Glossary (Book One)

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Glossary

Mekonnen Epic: The Warrior from Aksum

Note: Most of the non-English words used in book one are of Ge'ez/Ethiopic origin unless otherwise mentioned. Most of the non-English words in the Prologue are of Hebrew or ancient Semitic origin. Ge'ez was the South Semitic language spoken in the Aksumite kingdom by the monarch and local inhabitants who became, and still are, known as Habesha people. Ge'ez is the root/mother language from which Amhara, Tigrinya, Tigre, Gurage and Harari evolved from. Sometimes I may use the terms Ge'ez and Ehiopic interchangeably, including instances when I'm not sure if a word is of Ge'ez origin or of one of it's child languages like Tigrinya or Amharic. There were also many people whose native language was not Ge'ez but Kushite languages like Agew, Afar, Beja, Bilen, Somali and Nubian to name a few. Hebrew, Arabic, Greek and Sabaean/Sheban were also spoken, written and/or understood by some and influenced the culture in varying degrees.

Abba – (Semetic/Ge'ez/Ethiopic) Father. A biological father, father figure, a priest or monk.

Abuna – (Ge'ez/Ethiopic) Title of the Arch bishop of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. In ancient and medival time the Arch bishop was always ordained and sent from the Orthodox head quarters in Alexandria, Egypt.

Abyssinia (Ge'ez/Ethiopic) – Northern Ethiopia and Eritrea. From “Habeshinya” meaning “Land of Hashesha”, an ancient word for the land of northern Ethiopia and Eritrea when it was one kingdom ruled by the kings of Aksum and the Kingdom of D'mot before that.

Addis Kidan – Ah-dees Kee-dahn (Ge'ez/Ethiopic) – New Testament, of the Holy Bible.

Adom/Adam (Hebrew) – The first man mentioned in the Bible, who was made in the image and likeness of the Almighty Creator yet formed from the dust of the Earth. The root meaning for Adam or Edom means “red”, suggesting the first man could have been red is appearance.

Afeworqi Ah-fay-wor-kee (Ge'ez, Ethiopic), – I boy's name of Ethiopia and Eritrea, literally meaning “mouth of gold”. Also spelled Afeworq, Afewerk (Ah-fay-wor-k).

Agaw/Agew – Ah-gow (Kushitic) – One of the most ancient people in the land of Abyssinia, descendant from Kush, son of Ham, son of Noah. Many had intermingled with ancient Hebrews that migrated into the land, forming the Beta Israel people and adopting the Jewish religion and culture. They spoke Agew, Hebrew and Ge'ez. It is also believed they were the first to either adopt or speak the Semitic Ge'ez language, the word ge'ez being a variation of the word Agew. Some modern anthropologists and researchers believe many of the different people groups in Ethiopia and Eritrea are off shoots of the Agew people.

Aksum – Ak-soom (Kushitic-Semitic/Ge'ez) –“Water of the Chief”. From “Ak” a Kushitic word for “Water”, and “Sum/Shum” a Semitic word for “Chief” (Ethiopia Bradt, PhillipBriggs, 2002). An ancient, holy city in northern Ethiopia that was once the center of the great Kingdom and Empire of Aksum that flourished from about 400 BC to 10th century AD. The Kingdom of Aksum was once one of the first nations in Africa and the world the accept Christianity as a state religion around 330 AD during King Ezana's reign. Before this some of the kings followed pagan religions and some were of the Jewish religion. Many that converted to Christianity were Ethiopian Jews, but the ones who did not convert became bitter rivals since then, now almost 1700 years later. At its peak Aksum ruled over most of northern Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, Nubia/Sudan, Southern Arabia and Western Yemen. It is believed that the legendary Ark of the Covenant that Moses and the people of Israel made in the Sinai wilderness is located in a chapel in Aksum. It is disputed if it is really there and how long it has been there, whether it was since the time of King Solomon and Queen of Sheba (950 BC) or later after the Babylonian invasion and the priests kept it in Egypt before moving it again up the Nile to Abyssinia. Today Aksum is a small town of many churches, monasteries, stele and historical museums and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Almaz (Ge'ez/Ethiopic) Diamond.

Amlak (Ge'ez/Ethiopic) god (small “g”). The expression “Egziabeher Amlak” means Almighty God of Gods. (Author's note: I stand corrected).

Anbessa - Ahn-bih-sah (Ge'ez/Ethiopic) – Lion. Also used to refer to a brave and courageous person, particularly a male.

Angabo (Sabaean/Sheban)– A prince from Sabaea/Sheba and ancestor of Mekeda the Queen of Sheba, probably her father or grandfather.

Ato (Ethiopic/Amharic) – Mister or Master.

Atse (Ge'ez/Ethiopic) – Emperor. The Emperor of Aksum, also titled “King of Kings”. The Emperors of Abyssinia (Ethiopia and Eritrea) reigned from the throne in the city of Askum and assumed sovereign rule over the Nubian Kingdoms, Sheba, Himyar, South Arabia, and at times, the Kingdom of Beta Israel.

Bahetawi (Ge'ez/Ethiopic) – “One who lives in the wilderness”. A hermit monk in Abyssinia/Ethiopia, not affiliated with one particular church but lives a life dedicated the fasting, praying, performing miracles, reading the holy scriptures, preaching and prophesying. They are revered, sometimes feared, and considered holy men by common people and clergy. They usually grow long locks of hair and refrain from certain foods and live by all the rules of the Nazarite vow. The vow is described in detail in the Book of Numbers 6:1-21. Notable Biblical figures who lived by the Nazarite vow were Samson and Samuel. In Eusebius book of early church history it describes James the brother of Jesus Christ grew his hair very long after accepting his brother in the flesh as the Messiah/Christ. The Rastafarian movement also adopted their “Dread locks” hair style and other ordinances from this Nazarite vow.

Benai/Bene Elohim (Hebrew) The Sons of God. Bene = Sons; Elohim = God. Another expression for the Angels. See Mel'ak.

Beta Krestiyan – (Ge'ez/Ethiopic) – Church. Literally “House of Christians”.

Beta Israel – (Ge'ez/Ethiopic) – House of Israel, the Ethiopian/Habesha Jews. The official name for Ethiopian Jews whose history and origins can be traced back to the Israelites from Egypt during the time of Moses, The Babylonian invasion and captivity of Israel and King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. During the time of the Kingdom of Aksum conversion to Christianity in 330 AD The Beta Israel established their Kingdom to the south of the Tekeze River and in the Semien Mountains building fortresses and palaces along side villages, extending further south to around Lake T'ana and west to Gondar province. According to their histories the first king of Beta Israel was King Phineas, a descendant of the Jewish High Priest Tzadok from the temple if Jerusalem during the time of King Solomon of Israel.

Cherub/Kherub (Hebrew/Semitic/Chaldean): A class of heavenly creature that usually has the physical characteristic of a combination of two or more earthly animals usually having multiple pairs of wings (usually 1 to 3 pairs as described through out the Bible). Plural is Cherubim. They guard, protect and/or worship God continuously. First mentioned in Genesis 3:24 as one of the creatures who guard the Tree of Life after Adam and Eve sinned. See description of Cherubim/Kerubel in Ezekiel 1:5-11, Ezekiel 10:1, and Revelation 4:7.

Chayot HaKodesh (Hebrew): The Living Creatures. The Four heavenly creatures that are described in the scriptures as worshiping God, the Almighty Creator, around his throne. They are described as having 4 different faces: a Man, a Lion, an Ox, and an Eagle.

Cubit (Latin): A Biblical cubit in approximately 18 inches or 1.5 feet. A 6 feet tall man will be about 4 cubits.

Daiqon/Deaqon (Ge'ez), Deacon.

Egziabeher/Agziabeher – Eg-zee-ah-bih-hayr (Ge'ez/Ethiopic) God Almighty.

El/Elohim (Semitic/Hebrew), One of the most ancient Hebrew names for the God and creator of the whole universe including heaven and earth. El is singular, Elohim is plural but still refers to one united entity.

Enku – En-k'oo (Ge'ez/Ethiopic) Pearl or Jewel.

Erelim (Hebrew): A class of heavenly angels meaning The Valiant or Courageous Ones. Also spelled Arel, Ar'el and Er'el.

Eritrea (Greek/Italian): Red Land. From the Greek word Erythraíā then translated into Italian as Eritrea. The Kingdom of Aksum included the land of modern day Eritrea with the main sea port at Adulis/Zula. Eritrea shares a lot of ancient and medieval history, culture, food, language (Ge'ez) and alphabet/writing systems in common with Ethiopia. After centuries of tension and wars with Ethiopia, Eritrea has established its own country and government. The sea between the Somalian coast and Sabaea/Himyar (modern day Yemen) was known to the Greek and Roman sea traders as the Erythraean Sea and they used a popular ancient map known as The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea.

Ethiopia (Greek): Burned Face. A general term used by the ancient Greeks to refer to any land south of Egypt beyond the 3rd cataract, including Nubia (modern day Sudan), Abyssinia (modern day Ethiopia) and Eritrea. In the origin Hebrew Tanakh/Old Testament the word “Kush” was used. Later it was translated into Greek then English to Ethiopia, usually referring to land of Kushites in Nubia/Sudan first. Other sources, like the Book of Aksum, claim the word actually originated from a descendent of Ham and Kush names Itiopp'is who settled in ancient Ethiopia and founded the city of Aksum.

