WHEN THE WIND BLOWS: EPISODE 1

zizymena (59)in #story • 6 years ago (edited)

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Madu Ike walked through the narrow bush path like a rabbit being pursued with its tail between its legs. His heart hammered against his chest as the fear he was feeling threatened to stop his heart before the object of his fright got to him.

He crossed his elbows, rubbing both arms as he felt his body grow goosebumps. Surely a man could not be so frightened. The weather must have suddenly caught a chill. Remembering the state of urgency, he concluded that the weather condition was not even on the list of his worries.

What he had just witnessed was enough to make a weak man wet his wrappers. Thankfully, he prided himself a strong man. So he had to keep his wits about and do what must be done before he settled to mourn the death of his dear friend, Madu Okonkwo.
Soon, he got to the end of the pathway and took the turning by his right. He was close to home now and he could breathe better.

As soon as he got to his compound, the sight of his children playing outside without a care in the world, squeezed his insides. It was a terrible thing that he would have to take away this life from them. But alas, what must be done must indeed, be done.

"Papa! Papa! Oyoyo! Nde-owo. Well come" It was Madu Ike's last child and daughter, Ifesinachi who ran into her Father's arm.

His other children, Ifeanyi and Osita simply muttered their greetings and went back to their game of agulo. Madu Ike paid them no significant heed as he too only replied their greetings but concealed his anxiety as he spared a smile for his little one. The boys could never be bothered when they were playing one of their games. Sadly, today, they would have to stop, soon enough.
Lifting her up, he spurn her around three times and her gleeful giggles filled the air.

"Papa. Bikonu, turn me again", Ifesinachi pleaded as the thrill ended, trying to catch her breath. This only made Madu Ike laugh out loud, forgetting his troubles for a moment. He loved all his children dearly but it was not secret that this little one had him wrapped in her hands.

"Ahh. Chi, not now okay? Papa has to take care of some things. But first, tell me. Where is your mother?"
The four-year old now had a pout that was too cute for her, and fixed a temporary smile on her Father's face.

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"Mama is in the cooking hut with Aunty Ngozi. They are making ofe-nsala and fufu with the aintelope you brought home yesta-dai".

Madu Ike shook his head fondly at her adorable attempt to pronounce the words that seemed too difficult for her and set her down. Giving a soft pat on her shoulder, he bid her to continue her sand and leaf play while he found her mother, his wife.
As he neared the cooking hut, sweet aroma of the soup brewing and sound of fufu pounding followed the train of wind to where he was. His stomach suddenly grumbled, reminding him that he had not had anything to eat since sunrise. Perhaps, they could find some time for the food. And leave once it was dark.

"My Lord. Ibiala? Well come o", Amaka greeted as her husband stepped into the hut. She took the edge of her wrapper to wipe off beads of sweat which poured like rain, from her face. Then continued stiring the pot of soup on the fire.

"Papa, Nnoorr", Ngozi greeted, not ceasing her wrapping of fufu.
"Ohhh. My daughter. Ndewo! Nne Ngozi, Nnnnn. I have returned. Thank you. Well done yourself. The soup looks and smells good, as always"
Amaka was grinning from ear to ear at her husband's appraisal.

"Obi'm. You are too kind. But we thank the gods you are just in time. The soup is almost done and your bath water is ready. By the time you are done freshening up, Your food will be ready and waiting for you eh?"

Madu Ike smiled at this. He thanked the gods everyday for this woman he had been given to call his wife. She gladdened his heart all the time, with her sweet thoughtfulness and gentle spirit.

"Thank you Amaka. However, we have urgent matters to discuss", he looked at Ngozi as his wife gave him a questioning look.

"Not here. Meet me in our private hut. Leave this food for now. The sheep does not remember his daily meal when he hears the Lion is out hunting. I shall be waiting." and with this, he turned to leave, bending his upper body as he stepped out of the hut.

He was pacing as Amaka joined him a few minutes later. She wiped her hands against her wrapper, drying them as she fully entered the hut, her worried look mirroring her thoughts.

"Papa Ngozi. What is it? What has worried the meek leopard so much that he speaks in parables? Is all well?"

Madu Ike stopped pacing then, and turned to look at his wife.
"Amaka, my wife. All is not well. The lion has got its claws and teeth on its prey. It has torn the tiger into pieces. The earth now soaks up blood from its carcass. Now, the Lion is on the hunt for the leopard. Nne Ngozi, we must act fast! Tonight, we leave. We cannot remain here at Isemili. We have to carry what we can, and head for safety. I have planned out our course. Tonight, we shall make camp at Osimedie and at the first light of dawn, we move as far away from here as possible. Preferably Asuka. Where no one will ever think to find us."

Now Amaka's eyes were filled with fear and confusion.
"Obi'm, take it easy. Slow down. Perhaps you should stop these parables and speak in lay man's terms. What has happened? What is this you speak of? Leaving Isemilli? All we know? All we love? For whatever reason?"

"Okonkwo is dead" He announced and watched as the color drained from his wife's face, her eyes widening as she took the news in.
"I watched in silence, from my hiding spot as Ezewanyi plunged the dagger into his heart. It is obvious she knows we know of her secrets. And it is only a matter of time, before she comes after me too. After us. Do you not see? We need to leave. To save our lives."

Amaka felt her legs grow weak as she absorbed the information. Knowing Ezenwanyi, Okonkwo's entire clan would be wiped out too. If not already. She thought of Adaora, Okonkwo's wife and her best friend. And their three beautiful children, Ndubisi, Chidera and Azuka. She could not believe they were gone. However, now was not the time to mourn. Realizing the urgency of the situation, she sprung into action.

"Oya. Quick. I shall gather the children and pack what we can. You should eat and save up strength. We all shall. Do what you can to help. I shall send Ngozi with your food"
And with this, she turned to leave the hut. Her own heart, now hammering against her chest.

Watch this space for the episode two