Ije took the enchanted sword and the wizard cloak around the whole communities. They all accepted to lift the ban. The traditional rulers had to search for a powerful sorcerer who would lift the ban. Ije stayed behind to make sure the people were extricated before going back to her community. The people organized a small ceremony for her and Nwife. They led them down to Ikpa land before bidding farewell to them. The youths of Ikpa insisted she must go with the four-wheeled donkey she won when she was on her way to Umuora. It was a straight journey back to Ohanta as they were already familiar with the paths. *********** "Where is the sword?" Ezeudo of Ohanta asked Ije when she had finished her story. "It has been taken down to the shrine," Ije responded. "By who?" The people chorused. "The only man I trusted with my life." The people looked around and saw Nwife standing at the entrance of the Obi with the Princess. Ezeudo could not believe he was looking at her daughter after so
Anine sat on a log of teak tree that fell at the back of Ajonwa's shrine. The tree had been her source of solitude each time she remembers how unfair life had been to her. The falling of the tree reminded her of the day her husband passed on to the great beyond. The unfairness of life began when Anine's husband died three years after they got married. She lost her mother when she was just three years old. She was raised by a father who made sure she never lacked anything, so her mother's absence was not felt. However, her father died after giving her hand in marriage. He sold everything he had just to make sure Anine never had anything to do with Ajonwa deity. This led to depression and consequent upon that, he died. Anine continued with her life after the death of her father. Her loving husband filled every vacuum her father left. When he died, Anine's world collapsed. Sitting on the log of the fallen tree, Anine began to recall how she got to Ajonwa's shrine - the same shrine h
"After much deliberation, the king and the people of Ohanta community agreed to send four men to Ndikwe community to trace the origin of the traveler. The villagers waited for so many seasons, but none of them returned. Nothing was ever heard about the men. Their disappearance remained a mystery in Ohanta community till today." "But Father...." "Ani nne stop interrupting me," Mazi Ugwu said. "Just one question Father" Anine said with index finger up. "Go ahead" " How many days will it take a man from Ohanta to get to Ndikwe?" Anine sorted to know. "I have not embarked on the journey my entire life, but my father told me it is a three-day journey" Mazi Ugwu responded. "So since then, no one tried to trace the origin of Ajonwa?" Anine asked. "After some seasons, when Ajonwa began to release what he had in store for the people of Ohanta, three men embarked on a secret mission. They told no one where they were going - not even their parents could explain where they went to.
"Greetings Mother" Anine turned and saw an attractive young girl standing at the entrance of the chamber. She had a large bosom and was quite too curvaceous for her age. In a nutshell, she was highly endowed. "What is your name ?" Anine inquired "Aku" "How old are you?" She further inquired. "Eighteen seasons and few full moons," Aku responded. Anine snapped her fingers in bewilderment. "You have been here for quite some time now, why are you doing this to me?" Aku asked with pains clearly written all over her face. "Doing what to you Aku?" "Please what are you talking about?" Anine shook Aku gently, demanding an answer. Ajonwa, the dreaded beast entered the chamber. "Woman!" He thundered. " Watch, learn from her, and stop complaining. " His voice echoed in the temple. Anine stood still and watched while Ajonwa devoured Aku like a hungry lion devouring its prey. The thrusting lasted for what seemed like ages. Aku kept quiet as her body responded to the rhythm of
"After I turned down my mother's offer, she reported me to our kinsmen. None of them could convince me to accept the offer. I don't know what came over me. It was as if Ajonwa's story is mere folklore. I made up my mind to come here after hearing their stories and all the pains Ajonwa has caused my community. No one has ever made an attempt to kill him. Mazi Idika invited me to his house and shared his painful story with me. According to him, his four daughters were kidnapped at once. The girls rejected all the men that were found for them. One day, their father returned from the farm and met an empty house, his beautiful daughters were nowhere to be found. He said the people of Ohanta were thrown into mourning when the news of disappearance circulated the whole village. The three sisters were known for their kindness. They help those who had no help in farming activities. After two market days, Mazi Idika received news that one of his daughters died after she was sexually abused
Anine could not explain how she felt the day her father told her that he has found a suitor for her. At the age of nineteen, she was young for marriage and was also running out of time. Since the villagers now give their daughters out for marriage at a very tender age, Ajonwa also danced according to the tune of the music played by the people of Ohanta. The disappearance of the Princess of Ohanta, who was just fifteen years old made the people know that Ajonwa understood the music steps. It took Mazi Ugwu three years to gather all the things that were demanded by her daughter's potential husband. He also sold all his lands to raise the amount of cowries Onochie's family requested. Mazi Ugwu was sad that he sold everything he had, however, he was happy that he kept Anine's mother's last wish. "She is my only daughter, please give her out to a man she loves. Do not allow Ajonwa to lay his filthy hands on my daughter." Mazi Ugwu recalled his wife's voice. Tears began to roll down