Falasha (Ge'ez) - 'Outsider' or 'Outcast'. A Sort of derogatory reference for Ethiopian Jews. See Beta Israel for details.

Gebre Meskel – (Ge'ez/Ethiopic) Servant of the Cross. The royal/throne name of one of the most well known Emperors of Aksum in the 6th century AD. Also known as Ella Ameda II, reigned circa 536 to542 AD. There was mostly peace during his reign in contrast to the reign of his father Kaleb (Ella Atzebeha, reigned circa 519 to 536 AD) before him. After making a sacred oath in Jerusalem concerning the Ark of the Covenant, and settling a conflict for the throne between his two sons Israel and Gebre Meskel, (see Kebra Nagast 117) King Kaleb abdicated the throne to become a monk and live in a monasteries for the rest of his life.

Geta – Gay-tah (Ge'ez/Ethiopic) . Lord. Title given to an official, leader, elderly man or to any one in authority.

G'rum – G-room (Ethiopic/Tigrinya) Excellent, Wonderful.

Habesha/Abesha – Hah-bih-sha (Ethiopic/South Arabic) Mixed people. The people of Ethiopia and Eritrea became known as “Habesha People” since ancient times, into the Aksumite period until today they still refer to themselves by this unique term. Most scholars say it is a South Arabic word that means “Mixed people” or “Crowd of people”, suggesting the many ethnic groups that lived and intermingle with each other, including Semitic and Hamitic peoples. Research has proved (including DNA tests) that people from the Mediterranean and Near East have also intermingled into the blood line of many Habesha people.

Hallalel – Hahl-lal-el (Hebrew) – Praise of God. Supposedly the name of the Nakhash before he rebelled and became Satan. This name suggest his role as a chief covering Cherub of praise and worship music in heaven before his pride and rebellion to overthrow the Almighty Creator. Satan has traditional been known by Christians by the Greek word Lucifer which mean “Light Bearer”.

Hawwah/ Hawa (Hebrew): Eve. The first woman mentioned on the Bible, formed from Adam's rib. The very first prophecy in the Bible is centered around the “Seed of the Woman” that will defeat the “Seed of the Serpent”, a prophecies of the coming savior and virgin birth of the Messiah.

Ham/Kham (Semitic/Hebrew) – Meaning warm or hot. One of the three sons of Noah, said to be the principal ancestor of most people of Africa. There is a Tomb of Ham located near Aksum since ancient times.

Hashmallim (Hebrew): Electrum. A class of heavenly angels. The name suggest they look like the Electrum which is an alloy of gold and silver, that range in color from pale yellow to white. It was sometimes called White Gold or Green Gold in the ancient world.

Henock/Henok (Ge'ez/Ethiopic) – Enoch, the great-grand father of Noah, who walked with God for 300 years and was translated/taken to heaven without dieing. The books of Enoch are attributed to him and his experiences in the multiple levels of heaven, hell, abyss, and judgments against the fallen angels/Watchers and their evil offspring the giants/titans or “Nephalim”. The Books of Enoch were thought to be lost for hundreds of years until they were found in Ethiopia in the Ethiopia Orthodox Church Bible as one of the 81 canonical books, and among the Dead Sea Scrolls in the Qumran caves in Israel. The writings of Enoch are also included of the scriptures/canon of the Eritrean Orthodox Church and the Beta Israel.

Hoy (Ethiopic/Amharic) – An exclamation similar to “Oh!”

Hrai (Tigrinya/Ge'ez) – Okay.

Iyesus Kristos (Ethiopic/Greek) – Jesus Christ. Deriving from the Greek spelling of the name and title of the Jewish Messiah worshiped by Christians.

Kahen (Semitic/Ethiopic) – Priest of the Beta Israel/ Ethiopian Jews.

Kerubel – (Ge'ez) From the Hebrew/Semitic word “Cherub”, a creature from the realms of heaven.
See Cherubim/Kherub.

Kess (Ge'ez/Ethiopic) – A Priest of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Plural Kesset.

Kush/Cush (Semitic/Hebrew) – One of the sons of Ham/Kham, son of Noah. One of the earliest and largest groups of people to inhabit Nubia (Sudan), Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somalia. According to the Bible, the Book of Jubilees and Book of Jashar, The descendants of Kush, including King Nimrod, also first settled in the Mesopotamian area and ruled over large portions of the known world.

Meshaf Qedus (Ge'ez/Ethiopic) - The Holy Bible, literally translates “Words Holy”. The canon of the Ethiopian and Eritrean Orthodox Church from the Aksumite period until today include the 27 books of the New Testament, the Jewish Tanakh (Christian Old Testament), the Apocryphal Books (Esdras 1 and 2, Maccabees, Tobit, Baruch, etc.) and the Book of Enoch, Jubilees, etc, adding up to a total of 81 books.

Makeda (Ge'ez/Ethiopic) – The traditional name for the Queen of Sheba.

Meder (Ge'ez/Ethiopic) – The Earth

Mekonnen/Makonnen (Ge'ez/Ethiopic) – Elite, Lifted Up. An aristocratic title of the royal court for a Governor, Noble or General. A common boy's name in Ethiopia and Eritrea.

Menelik (Ge'ez) – Son of the Wise Man - from Ethiopian Legend, Menelik was the son of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba and the ancestor of the kings of Aksum and Ethiopian Solomonic Dynasty. See section in Back Stories and Legends for details.

Mal’ak/Malak/Melak (Hebrew/Semitic): Messenger or an Angel from heaven or hell, whether good or bad. Plural: Mal’akim . See Mel'ak below.

Mel'ak/Mel'akt (Ge'ez/Ethiopic) – Angel(s). A powerful being from the realms of Heaven. Sometimes they interact with humans and look like regular men, other times they appear with armor as warriors. They are not always describes as having wings but many times to do appear with one or more pairs of wings. Sometimes they are described as wearing white apparel. They vary in appearance and sizes. According to biblical text and legends around the whole, some angels have left their ranks in the realms of heaven to intermingle with humans and produce offspring known as giants, Nephallim, Rephaim, etc. In other cultures they correspond with titans, gods, elves, trolls, and more.

Mengist (Ge'ez/Ethiopic) – Government. An organized establishment of rulership in Heaven or Earth or the Spiritual Realm whether good or evil.

Meshiach (Hebrew) – Messiah. In Jewish and Christian legend and beliefs, the Messiah will be sent to earth by God to save/rescue his followers from the evil forces of the world and the spiritual realm at an appointed time. Christians believe Iyesus Kristos/Jesus Christ is the Messiah prophecies in Jewish scriptures.

Mastema/Mastemo (Hebrew): Hatred, Adversary. A fallen angel mentions several times as the main adversary of the apocryphal writing of The Book of Jubilees (Also know as the Apocalypse of Moses). Also mentioned in the Zadokite Fragments and the Dead Sea Scrolls, he is the angel of disaster. The true origins of Mastema is a mystery. In this story I spell his name with an “o” at the end.

Nachash/Nakhash (Hebrew): Snake, Serpent, Shiny/Fiery Serpent. This is the word used to refer the serpent who deceived Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden in the Book of Genesis, chapter 3:1.

Negus (Ge'ez/Ethiopic) – King. Also refers to a secondary king or a general of an army or brigade.

Negusa Negus (Ge'ez/Ethiopic) – King of Kings, official title given to the King/Emperor of Aksum and Abyssinia.

Nephilim (Hebrew) – Fallen Ones. The product/offspring of an angel/Watcher with a human woman. As first mentioned in Genesis 6:1-4, and all through the Bible particularly in Numbers 13: 33, Deuteronomy, Books of 1 and 2 Kings, 1 and 2 Chronicles. Also mention in Jude, and 1 and 2 Peter, the Book of Enoch and Book of Jubilees. Also mentions together with Rephaim, Anakim, Emim, Zim Zumim, etc. Giants, titans, trolls, cyclops, and ogres of ancient myths and legends from all over the world are in this category. Goliath and his brothers of Gath were also a Nephilim. Og the King. The child of Israel were afraid to enter the promise land because of the nephilim/giants that lived in the land of Canaan.

Onaphel/Onafel (Ge'ez/Ethiopic) – The Wheels of Gods with eyes all over. From the Hebrew word Onaphim.

Onaphim/Onafim (Hebrew): Same definition as above.

Orit (Ge'ez/Ethiopic) – The five book of Moses, the Pentateuch, which are Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy.

Qedus (Ge'ez/Ethiopic) – Holy

Ruach (Hebrew): The Spirit/Wind of God

Sabaea(n)/Saba / Sheba (Semitic) – The ancient region of Southern Arabia, modern day country of Yemen. From a root word meaning “An Oath”. Once part of the extended Empire of Aksum that was centered in northern Abyssinia (Ethiopia and Eritrea).

Sar (Hebrew/Semitic) A Prince or Chief. Example: Sar Malak Miykael means Arch Angel or Chief Angel Michael.

Seif – (Ge'ez/Arabic) Sword.

Serufel (Ethiopic/Ge'ez) – Seraph. A heavenly being, based on the Hebrew root meaning of the word and descriptions in the Bible, “Seraph” is an angel with six wings and look like a flaming torch, or the whole body is on fire without being destroyed.

Serafim/Seraphim (Hebrew) Same definition as above.

Semay/Semayat – (Ge'ez/Ethiopic) Heaven, Similar to the Hebrew word Shamay. The sky or the celestial home of The Almighty One, God the creator the universe and the angels.

