NARRATOR'S POV... The clarion calls of fate sound like symbols of the infallible tunes of infinite power and boundless knowledge, verity justified by that which is visible to the eyes of destiny only. Some say it is also that which lies in the innermost parts of the mind, rising from a soft subliminal monologue to an authoritative utterance which may be a warning or a means to an irrevocable end. Dreadfully today we hear the declamation of this call, being carried by wind throughout the air and even inside us. The complex and paradoxical demeanor of the mystery, Abubakar Shekau is seen wearing a white caftan with a bullet proof jacket strapped across. His feet were inserted into a leather sandal that looked brandished and constantly abused by the unfavourable weathers of the North. Possessing the title of the most wanted man in the country, the fearless loner Shekau, is said to be in his mid 40's. A part theologian and part gangster and although his predecessor Mohamme
A few hours ago...Lade... If you looked around through your normal eye, everything appeared to be quiet and still. The rising wind as well as the raised dust from the ground and the serene atmosphere, it was all normal but then only a razor sharp vision could see beyond the fictitious sights. I whipped my hands up in quick signs, directing them straight at Bashir and he too replied in the same patterns as an encoded conversation ensued. Standing a few feet away at approximately 145° degrees from standpoint was one of the soldiers of the Jama'atu placed as a watch guard towards the East. It wasn't only the soldier in our peripheral vision we had detected, all around the vicinity, hidden in the midst of the trees were blood sucking soldiers with large rifles waiting in ambush. The bunkers too were hidden at the base of tall trees in particular, and the rest of the camp was a little farther inside to determine. We had found them and finally the war had begun and so, our onl
Lade... On instinct, I tugged my eyes open, welcoming the view of the darkening clouds and the pitiable sight of the lady with her kid. I still felt choked up as I had been cornered into a difficult situation that I now had no idea how to come out from.I glanced once more to the far end of the line, searching for Bashir but then it seemed that silently, he had crept away in the shadows to begin his own part of the plan.It offered a small feel of relief that at least Bashir had begun combing the area for any signs of the hostages and honestly, I prayed that they were even still inside the camp because if not, then all our sacrifices would definitely be in vain."Let me tell you a secret boy," Shekau's voice seeped in through the gaps in the wall of my thoughts I had been engrossed in, hauling my sight back to where he now sat on the stone bench. "A young man once quoted, 'I love it when people dig their own graves as it saves me so much time'," he began in a reverential tone, suckin
A starter pistol with a subsequent bang almost like I was at the front line of a race field as my whole body reacted to the dangerous and exciting scenery around. The feeling of "fight or flight" and a signalled flash with a simulating smoke that had originated from the shot began the timing clock. I took to my heels as well, racing against nothing exactly but everything at all with no certainty of the finish line. The ground I walked upon was grass-covered and solid, looking visibly suffered by the dry and arid air that enveloped us, leaving a chilly effect on the surface of our skins too. The atmosphere was strikingly cool, a contrast to the initial billow of torrid temperatures of air. It was time for a season change—the Sahara wind had started its course—humidity had gone extinct and the dusty climate, rapidly beginning to take over. It was not necessarily a sixth sense but I could tell and feel the weight of hard stares searing through my back. I had been convinced initia
Everything was in an uproar, producing loud noises and resulting in flash movements, similar to a state of absolute madness and havoc. The intense powerful vibrations and echoes from the earth, depicting the unmistakable elements of commotion. How does one particularly define chaos? Maybe as a mega potent trigger of an overactive mind, undergoing battles with an inner active self but what happens when that war is inside out? It's almost like chasing a dream that is not yours to actualize and definitely, seeking an inner peace becomes futile as the internal and external responses you require are automatically the chaotic circumstances that determine your thoughts and feelings. I felt cramped up amidst all the turmoil, appearing to be like I couldn't breathe as the rushed actions made the world around seem as though it was rotating inwardly but like a silent spark or trigger, my feet set in motion instantly. "We are under attack, seize the area!" A deep voice bellowed out the
"The world should be rid of vermins like you." The words sprouted from her lips in resentment and radge. She still thought that because I dressed like those monsters, I was no doubt amongst the men who had so obviously humiliated and abused her. "Stop acting so difficult and listen, there's not much time!" I shared my testy patience just as she crossed her arms in front of her, looking more perverse than ever.On my way to stand, her foot connected with my chest, pushing me firmly back to the ground. "There should be enough time for me to finish you off," she began, using more force to press her foot to my body. I was getting frustrated already and the worst part was that, there was nothing that was going to change her made up mind."D3 Agent, Lade Adenuga of the ICS," I revealed and for a second I had thought her strong countenance would falter but instead, she appeared to even be more determined. "If that's supposed to counter my thoughts then I'm afraid you've been mistaken. I se
