In the heart of umuero kingdom where injustice and immorality prevails,there lived a polygamous family which was widely known and esteemed as a home of conflict, rebellious, greediness, and eyes moist with tears from the first wife ugonna.
Ugonna was a woman of peace, endowed with beauty,a philanthropist, handworking , unique and always submissive to her husband (ikenga).
But the values she possessed has been sucked by greedy,lust, and betrayed under the guise of friendship
Unaware of the disguised that beneath human, ugonna accepted her childhood friend who came pleading to have a roof over her head for a couple of days.
Two days gone, i caught my husband having sexual intercourse with my friend faith on our matrimonial bed.
What my eyes saw was indeed beyond me. I never expected such adultery from people i can barely sworn my life for.
I gaze fixed at faith as she made her way out without showing any remorse.
It wasn't intentional ugonna, please forgive me"ikenga falls to his knees begging and crying out bitterly.
Deep down i knew ikenga can't hurt my emotions , because over some decades of being into marital status with only one child he never thought of cheating or taken a second wife that will bear him a male child.
Ikenga declared to his wife ,"she seduced me,yes,she seduced me!"
I can't possibly have the intention to hurt you and ...
How could you steep so low to have an affair with my friend? she asked in disappointment.
I'm so sorry, ugonna"ikenga apologized.
******
As four weeks turns to a month, faith returned back to my house with a native basket made with palms leaves filled of her belongings.
I approached her immediately and queried"what do you want again ?
I'm pregnant ,she dropped the bombshell right in the very presence of my husband and daughter,odera.
With my mouth agape,i sat my ass down on a stool momentarily dumbfounded.
Considering how important children are to african men,i gave my husband my blessings to bring her in as my co_wife.
Etiquette and decorum demands that , where there's a polygamy , there's no atom of peace .
But,as my best friend i have a surge feelings that things will work out simultaneously between me and her.
I erased all she has done to me even though she wasn't bother to ask for forgiveness .
I showed her immense care and always wakes up as early as the early morning cock crocks to ask for safe delivery from god's of our land on her behalf.
My joy erupted like that of an avacado as faith gave birth to set of bouncing twin boys after completing nine months of delivery.
"May the god's be praised"
"May the god's be praised"
"May the god's be praised"
I screamed and danced joyfully drawing the attention of neighbours.
Ikenga deviated his love and attention to faith and her children because they were male children.
I weep every single day when been overwhelmed by faith.if i try to scold her or retaliate ,ikenga will shout me up and lay abuses on me.
I and my daughter,odera became a slave and abandoned by them.
On a nice atmosphere in umero village, everyone came out in their respective compound to enjoy the pleasing breeze .
Faith and ikenga were under an orange tree gisting and laughing out loud like one's who won a jackpot.
Odera rest on her mum's laps feeling so famished.
Mum am hungry"she finally spoke well she couldn't ignore.
"There's no food my daughter , but let me ask you father "ugonna replied and tiptoe towards the orange tree.
Ikenga , please our daughter is already dieing of starvation."said ugonna already on her knees.
I don't waste my hand earn money on female child,so you guys should suit yourselves !,he bawled.
Pleaseeee....
You heard him right,so get lost !, faith abruptly interrupt.
Ugonna aroused the anger in her,she lift up her palms to smack faith on both cheeks , but got hold by her husband.
Faith on the other hand took up a long wooden stick to hit on her, and it mistakely landed on ikenga forehead.
When she noticed ikenga was died ,she began to scream at the top of her voice.
Ugonna has killed my husband...
She has shed blood oooo
Neighbours!
Come out ooh..
The worst has happened..X3
People began to hurry down to ikenga compound anticipating to get the full story of sudden departure of ikenga.
At a point, news came across they great warriors of umuero village.
They stumbled upon the compound with a bitter heart and heaviness.
I didn't kill anyone..
I'm innocent...
Ugonna said in a teary-eyed .she turned swiftly at faith and proclaimed"please,tell them the truth"
Faith narrate a faked story that made ugonna falls guilty of the incidence.
My mum is innocent, she's innocent"odera spoke , but no one pays attention to her.
A murderer can never go unpunished, said the head of warriors.
Yes, others chorused..
According to custom and traditional of our land, whosoever that his/her palms are soaked with blood will be stone to death ,right?he asked.
Yes, others chorused again.
EPISODE 2
A moderate breeze fluttered onto the palace of king mbamara as they trees began to wave it's leaves.
They people had gathered on the compound shouting and singing a sorrowful song.
"Silent people of umuero kingdom ! "the guard bawled .
We are here to see our great king "said the head of warriors (ike) sweating profusely.
What do I owe this visit my people?"king mbamara asked as soon as he step into their mist with his six elders standing beside him.
May you live long my highness,ike bow before him and continued..
Faith, they second wife to ikenga has something to say about the great disaster that befalls her household not quite long ago.
The king nodded and gave her an endorsement to speak.
Ugonna is evil ....
Ugonna is evil evil...
She murmured our husband..
She made me a widower at an early stage of marriage with just two child.
Who will be the father to my two sons?
Who will train them for me ?
Faith asked faking a pathos expression that made the village exclaimed"chai !"
"Speak up woman , and stop beating about the bush"king mbamara scolded.
Ugonna murmured our husband with a wooden stick because of the little argument they heard,she briefly narrate.
The king widened his eyes in shock and uncertainty.he glimpse at ugonna whose body was messed with dusk and blood due to reckless beating from the warriors.
All they elders began to murmured among themselves.
"Are you guilty or not guilty?"the king asked as he turned swiftly towards ugonna.
Ugonna raised up her face, wipe off her tears and running nose.
She then replied,may you continue to live long on earth if you serve justice and not otherwise.
For the upteenth time,are you guilty or not guilty ?" King mbamara furiously asked.
May the god's of our land,moon,sky , and stars bear me witness that I'm not responsible for my husband death , rather she..
Are you guilty or not guilty?he asked again as he slack up his machet.
I swear with the remaining fetus in my womb that am innocent , ugonna said as hot tears bubbled down her cheek.
Faith untie her headtie,she tip toe towards the king and whispered.
"My bodies are all your's if you let injustice to prevails"
His sight caught on her big boobs and well shaped ass.he couldn't let his eyes off her as he gaze fixed at it as if his whole life depends on it.
We are still waiting for your judgement our king"the people chorused.
Their loud utterance made him recollect his mindset into reality.
Stone her to death and burn her dead corps into ashes as custom and traditionn demand. I , the great king of umuero kingdom has given you a go ahead order .
Odera ran into her mum's arms crying uncontrollable.with heaviness in her heart, she peck her mum on both cheeks.
My mum is innocent..
She's innocent...
My elders please hear me out,she kept shouting but no one paid attention to her.
My highness,i suggest we ask the great to make enquires spiritually on whom is guilty or not guilty between them,the next in command by name odum suggested.
Are you by any chance trying to disobey my orders ?
Not at all my king"he replied as his body quiver in fear .
Akwa ooo(cries)
Akwa ooo(cries)
Akwa onye eziomume (cry of the innocent)
Aru ge mee nu (abomination is about to fall)
Aru ga eme kwa nu (abomination is about to fall)
Akwa ooo(cries)
Everyone turned to the wise one as he walked majestically in an annoyance expression.
Who sent him?
How did he get to know?
Faith murmured about to pee on herself when king mbamara began to stare at her.
EPISODE 3
"Greetings, great king of umuero kingdom"the wise one greeted.
What do i owe this visit ?he asked.
In an attempted display of traditional wit, the wise one (akata) respond"a toad does not run in the daytime for nothing."
Exactly"said the kinsman nodding simultaneously.