Marriage to Onochie was the best thing that had ever happened in Anine's life. She hadn't thought anything could feel more serious and permanent than when she moved into Onochie's hut. Their first night together was an experience both never had. Although Anine felt a little nervous because it was her first time being with a man. Onochie was secretly intimidated by making love to his virgin wife. He was not confident about how to have a great time with her. He wanted their first night together to be a benchmark in her life. Onochie guided her gently, while they give each other ecstasy of passion. Little did they know that they were rewriting the history of the great Ohanta Kingdom. "Why are you staring at me like that?" Anine asked shyly when she opened her eyes and caught Onochie looking steadily at her. "The passion is overwhelming," Onochie whispered in her ear and they chuckled. Anine felt cold suddenly. She and her father had never slept apart since she was born. She felt
"Ezeudo!" An old woman who was known as the old woman of the cave called as she approached the king's palace. She was halted at the entrance of the king's palace by the king's guards. If only they knew why she left her cave, they would have given her an easy passage. Her face was filled with excitement, however, the guards failed to notice. The old woman was banished from the community by the King's father after she was accused of witchcraft. The woman left the village and settled in a cave that was situated outside the village, at the boundary between Uzofia community and Ohanta community. Since she left the village, people had been visiting her secretly when they need spiritual help. They believed she wined and dined with spirits. All those who sought her help got the help they needed. She was not to be seen anywhere around the village. This was why the guards recognized her and denied her entrance. The old woman continued screaming. "Ezeudo! Ezeudo!!" Ezeudo was caught of
Ije took the enchanted sword and the wizard cloak around the whole communities. They all accepted to lift the ban. The traditional rulers had to search for a powerful sorcerer who would lift the ban. Ije stayed behind to make sure the people were extricated before going back to her community. The people organized a small ceremony for her and Nwife. They led them down to Ikpa land before bidding farewell to them. The youths of Ikpa insisted she must go with the four-wheeled donkey she won when she was on her way to Umuora. It was a straight journey back to Ohanta as they were already familiar with the paths. *********** "Where is the sword?" Ezeudo of Ohanta asked Ije when she had finished her story. "It has been taken down to the shrine," Ije responded. "By who?" The people chorused. "The only man I trusted with my life." The people looked around and saw Nwife standing at the entrance of the Obi with the Princess. Ezeudo could not believe he was looking at her daughter after so
It had been four years already since Ije and Nwife came to Umuora, but the star had refused to show up. Oja had tried everything possible to make sure he separated both of them, but all his efforts proved abortive. He realized they were so in love the day he caught Nwife giving Ije a sponge bathe. It took him one full moon to be himself again. Since the solution to the problem of the two communities lay in the wizard's cave, Ije had decided to stay as long as the star appeared. Nwife also tried to convince her to go and return when the start would likely appear, but he gave up on her insistence. Soon they began to explore the community and were quite happy with the people. The people treated Ije with so much kindness. She found it difficult to leave without liberating them. The long-awaited day had come and Nwife and Ije were on their bed. Since he had been the one bathing and cooking for her, Ije got so comfortable around him. She could tell him everything and do everything while
The morning dawned with low-hanging clouds. There was a calmness in the Palace as a result of the heavy downpour of rain. Oja who got his father's permission to speak with her in the early hours paused at Ije's door when he heard her talking to Nwife. He tried to eavesdrop but he could not hear what they were saying. He leaned against a wall and was lost in thought, trying to find a way of separating the two of them. A maid can with her breakfast and brought him back to reality. He took the food from her and knocked. Nwife let him in and tried to leave after greeting him. Oja waved at him to stop. Nwife knew he was jealous and would probably ask if he slept with her. "Thank you," Oja shook hands with him. Nwife accepted his handshake and stared surprisingly at him. "For what?" He asked. "For saving my brother last night." "She did; she is the healer," Nwife pointed at Ije. "You called her attention....em...one more thing...never mind, you can go now." Oja kept the food on a smal
