along every time he had used its power it had taken a life in return and the more power he used the hungrier it became the river was not just part of him it was feeding on him and soon it would take everything Juma stumbled back to the Palace his mind racing Tanya was waiting for him in his chamber her silver hair glinting under the torch light the moment she saw his face her expression darkened you saw it didn’t you she whispered Juma nodded his throat tight
the river has been taking them Tanya swallowed hard I tried to warn you Juma clenched his fists why didn’t you tell me everything Tanya side because you wouldn’t have listened Juma exhaled sharply she was right he had been too blinded by his hunger for the throne too desperate to prove himself and now his people were paying the price what do I do he asked Tanya’s gaze was Heavy you know what you must do Juma froze the only way to stop the river’s hunger was to break the bond compl completely but to do that he would have
to give back what he had stolen he would have to return the mermaid’s flesh Juma paced the chamber his mind racing the golden Maiden fish had granted him power it had given him the throne but it had also cursed him if he gave it back he would lose everything his power his throne maybe even his life Tanya placed a hand on his shoulder you don’t have to do this alone Juma met her gaze then tell me Tanya how do I return something I’ve already eaten Tanya hesitated then slowly she whispered you don’t return it you become it juma’s
blood ran cold what Tanya’s Silver Eyes gleamed in the dim light you took the Maiden fish into your body she said now the only way to Free Yourself is to become one with the river juma’s breath caught you mean Tanya nodded you must offer yourself to the river juma’s heart pounded the river had already taken so much from him now it demanded everything the next morning Juma stood before the gathered elders and warriors his people had begun gun to sense the darkness creeping into their land the river’s hunger was growing the
waters were rising and if he did nothing banua would drown I have wronged you Juma said his voice steady I took power that was not mine to take murmurs of confusion rippled through the crowd Tanya Stood Beside him the river is demanding payment she said and if it does not get what it wants it will take all of you instead gasps filled the air Chief damm’s eyes narrowed what must be done juma’s hands trembled at his sides I must return what was stolen the Warriors whispered among themselves Juma took a deep breath I
must go into the river silence then uproar my king no you cannot we have only just begun to rebuild Juma raised a hand and the voices died down this is the price of my Throne he said firmly and I will pay it Tanya turned to him eyes shimmering you don’t have to do this Juma exhaled yes I do that evening Juma stood once more at the riverbank the waters churned violently waiting he turned to his people one last time you will have a new ruler he said one not bound to the river’s curse he turned to Tanya she looked on the verge
of tears Tanya he whispered she shook her head don’t say goodbye Juma hesitated then pulled her into his arms she clung to him trembling I will find you again she whispered jum ‘s heart clenched then with one final breath he stepped into the water the river pulled him in and Juma was gone Juma sank Into the Depths his body weightless in the cold endless dark the river wrapped around him pulling him deeper and deeper his lungs burned his vision blurred but he did not struggle he had accepted this fate then something shifted a Golden Glow pulsed
in the water around him he opened his eyes and he saw her a figure swam toward him her hair flowing like silver threads her eyes glowing like Moonlight his breath caught in his throat it was her the mermaid he had eaten the golden Maiden The Spirit of the fish that had given him power she reached for him you have finally come she whispered Juma tried to speak but the water filled his throat she placed a hand on his chest and suddenly he could breathe the water no longer choked him his body no longer felt heavy he looked
down his skin shimmered scales golden scales were spreading across his chest his arms his legs his feet were disappearing merging into a single powerful tail juma’s eyes widened in horror he was becoming one of them you wish to return what was stolen the mermaid whispered now you will take its place juma’s heart pounded no this wasn’t the deal the river rumbled around him you thought you could take without consequence you thought power came freely the mermaid’s grip tightened you took the Flesh of the sea now you will
live as one of us forever Juma struggled but the transformation continued his arms became sleeker his fingers webbed his lungs no longer craved air he felt the rivers pull deep within his soul he was no longer just a man he was becoming something more or something less the New River King above the surface Tanya stood on the shore her hands trembling the river had gone still Juma was gone she clenched her fists no she whispered this could not be the end she had fought too hard given too much to let the river take him
forever the elders whispered behind her he is gone the river has claimed him Tanya’s eyes flashed no she stepped forward raising her arms toward the water she had mermaid blood in her veins she had always felt the river’s call but now she would use it she would call him back she would not lose him Tanya fell to her knees at The River’s Edge pressing her hands into the wet Earth she closed her eyes feeling the pulse of the water beneath her fingertips the river’s voice whispered in her mou mind he belongs to us now
Tanya’s heart pounded no she would not accept this she had already lost her mother to the greed of men she would not lose Juma to the hunger of the river taking a deep breath she whispered the words her mother had once taught her a mermaid song soft at first like the rustling of reads then stronger carrying over the water like the wind before for a storm the river trembled the sky darkened and deep below the surface Juma heard her Juma drifted in the darkness his body no longer his own golden scales shimmered across his
arms his breath no longer came in gasps but in slow steady currents of water he was no longer a man he was the river’s Chosen and then he heard her the song it wrapped around him like sunlight breaking through the depths his chest achd his fingers twitched memories flooded back Tanya’s laughter the weight of the crown the moment he stepped into the river ready to give himself away Juma come back to me his heart thundered Tanya she was calling him and for the first time since he had sunk Into the Depths he fought back the waters around
him shook you cannot leave the river hiss you are bound to us now Juma gritted his teeth pushing upward he felt the water pulling him back its cold hands clutching at his body but he was Stronger Tanya’s song grew louder wrapping around him like a Lifeline his tail burned and suddenly the golden scales began to crack the river roared in Fury you cannot Escape your fate but Juma was no longer afraid he had never been meant to serve the river he was meant to rule it with a final desperate push he surged toward
the surface Tanya’s voice was horar but she did not stop singing the river thrashed furious at her Defiance the Warriors and Elders watched in horror as the waters Rose swirling into a massive wave it was going to consume them all then Juma broke the surface gasps filled the air he collapsed onto the riverbank his body trembling his breath ragged the golden scales that had covered him peeled away dissolving into the Earth he was himself again amen a king the river let out a final shuttering cry and then it went
still Tanya fell beside him pressing a hand to his face Juma she whispered his eyes fluttered open a small tired smile touched his lips you called me back tears filled Tanya’s eyes I told you I would never let you go the elders and warriors knelt before Juma the river has tested you Chief damama said and you have overcome the people bowed murmuring his name with awe for the first time Juma did not feel like a man who had stolen a throne he had earned it Tanya squeezed his hand you are still Bound To The River she said but now you rule it Juma
nodded he was not just a king of men he was the river King and his story had only just begun