When enchanting with the god's of our ancestors, tears of a pure spirit kept ringing as a bell in my ears.i tried to ignore , but it began to perturbed.
I queried from the god's and was review of a woman crying and begging for justice to be served.though,she didn't show her identity but only wearing a royal band which signifies that her tears was coming from a royal home,the wise one exclaimed as tiny knots of sorrow hit his belly.
King mbamara swallowed the lump down his throat and said,"we was about to stone ugonna to death before you interrupt"
He smiled with the confident of his insight as he stare at ugonna and proclaim loudly.
Spare her life ,my king !
She's innocent of whatsover accusations that was lied against her.
No..
No..
The evil one's must not go unpunished, said people's of umuero kingdom in disagreement.
I have declared justice and that's finally "the king furiously said.
She's innocent my highness..
Spare her life , the great one said again.
Your opinion is not needed akata , the great one ! "
Si kele onye nti chiri,enu anughi ,ala anu(salute the deaf ,if the heavens don't hear, the earth will surely hear "
Ugo chara acha adighi echu echu (a mature eagle feather will ever remains pure )
akata said to king mbamara and then turned swiftly towards faith , and exclaimed..
Ukwu na ga wara wara,Anya na ga wara n'ahu ya.(a leg moving in a shady motion,an eye also moving in a shady motion will see it.)
I'm going..
I'm going to my chamber..
Yes , I'm going with heaviness and pensive in my heart.but, you all should have it in mind that tommorow is pregnant.
Ugonna opened her eyes slowly, only to see ten warriors standing and holding heavy stones on their hands precisely.
She gazed at faith and wave her head repeatedly as tears streamed down her cheek.
God's of our land !!!
God's of our land !!!
I will be stone to death , but my spirit can never and ever be in weakness .
Ugonna said and shifted her gaze at odera, who was shedding continuously as if her life was going to end instantly.
I'm so pierced that am about to leave you to the world of no return.take heart my beloved daughter,my expensive jewelry ,my heart beats, the only joy that's left on earth.
Odera, please always have a golden heart as your mother and also don't repeat her mistake which sent her to an untimely death.
Remember the hand which was used to raise you up.i know it will an be so unbearable and unforgettable mystery, but take heart and wipe your tears, for you won't cry forever.
The skies and moons will always be your limits and your light can never be quench by any mortal.
Iseee...
Iseee..
Odera said and hug her mum tightly .
They tied ugonna's hands and legs backward and began to stone her non_stop.
She groans in pains, locked her eyes and die at the spot.
Woooo
Woooo
Woooo
Woooo
Faith began to sing and dance joyfully as others joined in.
Two hefty men carried ugonna corps and burnt it into ashes.
Odera cried as they smoke kept evaporating across her nostrils.
EPISODE 4
The painful exit of ugonna became a history in umuero kingdom, because she's the first in person to fall victim .
Alot of tears were wasted while many saw it as a good omen.
Motherly love,care and attention is what every children needs till eternity. it really pain to loss someone who knows when things are going wrongly in your life.someone who pampered you from birth to adolescent stage.someone who deprived joy to starve and watch you being satisfied.someone who breastfeed ,back you and encountered endless night when you're ill.
Do you know what it meant to burn an innocent person flesh?
Do you know what it meant for a dead soul to be in agitated depression?
Do you know what it meant for someone to be stone to death?
Oh no,i guess many people doesn't have clue of any.
In a teary-eyes,odera stood up, pick up a matches and lightened it.
She placed it on her index finger , and dropped it immediately when the pain became so unbearable.
Oh jeez, i felt so much pains just with a stick of lightened matches.then, how much pains will someone whose whole body was tied and burnt into ashes without any excape?
She asked, and intentional smashed her foot on a stone.
Ahhhh"she screamed and manage to sit on a wooden chair.
Mama, you paid a sin that you didn't commit..
Injustice was served on your behalf because of bribery and corruption.
I just wished to avenge your death, but all seems impossible with the kind of affliction am about to face in the hands of my step mother.
Odera cried ones heart out as her mother last words echoes in her heart,cry no more,dwell a lioness heart for the god's are not blind.
As days went by, odera certain pulchritude coupled with an inflammative aura of esthetic promise evident in her soft, pink lips,, assured breast ,full waist and firm hips.
She was eligible to be called one spouse and her beauty always bright like an early morning sunshine.
As daybreak,odera was telling a folktale to her step brothers (chinedu and chika).
Faith scrambled in their mist , scolded and warned her children not to associate with her anymore.
"Mum , she's our sister"said chika with a low utterance.
Get into the hurt now!! "She command them and they implemented without any delay.
Didn't the notify you earlier that orphans don't rest ,let alone having the guts to narrate a folktale ??she asked odera who was already shivering because of her loud voice.
No mum"i replied.
"May the god's forbids !! "she exclaimed and spill out her saliva.
Listen odera, I'm not your mother and i can never be one.
But....,i stammered.
Go and refill those calabash behind the kitchen"said faith rolling her eyeballs.
I have done that already"odera replied with a broad smile written all over her face.
I emptied they calabash on the ground, so go and refill it again as ordered.
Odera widened her eyes in shock ,she couldn't resist her words , rather she spoke out.
"Why are so bothersome?"
"Why are you so mean and wicked to me ?"
Why...
About to queried more when faith suddenly smack her on both cheeks.
Odera took up the biggest calabash to avoid any further wrath by her step mother.
I bowed my head walking fastly to avoid numerous affront from maidens.
A young man startle me from behind and i asked,who are you?
"Pardon my manners " ,i am azuka , the only surviving son of akata.
Do you mean akata, the chief priest of umuero kingdom?she asked.
"Yes, you are correct"he replied giving a cute smile and nodding his head.
So, how come i haven't been seeing your face around?odera asked again.
I was brought and raised up in my maternal home, but am back to my native as a true son of the soil.
Hahahahahaha"odera broke down into laughter.
Was that funny?he asked.
Yeah,it was"she replied still laughing hysterically.
Can we be friends?he demanded.
Sure, you already made my day "
Azuka held her hand and they began to walked majestically down the stream.
On their way, odera saw a long dangerous animal and screamed out loudly.
They began to search for a hard stick to kill it , but couldn't find any.
Odera packed a heap of sand on her palms, raised it up the sky and muffled strangely.
She poured it out as her eyeballs became reddish all of a sudden.
When she regained herself,the animal died at the spot.
What came over me?
Azuka what just happened?
She asked, and azuka widened her palms which signifies he can't comprehend.
After awhile of awkward silence,an old woman approach them and exclaimed,
A gift has began it's manifestation and the moon and stars has finally meets each other.
We don't understand mother? They chorused.
Time shall tell"she respond and left.
EPISODE 5
Who can explain more to our understanding?odera asked.
Akata,my father will be able to "azuka replied as they scrambled to the shrine through a narrow path.
On getting to the shrine,they met akata feeding his goats with some combination of unwanted weeds.
"Greetings father"azuka greeted.
My son,are you back?he asked .
Yes father"azuka replied and odera abruptly interrupt,"greetings wise one".
Akata abandoned what he was doing and reciprocate to her greetings.
How are you doing daughter of late ugonna?
How.... how do you know am her child?odera confusedly asked.
He broke down into a dry loud laughter as he gaze fixed at them.
"Before you step into this shrine,i was already told by the god's ."
How ?
How?
I didn't tell you that i was coming ,so how come?
He smiled with the certainly of his perception as he dusk a wooden bench and asked them to sit.
Do you have anything to say azuka??
No father"he replied and gesture at odera to speak.
Her heart pounding down her chest as she tried to gather more courage to verbalize her aim to akata for the first time.
No one is an island, when you need help boldly speak out "said akata .
