Paramodice agreed to Princess Oasi's suggestion, and with the help of her maids and guards, they found a way to escape the palace. They fled together, traveling all night through the forest of Dokoma, unsure of the fate that awaited them. They knew that by morning, the palace would send people to search for them. Paramodice did not know the way to the Sakoma Kingdom, nor was he certain if he should return either. No matter how long the night, the day will surely break.
When the King of Dakoma heard that his daughter had escaped with a prisoner, anger and heartbreak gripped him. That his only child was ready to die for a criminal pierced him like a thorn. He summoned every palace guard in charge of the prison for a thorough investigation: What foolishness had they displayed to allow such a thing to happen? The princess's maids were also brought in.
When the king discovered that his wife, Queen Losere, had orchestrated the escape—moved by motherly love and hoping Paramodice would be released so that the princess might recover—his heart broke even more. When a child is ill, the mother lies awake; love does not count the cost.
Every bodyguard responsible for the lapse was beaten and starved for three days; some guards were sent out at once to search the roads, though all efforts came to nothing. The princess's maids were imprisoned until the princess was found or returned. Knowing her husband's anger burned like dry-season fire, the queen knelt and pleaded.
"My dear wife, Queen of Dakoma—my moon and my star—why did you do this?" the king said softly at last. "You know how much I love you and our daughter. I cannot pass a day without my lovely child. What I did to her was not out of hatred but out of love. I knew she was sick because of that prisoner. I wanted her to let go of this feeling. I did not know our daughter would be so determined as to run away with him. If at least the man were from our kingdom—but a stranger from another land! Still, I pray the gods watch over her wherever she is. She is our only child; not a single hair on her head must be harmed."
He drew his wife closer. "I forgive you. Your actions sprang from a mother's heart. Know also that I love her."
Paramodice and Princess Oasi wandered into a strange forest belonging to the Palula Kingdom. No one dared to enter and live, people said. As they reached its depths, fear seized them. Trees seemed to whisper and shift their positions. Animals vanished or appeared like humans. A cry, like that of a newborn, rose now and then from the thickets. All these things chilled their bones. The forest has eyes and the bush has ears.
The princess burst into tears. "Paramodice, will we survive this terrible forest? I am hungry, but we cannot just eat anything. Even the water may carry spirits that will kill us."
Paramodice drew her close. "Do not be afraid, my princess. All will be well. The Lord who destined us to be together will protect and provide for us. Give your life to Christ; only He can help us."
"You told me of Him before," she said, "but now I am ready to accept your God if only we will be protected."
So Princess Oasi gave her life to Christ, and peace settled in her heart. When the roots are deep, the wind cannot uproot the tree.
"What you will do now," Paramodice said gently, "is to say these words after me, believing that God will help us."
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures;
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul;
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies;
Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Amen.
Before Paramodice finished, the princess had fallen asleep. As he ended the prayer, a man appeared suddenly. Paramodice's heart leapt into his mouth, and he held Princess Oasi close to shield her.
"Are you for us or against us?" Paramodice asked, his voice trembling.
"Do not be afraid," the man replied. "I am the angel sent by your God to protect you throughout your time in this forest. What you see here is a shadow. Your God is with you. Kill any animal and eat; it will not harm you. Take any fruit or food here; it will not harm you. Do not fear any spirit in this place. Love her well, for she is your wife, and both of you are destined to fulfill this assignment together. You will stay here for sometimes. At the appropriate time i will tell you what to do next.
With that, the angel vanished. The one who follows the drumbeat of destiny does not lose the dance.
The princess slept soundly through the encounter. When she woke, she checked to see if Paramodice was beside her and safe.
"Do not be afraid, my lovely princess," he said. "The Lord is with us. While you slept, a man appeared to me."
"Ah! I hope he did not harm you," Princess Oasi cried, running her hands over his arms and shoulders.
Paramodice laughed. "My princess, I am more than fine. Would you like to keep checking?"
"That is not funny," she said, trying not to smile. "But I must be sure my love is well."
"Now that you see I am well, are you satisfied?" he teased.
"Completely," she said, and they both laughed.
"Tell me about the man," she urged.
"He was sent by God," Paramodice said. "He assured us we can eat and drink without fear. He will protect us throughout our stay here."
She listened, wide-eyed. "Since I woke, I have not heard any strange cries," she admitted. "But please, let us not eat. The foods here have spirits."
Paramodice reached up and plucked a fruit.
"Don't!" the princess cried, but he tasted it. Nothing happened.
"Are you all right?" she asked.
"I am still here," he smiled.
Bit by bit, Princess Oasi accepted the angel's words.
And so Paramodice and Princess Oasi lived in the forest—eating, drinking, and playing together. Paramodice taught his wife the word of God and enlightened her more about Jesus Christ, and she rejoiced in this new faith. If you want to go far, go together. A river that forgets its source will soon run dry.
Meanwhile, in the Kingdom of Sakoma, the king grew very ill. The king's cabinet wore worried faces; everything had been tried, but he did not respond to treatment.
"If the king dies now, what will happen to the throne?" Chief Okere asked. "Our king has no child, not even a crown prince to inherit."
The other chiefs glared at him. "Mind your tongue," one snapped. "Do you wish death upon the king?"
"I am only speaking my mind," Okere said, hands raised. "Let us reason together."
When elders sit to speak, the mortar and pestle keep silent. You do not sell the hide while the antelope still runs.