Shamayim (Hebrew): Heaven. Same definition as above.

Shem – (Semitic/Hebrew) Honor or Name. One of the sons of Noah. The father of all Semitic peoples and languages, who mostly inhabit the Middle East and parts of north and east Africa.

Siol – The grave of the dead. Similar to the Hebrew word “Seoul”. A waiting place for the should of the dead. Translated as “Hell” in most English/Western Bibles. Not to be confused with the lake of fire which is “Gehenna”

Sodi (Ancient Semitic): The Way; The root for the word Zodiac.

Stadia (Latin): 1 stadia = 600 feet.

Stele/Stelae (Latin) – An Obelisk. In locale Ethiopic Semetic languages it is Hawelt. One of Aksum's distinctive historical land marks, hundreds of stelae of varying sizes and heights are erected in Aksum. Most stand tall in the “stele fields” to the north east of Aksum city. The tallest one stood at 33 meters and was one of the largest stele's in the world until it collapsed and broke into 5 pieces a long time ago. Currently the tallest one stand at 24 meters. The oldest and smaller ones are said to have been erected about 4,000 years ago. Archeologist believe the earliest one were erected by Sabaeans (Shebans) from southern Arabian in pre-christian time for their worship religion.

Tabot (Ge'ez/Ethiopic) – The tablets carried by the priests above there heads in processions. The tabots represent the tablets that the Ten Commandments were written on and placed in the Ark of The Covenant by Moses. Also refers to the actual Ark of the Covenant which is never shown to the public.

Timkat/Timket (Ge'ez/Ethiopic) – An annual three day holy festival held in early January to celebrate the baptist of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist. It includes colorful processions of Orthodox priests carrying Tabots followed by Arch-Bishops, musicians, monks, incense bearers, dancers and crowds of lay people.

Tsadkan (Ge'ez/Ethiopic) – The Righteous Ones, Referring to the nine “Syrian” monks who came to Aksum in the 5th century AD and inspired the building of many churches and monasteries. They also encouraged the Bible to be translated from Greek to the Aksumite's native and official language of Ge'ez. The origins and nationalities of the Nine Righteous Ones were from regions around the Mediterranean, including Syria, Turkey (Anatolia), Rome, Israel.

Tsebok (Ethiopic/Tigrinya) – Great, Beautiful.

Tsiyon/Tsion (Semitic/Hebrew/Ge'ez) – Zion. The supernatural mountain of God or the location of Jerusalem in Israel.

U-we (Tigrinya/Ge'ez) Oo-way, – Yes

Wainaba/Waynaba (Ethiopic) – Based on ancient Ethiopian legend, the serpent-snake Waynaba terrorized the people of Aksum and nearby towns, including the demand for an annual sacrifice of a young virgin. A prince name Angabo from Sheba/Sabaea (Modern day Yemen) killed the serpent and was made king. Angabo is said to be an ancestor of the Queen of Sheba who visited King Solomon of Israel as recorded in the Bible and legends. Historically, some people did practice a religion of worshiping snakes and snake gods in certain parts of Ethiopia and surrounding areas.

Wayzerit (Ge'ez) – Miss, an unmarried woman or young woman. A royal title for “Lady”.

Wayzero (Ge'ez) – Mrs. or Madam, a married or older woman. A royal title for “Dame”.

Yashar Sodi (Hebrew/Semitic): Upright Way. The phrase is used a lot on the Book of Jashar/Yashar, meaning the Book of the Upright. The ancient biblical characters: Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Joseph, etc., were described as living the upright and righteous way before God and mankind. This will become a sort of catch phrase for the Warriors of Light in the Mekonnen Epic story.

Yaphet/Japhet (Hebrew) – Beautiful, Expansion. One of the sons of Noah. According to the Bible, Book of Jubilee, Book of Jashar, after the great flood the descendants of Yaphet settled in all Europe, parts of the Iran and Turkey (Anatolia). From Russia and Scandinavia in the north, British isles and Iberian peninsular to the west, Greek isles to Cyprus to the south to Armenia and northern Persia in the East.

Yohannes (Hebrew/Ge'ez) – John, as in John the Baptist or John the Apostle of Jesus and the writer of The Apocalypse or Book of Revelation.

Zendow (Ge'ez) – A large snake, python or dragon. 

References:

African Names (1993) by Julia Stewart

Aksum: An African Civilization of Late Antiquity (1991), by Stuart Munro-Hay

A Rasta’s Pilgrimage, 1998, by Neville Garrick

Amharic Bibles (KJV)

Concise Amharic Dictionary, 2004, Wolf Leslau

Cosmic Codes, 2004 by Chuck Missler

Ethiopia, The Bradt Travel Guide, (2002) by Philip Briggs

Ethiopic Grammar, 2nd ed (1855), by August Dillman and Carl Bezold

Ethiopia & Eritrea, 2nd ed, 2003, (Lonely Planet)

Josephus, The Antiquities of the Jews, by Josephus Flavius, trans. by William Whiston

1 Enoch, 2004, by G.W.E. Nickelsburg, James C. VanderKam

The Lost Book of Enoch, Trans. by Joseph B. Lumpkin

The Book of Jasher, 1840 edition, by unknown ancient authors

The Histories by Herodotus (490-420(?) BC), 2003, Penguin Books

The Lost Civilization of Petra, 1999, Floris Books, by Udi Levy

Petra and the Lost Kingdom of the Nabataeans, 2001, by Jane Taylor

Kebra Nagast (1922), English translation by E.A. Wallis Budge

The Book of Jubilees (The Apocalypse of Moses), 2006, Trans. by Joseph B. Lumpkin

The Sign of The Seal, 1992, by Graham Hancock

The Book of Angels, 2006, by Ruth Thompson, Williams and Taylor

The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, by James Strong

Warfare in the Classical World, 1995, by John Warry

The Witness of the Stars (1893) by E.W. Bullinger

The Interlinear NIV Hebrew-English Old Testament, 1987, by J.R. Kohnlenberger III

Glossary | Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | MekonnenEpic.com 

Chapter 2: Qataliyan (Assassins)

Hello readers! I present to you the first few chapters of my up coming first book in the Mekonnen Epic series, "The Warrior of Light (previously titled 'The Warrior From Aksum')". It is still a work in progress but because of high demand to read the story from anxious fans I decided to treat the world with what is complete so far. Be aware that there may be a few spelling and grammatical errors but I hope this does not distract you from enjoying the story. Thank you and Enjoy! All story and artwork copyright to Jerome Matiyas, 2006 to 2018 and beyond.  

Glossary | Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Back Stories & Legends | MekonnenEpic.com 

Chapter 2

QATALIYAN 

 (Assassins)

The streets are enlivened as crowds of people hustle and bustle in the metropolis of Aksum, in the midst of the vibrant Timket festival. Commander in Chiefs try to instate some order and control by dispatching their regiments on foot and on horse back to clear the way for the Emperor’s procession to march through the streets on the way to The Queen of Sheba’s Bath Basin called Mai Shum.

Meanwhile a little boy, about five years old, is running and playing in the streets with his friends, when suddenly he accidentally bumps into the leg of a stranger and falls to the dusty ground. The little one springs back up happily with a bright smile on his face and immediately he is polite as his mommy taught him and bows and says, “Aytehazeley, Yikrai-ta Geta!”¹ which is translated to: “I’m Sorry, Excuse me my Lord!” The boy looks up at the stranger’s face only to see darkness framed by a white hood. The mysterious hooded stranger turns to looks down at the little one and lets out a menacing hiss as his eyes glowed crimson in the darkness under the hood. Immediately the child is terrified at the sight and runs off with a shriek to find his mother. He finds her not far away talking with three of her young friends and jumps into her arms shouting “A'may, A'may!” which is “Mommy, Mommy!” is Ge’ez. Then he whispers in her ears, “A'may, that man, he hissed at me, and his eyes are red.”

The mother asks, “Which man?”

The boy points in the direction from where he encountered the strange man, but he was gone. She figures her son was just imagining things as little boys sometimes do, thinks nothing of the matter and turns to her friends and says, “My boy Nati thought he saw a monster or something. He will be alright, probably just tired or hungry.” Then they casually went on their way, but the little boy was still cowering in his mother’s arms, looking over her shoulder at the stranger man with the evil glare, now lurking next to a fruit vendor cart.

They had no idea that there were many sinister men with white hoods pulled over their heads dispersed among the people in the streets and alleyways. But they were organized and grouping into positions that only they knew as planned amongst themselves. And nobody really noticed them looking like every one else, they could even pass for holy monks who dress and cover their heads in similar fashion. Except for the unique patterns in the hems of their hoods and overalls, and that strange symbol, a red lightning shape inside of a black circle. This emblem was embroidered in the front of and below the collar and tattooed on the back of the hands and on their feet.

The Hooded Assassin, Agents from the Realms of Darkness. 

None of the warrior guards notices any thing strange as yet, not even Mekonnen and Afeworqi. Soon the sound of music is heard coming from a distance, and minstrels and psalmists in white can be seem coming from a distance with various instruments playing as they lead the procession for the Timket festival. As music and frankincense fills the air, here they come on their way as priests in beautifully coloured garments and robes with tassels on the fringes, surrounding the one carrying the tabot on his head. Vibrant parasols held up above him and other priests and bishops and also the “Tzadakan” the Righteous Ones of sacred legend, all combined to make this scene look like blossoming flowers in a field. What a beautiful and enchanting sight, especially for the visitors who have never seen it before. Even if it’s been seen a dozen times it is still a grand spectacle to behold.