On our way down the stream ,we got attack by a dangerous animal . when we was searching for a means to kill it off , something entered into me and i began to possess powers that i can't comprehend where and how it comes from.
In a mixture of awe,an old woman approach us saying"a gift has been it's manifestation and the moon and stars has finally meets each other"
Please wise one, explicate in a way we will fathom .
He swallowed the lump down his throat and exclaimed,
It is a gift to speak and it shall come to pass,a gift that reviews what will happen in the nearest future through dreams, but won't be able to review the person identity.it is a gift of healings and protection.
This particular gift in question always manifest when you meet with the person who is destined with the same gift with you.
The old woman who appeared to you both early is a pure spirit who loves truth and not otherwise. she's a woman whose tears of an innocent get to reach first before any other person.
Wow!!"said azuka with a cute smile.
Akata continued after the sudden interruption,
Mind you, this gift can't work with the absence of one person.
It is a gift given to binary people to safe and blessed people with it,akata concluded.
Why did the gift show up when am with azuka?
Does it mean we are destined with the same gift?,odera asked.
Akata held his son palms,he invocate rolling his eyeballs to the sky and then replied,
"Yes,he is the one"
They was so shocked and kept staring at each other.
What a coincidence !!
What a coincidence !!
The god's are really wise to make us meet together at this gracious day , said odera sheding tears of eruka.
"Father, is their anything that requires bountiful energy to fight against while with the gift ?"azuka asked.
People with such gift encounters a lot of challenges when the power is not yet strong like yours .
The gift is been given to two persons to keep in touch and be there brothers keeper because at this point , wicked, jealous and envy people can try as much as possible to take away the gift by stealing something you cherish and adores so much.
No one is ought to know about the gift until the power is strong.
What can we do for the power to be strong?they chorused.
"Go in search of a broken shell into the forest of odumdo " he replied.
That's a dangerous forest filled with dangerous animal and evil spirits, said odera.
It is really a difficult task "azuka said as he widened his eyes.
Wise one, can't the power be strong without going into a devilish forest ?
As the first creature to be blessed with such gift it can't be strong if you don't get the broke sheels, but if anyone take away the gift from you,it will now be strong for the person because it has been swapped to a second being.
A child who washes his hands could eat with the king, akata said in parable.
Meaning "they asked.
"You will go far in life if you pay respect to whom it due"
Nhmmm,odera took in a deep breath.
They began to hear noises from the hurt and akata bawled,
Who's there ?
Who's there?
He asked up to twice, but couldn't get a response.
It might be some animals looking for wastage foods to eat,he conclude and wave it out without knowing that one of the king kinsman has been eveadropping to their conversation.
EPISODE 6
"Fear not my children,i will continue to protect you until your powers becomes strong"said akata.
He lift up his staff, roll it in the floor and began to amused the god's by calling out strange names .
"God's of my ancestors,may you guide and protect your children"
Iseee...,they spoke simultaneously.
They won't encounter any woes, rather success, protection and victory will constantly stood by their side.
Iseee....
"Painful and untimely exit shall never befall them"
Iseee...
After the prayers, akata mute as he began to perceive negative and unpleasant scent of a human blood.
Looking up to the sky as tears flow down his cheek freely.
"Why are you crying father?"azuka asked trying to read his immediate response through his facial expression.
I can feel and smell a great tragedy that will befall my household?"
May the god's forbid, you won't fall any victim of mishap and you won't die"azuka replied .
It will not be your portion wise one , and the god's you serve is always there to protect and guide you as well,odera said.
"I pray that you guys will be there for me in my weakness"akata said with a cracked voice.
Iseee...,they bowed and chorused .
I would love to take my leave now, said odera as he took up his calabash and waver goodbye at azuka.
At the palace,king mbamara was sitted on his majestic throne with his two guards standing behind him .
One of his favourite kinsman (mazi udeh ) bashed into the palace breathing and sweating profusely .
He knew him as someone who always bruit around and have come to spill out a beans.
The king offered him a fresh palm wine for him to ease off.
Mazi udeh emptied his glass ,he walked majestically towards the throne and whispered into the king's ear.
His apprehension grows as he gesture at his guards to leave.
Are you sure about this?king mbamara queried in a dubious state.
I'm very sure my highness"he replied .
"How do you get to know ?and what brought you akata shrine?"
I went to hunt as usual when i sighted a squirrel on top of a tree swinging it tails.
It ran behind akata backyard and i assail on it without hesitation.
Due to its fast race, i couldn't catch it at last .
I squat down drinking water from my little Jerry can when i began to eveadrop to akata conversation which turns out to a beneficiary news to our community at large,mazi udeh concluded.
Oh no..
That special gift shouldn't be given to an indigent orphan ,who might suddenly turned against the people of umuero kingdom because of the pains we caused her late mother.
We need to act fast before sand will be poured into our beverage.
"Exactly my highness,so who be the person to obtain the gift?"he asked.
I,king mbamara will take away the gift either by hook or by crook.
What steps are we to take ?mazi udeh asked.
Akata needs to be killed"king mbamara dropped the thunderclap and mazi udeh quivers in fear.
You and I knows akata to be a great man and can't be killed that easily.
The king smile with pain as he said, "I ,king mbamara the true son of the soil shall get whatsover he desire. I am fully ready to smashed every motal ,be it a scorpion or a serpent.
"Hmmmm,so who will do the task for you?"
I will do it myself,he replied and called out on his guards.
Guards ..
Guards...
Yes my highness, one of the guards bashed in and bowed.
Get me a sharpened knife, he demanded.
Okay ,my king.
Within a jiffy, the guard returned back with the knife and handed it over to him.
He slacked it into his inner wrapper and then cover it with the second wrapper.
Are you with me on this?"he asked mazi udeh who nodded his head like agama.
Nevertheless, akata was at his vineyard plucking out some leaves used for medication.
He was singing out and moving his body blissful without having a clue of the danger that is ahead of him.
ODERA was still at the stream when a strange vulture flew from her face.
I can feel it...
Yes,I can...
Whose departure is about to take place?
She asked herself and was been reviewed if akata the wise one. she tried to possess power to protect him, but was unable because azuka wasn't with him.
Odera quickly dropped his cablash and ran as much as her feet can carry her.
EPISODE 7
"Akata the great one,the only one who see both in the night and in dark "came an unmistakable voice hailing at him from behind.
He was about to turn swiftly when someone slacked in a knife into his stomach.
Ahhh, ahhh,akata groans in pains as he opened his eyes slowly to see the king standing and holding a matches dripping blood.
He muttered with the little strength he had, what have i done to deserve this?
A fool at forty is a fool forever.you acted to be a nice and truthful chief priest in umuero kingdom knowing full well that it is unacceptable by your ruler , now you have witnessed a painful and prematurely death.
You will have no peace in your life ,akata cursed as he locked up his eyes.
King mbamara gnashed his teeth, as he stabbed mazi udeh from behind to avoid any implications.
Odera trudged into azuka's compound screaming his name continuously.
"Why do you return back?, hope there is no problem" he asked as soon as he step out from the hut.
"All is not well, please where is your father?"
He went to his vineyard not quite long ago, azuka replied.
There's danger..
Let's go and safe him, said odera stepping his foot hardly on the ground.
She held his hand and they assail to akata's vineyard.
On getting there,what the saw really made them pant for breath.
Azuka swallowed the lump down his throat as he sprang up in rang.
Who killed my father in cold blood?
Who could have done this to my father?
He asked in pain, groaning and grinning his teeth together
Goosebumps filled the whole of odera body as she stare at the incredible tragedy which befalls within some minutes of having a conversation with the chief priest.
They was overcome with grife ,pensive , and agony as they she'd one's heart out frantically fantasizing it be a nightmare.
But, lo and behold it turns out to be a reality .
