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ORIGIN - Chapter Ten
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Akunna arrived the following day. He was a man whose pride was his height. It was often said that, during his creation, the high god among all the other gods had decided to bless his mother, who had been patiently waiting for a child with him. The best way the high god felt to appreciate her good deeds was to give her a son who was as tall as the iroko tree.
“How was your journey?” Echi asked when Akunna arrived.
“It was smooth. Father send his greetings,” Akunna replied.
“I hope you brought something for me?”
“I did. Let us go inside.”
They entered the hut with Echi leading the way. From the expression on Echi’s face, Akunna knew he was surprised by how tall he had grown over the few years, although he had refused to talk about it. Echi brought three pieces of kola nuts. He gave two big pieces to Akunna and reserved the small one for himself.
“How is your wife?” Akunna asked
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Akunna’s death stunned the whole village because it had never been heard that a man slept in another man’s house for the first time and died on that same day. A lot of accusing fingers were pointed at Echi. The signs were clear on the wall. Akunna had died from food poisoning. The only way the people of Umuolu could know the truth about the nightmare that had occurred in Echi’s compound was to consult the chief priest of their land, Isiewu.Once again, duty called. The villagers quickly summoned Isiewu to investigate the cause of Akunna’s death. He answered the call with his son by his side and promptly set to work. By noon, Isiewu finally announced to the village after peaceful hours of silence, that Akunna had died an evil death and needs to be buried inside the evil forest as soon as possible.This shocking news sent shivers to the bodies and minds of the people of Umuolu because no one could remember when last any
Shading Black ORIGIN - Chapter Twelve
Despite everything that had transpired between him and Isiewu, Echi still managed to feel happy. He was happy that all his years of prayers had been answered. He was elated the gods had finally paid him for all his faithfulness. When he got home, he was surprised to see a lot of people in his hut. The first person he recognized was his mother, who was sitting close to Olanna. His mother was rubbing Olanna’s stomach. Not too far away from his mother was his father, who was smiling widely.“Bring them some kola nuts,” Echi said to Olanna.“No! Leave her alone. Let her rest,” Abali replied.The few women who came to visit clustered around Olanna, each wanting to see the big bulge in her stomach.“You have become a man today,” Echi’s father said proudly. His voice was low and crackly, but he managed to let out his words in a clear and distinct form.Echi laughed. “The gods have proven my potency as a man.”
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A wave is like a trembling man suffering from an unending seizure a panic attack with a glowing beam. Isiewu came the next day when the moon was taking a long stride and leaping beyond the boundaries of Umuolu to another part of the world. His footsteps sounded loudly, followed by a rattling sound caused by the staff he held in his hand. He struck his stick several times on the ground as he got closer to Echi’s compound. His movements were slow and steady. Precise.It was often said that when Isiewu walked in a hurry, he was being chased by his personal god for disobeying the task given to him, but when he walked slowly, especially when he wore his dreaded raffia cloth stained with blood in its centre, he was believed to be under the influence of Igweka-ala’s reserved spirit. Beliefs were essential to the people of Umuolu. They were the foundation of their existence.“Greetings to the eyes of the gods. You are welcome,&rdqu
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Olanna watched as the midwife left the room, gasping for fresh air. Bubbles of sweat flowed down from her thick hair and ran through the wrapper that covered her breasts. Her arms were involuntarily twitching, and her energy was dying down slowly. Once or twice, the midwife had noticed the first child head popping out from Olanna, but that was all. She didn’t see any baby come out with a frenzied cry.Olanna leaned on the bamboo bed with her legs spread wide apart. The bed was covered with dried leaves, which helped to relieve her back from the excruciating pain she was feeling. The midwife was talking to Echi outside, and she could hear her explaining to Echi about the complications that were occuring. She moaned as the midwife came back inside and adjusted her wrapper.“You must push harder this time. Let us go again,” the midwife said.Olanna nodded in agreement as she felt a strange sensation come upon her. She pushed the first
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Shading Black ORIGIN - Chapter Eighteen
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Shading Black About the Author
Chibuzor Victor Obih was born in the southern part of Nigeria. Delta State to be precise. His writing includes essays, poetry and short stories. He likes to play soccer, read, study and above all, write. He is currently a fourth year student of a renowned public university in Nigeria. The University of Port-Harcourt is where he is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. Shading Black is his first book and his first attempt to explore the beautiful world of a novelist. To stay connected with him and his works, you can follow him on Instagram using the account name: Chibuzor Victor Obih or follow him on Facebook using the account name: Author Chibuzor Victor Obih.
Shading Black Epilogue
The room was silent. The door swung open and James came inside, holding a book. Ibekwe stared at James and sighed. They looked at each other for a while before James sat down."I got some interesting information you might want to hear," James said."Tell me," Ibekwe said. He had been feeling guilty since the death of Ifeme."The same boy who killed Osisiakalaka confessed some of the diviner's sins to me. He gave some fascinating explanations about your history that still baffles me," James said, moving his fingers. "Is the name Isiewu familiar to you?" He asked."Not really. I have only heard my grandfather mention him once and that was when he told me to story of Umuolu's war."James reasoned with compressed lips. "Isiewu played a major role in destroying your family. According to Efulefu, the diviner slept with Agunwa, the daughter of a chief priest named Egwusinala. Does these names sounds familiar to you?""I think it does," Ibekwe said.
Shading Black NEW LIFE - Chapter One hundred and three
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