"Ah, I see. No wonder you're so big headed and bossy," I commented and just as expected, a slight whack connected with the back of my skull."Misogynist," she scoffed, etching on her face a deep scowl. It was absurd that in spite of the formal and serious moment, a faint verbal slapstick still laced it's way through. "We should focus," I voiced after I had observed that she too was on the verge of displaying a sign of amusement. Her eyes met mine, there weren't seeming as bloodshot as it was upon first meeting. They looked clearer with an indeterminate shine to them. "Borno military collapsed a long time ago, how long have you been here?" "It's been two years since they raided and seized this province. I was the only one who survived the attack. Men, women and children perished, Agent. They were my family," she unravelled, the force of sorrow that overtook her tone was enough to be the breaker upon any humane soul. I swept my gaze over her once more and my jaw clenched on insti
The day had aged earlier than normal, since the continuous burst of thick black smoke had dirtied the sunset clouds before the night could. Currently, I was on the run again, having an indeterminate number of killers on my trail. Jane took the lead, but even so, I was at her side doing away with close packed tall grasses and shrubs using the blade she had produced initially. After one or two seconds, they commenced the projection of long ranged shots which we narrowly and closely dodged every time it arrived at unfathomable speed. I couldn't determine the direction we ran towards but I had known that the more we progressed, the farther we deviated from the path Bashir was supposed to be awaiting my return. Once again, I had broken a promise and I could feel the minutes slip away from my fingers as the image of the hour glass in my head had at long last finished its course—Bashir would have to leave without me. We had entered a clear pathway, free of bushes, and even though I was
LADE: The Jama'tu soldiers left us alone upon Shugaba's command. The pain in my chest grew as if something was being drilled into my skin. My lungs weren't strong. I felt weaker than before. It was only a matter of time. "Agent Lade Adenuga of the ICS, we meet again," Shugaba said, wearing a striking snarl. He sent his gaze to my wounded arm and flitted it back to my face. Raising the arm some minutes ago had been tasking but I had no other choice. My weapons were on the ground. His soldiers had dislodged the bullets from inside them. "I have waited for you." His brows tipped. "Really?" "You owe me, soldier. I hate loosing." I flashed a charming smile. Shugaba eyeballed me and wet his lips. His next action had caught me off guard. He had thrown his weapon to the ground and opened his arms. "I'm all yours. If you w
Hafiz had told a lie, dawn didn't have to reach. Lade burst into the tent I was in with Hafiz. The look on his face revealed that there was trouble at hand. The final moments was here. I noticed he had aged a lot since I had first seen him at the Jama'tu camp. Now, it was time to end it all. "Your sister has made her move. I've been on her tail. She has made contact with the Jama'tu." It took about two seconds. I watched the news dwell on Hafiz. He jumped to his feet, big eyed and ready like he had been preparing for this moment for a long time, but scared because it had come too soon. Lade moved around, grabbing bags and anything reasonable. "I didn't expect her to do it so soon, but we have to act, and fast." Hafiz joined Lade in grabbing things and I stood, watching the two men try to survive. I couldn't stop myself from worrying. What if it was a trap? Since everyone had been pret
CRYSTAL... Protesters filled the streets, wailing. Some stood with angered faces. Everyone had something to say about the headlines of that morning, including Crystal. The news about the secret operation wasn't so secret anymore. The whole country knew about the eighteen dead men that risked their lives to save the kidnapped girls. The nineteenth was a traitor and only the twentieth had lived. Crystal didn't know what to think or believe. Lade had died in some faraway land and betrayed his country. Sitting at the back seat of the Maybach, she placed the cards together. She put everything Emeka had said from the start and the news of Lade's treachery in one basket. It didn't add up. Lade could kill in cold blood but he was loyal and she knew that. She didn't want to remember what Emeka said about her past pregnancy. What's to say he didn't lie? Emeka was Lade's bestfriend but he acted like an enemy who held a personal ve
"The beginning?" Hafiz chuckled. I frowned at him. I couldn’t read his features, and at this point, I had no clue on where our conversation would end. Tipping a brow, I could only fold my arms. Hafiz backed me now. He took a slow turn around the tent and said, "I'm afraid you're the beginning itself." I dragged a sigh and stood to my feet after that. "If you insist on beating around the bush, I don't have time to waste." "I know who you really are, Jane." He attacked from nowhere. "I came here today to let the cat out of the bag. It's time to come clean." At once, my gaze hardened like steel. For a second there, my heart had jumped in fear. It stunned me to hear those words fall from his mouth. I couldn't have thought that anyone would find out. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but a minute ago you tagged your sister as our biggest threat, and not me."
Hafiz toppled over, completely bound in chains of laughter. Apparently the conversation that came across as dead serious to me was weirdly amusing to him. The last indirect question he had brought to the table put me in a tight spot. I had said enough, there was nothing to free me from his vocal trap.
Morning had come but even so, I sat still, staring in silence at the wall. He didn't stay anymore and maybe this would be like all the previous times. Going scarce whenever a serious conversation happened, he had told me so much but I was even yet to spill any morsel of my own secrets—secrets that could change everything. He had also said soon, I just needed to wait a little more. Things were goin
Crystal...
It was still dark, dawn was yet to arrive and the only difference was that this time, I wasn't alone in the tent. The weight of another presence tightened the air. I was calmer now, and the upset in my belly had quelled.
I probably shouldn't have been wandering outside the tent in the dead of night but maybe I had just needed to clear my head. The dilapidated bungalow that was used as an infirmary by the locals here controlled