I'm so so sorry of your lost,odera sympathize with a teary-eyes.
He sneezed a little, wipe off his running nose and exclaimed,
May your soul rest in peace to peace father (rip). you will forever remains in my heart as a great man who speaks the truth and also benevolence to everyone who demands.
We need to protect and make our gift so strong now that you father is no more, odera said.
Who will guide us through the journey?
Do you think odumdo forest it a place the living will emerged into without being prepared ?
It is very much better we forget about the gift and move on with the both positive and negative aspect of life.
Impossible !
Impossible !
ODERA bawled looking straight into his eyes as the memories on how her mother was killed kept flashing through her head.
Will you be glad if we stay reluctant and watch our gift being taken away from us from the same people who murmured our parents?
Not at all"he replied.
We have to fearless and be brave to conquer through the forest. We are not taking such risk to be pompous of ourselves in return, rather to fight for our dead parents and put on a smiles in their hearts because I know they dead has ears.
Azuka nodded as tears streamed down his cheeks.
Take heart my dear friend,she sympathize for the last time and made his way out to her house.
Odera walked majestically into the compound with a calabash on top of her head.
She slightly pull it down when her step mum approach her in a furious expression.
"Good evening mum"she greeted.
Hold it right there you disgusting, unwanted bamboo.
Where have you been that took you so much time to return back from the stream?
I..I...,odera Stammered.
Faith squeezed her mouth,gave her a hectic knock and still waiting to hear her reason for the delay.
For a moment, odera took in respiratory and resolve her anger not to retaliate.
Two palace guards walked into the compound saying that faith presence is needed in the palace
Curiousity tugged in my heart because deep down,i know it could be nothing than to oppress mankind.
EPISODE 8
"Greetings your highness"faith greeted as she bowed before king mbamara.
You're welcome the one and only knockout woman i have ever seen. the woman whose raw beauty is in both interior and exterior.you are the only one who understands and support the king more than anyone else.
She began to blushed, twisting her body and smiled sheepishly.
You sent for me your majesty"she said rolling her eyeballs blissfully.
Are you aware of odera mysterious power? he asked .
Not at all my king,she replied puzzled.
"Come here" king mbamara gestured with his hands.
Faith draw closer him , and he whispered into her ears.
She numb with shook as she step backwards trying to fathom how and where she got the power from.
Will you be glad if she uses her power to earn money?
How will you feel when she took you as an outcast when she began to manifest her powers?
Will you derive joy when people die of one illness or the other but couldn't get help from odera because of the painful exit of her late mum?
No ,no..."she replied waving her head to the left and then to the right.
Then we need to aquire bountiful energy to bring her down no matter an obstacle that beneath under the shadows .we need to put one's hands on desk to make a nice and reasonable plot and take away the gift from her.
"What will be my profit at last?"she asked.
When I obtain the power,i will use it to earn money from people and fifty percent of whatsover i made a day will be given to you.
Oh,oh,am in with you my majesty" she accepted to play the cards with him because of the heartred she had for ugonna .
We don't have much time to waste ,go now and try your possible best to know what she loves or cherished most.
Okay my highness"she bowed and made her way out of the palace.
She walked majestically on the way murmuring within herself.
Why should odera be given such power instead of someone who came from a wealthy or affluent family?
Why did she hid such thing away from?
My life and that of my children will be in mess of she began to manifest her power and made us an outcast.
Faith you have to act fast...
Don't sit on a couch and watch someone rub soap into your eyes.look at odera of yesterday being blessed with great powers instead of the other way round.
~. ~
As the aurora emit in the sky,birds could be heard chriping and people began their various daily activities either indoor or outdoor.
Odera sat on a stool pounding palm kernel on stone.
She was singing a cultural song which lyrics express joy and sometimes make one to she'd tears of eruka.
Unbeknownst to her that faith has been standing behind her watching and fainting a fake smile.
She beckoned at odora as she stood dauntlessly.
I'm so sorry if i startled you"faith apologized.
With her mouth agape,odera stare at her in shock and astonished.
I pitched myself a little on my lap to know if it was one of my usual fantasy.
Within new york minute, faith knelt before me as tears streamed down her cheeks.
Please find a place in your to forgive me for treating you badly.i have come to realize that you are also like my own child, please forgive me ...she plead.
I had no malice against you from onset and i still have none till now.please stand up, you are like the mother am seeing now.
Thank you so much my daughter"she said and slowly sighed.
You're welcome"replied odera smiling.
So can we break the ice(start a conversation),
faith said as she held her hand and they sat on a long wooden chair.
"Yes,we can"i replied showing a happy expression.
What do you love or cherished most? faith queried.
Odera opened her mouth to voice out, but got hold when akata voice and statement kept ringing out repeatedly to her ears.
"Ahhhh"she screamed at the top of her voice as every living creature appears double in he sight.
After awhile,she regained herself and replied, everything is my favourite mum.
Is there something you are not telling me?she asked.
No, mother"she replied.
Every living creature has there likes and dislikes,so why must yours be different? she rebound her anger evident at me.
Why is she persisting i answer the question which is ought to be kept wraps?
Why must that be her first question?
Should I lie to her for peace to reign or snub her?
The thought swirled it'self around her over and over again.
EPISODE 9
I'm trying to act courteous towards you , but your response is absolutely falsity and not verity.
Guards..
Guards...
Faith called staring at me with an annoyance expression.
I was damned confused and overwhelmed in timidity when two hefty men step in with matches on their hands.
What's going on here? "I asked .
Take her with you !! "She commanded.
My heart pounding down my chest as one of them jack me up and placed on his shoulders.
On getting to the palace,odera was dropped on the ground with her two hands crossed to her back and was tied up.she began to make cluck for freedom but one of the guard smacked her on both cheeks.
The moment king mbamara came out,she mute and wiped off the blood that was dripping out from her nostrils.
"Greetings my king"she greeted
What do you love and cherish most?"he asked without responding to her greeting.
The walls truely have ears . how did he get to know about my gift?
Who could have been eveadropping to our conversation?
Young lady , don't keep me waiting"he scolded.
With all due respect your majesty, people are ought to be secretive on spilling out what the loves nor cherish most . besides you are not related to me and i still don't understand why you are concerned on my personal secret.
A stubborn fly should knows where to prove his/her babaric attitude to avoid being harm by a lion . dont touch a dog's tails either living or die, because you won't be able to face the wrath .
Speak , or else you join your late mum to the world of no return"he exclaimed with his matchet being raised up and ready to commit murderer.
"Haven't you done enough?"
"Haven't you done enough king mbamara?"
Odera asked as tears streamed down her cheeks.
Speak now !"he bawled.
I rather die than to give off my gift to a heartless,obdurate, disgusting and ungodly king.we all came from sand and sand we will return back to . so, don't threaten me with the word death because we all shall witness it.
If it pleases the god's for me to die prematurely just like my late mum so be it .
Though, I'm not the first blood you shed,nor the second and probably will not be the last.
because, one's the heart is diabolic, blood will continue to flow.
What effrontery do you have to speak to me in such manner ?"he asked with bitterness in his soul.
He pant for awhile and order his guards to locked me up.
~IN THE SPIRIT WORLD~
In the spirit world we're the dead alone can see, and communicate with themselves.akata wore a white garment and walked barefooted as he weep continuously.
It's ironic to him when he met a middle aged woman who buried her head in between her legs snobbing.
Why is it ironic?"
It is because,i thought i was the only one who came into the spirit world in tears and heaviness.
Woman, woman"akata called as he beckoned at her twice.
She raised up her face slowly as she blunt with shock .
"Akata the great one,is that you?"
How come?
How manage?
What are you doing in the mist of the dead ?ugonna asked.