Now horses trot with their proud looking commanders and head guards in warrior garb with lion manes on head and dazzling costumes of vibrant colors, swords, shields and lances in hand riding them. The crowd gazes on in awe and reverence of their authority and accomplishments. Now masters in animal training bring out exotic creature on leashes. First some lions sporting large black manes lead the way, then baboons and ostriches.

Every thing seems to be going well, Mekonnen reckons. They may even play a game of jousting later tonight. Sit around a camp fire, have a merry feast of fruits and vegetables, with injera and beg (lamb meat) with hot spices on the side and some excellent wine to wash it down. All these thoughts of fun and relaxation fill the young warrior’s mind, until one of the hooded ones walk pass Mekonnen, and whose presence gave him a slight ill feeling. Coldness and darkness, and a sense of malice are the energies emanating from the hooded one that gave Mekonnen an uneasy feeling. It sent chills up and down his spine.

“Something is not right with that stranger.” He thought, “Walking around like that, sneaking and light footed. Why is he looking around like that, Scoping out the area?”

“Psst, Afeworqi?” Mekonnen whispers to his cousin, with eyes still fixed on his suspect,

“Look, something is not right with that fellow, wait here.”

“I see him.” Afeworqi affirms.

Mekonnen draws closer into the crowd with eyes focused on his prey who is quickly being engulfed by the sea of people. Just then, Mekonnen spots another hooded one nearby who looks conspicuous. And it looks like he picked up a signal from the first hood he was following. Mekonnen is more keen and observant now, his heart beats faster, yet he remains calm and focused. Then, up on the left on a roof top, another mysterious hood acting suspiciously. Another hooded person walks by and Mekonnen looks at him intently, but this one is different, does not look and act suspiciously and he can see his face. Normal sun light reveals this ones face and the patterns on the hem are less distinctive like the suspects. Might just be a monk, so he lets him by. Now Mekonnen can really notice the utter darkness under the hoods that are suspect, and can now even see the difference in the patterns on the clothing from the other common people and that strange symbol they have on the front of their clothes, a crooked line within a red circle. Afeworqi spots another hooded suspect upon a high wall, stooping down and peering over in the distance beyond the procession of the tabot and the animals.

Just then the distinct sound of a particular animal gives Mekonnen and Afeworki an idea of what the hood on the high wall was looking at in the distance. The trumpet-like cry of a great elephant rings out in the distance, a sound that is a familiar hint for the Aksumites as to who is approaching. It is the Emperor Gebre Mesqel and his Queen, Her Majesty Nigist Semret and the royal family riding in a chariot, being drawn by four huge African elephants. The crowd around Mekonnen and Afeworqi now begin to get restless and excited at the sound of the elephants as their large heads and ivory tusks can be seen in the distances down the street.

“Oh look, the Emperor and Empress are coming, the Negus and Nigist are coming!” was the buzz in the crowd as some try to position them selves in a spot in order to get a good view of Ella Gebre Meskel and his royal family. Guards try their best to control the crowds and make way on the street. Mekonnen motions to two guards to be on the alert for suspicious activity.

The King’s procession is now coming near as the dark brown skin of the elephants can be seen, so close eventually, that the rough textures and creases in them are noticeable. Two in the front and two behind those, harnessed with thick ropes and leather straps connected to the platform on wheels. The elephants are adorned with decorative garments on their heads and backs, speckled with gold and pearl beads and golden tassels. On the backs of each of the behemoth creatures are riders seated in fancy saddles guiding them in the right direction. Even the elephants’ tusks were capped with round golden stubs of fine décor. Behind the creatures is the golden chariot, which was more like a platform on wheels, that they draw carefully and steadily as their trainers and riders would allow them. And within the chariot is His Majesty Negus Gebre Mesqel also known as Ella Amida, son of the great and famous Ella Abreha, the former Negus Kaleb who gave up his crown to live a monastic life. He stands and waves in his glorious regalia just as colorful as the priestly garments but more bejeweled and ornamented. From the crown of his head to the sole of his feet, Ella Gebre Mesqel is an ornamented sight to behold: his golden crown quite high in several layers with golden streamers hanging down, fluttering as they reflect the natural sunlight. His collar, armlets and multitude and bracelets and rings all of fine, pure gold. Even his kilt is of pure gold on linen cloth. His chest wrapped in straps embroidered with pearls. Guards are on the platform with the Negus, but he is still pretty much dangerously open and an easy target. Normally the Negus would also be holding a gilded shield and a lance but this time he chose to just hold up his lance in a vertical position with spear pointing upwards.

Mekonnen tries not to look conspicuous, doing his best not to let the suspects know that he and Afeworqi are on their tails. He can’t help but notice how unprotected the Emperor is, two guards at lower levels at his side and few others on the platform, but that is not enough guards. And the ones present are not alert enough to what may be about to take place.

Suddenly, it all happened, Mekonnen’s cover is lost. The hooded ones noticed Mekonnen on their trail and signaled to each other. The first suspect is out of sight and Mekonnen becomes nervous. The Negus is still an open target; his guards are not paying attention. Mekonnen leaps up on a fruit vendor’s table to spot them again, causing many lemons, leaks and melons to fall to the cobbled ground. He scans the crowd ecstatically, left, right, up and down. He spots one! Now he knows what they are trying to do. Afeworqi sees Mekonnen on the table and moves in closer, but does not notice a hooded one approaching him from behind, eyes glowing red in the darkness.

Now Mekonnen can see clearly what is going to happen. At a distance, a hooded one appears behind a palace guard on a ledge and stabs him in the back, taking his spear as the guard collapses to the ground. Adrenaline rushes in and a bolt of energy hits Mekonnen, as he leaps from off the table with spear in one hand and a round shield in the other, he darts out towards the king, shouting,

“Alert! Shield the King!!”

Mekonnen runs to save the Emperor from an assassin's spear.

The King’s guards are now alert but confused, not really sure from which direction the impending attack is coming, but they position themselves to encircle the Emperor and the Empress, shields and spears up. The crowd is now startled and concerned, some duck down their head or lay low, others gasp with mouths open, looking in multiple directions. A few women and young girls grab on to each other or onto their little ones. Seeing Mekonnen running frantically towards the King’s chariot, the hooded one who stabbed the guard on the ledge now holds the spear and positions himself to throw it, angling it’s sharp pointed spear head towards the king Gebre Mesqel. The king’s guards cannot see the would-be assassin because the sun is directly behind him. But Mekonnen sees him clearly enough from his angle. Now the hooded assassin leans back, aims, heaves and then thrusts forward and releases, sending the spear sailing through the air, headed straight for the intended target, the Negus.

The hood behind Afeworqi begins to pull out a sword from under his cloak but before he could pull the blade all the way out of it’s sheath, Afeworqi hears the sound of a blade dragging against surface and senses his foul presents. He swings around and hits the hood on the side of his head with the spear shaft and thrusts the blade and shaft through his chest, as quick as a second. Afeworqi yanks the spear out of his attacker and watches him fall to the dusty ground, dead, then keeps on moving, looking for more suspicious ones.

Meanwhile, Mekonnen runs frantically towards the Negus’ aid from the right, determined to save His Majesty from the flying spear that is aimed for Negus Gebre Meskel’s torso. Which ever gets to the Negus first will determine His Majesty’s fate. Life or Death. Mekonnen, just a few cubits away, now leaps with shield in right hand, becoming almost horizontal in mid-air in front of the Negus, just in time for the deadly spear to strike Mekonnen’s shield instead of Royal flesh.

“Craaacksh!!” the sharp head of the spear penetrates Mekonnen’s shield, missing his arm by an inch. But Mekonnen’s flight carries the spear away from His Majesty and Her Majesty the Nigist Martha, sending Mekonnen and spear tumbling to the ground on the left side of the royal platform, rolling over about three times.

By the time Mekonnen leaps up to his feet a little bruised and dusty, the king and queen were surrounded by guards, deacons and priests. The elephants are getting stirred up by the commotion but still under control by the trainers and riders.

A cry went out to be alert and seize suspected assassins in the midst. By then Afeworqi is at Mekonnen’s side to see if he was okay and says,

“Come on, we most catch the rest of them! I already took one down.”

“Yes lets go. “ Mekonnen replies then turns toward the king’s platform and asks the guards, “How is the Emperor, and the Empress? Are they safe? Are they well?!”

“Yes, His Majesty and the Nigist are unharmed.” And as the guard spoke, arrows started whizzing by on and around the platform, hitting two of the elephants on the left. Arrows were being fired from the general direction of where the spear was launched. The two elephants cried out like loud trumpets in panic and moved away from the rain of arrows that just barely penetrate the surface of the thick skin but cause enough pain to be irritable. The other two elephants were not really trying to move, causing them to bump into each other and jolting the platform, which caused a few guards and priests to fall off. The crowd panics, screaming and running in many directions. One of the elephants in the front on the right stumbles and crashes into a building, destroying the façade with the impact. No one seemed to be hurt in that accident. Mekonnen and the rest of the guards realized they needed to cut the elephants loose into the streets of Aksum otherwise they would drag the platform with the King and Queen still on top of it, placing them in danger of being injured or even killed.

“Quick! Cut the elephants’ ropes! Hurry!” one to the guards commands, as two other guards quickly deal 2 to 3 hacks at the thick ropes until they broke free.