Oja took Ije took home after exploring the community for some hours. Ozo loitered at the entrance of the Palace. He could not wait to see the chosen one who transformed his brother. Some villagers who heard what happened huddled at the Palace and were waiting patiently for her. Their joy knew no bounds. The women ran to her and hauled her up the moment she was spotted. Ozo stared appreciatively at her. He knew the end of their suffering had come. He had wished to explore other communities and bring in new knowledge. The people sang and danced for more than two hours. Food was served to them and they ate together and went back home. The king was surprised Ije ate comfortably with them. Soon she began to feel sleepy and needed to bathe before going to bed. Oja led her to the backyard, and Nwife followed them. He engaged Oja in a conversation just to make sure he was not stealing glances at her. They walked her back to her cottage when she was through. Nwife left them and joined Offia
"What did they need from the chosen one?" Nwife asked. Offia stood up and looked outside again to see if anyone was coming. He returned and took off the plantation leaves he used to cover his genitals and tried to put the wrapper on his waist just like Nwife tied his. Nwife stood, helped him and they sat down again. "The neighboring communities want to be sure the wizard is dead, secondly they want his enchanted sword and everything that belongs to him out of this community before they would accept our peace offer. This is where the chosen one comes in." "Your people should do what they asked of them. It is a very simple task, I thought they were demanding a hundred heads in retaliation for what the wizard did. "They said the wizard has a cloak. Anyone who touches it dies instantly. Besides; all the magicians who have gone to the cave to check if the wizard is alive or dead did not come out till today. No one knows what is happening inside the cave." "Wait....wait....wait....were y
"Nice wrapper," Offia, the third son of the king said as he touch Nwife's wrapper. Nwife opened his eyes, he could not believe he has been sleeping for the past three hours. The sun had gone down and the weather looked as though it was going to rain heavily. Nwife rubbed his hand on his eyes. He was very very tired. He looked at the figure that stood before him and quickly came down from the chair. "I'm sorry for trespassing, I have nowhere to go." Nwife said. "No problem. You are the stranger that came with the Queen this morning right?" Offia asked. Nwife nodded. Offia brought his hand forward for a handshake Nwife shook hands with him. "You are indeed a gentleman. I can't perform such a task," Offia said as he took a seat beside him. "What task?" Nwife asked. Offia turned and looked at him. "You are so naive. Are you castrated?" "Hmm...no...I'm not," Nwife responded. "Leading such a beautiful woman down to this community without defiling her is one of the greatest tasks ever
Ije turned was filled with empathy for Nwife. She stood still and held his gaze for some seconds. "Ife, I'm sorry, if....only they knew who you are.." Ije said slowly with a faint voice. Nwife drew her closer and hugged her tightly. He held her head on his chest. Her lips began to wander to his neck, sending his heartbeat into a frenzy. Nwife gently released himself from her arms. "The timing is wrong Ije," Nwife said as he walk her to the bed. He sat down and urged her to sit beside him. Ije sat down gently. "Each time I see you, I have a strong urge to do crazy things with you, I don't know why," Ije said as she held his gaze."I know, Ije, but it is not the reason for this move," Nwife grinned. "What is it?" "I'm scared; I don't know where we are and the plans they have for me. I don't know what to believe anymore. They know me as well as I know myself, but whatever happens, I want you to be my first." Nwife took her hand and rested her head on his shoulder. Nothing will happe
Ije and Nwife stood before Dike the traditional ruler of Umuora. The king stared at Nwife from head to toe. He took his eyes off him and stared admiringly at Ije. "Greetings your Highness," Ije greeted. "The chosen one! the great seer! And the healer of our time, you are welcome to my palace." Dike grinned at her. Ije and Nwife exchanged glances. Ije was confused already, but the presence of Nwife kept strengthening her. "Okemuo, the presiding deity of Umuora announced your coming five seasons ago. Since then we have been waiting for you. He described you very well," he grinned. "Welcome and please feel at home. There would be no ritual since you were sent by the gods. Oja, the first son of Umuora is your destined husband. Together you shall rule this Kingdom and break the barriers that stopped our people from stepping out of this community!" The people cheered and danced for joy. "Welcome, the chosen one! Oja!" Dike called. Oja bowed before the king."Do not provoke her. Remember
"I'll advise you to do whatever that brought you to this community and leave at once before Oja sees her." "Who is Oja?" Nwife asked. "Ojadike is the first son of king Dike," Ene said. Nwife made eye contact with Ije. He noticed she was worried about him. "Father, would you mind if we stay with you? Please." Nwife said. "The villagers have seen you already they would probably be on their way to the Palace. Oja will be here in no time." Ije stood up from the boulder and went to Nwife. He held her hand. "What do you seek in our community?" "It is a long story, father," Nwife said. "Make it short, I want to see if I can help so you will leave at once." "There is a deity that is terrorizing our community. We traced the origin down here. We need help, please." Nwife said. "Oh very simple. Does it have a speaker?" "What is a speaker?" Nwife asked. "A mouthpiece...a...I don't know what you call it." "Oh okay, we call them Chief Priest," Nwife said. "Good, ask the mouthpiece what