It is quite a long story, but i will make it brief.
Okay"she nodded.
I was killed outright by king mbamara .I didn't by any chance go against the custom and traditionn of our land , rather i succumbed into the cold hands of death because of greed fester and always standing for the truth,akata narrate as he leave the unquenchable tears to flow freely.
My soul hasn't been at rest because of the painful exit and not properly buried. I don't want to seek for vengeance from the onset I step into the mist of the dead , but as it stands now I have finally decided to avenge my death to the fullest.
I don't know if you can embark on the journey with me?she asked .
Yes I could love to, but remember that the dead bones no longer have authority over they living.
Sujemi..
Sujemi..
Sujemi...
Sujemi...
Ugonna groans in pains as she tried to awake the mother of purity and light.
EPISODE 10
Melancholy accumulate azuka's heart as he waited all throughout the day without seeing odera at their usual spot or paid him a visit as usual.
In a spite of appearance,he knows something might be wrong because this was unlike her.
Are you sure she's safe?
Why didn't she come for us to plot about our journey to odumdo forest?
He asked under his breath, shut his eyes in a bid to sleep but couldn't because of the thought that filled his head.
Azuka stood up and ascend to odera's house.
On getting there,he saw a woman sweeping and singing melodiously.
"That must be her step mum"i murmured and became courageous to face any wrath am about to get.
"Good afternoon ,ma'am."
"Who are you ?and how may i help you?"she asked.
Her shrilled response pierced deep into my heart that made me quiver in fear.
I'm here to see odera"i slowly uttered.
She has joined her late mum to the land of no return.
I don't understand ,ma"i confusedly said.
Odera is dead"she dropped the thunderclap and continued sweeping.
Tell me you are joking..
Tell me you are pulling my leg..
That's the facts, she's gone and gone for ever.
"How come? "I asked in shock as goosebumps filled all over my body.
Get lost !"she bawled at me.
Azuka's heartbeat grew tense as he wondered what could cause the sudden departure of odera.
He left insanely low-spirited and grife .his tears falling to the ground like a plaintive rain as he sat on a stone beside the river.
Odera why?
Why do you leave me now we have a battle ahead of us?
How will i cope in loosing two beautiful soul within a week?
He asked himself, staring up to the sky as tears streamed down his cheek.
I love and cherish our friendship a lot , but death came in between us and took you away.
To make our gifts strong is what you have ever wanted . I will go to odumdo forest all alone,yes,i will.
Not just for my sake, rather to put a smile on your face wherever you are.
No man born of a woman goes to odumdo forest and comes out alive.it is indeed a deadly Forest but I will take the risk than to watch our gift being taken away from us.
God's of our land...
God's of our land..
I'm about to embark a journey between thousand men tommorow, please protect and guide me .
Azuka muffled and snobbing continuously as if his life was going to end instantly.
Why can't you forget about the gift?
What gave you the braveness to embark into odumdo forest without being spiritual guilded?
Do you want to die prematurely?
Do you want to please a dead soul and displease yourself.
Change your decision before it's too late, change it now !!
A thunderous voice spoke from above..
****
At night, odera was lying on the ground, shriving, panting and groaning in pains as her stomach began to make some noise showing that it was empty and needs to be fed.
She stood up and tiptoe towards the door only to discover it was unlocked.
Odera seeing that as a freedom was at the point of weakness to excape .
She sneaked out a little and observed that the king and his guards was far asleep.she swallowed the lump down her throat and began to ran as much she can .
Within some seconds, one of the guard woke up and beckoned at others.
I perceive the smell of a human flesh..
Someone just crossed us not quite now.
"Are you sure ,oji ? the other asked.
Yes ,I am"he replied and hurried to were odera was kept and discovered she wasn't there.
She has excape..
She has excape...
He screamed at the top of his voice and they all assail on her immediately.
EPISODE 11
Odera was feeling so exhausted that her whole body rebels from moving futher .she falls to the ground, crying and screaming at the top of her voice.
Help..
Somebody help..
Help please..
Somebody help me..
Determination whispered to her heart saying, don't give up , odera ,be strong !!
She stood up , walking slowly and bending her back like someone who has a crookback when she mistakenly smashed her foot on a stone which results in peeling off her skin.
Odera groans in pains as hot tears bubbled down her cheeks. She squat behind a plantain tree squeezing a herbal healing mixture to dry off the wounds.
Her apprehension grows as she saw four guards on furious expression.
Yes,i have tried..
I have tried to save my life, but it seems that death is calling me.
I'm now like a living creature that they dead is far better than.
My throat is dried up,my stomach empty and my feet hurts so badly .
How can I safe myself when i am in such states?
odera grumbled and rest her head on the tree.
When they began to perceive the smell of a human flesh,they stopped and focus more on the exert spot where odera was.
About an hour, one of the guard exclaimed"oji, we can't find her around here"
We know you are someone around here . so,
Have it mind that you can't outsmart us who can smell and feel the presence of any human.show your self now !!
Show your self !!!
Surrender yourself to us to avoid reckless treatment if we do that ourselves.
Oji spoke out loud as he widened his eyes ready to catch me as soon as possible.
I buried my head in between my legs and kept shriving and panting heavily.
Let's return back to the palace since we can't find her , one of them suggested.
King mbamara is a mischievous one and can take off our head if we fell to return back with her. I rather spent days inside this bush than to go back to the palace.
Exactly"they all nodded to oji words.
The next day, azuka dress up, fill up his jerry can,hang his gun and bag on both shoulders and left to nduka shrine.
Nduka was one his father dependability servant before he killed the bucket.
Due to the premature death that took place, he became a chief priest with the experience and years he served to learn from my father.
On getting to his shrine,I met him enchanting with a kola nut on his hand.
His eyes was fixed at me , and I bowed my head"greetings ,wise one"
A lion must give birth to a strong one , while a tortoise gives birth to a lazy one.
Finally a brave one came to my shrine today.the true son of his father, heart of a strong crystal, akata playless wrapper.
Hmmmm, indeed, the young shall grow .look at azuka of yesterday now a full grown up man.
you still remembered me " i surprisedly said.
Nduka smiles with the confident of his insight as he proclaimed,why won't I remember the son of a man who gave me life and made me who I am today.
He permit me sit and kept staring at his mirror which was paste beside him . He turned swiftly at me and asked, how may i help you?
I'm about to embark on a journey to odumdo forest,so I decided to stop by and be protected by the god's.
He abruptly interrupt,DO YOU MEAN ODUMDO FOREST?
yes ,wise one"I nodded.
No man born of a woman goes to odumdo forest and return back alive , said nduka
"If I should go and return back safely,may the god's be praised. If eventually I die on the line so be it " he confidently said.
"Okay "nduka nodded as he raised up his staff and placed it on azuka's shoulders precisely.
The god's of purity and power !
The hour has come..
The god's who choose me right from my mother's uterus to serve him, the hour has come ...
I seek for protection on behalf of your son azuka as he embark into the forest of odumdo.
when the dangerous and wild animals are hungry ,they won't see him .
Iseee...
He stuck his staff back into the ground and queried with a teary-eyes
Are you sure you can do this ?
With the god's by my side,I can"azuka responded.
Nduka brought out a ring from his calabash and wore it on azuka's index finger.
This ring signifies protection ,ice, and sometimes comes with fire in a process of war.
If it gets lost ,your powers might be restored to you, but if it get swamped with your others fingers or being taken away from you forcefully that means you have lost the power.
"Are we cleared?"he asked.
Yes ,wise one and thank you very much"
You're welcome"he replied.
I wavier at him and left ....
Twenty warriors of umuero village has already gathered at the palace immediately they were informed by the guards.
"Warriors of our land !! "said king mbamara with a reddish eyes.