The elephants cry out loud, “Whhaaaahhh!” and lift their trunks in the air. One of them rared up on its hind legs causing people nearby to panic and shout to get out of the way as the elephants storm down the street. Now the city seems to be in utter chaos.

Mekonnen looks up in the direction the assassin’s spear and arrows were coming from and exclaims,

“That cursed beast. Afie, let’s get them before they escape to the wilderness!”

And off they ran, hoping to capture the one who threw the spear that almost impaled the Emperor.

Meanwhile the other hooded ones scatter into different directions trying to hide among the panicking citizens of Aksum. It is possible they may have a plan to meet and regroup in different locations. Some of the royal guards went after them, confronting some of the suspects in sword fights, yet subduing and capturing these agile and elusive hooded assassins dead or alive proves to be very difficult.

More arrows are released and fly into the air, coming down and striking several guards with civilians getting in the cross fire. It was as if they came to start a war and take over the venerated city of Aksum. But the royal guards and warriors will not allow such actions to persist.

Immediately the royal army brought out their own artillery of archers and marks men, with traditional bows and crossbows ready for action. Commanders Mulugeta, Telemarkos and Alazar the war hero, shout orders to their royal guards,

“Warriors of Aksum!! Assume your positions to form the Ark of Tsion Barricade! Now! Now! Nowwww!!”

So they quickly organized their warriors and mercenaries to form special barricades in the main streets and alleyways that lead up to the holy chapel Qedus Mariam Tsion that houses the Holy Ark of the Covenant. These barricades involve creating several layers of defenses one behind another in order to make it very difficult, or even impossible, to penetrate and get at the Ark of the Covenant that is claimed to be kept in this chapel with in the city of Aksum. There is already one monk in the holy chapel who had been chosen since the age of 7 years to protect and keep the Ark of the Covenant for his whole life, accompanied by armed guards surrounding the chapel outer gate day and night. The barricade begins at the top of the street with a row of 10 swords men standing side by side in the front, completely blocking the path, enforced behind by 2 rows of spear-men poised side by side. Followed by four warriors on horse back wielding swords and lances. And 4 of the finest archers on horseback. Lastly, 2 elephants mounted by warriors armed with swords, daggers, lances and bows and arrows. With practiced precision theses tightly knit barricades were put together just as they had been done it several times in times of peace and war since the days of Negus Ezana more than 200 years ago.²

The archers answered the adversaries’ rain of arrows with their own, striking down eight of the hooded ones. The others decided to flee rather than continue with their attack. Foot soldiers went after them but they were gone almost instantly, as if they had disappeared into the shadows.

They then looked at the bodies of the hooded ones they struck down, but instead of the usual carcasses, they behold a strange, ghastly sight.

Meanwhile, Mekonnen and Afeworqi mount up on brown Arabia horses of the royal guard to pursue the other hooded attackers who headed south for the wilderness towards the Semien Mountains. They ride through the crowded cobbled streets of Aksum; this section with white and beige colored buildings of occupations and trades, workers of arts and crafts, and smiths of iron and precious stones, and vapors of sweet perfumes, enchanting incenses and hot streams all mingled together in the warm atmosphere. Everyone tried to get out of the way of these warriors on steeds in hot pursuit of those who threatened the safety of the Kingdom, who dared attempt to strike down Aksum’s Negust Negusa, The King of Kings.

“What a pity.” Mekonnen thinks to himself. Right near the tail end of the glorious three day Timkat festival. At this time the citizens and visitors of Aksum would be preparing to gather for great banquet feasts, followed by praises, singing, dancing, music, jousting and other forms of merry making. The festival will continue after this brief episode of chaos subsides, but at this moment, civilians and strangers retreated indoors and in the shade until it is safe to come out again. The show must go on.

As Mekonnen and Afeworqi rode on the southern ends of Aksumite territory in hot pursuit of the Hooded assassins, they are joined by five more royal guards on horse back. They converged from different directions, from various streets onto the same path with Mekonnen and Afeworqi. Valiant warriors they are, all quite acquainted with the two kinsmen. Their names are Endal, Gedion, Biniyam, Kale’ab, Endubis, Samuel, and Nezana. Endal rides up beside Mekonnen and salutes,

“Selamta, my brother! Let us catch these wretched dogs and show them we don’t welcome assassins here, okay!”

Mekonnen replies with zeal, “U-we, Yes, my warrior, for Aksum, for Negus Gebre Meskel!”

And in unison the seven warriors belt out ululations with glistening swords and spears raised up in the air,

“Luuloolooolooolooloo!!”

As the hooded strangers take flight they show themselves to be as wise and cunning as serpents. A few stop running and blend in with the crowd, others steal horses and head for the Semien mountains in the south and to the mountains in the north. The warriors assume these villains may have a special place in the forest and hills where they meet and regroup themselves to plan another attack.

As the warriors ride onward, a hooded assassin leaps out of the second story window of one of the buildings along the way, right above Biniyam, alias Bini, as he rode by. Like a creature from the wild, he lets out a ghastly snarl with sword drawn above his head, intending to strike down Bini. But the warrior is quick, as he thrusts the point of his spear into the hooded thing as it comes down on him. The impaled body slams onto Bini, trows him off balance and he loses control of his horse for a moment, but he pushes off the limp body and regains control.

Gedion, alias Gedi, is armed with a large bow and arrows and while riding his horse is able to draw, aim, release and strike down one of the villains who ran ahead on foot. Another one leaps out from another window onto the back of Kale’ab’s horse, grabbing on to him from behind with one hand and drawing a dagger with the other, ready to slit the warrior’s throat. But Kale’ab, alias Kebi, is able to quickly grab onto the arm with the dagger, and uses his elbow to hit his attacker hard in the ribs.

One, two, three, four times Kebi thrusts his elbow backwards into the torso of his assailant but he still wrestles with him. Then the warrior reaches for his curved sword and thrusts the blade into the stomach of his attacker as he then clenches, looses his grip on Kebi, as the body grew lifeless and slides off into the street, getting trampled by the horses behind ridden by the other warrior companions, Nezan, Bini and Gedi. Mekonnen and Afeworqi are still galloping in the lead.

Eventually the seven catch up with four more hooded assassins who were ahead of them on stolen horses. Mekonnen, Afeworqi and Endal are in front and charge on at accelerated speed, urging on their steeds to go faster, “Hyaaah, Hyaaah!” Passersby and camel riders tried to get out of the way of the trotting/galloping madness of royal court guards on horse back in hot pursuit of hooded being of unknown origins.

Then one of the villains spins around quickly to ride backwards and face his pursuant and whips out a bow and fires two arrows in quick successions. One arrow misses hitting no one, the other arrow whizzes by Mekonnen’s left ear as he shifts slightly to the right, but it hits Endubis – alias Endi – , who was just behind him, in his left shoulder. “Ahyy!” crys Endi, wincing in pain. Endal fires back two arrows piercing one villain in the back. Another hood flips around on his horse to ride backwards like the first one and fires off two arrows hitting Afeworqi with one in the chest and the other his horse in the upper right shoulder by its neck. Aferworqi crys out and his horse wines in pain but still keeps riding forward. Mekonnen notices his cousin’s injury and calls out to him, “Afie, are you okay, hold on my brother, hold on there!”

“I’m fine…” Afeworq assures Mekonnen but unconvincingly because on the obvious look of pain in his face.

More arrows are fired by the hooded ones and this time Nezan is hit in the thigh, and Endi and his horse were hit again but this time his horse is badly injured in the front leg, sending both horse and rider tumbling down onto the street of tiled flat stones which is at a slight decline at this point. Endi is hurt badly and unconscious on the ground, bleeding from his head and body, his horse neighing and wreathing on the hard ground. Neza was going to continue onward but stops and goes back to help his fallen companion.

Mekonnen rises up on his horse from a sitting position to a standing posture, with his spear in right hand, aims and launches it forward, impaling the second hooded archer in the face, straight into the darkness under the hood. As the hooded rider falls off his horse with the spear in his face, his leg is caught in the horse’s stirrup causing the body to hang over and drag on the left side of the horse, pulling the steed in that direction as it loses balance and tumbles over, tripping three of the four other horses ridden by hooded villains. This incident starts a chain reaction, creating a massive tumbling heap of men and horses, with Mekonnen, Afie and Endal getting tangled up in the heap and falling over as well. But as they fall, Afeworq gets another arrow in the torso, piercing some vital organs. Bini and Gedi manage to escape this massive tumble in the streets of lower south Aksum, but they both turn back to assist their friends, unwittingly leaving one villain to escape down the tiled streets to the south towards the Semien Mountains.

Both men and horses try to raise themselves up from the collision, whipping out swords and daggers from sheaths. Mekonnen, though bruised and in pain, is the first to rise, followed by Endal and Afeworqi, though he his wounded and bleeding with two arrows in his torso, is determined and ready to fight with sharp, curve swords in hand. One of the villains managed to get back up on his stolen horse and ride off speedily down another side street. His two remaining hooded companions are ready to attack the Aksumite warriors with glistening swords in hands.

Mekonnen clashes swords with one of them while the other battles with Afeworqi who barely seems to be able to defend himself, he is losing blood and is failing in strength.

“Afeworq! Hey Endal, help him!” exclaims Mekonnen as he battles his opponent in sword play. Endal lounges at Afeworqi’s opponent and swipes with his sword but misses and gets a hard kick from this tall villain who is about 6 cubits high. With the impact, Endal lifts off the ground slightly and tumbles back down.

