The following weeks passed in a whirlwind of media attention, speculation, and investigation. Once they had returned to the hotel, the authorities had been notified and a manhunt had been launched to find Edward English and his men, as well as Penelope Khumalo. None were found, and William was questioned for nearly two days about his father. Karabo and  Isla learnt from Anathi that Edward English was in fact a well- known criminal – the mastermind of a worldwide smuggling and money laundering ring. Isla’s initial research into Edward all those months ago had been right. ‘He was a ‘modern-day pirate,’ explained Anathi, ‘stealing from one, selling to another, never paying tax and so much more.’

Cedric had taken on the welfare of William, and it seemed that Mzi had forgiven him too. The boys had become friends and found a mutual appreciation for quick wit, dry humour and hip hop. Once William let his guard down, and wasn’t being a complete jerk, he was actually really fun to be with. On their return to South Africa, William had handed over the gold chunks and diamonds his father had thrown at him, to Cedric.

‘You should have these. They’re yours,’ he said to Cedric. When he saw the surprised look on Cedric’s face, William explained that his father had thrown them at him before he left him at the cave.

‘Thank you, William. I will look after these. They will remind us that the rest of the treasure is out there, so that we never stop looking for it,’ said Cedric.

‘We’ll find it, Cedric,’ said William. ‘I promise you.’

‘Good man,’ said Cedric, ‘and in return, I will help you. In fact, I have a great plan for next year for you and my son,’ said Cedric, a wry smile on his face.

Isla had returned home soon after they came back to Johannesburg. Her parents were briefed by Anathi, who may have downplayed the seriousness of the cave situation. Anathi and Karabo returned to their suburban life and a subdued Christmas and New Year, relieved that they could rest at home without clients or interference. But before Karabo felt as though she had rested completely, she found herself in the grand entrance hall of Dayeton College once again.

As she made her way to her new dorm room, she bumped into old friends. Others looked at her curiously, and she assumed it was because of the reports in the news. The newspapers and news stations had been all over the ‘Khumalo Treasure Case’. After centuries of being ‘lost’, the revelation that the treasure was in fact a reality, and now very much stolen, had intrigued viewers. Because Anathi was Cedric’s lawyer, they’d all become overnight E-grade celebrities. Karabo had been close to shutting down her social media accounts, but Isla convinced her that it would be like committing social suicide.

As Karabo put her bags down with a sigh, she couldn’t actually believe that the arrival of William English, just six months ago, had turned her world upside down. His presence had nearly ruined her sweet but short romance with the lovely Buzz, which had restored her faith in relationships. She still kept in touch with Buzz, even though he was now studying at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. Her logical brain had won the battle over her heart, and she often reminded herself that there was no point in having a long-distance relationship, no matter how awesome Buzz was.

William’s arrival had also coincided with her calling to be a sangoma – which she still struggled with – but was learning to accept and hoping to master, with the help of the disagreeable sangoma. In fact, William was someone who put faith in her abilities, even though it had been for his own gain. She wondered what William was going to be doing this year, now that he had been abandoned.

Karabo started to unpack her bag, lost in her own thoughts.

‘This year I told my mom she wasn’t to come up. I’m old enough to sort myself out,’ stated Isla, lugging her overfull bags and interrupting Karabo’s thoughts. Karabo laughed at Isla and helped her with her luggage. The girls then quickly caught up on how the rest of their holidays had been, before making their way down to the hall.