"Yes, your majesty" they chorused.
You guys are tested and trusted, and I have the surge feelings that you won't fail me at this point.
Sure,we won't" they respond simultaneously.
Spill yourselves into four equal groups, first group should double _crossed the path that leads to odumdo forest . the second, should be at the stream . the third, inside the bush while the last should be at the boundaries that leads to our neighboring community.
Get me that stubborn young man by name azuka "he commanded.
"How is azuka ,my king ?"one of them asked.
The king snubbed ,while his follow warrior's replied,
Azuka is the only son to our late chief priest akata.
Okay,he replied and they all left immediately.
EPISODE 12
Azuka..
Azuka..
Came a familiar voice in a low and weary tone.
He quickly turned swiftly but couldn't see anyone.
"Azuka, azuka" the voice came again.
Who are you?
"Show your face ! " he bawled staring at every angles around the bush.
Here I am, azuka" odera said crawling out of the bush in pains and teary-eyes.
He stood frozen because he thought odera has already passed out.
"I... thought you are dead ?" he asked and step a little bit backward.
I'm alive , azuka.
Go away !! " he scolded.
Please safe me the strength of talking much, I'm alive.
The living and the dead has nothing in common,so go away now !!
I'm still alive ...
Azuka packed a heap of sand on his left hand and poured it on her body to clear his sentiment.
When justified, he jack her up on his shoulder and scrambled to nduka shrine.
Nduka was so astonished as he saw azuka with a stranger.
He brought out a native mat and azuka layed her on it.
"Hope all is well,my son?"nduka asked .
Don't know yet ,wise one " azuka replied and shifted his gaze at odera who's tommy was flat.
He read his immediate facial expression and observed that she was hungry.
Please do you have food for her to eat?
Yes,yes" nduka nodded and ascend to his hut.
New york minute,he came out with four roasted plantain and red oil mixed with onion,salt , pepper, locust beans (ogiri).
Azuka fed her while she kept chewing like a hungry lion.
After the meal, she drank a lot of water and shut her eyes in a bid to kip.
"Who is she ?" nduka asked pointing his index finger towards her.
Her name is odera ,the daughter to late ugonna.
Do you mean late ugonna?
Yes,wise one " he responded.
Ugonna was a woman who stood as a beacon of peace, but when her childhood friend came into his family, the unity and peace she derived with her husband became fragile.
As proscribed bonds tighten, the people of umuero village took injustice and holds it's breath.
You truly knows the history ,wise one"said azuka while he faked a smile.
Odera sneezed, opened her eyes slowly as she stare at azuka and then shift her gaze to nduka and exclaimed,
"Greetings ,wise one"
"Thank you, my daughter"how do you feel now?
Vigorous"she replied strengthening her hands and legs.
She swallowed the lump down her throat and narrates her ordel in the palace without excluding a single part.
Did... you tell him what you love and cherish most?" azuka stammered as tears flow freely down his cheeks.
"No ,i didn't" she responded.
"We are on this together and trust me we will conquer " azuka said wiping off his tears.
Where was you going to when i saw you ?
Odumdo forest ,he replied and odera widened her eyes in shock.
As the day breaks, the warriors and guards who went in search of odera return back to the palace.
"Greetings, your majesty"they all bowed as the greeted simultaneously.
King mbamara ignored their greetings as he strengthen his neck like agama.
Where are they ? " He furiously asked.
We have searched everywhere but didn't see them"one of the warriors said.
"Like wise us , your highness" ibu , the guard abruptly interrupt.
Fiddle -faddld..
Big for nothing..
Unhealthy skeleton organs..
What insolence?
How can twenty set of hefty men can't outsmart only one ,one idiotic bamboo ?
The king thundered and descend into his hut in gait manner.
He brought out his magic calabash which was raped with a red and royal blue materials.
He muffled in strange word's and screamed they name of odera and azuka repeatedly.
Within a second, the calabash appears nduka shrine and residence where they was gisting.He burst into laughter and exclaimed,
Onye ti isi onu udah egbe(if you put your head, you hear the sound of a bullet)
Burn down azuka's hut and then hurry to nduka compound,
Slack a knife into his throat instantly ,burn down his hut and don't spare any soul you see.
Read my lip"DON'T SPARE ANY SOUL"
The king commanded and murmured,I rather destroy those gifts than to watch it manifest in their lives.
EPISODE 13
The moon and stars brightened up casting a mottled shade on the people beneath.
Nduka was inside the hut praying with a kolanut on his hand.
The god's who owns me..
I'm about to take the greatest risk which is sleep . when we sleep, our souls left us to a place we can barely comprehend.
Many souls returns back the next day or eventually awakes by nightmare , while many sleeps in good health, but there souls couldn't return back after the long journey at night.
god's of our land, please protect and guide us . don't allow your children to sleep and embark into the land of dead.
Isee..
After the prayer, he chewed the kolanut and locked up his eyes in a bid to sleep.
Meanwhile, azuka and odera was sitted on a native mat enjoying the nice and pleasing atmosphere.
Let's sing a song " said odera as she positioned the lantern.
"Azuka exclaimed, i am in"
N'buru ite gara ichu mmiri ..
Iyeyoo..
Aka'm ato n'iko kweghi nweputa..
Iyeyoo..
Ukwu'm ato n'iko kweghi nweputa..
Iyeyoo..
Mee etiwe iyoko ko
Iyoko ko, iyoko ko..
Iyeyoo..
Odera smile and waggled her body while singing .
N'buru ite gara ichu mmiri..
Iyeyoo..
Aka'm ato n'iko kweghi nweputa ..
Iyeyoo..
Ukwu'm ato n'iko kweghi nweputa..
Iyeyoo..
Mee etiwe iyoko ko..
Iyoko ko ,iyoko ko..
Iyeyoo..
(Translation in english)
I carried my pot to go and fetch water..
Iyeyoo..
My hands went into the pot and couldn't come out again..
Iyeyoo..
My legs went into the pot and couldn't come out again..
Iyeyoo..
I began to shout iyoko ko....
Iyoko ko, iyoko ko..
Iyeyoo..
She paused for a while , widened her eyes and exclaimed,
I feel sense of vulnerability, death, conflict, tragedy,lost gifts, and assault.
Are you sure is not one of your usual fantasy?"azuka asked.
Not at all "she replied as tears of despondent streamed down her cheeks.
Hmmmm , they both respond respiration and kept staring up to the sky for a clear revelation.
Multiples of footsteps could be heard from a far coming towards their direction . trees began to swing it's leaves,the sky clouded over and the environment was enveloped with silence.
"Wise one, please run !!" azuka screamed at the top of his voice as soon as he sighted numerous warriors drawing closer to them.
He hang up his bag, took the lantern and held odera's hands as they ran fastly.
When they got to the path that leads to odumdo forest, odera's apprehension grows as she holds azuka tightly.
"Let's go" he said bravely.
This is odumdo forest, hope you know that?
He answered,yes i do..
"Do you think is safe for us to enter into the forest by this late hour?"
Do you think about the dead and evil spirits?
How about dangerous animals?
Where are we going to spent the night?
Odera asked in tears and bewilderment.
"Don't be in weakness ,odera. " he exclaimed wiping off his sweat .
Let's find a place and rest here,then tommorow we embark on the journey.
Your suggestion is absolutely good, but they warriors might come after us . "Said azuka as he holds her hands , do not be dismayed, for the god's are with us.
Odera nodded and they ascend into the forest.
****
As soon as they warriors got to nduka compound, one of them brought out a gallon filled with diesel fuel.
He poured it all around his hut , shift a far distance and throw in a lighten matches on it.
They stood and watch as the house burnt into ashes before the leaves to the palace.