Mekonnen prevails over his opponent first by jump kicking him with both feet to the chest, then slashing off his right arm at the elbow that held the sword, then off with his hooded head with a swift move of skillful swordsmanship. Afeworqi was not so fortunate; his hooded opponent stabs him in the stomach. But with one last move and ounce of strength left in him, Afeworqi was able to stab upward with his sword through the villain’s chin with the blade coming out the top of his hooded head.

“Afeworqi, No!” screams Mekonnen and runs to his cousin, now collapsed to the ground next to his felled horse. Mekonnen pushes off his cousin’s killer and finishes him off by chopping off his head. Then grabs Afeworqi in his arms, Endal looks on in sadness a few yards away.

“Afeworqi, come on stay with me, you will be alright!”

“I’m sorry Mekonnen, I…don’t think I’m going to make it this time. It is my time to go. Pray that Agzio will find me worthy to enter into Semayat.”

“Oh, Afie my brother! I should have been there to save you! Forgive me.”

“No, it is not your fault. All… in Agzio’s plan. All in…his…his will.”

Tears begin to well up in Mekonnen’s eyes. He pleads,

“No, I’m sorry…I…!”

“Good bye, Meko my…brother. See you in Semayat.”

Then Afeworqi breathes his last breath and gave up the ghost. Gone from this life to the Realms of Semayat, the abode of the great Geta Egziabeher, and His faithful Melakt and Qeddusan – Angels and Holy Ones.

Mekonnen leans over in sadness and cries. Endal bows his head down mournfully. The sky begins to become overcast with low gray clouds like they were full of rain. Just then Endal notices something strange and ghastly with the dead bodies of the hooded ones. They became shriveled and chard looking. Not only that, but where their limbs were severed, black snakes were slithering out of them.

Gedi approaches them on foot and exclaims loudly, “Meko look out, Snakes!”

“What sort of vile sorcery is this?!” Mekonnen retorts as they both begin to hastily hack off the heads of the slithering creatures. While swiping at the vipers the rain began to fall.

“There, I think we got them all, Mekonnen. The snakes I mean, I think we got them all.” said Endal as he looked down the ally way and street where the other two hooded villains escaped. He looked up at the dark gray clouds, as the sky cried rain drops upon his face.”

Mekonnen, on his knees, still holding Afeworqi, looks up into the same sky, the rain first mingling with then washing away his tears, he whispers,

“Why Geta hoy, Oh Lord. Why did this evil come upon us.”

There was no reply but the rains coming down heavier, some nebulous clouds to the south illumines with flashes of lightning. Curious bystanders converge around the four warriors, but they keep their distance. Two middle aged women drew closer to assist the warriors with the body of Afeworqi but Mekonnen insists on picking up his cousin’s limp body in his arms and carrying him back up the cobbled street by himself.

Back in Aksum city a woman is searching and calling out for her child who got separated from her amongst all the madness earlier that evening.

“Natanael! Natiii! Where are you Nati? It is time to go home now! Nati?!

It is the same young woman whose son bumped into one of the hooded assassins. The same boy, Natanael is his name, his mother calls him Nati, who saw the darkness under the hood and glowing red, evil eyes, then ran to his mommy for safety. Now this same boy appears to be missing, nowhere to be seem. Unable to respond back to his mother. Perhaps hiding somewhere in a corner to escape the chaos, perhaps hiding under a market food stall. Perhaps he is with family or friends. Perhaps he is lost or stolen, or even worst.

Yet in the midst, amongst the crowd of citizens of Aksum and strangers and merchants from far and wide, there lurks a mysterious individual, a hooded creature, who seems like a normal man on the outside, but on the inside bares a dark soul, as black as night and deep as the Bottomless Pit. Venom seething through its veins, slithering and peeking like a viper with eyes glowing red in the shadows, seeking another opportunity to strike. The thing maneuvers its way through the crowds and detours southwards towards the Semien wilderness and mountains, hoisting a medium sized bag over its left shoulder like a sack of potatoes. There is something in the sack that is moving and squirming. Muffled sounds and faint cries coming from the sack is difficult to decipher what might be in there, whether animal, creature, person or thing. Nobody notices, Nobody knows. It is little Nati bounded in ropes inside that sack.

1I want to use Ge’ez here but I don’t know it yet so I used Tigrinya. Tigrinya and Tigre are supposed to be closer to Ge’ez than Amharic.

2 I made up this military formation on my head that seems plausible after studying a few books of battle formations like Warfare in the Classical World by John Warry (1995) and hints for medieval and fantasy movies that depict ancient warfare. 


Glossary | Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Back Stories & Legends | MekonnenEpic.com 

Chapter 1: Timkat

Hello readers! I present to you first two chapters of my up coming first book in the Mekonnen Epic series, "The Warrior of Light (previously titled 'The Warrior From Aksum')". It is still a work in progress but because of high demand to read the story from anxious fans I decided to treat the world a couple of chapters and the glossary. Be aware that there may be a few spelling and grammatical errors but I hope this does not distract you from enjoying the story. Thank you and Enjoy! All story and artwork copyright to Jerome Matiyas, 2006 to 2018 and beyond.  

Glossary | Chapter 1 | Chapter 2  | Back Stories & Legends | MekonnenEpic.com

Chapter 1:

Timkat

A young man runs as fast as he can! He darts through a moon lit forest at full speed, because his life depends on it. Bare foot and bruised all over with ripped clothing that was once white linen but now soiled with patches of green and brown from plants and dirt, mingled in his own sweat and blood.

“My life is in your hand, Egziabeher! Rescue me from those who hunt me down relentlessly!”

This is the young man's desperate prayer, loosely quoting a verse from one of the beloved sections of the sacred oracles known as Dawit Mezmur (The Psalms of David, chapter 31, verse 15), is all he can remember right now.

For those who hunt him right now are savage creatures. Maybe demons from the pit of Hell. More than a dozen of them have the appearance of tall men in white robes and hoods over their heads, but they have no faces. The skin of their faces, arms and legs are darker than the blackest night. Their eyes glow red under those head coverings. They are armed with all manner of weapons: swords, daggers, scimitars, spears, bows and arrows. They have killed and wounded many of his warrior comrades already. Now arrows and lances wiz by this lone running warrior who proves to be an elusive moving target, dodging and ducking behind trees.

Just as terrifying are the dog-like creatures with the hooded ones, that are more like hounds from hell. As large as lions and leopards, but much more ravenous, with dark, murky colored fur, red eyes and long vicious teeth. They snarl and howl like no animal he has ever heard in the land or seas. The wound on the young man's left arm is from being bitten by one of those savage beasts earlier, but right now he has no time to feel pain. Just run for his life.

Oh, how life has transformed from beauty into terror in a short space of time. Just a few days ago he was fulfilling his duties as a guard for the Kingdom of Aksum in Aksum City to the north, along with his comrades. Oh, the smell of incense and spices that filled the air. The sound of church bells, singing and children laughing. The sight of priests and deacons in radiant robes and garments more colorful than a rainbow, in processions through the streets. And the streets of gold he walked after the Atse, the Emperor, through handfuls of coins and gold nuggets into the crowd. It was one of the sacred annual celebrations of the Kingdom called Timket, when people come from far and wide to participate. How he took all that beauty and splendor for grants.

He lost his weapon a while ago in the mountains, a sword of the royal guards of Aksum with a golden hilt. He grabs up a sturdy stick from a tree branch, hoping it will suffice if one of the creatures catches up to him and near enough to cause harm.

Still the most surprising weapon he has right now that never expected harness such potency is the mysterious golden belt around his waist. It was a gift given to him two day earlier when he was about the leave a meeting in the Atse's palace. A mysterious young man approach him with a formal salutation and handed it to him, claiming it was a gift from “The King of Kings”. It seems whenever he is a great danger or calls out the Almighty One for intervention, a bright, blinding flash of light emanates from the belt itself, temporarily blinding his pursuers. There is no logical explanation for this phenomena, but it has saved the runner's life at least three times already.

He knows he is in the south-western end of the great mountain range of the land called the Semien, but he has no idea what direction he is running nor the distance to the nearest town or village. There is a river nearby, for he can smell the water. A little closer and he can hear that its a water fall. “Which one of the waterfalls is it?” he thinks as arrows fly by his head. “It can not be Tisissat falls. I expect it to be bigger. Must be one of the smaller, uncharted waterfalls. Must get closer.”

He runs closer to the sound of rushing waters until he comes to a ledge where he can see the waterfall. In a second all he can think of is jumping into it to escape his pursuers. “I would rather drown in this waterfall than be ripped apart by these creatures.” he declares.

Without further ado, the young warrior runs then leaps off the edge, making a swan dive into the cascading waters, falling head first with arms stretched up, vertically aligned to the magnificence wall of waters. As he free falls his life flashes through his mind. He remembers the rich beauty of his home city, and thinks back to the moments before all this happened. Before his life changed, and darkness descended upon the kingdom.

Three days earlier. Aksum City, circa 530 A.D.