"Greetings, your highness" udeh ,the head of warriors greeted before others joined in simultaneously.
How was the task?"king mbamara furiously asked.
We burnt the houses , but didn't get to meet anyone . I guessed they might has slept at that hour, your highness.
Hold on let me confirm,he said and scrambled into his hut.
He brought out his calabash,called out their names repeatedly and anticipating for them to be reviewed.
he was meant with a sight that made him pant for breath, king mbamara stood frozen as he stare at akata and ugonna who appeared into the calabash .
EPISODE 14
That night was really a memorable and scary day of their lives.they has walked miles per hour feeling so intoxicated .
I'm damn tired..
I'm tired , azuka...
Odera exclaimed as she broke down in tears resting her head on azuka's shoulders.
They quietly sat beside a tall trees that seems like an iroko tree , but actually wasn't.
I think we should pass the night here,then tommorow we proceed.
She nodded , panting and shivering because of the cold atmosphere which envelope the forest.
Azuka shut his eyes in a bid to sleep, while odera was awake in an open-eyes awareness.
Her apprehension grows as she heard the lion roars in a darkened spot.
Azuka ..
Azuka..
Walk up,walk up, she beckoned .
He open his eyes, swallow the lump down his throat and quired,
What's the problem ,odera ?
I heard the sound of a lion not quite long ago, eveadrop you will hear it.
Azuka stood up, strengthened his neck towards the directions for awhile.
I didn't hear any sounds,he said .
The animal might has ran away or something , because I'm definitely sure I heard a lion roars.
Still on the conversation when two old woman on red garment, long actificial nails and hair,on barefoot, has five boobs ,and holding a walking stick on their right hands appears before them.
What are you doing at the rest spot of women with five boobs?" one of them furiously asked.
Nothing,we simultaneously chorused.
We stood frozen staring at their evil looking face as it changes like chameleon within a blink of an eye.
With sympathize tugged in our hearts,we will spare one person and take the other. so,who is going with us among you two.
With there mouth agape and eyes widely open,they catch a glimpse at each other.
We mean no harm , please spare both lives pleasssss..
She sighed and gnashed her teeth."we will, but on one condition"
What could that be?"odera abruptly asked.
He will make love to us till we are fully satisfied, said one of them pointing at azuka and licking out his tongue.
what an incredible words coming out from a fuddy -duddy woman's barely in their late 100.
May the god's forbids such adultery, azuka declared as he spit out.
They burst into laughter exposing there milky and incomplete set of teeth.
"An old woman is never old when it comes to a dance she knows how to dance" she said while the other joined in,
"When an old woman hears the dance she knows her age desert her"
Exactly, and it is only when you're close to a man that you can begin to smell his breath.
while not tender mercy to us knowing full that you guys are not living beings just like us . I mean, how disgusting it is to have sexual intercourse with an old women ,odera muttered.
"Make a choice or we decide otherwise !!" they bawled
That same night, faith was lying confidently on a native mat made with palm leaves.
She shut her eyes in a bid to sleep, but was unable because of they strange occurrence she heard.
Goosebumps filled all over her body as it signifies that a spirit step into her hut.
She sat down fearfully, ramped her self with wrappers and slack up a knife under the mat.
Show yourself..
Review your identity..
Huh ! , no spirit attack me so I urge you to leave before the wrath of the god's descend upon you.
Faith exclaimed shifting her knife at every direction ready to murderer.
A familiar voice thunder from above, I will come back for you..
The earth is filled with both sadiness and happiness, have it at the back of your mind that there's always a day for laughter and also a day for grife and pensive.
When the unquenchable fire begins it work , don't be curious to know why because days are numbered.
They voice mute for awhile and disappear after passing it's message.
Is that not ugonna voice..
No ,it can't be..
It is her voice...
Faith murmured within herself and kept getting both positive and negative response.
EPISODE 15
When the morning brighten enough,a sense of vulnerability and terror hung heavy in the air . people of umuero kingdom welcome the brand new day with tears, and pains.
The great calamity which took place was best known for the god's to explain and give instant solution to it.
Heavily pregnant women's and those who has gotten to the appropriate month of child delivery kept screaming and crying non-stop , because their babies refused to be born , rather they kept kicking and disturbing mercilessly in the stomach.
If tears should be converted into money, that simply means umuero kingdom will be well-known and esteemed as a wealthy or affluent village.
There respective husband was already present at mid-wife vero hut consoling and massaging their waists.
Thereafter, they men began to twist as tears streamed down there cheek.
"Nna anyi (our fathers) ,why are you crying?" Vero asked knowing full well that it wasn't because of their wife condition.
We want to wee , but afraid of they pains we will undergo through our male genital organs.
What !!" they all simultaneously chorused so astonished and confused.
One of them mistakenly urinate as he cried and rolled himself repeatedly as if his life was going to end instantly.
Things are really getting out of hand, we all has to put one's hands on desk to find solution to all these.vero ,the midwife exclaimed as she began to scratch the whole of her bodies like someone who has lost his/her sense.
She thought it's something that will stop after been scratch , but lo and behold , the situation get worsten to the point that all her body was filled with rashes.
It also do happened to all women who went for there daily activities and return back home .
Faith condition was quite different from there's and it draw the attention of umuero village to keep murmuring and battling with there heart with questions .
She suddenly became paralyzed and unwillingly to breath properly. centipede and maggot made a place of living in her laps and ankles.
Her body develop an unpleasant smells that made her children start to give her a social distance so as not to get infected.
All the people of umuero kingdom scrambled into the palace angrily and singing a song meant for brave one's to sing.
King mbamara step out with his kinsman standing beside him.
"How can I help you my people?" he asked not minding if they greeted or not.
Through our facial expression it can tells how furious and amount of tears we have wasted already. Are you blind to see they great calamity that befall our kingdom?,or do you just sit reluctantly on your magnificent throne and watch your people groaning in pains and dieing like animals?
Didn't you know your duty as a king or should we remember you before you take a walk?
we are pierced ..
We are angry..
Our heart is filled with bitterness and pensive.
I stand as an aged youth to speak on behalf of my people ,we urge you to seek solution of our predicament before day breaks.
If not ...
war will took place , blood will flow...read my lip "BLOOD WILL FLOW"
He said and they all turned backward and left.
They kinsmen was so surprised that the king didn't retaliate or send his guards over them.
The palace was enveloped with awkward silence as next in command broke it down by asking,
My king, what should we do?
I have send one of my guard to ikendu (strength of life) shrine and inform him that his presence is needed.
"Do you mean the chief priest of our neighboring village umuokpara?"he asked again.
"Yes"the king responded.
Ikendu stumbled onto the palace as he exclaimed in an attempt display of traditional wit,
Nwata na agba surugedi amaghi na surugedi but ekwu ndu mmuo.
Greetings ,wise one"the king greeted before others joined in.
He nodded and asked,why do you sent for ,my king.
King mbamara vividly narrate the calamity that befall his kingdom and demand for instant solution.
Ikendu sat on the ground,brought out three kolanut from his bag and spreed them .
Okirikiri ka Ana atba ukwu is, adighi Ari ya elu.(u will round the pepper tree,not up)
He enchanted for awhile and exclaimed,the god's are silent"
Listen very well wise one ,I know the god's can never be silent in terms like this , said king mbamara as he broke down into tears like an infant.
Everyone turned swiftly at each other with their mouth agape because of the sudden dramatic show been displayed by there mighty king of umuero kingdom.
They god's are still silence"alamu (I'm leaving) said the wise one as he hang up his page and left.
EPISODE 16 +
"May the god's forbids,i will do no such thing"azuka exclaimed showing an unmistakable facial expression.
Make they right choice or we decide otherwise , said the spirit .
I rather loose my life than to make love to someone who has been dead long time alone.
Save our time or...
"Or what exactly ? " I guessed you guys don't have sense of reasoning because if you do, you wouldn't have demand such from children who is ought to be your fifth or sixth generation
odera audaciously muttered as tears keeps pounding down her chest.
They spirit evoked there spiritual powers and lashed it on odera body .
Odera violently fall to the ground as she groans in pains because her head got hitted on a stone.
For the upteenth time ,who is going with us ?"
Azuka gaze at odera and proclaimed,
Farewell to you my dearest friend, please do take care of yourself and make sure you didn't disappoint me.
He shifted his gaze at they spirit and swallowed the lump down his throat.
Take me with you ...
take me with you...
Azuka broke down in tears as he declared his decision to them.
Odera on the other hand was weeping heavily and holding his feet not to follow them .
I do this because I cherish our friendship and because of the sadden odeal you have encountered in this life. You are an amazing soul and an irreplaceable jewelry , please take good care of yourself for me.
He said and straighten his hand for them , but get interrupt when a voice spoke from behind and he bring down his hand .
Nduka...
Nduka...
Nduka...
They screamed and tiptoed backwards as if they have meant another ghost.
Nduka brought out a white powdered substances , poured it on those spirits face and they disappeared immediately.
What are you doing here ,wise one?"odera asked in bewilderment.
Nduka muted...
"Please clarify our emotions,are you dead or alive?"azuka queried.
"am still alive"nduka responded..
May the god's be praised,so you elude from those warriors last night?
I don't have any idea about they warriors of umuero kingdom coming to attack me.
How ?
We thought you went to kip ,so how come ?"odera asked.
I know odumdo forest as a place where they living goes and never return ,so with the strong bond I had with late akata I decide to embark on the journey myself without your knowledge.
What !!"they chorused in shock.
Here is the broken shells ,go and manifest your powers" nduka said and handed it over to
them.
Thank you wise one, you will forever remains in my heart " azuka said and hug him tightly.
May the god's be praised for being by side through this journey . thank you so much , odera thanked and began to shed out tears of eruka.
They hugged themselves precisely and depart hurriedly from the forest with joy and laughter.
An hour after ikendu made his way out of the palace, a strange and mighty power ascend onto the king compound and wipe off his household.
He rolled himself repeatedly on the floor crying and screaming for the intervene of the god's.
They people on umuero village were all indoors, because of the army ants which surround the whole community.
animals who doesn't has a habitat die while some keep struggling for survival.
King mbamara summoned about five chief priest from the neighbouring community, among the five only one took the courage to step on army ants to respond to him .
"You're welcome,wise one" please do have a sit.
Am not here to sit or have conversation as a close friend or relative, rather I am here for to know your purpose for driving me out of my shrine.
The king wipe off his tears and narrates about the calamity hovering around his household and subject.
Your freedom lies in your hands " he said staring at forward .
How ?
Your rebound from the past determines the consequences you are facing today. so,I urge you to speak up at save your subject.
I'm still lost on your words, please make me to fathom "
Have you ever render injustice to an innocent woman and thereby sending her to the world of no return?
Nhmmm, not at all" he replied .
The wise one angrily lift up his staff to the air as he spoke,
Get ready for more calamity if you are not yet ready to confess your sins about souls which obtain prematured death because of your selfish desire.
He reflect and recall on the painful exit of ugonna .
Wise one, I took in justice on a widower who was forcefully accused of murdering her late husband (ikenga) and believe me I regret every bit of my actions.
What will I do to free my people, please?
Good question, go to where her body burnt, packed a heap of sand because it's obvious her body must have turned to sand long time ago.
Make your tears to drip on the sand and you beg for her to tender mercy . If she forgive, good but if she doesn't also good.
I will implement without delay,he said and scrambled with his kinsman,two guards and the chief priest to a nearby bush where she was burnt.
But before that, the chief priest plead with the god's on behalf of them to wipe off those army ants.
Go and bring a heap of sand there, he instruct one of his guard pointing his index finger towards the actual scene.
The guard placed his hand on the sand and get strike by an unexpected thunder from above and he die instantly.
Everyone was so shocked,he then command the other guard to go try a luck.
He went fearfully and was killed instantly by the same thunder.
King mbamara stood frozen and perplexed,he took in a breath as he walked majestically on the scene.
His hand became stiff as soon as he placed his five fingers on the ground.
The same thunder strick him down after do many attempt.
All they people of umuero kingdom gathered at the bush because of the rumors that kept flagging from one person to another.
Faith in the other hand was chased out by fire from her house to the bush.
What's going on here??" everyone kept murmuring and whispering to each other.
Ugonna and akata appeared into there making there identity clear to everyone.
We have come to wast as many souls that pleases us"ugonna said as she burst into laughter and rolling her eyeballs in annoyance.
Please forgive me, ugonna. I know I betrayed our friendship but please find a place in your heart to forgive us, faith begged enduring the pain she was already undergoing.she turned to the people and proclaimed,
People of umuero village, please am sorry for the great calamity I caused to this kingdom.
Truth be told, I was the one that murmured my late husband unintentionally so I decided to lay the blame to my co-wife ,because I don't want to break the rules of umuero kingdom.
Ewoooo"they people shout with there mouth agape.
King mbamara began it's own confession,
I'm so sorry ,I know I failed big time as a titled king but please forgive me.
I was once a kind hearted, truthful and a man of few words.
All these values I derived quench the moment I began to admire faith glowing skin and inner part if the body without being straight forward and contented with my wife (queen onyi) .
I render in justice to an innocent woman because of the promises faith made to me . deep down I was indeed hurt, but I waved off my emotions with they thought that the dead is gone and gone forever.
When I observed that the late woman daughter by name odera,was gifted and blessed with some supernatural powers. I began to plot evil against her because I know she will ill-treat the people of umuero village with it.
My greediness gotten to the point that I murderer one of my kinsmen who spill out the beans.
As if all this weren't enough, I also shed blood by murdering our great chief priest (akata).
All (abomination)they people chorused simultaneously.
"Please forgive them ugonna and akata and let the living breath" the wise begged.
No your limits so as not to fall victim on what you don't know , ugonna warned furiously.
I.... ugonna... will spare no one,she declared as they both spirit squat down, place there hands on the floor and began to evoke in other to wipe all the whole community ast large.
Mother, mother"odera screamed as she stumbled onto the bush with azuka and nduka.
Please tender mercy to whomsoever it may concern ,pleaseeee father"azuka knelt down begging.
I know how hurt you felt..
I know how restless your soul is..
but please show mercy because of the new fetus yet to be born in the womb of our pregnant women.
Said odera pleading and crying continuously.
Do you know what is meant for a woman to be stone to death?
Do you know the pains I went through?
Do you know how it felt for a flesh to be burnt?
Do you understand the emotion of a widower who was forcefully accused of wrong or crime someone else did?
Even akata warned them,they felt deaf ears and commence with there so called stupid traditions. Odera,I cried, I cried, I cried for justice to prevails but no one listened to me rather they villagers supported the king.
Azuka and odera cried one's heart as the glimpse at there both parents.
Wipe your tears my children, for the deepest path of our heart I have forgiven the people of umuero village.
But termss needs to be carried out,
First, revenge are meant for the god's and we asked that they traditions will be condemned and banned.
Lastly,we need a befitting burial for our souls to rest.
Thank you so much"they people shout blissfully.
Sujemi..
Sujemi..
Please complete the work , said ugonna staring up to the sky.
Sujemi descended his power from above and strike it on king mbamara and faith.
The died at the spot ...
Thereafter, they villagers grant there wish and things became normal as usual.
Odera and azuka began safe souls with there powers ,and by so doing reducing the high rate of death in umuero village.
THE END