It all began in the highlands of an ancient land in the Horn of Africa, nestled in the mountains like a multi-hued, sparkling jewel near the Erythrean Sea (Red Sea), flourished the Kingdom of Aksum. A great city in all its splendor and glory, Aksum was situated in the northern parts in the land of Habeshinya (Abyssinia), and south of what the Greeks call Ethiopia. As the source of the great Nile River this land that has been a mystery and a myth, to the Greeks and Romans for centuries, and which the Egyptians revered for millennia and dare not provoke its inhabitants. Here reigned a succession of kings who declare themselves, “Negusa Negast” which means King of Kings and “YeYihuda Anbessa” which translates from their official Aksumite language of Ge’ez to The Lion of Judah. This of course is in reverence to the one and only true King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the risen and ascended redeemer, Iyesus Kristos. These kings ruled a monarchy that claimed descendants from the controversial union between the ancient Israelite King Solomon and the famous Queen of Sheba, who traveled a great distance to learn of Solomon's wisdom and riches.

Aksumite Empire, circa 530 A.D.

 It is the 11^th day in the month of Ter (January 19^th in the Gregorian calendar) in 530 AD in the Abyssinian calendar. The Aksumites are preparing for Timket, a brilliant three-day festival celebrating the occasion when Yohannes the Baptizer reluctantly performed the sacred ritual of submerging dedicated believers in a body of water upon the Lord Iyesus Kristos in the Jordan River in Judea more than 500 years earlier. It was a significant event that formally introduced the foretold ZeEgziabeher Ebn, the Son of God, to the world. 

All citizens of the cities and towns, the shepherds, merchants and artisans, the priests, monks and clergy of all churches and monasteries, all royalty and nobles in the palaces and castles prepare in great anticipation for one of the most colorful and splendid ceremonies of the year. All the King’s noblemen and guards also prepare in their own ways and according to their responsibilities. They awake before sunrise to bathe and perfume themselves and dress in their distinct uniforms. The Kesset (the Priests) dress in full regalia of splendid ceremonial robes of velvet and fine satin, and swing bronze censers with sweet incense smoke billowing into the air. Guards and warriors, in full garb and armed with swords, shields, spear, bows and arrows, are all poised, distinguished and yet still ready for battle. The musicians in the king’s court begin quietly orchestrating music on the kirar, begenna, washint, sistras and masenko, letting the sounds resonate through the halls, and permeate the souls of all who can hear as well as those who cannot hear but can feel it.

Ella Ameda II, officially titled Gebre Meskel, son of the honorable Ella Atzbeha also known as Emperor Kabel, is the reigning Negusa Negast. and Queen Semret¹, his wife, the Empress and First Lady of the land, officially titled Nigisa Nigist, Queen of Kings. Together, His and Her Imperial Majesty arise early in the morning and go to separate rooms with their maids and servants to prepare. On top of the king and queen’s white cotton garments is a black jacket, embroidered with gold patterns around the neck and extending to the shoulders and down the front hems. Over this layer of clothing two servants assist the king with a magnificent royal-purple robe which is placed upon his back and shoulders, decorated with golden, fanciful embroidery patterns of geometric shapes and cross motifs. Next, His Imperial Majesty (HIM) is presented with rings for his fingers, his strapped sandals, lion headed scepter and finally his bejeweled golden crown. The King and Queen both step out of their changing room quarters wearing matching regalia today. They greet each other with kisses on the cheeks, right, left then right again, and proceed down the hallways, escorted by two servants and four guards to the throne room for breakfast. Already the corridors and hallways of the royal palace are permeating with the aromas of sweet smelling incense and frankincense mingled with food.

While the royal family prepare, so do the royal guards in their quarters. Hundreds of guards of various ranks and distinctions. There are chief warriors of higher ranks, experienced captains and sergeants and young foot soldiers and royal guards all according to their assignments and ranks. It is an honour for a young man to be considered worthy to become a warrior and defend the King and his country in the name of Egziabeher Amlak, Almighty Creator, God of gods. Enforce the law, defend the faith and execute judgment justly and truthfully.

Mekonnen, young warrior of the Kingdom of Aksum.

One such young man, in the prime of his youth, is Mekonnen, son of deceased senior warrior Sofaniyas GebreTsion, just six months shy of being 27 years of age, serving as king’s guard and warrior since he was 20 years old. Young, fresh, bright eyed and ready to take on the world, Mekonnen Sofaniyas is skilled in sword fighting, spear throwing and archery. He can perform hand to hand combat without weapons, in martial arts fighting styles similar to those of ancient Egypt, Nubia and Meroe. He practices with his friends and fellow warriors everyday except the Lord’s day, on Sunday, when the whole Aksumite Kingdom attend church services.

Adventures in Writing and Researching for The Epic of Mekonnen (Part 2)

The multiethnic, international and inter-dimentional cast of characters from the Epic Adventures of Mekonnen. From left to right: Bahetawi Abba Shiloh, King Shekanos, Lord Jalleel Ibsaa, Abner Ben Zebadiyah, Kandake Amanikadetede, Mekonnen Sofaniyas (center), Nuhamin Wolette-Semayat, Rabbel ibn Mansur, Iessai Theophilos, Vymla Thomas, Tsi Ming Moon, and Arch-Angel Miykael (the Lion Hearted). Characters for the Epic of Mekonnen by J. Matiyas, copyright 1992, 2009.

Who is the True Enemy of us All?

Also, I would like to make it clear that this story is not intended to put down or alienate other religions or faiths but to reveal who the real enemy of mankind is, in the opinion of myself and many others, due to experience, observation and research. The the true enemy of mankind is not people of differing races and cultures, not the white man, the black man, the Arab or Jew, but the enemy of us all, the one who is responsible for all evils in the world, all our sadness, miseries and sorrows, the one called Satan (and many other names which I will refrain from listing here). He who hates mankind and set us against each other to start wars and cause destruction of precious life. This is the true enemy of us all, human beings, the animal kingdom, and the holy beings and creatures of the heavenly realms in the universe, including the Almighty One that created it all.

A Trilogy With a Cast of International Characters

Book 1: The Higher Calling 
I would like this epic to be a trilogy (or possibly a tetralogy), with the story beginning in Book One as Mekonnen begins his adventure as a young warrior for the Kingdom of Aksum in Abyssinia, today that will be northern Ethiopia and Eritrea. Then he will drift up the Nile River in to a remote village where he will meet an enigmatic holy man (Bahetawi) named Abba Shiloh who will become a mentor to Mekonnen. Here he will also meet the noble Lord Jallel and falls in love with the beautiful Lady Nuhamin. Then he forms an alliance with the strong willed warrior Queen, Kandake Amanikaditede of the southern Nubian kingdom of Alodia. Ultimately he fines himself in a great war among the Nubian Kingdoms as King Basiliskos of Nobatia has gone mad and launches an attack on King Shakanos’ realm of Makurria, who is suspicious of the Aksumites and Amanikaditede’s ulterior motives for helping him in this war. Meanwhile Mekonnen meets the Iron Lion of Zion sent from the Realms of Semayat (Kingdom of Heaven) to assist Mekonnen in this heated battle, and entrusts him with the Armour of God (Agzio). After this Mekonnen and Abba Shiloh tackle the root cause of this chaos, coming from evil forces in high places and positions. Abba Shiloh confronts a high ranking suspect in Alexandria, Egypt, while Mekonnen and Lion of Zion battles forces in the pyramids of Giza where his faithfulness will be tried and tested. Along the way in the course of Mekonnen's journey in book one he will acquire the parts of the Armour of Agziaheber (Armour of God) as described in Ephesians 6:10-18, That’s Book one in a nutshell without giving away any spoilers, I hope. 

Book 2: The Warriors of Light  
In Book Two Mekonnen's adventures will take him to the Middle East from Jerusalem in Israel to Persia. Mekonnen enters Jerusalem secretly and attends a clandestine council meeting led by a holy man from his country they call Abba Yaqob. The meeting is also attended by 11 other warriors, in total representing 12 nations. The nations represented are Abyssinia (Aksum), Armenia, Egypt, Israel (Palestina), Nabataea (North Arabia), Persia, Syria, Ireland, India, Russia (or Georgia), Greece and Italia (Rome).  
At this council Mekonnen becomes close friends with 4 warriors, Abner ben Zebadiyah the Israelite, Iessai (Jesse) Theophilos the Byzantine Greek and Rabbel ibn Mansur the Nabataean Arab .

Each person has a story to tell about their home land being attacked by strange creatures, including Hooded Ones, giants and other malevolent beings. Abba Yaqob explains to the council about the true meaning and origins of these creatures and that the leader is a malevolent fallen Angel named Prince Mastemo who is stationed in an upside down pyramid hovering over Babylon. This is the entry point from where all these creatures are descending to reek havoc on the Kingdoms of Earth. He also explains that the 12 were chosen by the Almighty One for a special purpose and they will be known as the Warriors of Light, fighting to uphold the Yashar-Sodi, which is the Upright and Righteous Way of living.

The battles and encounters they face grow more intense, complex and bizarre as the Warriors of Light set out towards the dark, ominous fortress of the evil Prince Mastemo hovering over the city of Babylon near the Euphrates River in Mesopotamia (modern day Iraq). Each Warrior has their own special skills, weapons, and fighting techniques and their own spiritual creature from the Realms of Shamayim  (The Heavens) to assist them. 

Example: Mekonnen has Anbessa Tsion, a fiery Lion; Abner has twin Star Wolves, Rabbel has a larger Eagle/Phoenix and Iessai has a Majestic Pegasus. 


Without giving away the ending, the tone of Book 2 will be similar to Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, as it will seem like our heroes are losing the war as the enemy gets the upper hand.

Book 3: Warriors ReUnited 
In Book Three (and final book, though there may be a fourth) Mekonnen will enter Europe through Russia then be captured and taken to the heart of the Byzantium Empire in Asia Minor (Anatolia). Then he goes through Greece and other Byzantine territories, sail the Mediterranean Sea to North African and eventually his adventure ends and he’s back home in Aksum. In a story line running along side Mekonnen's, back in River Village in Abyssinia, Nuhamin and the people of her community must contend with an attack of the Hooded Ones and other creatures dispatched from the Armies of Darkness. They fight the best they can but become overwhelmed and flee to the wilderness. With agents of Darkness on her tale, Nuhamin manages to find refuge in the great city of Aksum. Fed up of running, being afraid and feeling helpless, Nuhamin decides to suit-up and prepare for Battle, taking matters into her own hand, but not without the held of a Higher Power.


Possibly a Fourth Book  
Recently, as of October 2009, new ideas and stories have come to me that may bring the epic to conclude with a 4th book. The 4th book my be something of an epilogue, connecting dots and tying up lose ends in a mystical way This time the story will be telling the tale of Mekonnen’s adventures and inter-dimentional warfare from the Arch-Angels’ point of view and the celestial battle from their perspective. Think of it as the mystical fourth Gospel of John book of the epic. This will complete the mystical/spiritual connection between my four books to the four gospels of Mathew, Mark, Luke and John; the four Arch Angels Michael, Gabriel, Raphael and Uriel; the four cardinal points on earth: East, West, South, North; the four elements of Water, Fire, Earth and Air; the four camps of Israel in the wilderness; Judah, Joseph, Reuben and Dan; and the four Heavenly Creatures that surround and worship at the throne of the Almighty One, Yahweh and His Anointed One, Yehshua, having the faces of a Lion, an Ox, a Man and an Eagle. 

The Ancient Battle Between Light and Darkness  

Almost every culture in the world believes in some sort of struggle or war between what is known to be good or evil. You can see it by reading about the cosmic legends of wars among the 'gods' in cultures like the ancient Greeks and Roman, The Hindus of India, Many African cultures, the Middle Eastern and Far East and other Asian cultures and the Americas. 

Even in modern pop culture we route for the Rebel Forces in the Star Wars series who are on the Light Side of the Force fighting against Darth Vader's Empire that embrace the Dark Side.
And also The Lord of the Rings, the Narnia series, and Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal deal with the contrasts of Light and Dark, Good versus Evil.
Even now when we pray and put on the spiritual Armour of God, The Creator dispatches his angels to fight for us. Like when the Arch-Angel Gabriel told the prophet Daniel that there was a battle going on in the spiritual realm from the time he started praying and fasting (Daniel 9:20-27). 


Why I chose Ethiopia
One of the reasons I chose Ethiopia to be the origin of this story because this east African nation seemed like the best place to represent Africans and the African Diaspora in a positive way. Other than the kingdoms of Egypt, the general public, including many people of African descent, know little of the glories of the kingdoms of Ethiopia and Nubia, which were known as the land of Kush in the ancient world. Instead many have this false stereotypical view of most of Africa being primitive, uneducated, full of just jungles, or desert. That’s the view I had anyway because that’s how it was portrayed in the news and movies. In my opinion, ancient, medival and Christian Nubia and Ethiopia breaks all the stereotypes we and even I had about Africa. 

Another reason is the fact that many people of the African diaspora look up to Ethiopia as a model of freedom and independence, being the only African nation that has remained independent and not been colonized have the scramble for Africa. Also being the first, and right now the only African nation to recognize Christianity to be its state religion. They also have close historical and spiritual ties to Judaism and the nation of Israel going back to almost 3000 years ago, probably beginning with the visit of the Queen of Sheba to Jerusalem to speak to King Solomon (some experts speculate Judaism may have entered the Ethiopian region long before King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, since around the time of Moses). 

Not forgetting to mention that the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, monarchy and government claim to have the sacred Ark of the Covenant, safely guarded in a monastery in the city of Aksum today. In many islands of the Caribbean, particularly among those of African descent, Ethiopia is venerated and recognized as being mentioned in the Bible many times, with some Churches and particularly the Rastafarians believing the Garden of Eden was located in Ethiopia. The Rastafarian movement have done a lot of promoting some understanding, history and culture of Ethiopia and encourage descendants of slaves to remember where we came from, and to rise up above what happened in the past and thrive for a higher standard of life. We must remember that Africa is first of all a land of civilization that still bares Kings, Queens, priests, nobles and warriors.  

by Jerome Matiyas, © 2007, 2010 

Adventures in Writing and Researching for The Epic of Mekonnen (Part 1)

(This  article was originally written and posted on my website pinevergreen.com in 2007 and updated in March 2010)

Introduction

Writing and researching for my epic tale of the adventures of Mekonnen has been—and still is—a life changing experience for me as it has touched all aspects of my life, physically, intellectually and spiritually. This ongoing project has lead me through some mysterious circumstances, causing me to meet some wonderful people along the way, many of whom have become new friends and aquaintances. I have been enlightened to some awesome discoveries in the history, myths and legends of the ancient land and kingdoms of Abyssinia— which is now known as the countries Ethiopia and Eritrea. And my studies are still expanding my historical knowledge and understanding of the cultures of many nations around the world and how they interconnect with each other.

My experiences have inspired me to create the ideal setting, atmosphere and culture of the world of my main character Mekonnen, weaving a back drop for this tale of personal growth, internal conflict and spiritual warfare. I’ve become enamored of the richness of the culture and history of Ethiopia and I’m now a big fan of almost all things Ethiopian/Abyssinian. “Why Ethiopia?” you may ask, and some already have. Why did I pick this particular region from this particular continent that has been underestimated and subdued for centuries and for a long time stereotyped and thought of by most as only a vast land of jungles, deserts, and primitive peoples? A land with a long and glorious past and whose history of Monarchs,
Priests and Warriors in palaces and fortified cities has been mostly forgotten by the western world.

This journal recounts my experiences and reveal how and why I feel I was lead to explore the Horn of Africa, the African Ark.

Mekonnen Sofaniyas
Aksumite Warrior in Action

Who is Mekonnen and what is the Story About?
Firstly, a short description of who is Mekonnen and what he represents in my story. Mekonnen Sofaniyas is a fictional character placed in the real ancient world with real historical figures and events, mixed in my own imagination of fanciful situations, creatures and characters for dramatic effect. He lives in an alternate world where the earthly and spiritual realms intertwine to demonstrate mankind’s struggle with his moral short comings, attacks and temptations from evil forces in the world and The Creator/The Almighy One's redemption plan for mankind and the battles His heavenly armies of Light will fight for us against those evil forces. The story demonstrates that we most be equipped and prepared to fight these battles, where in Mekonnen’s world the spiritual weapons are manifested naturally as real armour, sword and shield, being plugged into the ultimate source of power that flows from the throne of The Almighty One, the Creator of the Universe. Mekonnen most join forces with fellow warriors from around the world that believe in living the Yashar-Sodi—which in ancient languages translates to the Upright/Righteous Way of living before God and Man— to defeat the invading armies from the dominions of Darkness, lead by the nefarious Prince Mastemo.

King/Negus Gebre Mesqel
Emperor of the Ethiopian Kingdom
of Aksum, 6th century AD.

Warrior from the Ancient Ethiopian Kingdom of Aksum
Mekonnen is a warrior in the royal court of the Kingdom (Empire) of Aksum, one of the first Christian kingdoms of the world. He lived during the prosperous reign of King Amida, also known as Emperor Gebre Meskel (Servant of the Cross), who reigned in the mid 6th century AD. Mekonnen and his allies represents Christians in there walk by faith and the victories and defeats he/she will face in the way of life. There are other main and supporting characters Mekonnen encounters in his journey that will represent many different aspects and situation we may all face in our lives and in our walk with the almighty One/Creator and the way we relate to each other. Like all of us, Mekonnen will meet characters and creatures that will either lift him up to take him to the next level in his life and spiritual growth or try to destroy him or lead him astray, off the path of the special calling for his life.

The basic frame work for Mekonnen’s adventure is Bible based, from a Judeo-Christian’s point of view. This story is not intended to promote any particular religion or church denomination but is dedicated all believers in Jesus Christ and all that believe in a one true almighty creator of the universe and represent all that is good and pure. You will notice a lot of imagery, festivals and languages that are dominant in the Ethiopian culture and religion - especially in Book one - which is used to set the atmosphere and background for that particular period in history. As the story progresses characters of various cultures and ethnic backgrounds will be introduced, some becoming major or supporting characters.

Even though the Epic of Mekonnen was initially inspired by sacred scriptures and ancient writings, I’m hoping it will have a universal appeal to a wide audience and that many may be inspired. It has spiritual symbolism but for a general audience, like C. S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia series, J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy and the Ben Hur movie(s). Like any good fantasy tale Mekonnen epic most be balanced with enough down to earth situations that we can relate to, like when a loved one dies, falling in love, looking up to a mentor or becoming prideful and falling to temptations. And a good measure of action, suspense and intrigue to keep you of the edge of your seat, turning the pages for more.

View the Mekonnen Epic Flash site here

Buy T-Shirts and many other merchandise with Mekonnen themes at

www.cafepress.com/MekonnenEpic

J. Matiyas
1/29/2011

[To be continued. Stay tuned for Part 2]