Ntiense inhaled the drugging fragrance
of the stream, it had been a long time she left the house, she had
waited patiently for her shame to wear off.
Whom The gods Have Blessed – Episode 1
Yes, she was shamed… ten years of being
married to Abasikot, ten long years of waiting for a miracle, a gift
from the gods, she wasn’t able to conceive.
Abasikot was a good man, he had been patient enough,he had showed her
true love but ones need for an heir superceeded minute qualities as
love.
His family, hadn’t liked her from the onstart, they thought her a
gold digger, one who came to reap where she didnt sow. So her
childlessness gave them more grounds to call her many names.
If not ifot, an unrepentant witch, it was aboi, a loose woman who had sold her virtues to many men.
Her story was long and sorrowful, she played with the young fishes, an attempt to drag her mind from all the troubles.
Abasikot her husband, the greatest Atautop that lived within the seven clans was the love of her life, he was indeed the king of hunters.Tales had it that animals knew his name, they knew his trap and hid when they heard his footsteps.
She had been lucky to be chosen by him at the nka iferi dance, a dance for virgins after their circumcision during the mbopo seclusion ritual.
Before then, he’d approached her, but she rebuffed because she didn’t think he was sincere, he may have come for her body, and every maiden knew the consequence of being disvirgined before marriage. Besides, she was an orphan who grew up with an aunt who only cared for her children, she was more or less a slave.
If not ifot, an unrepentant witch, it was aboi, a loose woman who had sold her virtues to many men.
Her story was long and sorrowful, she played with the young fishes, an attempt to drag her mind from all the troubles.
Abasikot her husband, the greatest Atautop that lived within the seven clans was the love of her life, he was indeed the king of hunters.Tales had it that animals knew his name, they knew his trap and hid when they heard his footsteps.
She had been lucky to be chosen by him at the nka iferi dance, a dance for virgins after their circumcision during the mbopo seclusion ritual.
Before then, he’d approached her, but she rebuffed because she didn’t think he was sincere, he may have come for her body, and every maiden knew the consequence of being disvirgined before marriage. Besides, she was an orphan who grew up with an aunt who only cared for her children, she was more or less a slave.
She considered Herself unworthy of such a
suitor, he was not just a man of repute but he was one of the finest
men within the Seven clans.
She smiled as she tickled the water with
her toes, the memory of that day was still fresh, he meant every word
he spoke to her prior their marriage.
You Are Reading: Whom The gods Have Blessed – Episode 1
After the ritual, they were given seven days to heal completely and treatment was administered to their skins.
The virgin dance was well known and played a significant role in the culture of the seven clans.
The day had come, the day they Had all
been waiting for, many girls prayed Abasikot favored them, but she was
silent all through. She only wished her parents were alive, as all these
would have much meaning then.
All the girls dressed in white, while
the nobles wore red. The nobles included daughters of wealthy traders,
hunters, farmers, fishers and Clan chiefs. One of the most arrogant was
Adanne, she was the daughter of a clan chief, Okuku Ebeleze Obong from
the Aro clan that was very near to Ekono clan.
They tied the material over their pubic
regions and fastened it with numerous and heavy waist beads gotten from
bini traders, only the rich could afford this, while the poor maidens
borrowed from older women. Their bellies to their breasts were left bare
for the suitors to admire, their skin was treated with a mixture of
forest herbs And essential oils.
Ntiense sat quietly at the corner watching as the girls displayed
their beauty equipments but she had none save a bead her mother had left
her.
‘The red maidens first, then the white’ Mma Iquo their chaperone had instructed, she had passes many generations through this ritual and she often bragged about her accomplishments.
The dance usually startes with the red maidens, men from the noble class were selected and they waited at the market square with sliced palmfronds in between their lips. The girls would display their dance steps, some danced well, others danced better, and they were those who made extra effort, by wriggling their buttocks and shaking their unclad breast.
‘Such a beautiful day’ she mused, as the memories kept unfolding.
What happened that day would never be forgotten in the history of the seven clans, the news had spread like wild fire.
‘The red maidens first, then the white’ Mma Iquo their chaperone had instructed, she had passes many generations through this ritual and she often bragged about her accomplishments.
The dance usually startes with the red maidens, men from the noble class were selected and they waited at the market square with sliced palmfronds in between their lips. The girls would display their dance steps, some danced well, others danced better, and they were those who made extra effort, by wriggling their buttocks and shaking their unclad breast.
You Are Reading: Whom The gods Have Blessed – Episode 1
The men would then drop their palmfronds in the other of importance and dance towarda the woman they chose, usually lifting her up as a sign of victory.‘Such a beautiful day’ she mused, as the memories kept unfolding.
What happened that day would never be forgotten in the history of the seven clans, the news had spread like wild fire.
‘Abasikot is yet to choose a bride’ one of her friends whispered to
her…that was strange, he was among the nobles yet he’d refused to choose
a bride from the red maidens.
Her heart began to race… did he really mean it when he told her he was going to marry her?
She walked like a coward to the square…some laughed at her as she was the only one with just a bead.
‘Yak unek atungo’ Ekono Clan chief instructed, and the dance of the white maidens began…
To her surprise, he was still at the waiting end, his eyes focused on her the entire time. He watched her silently, like how a lion would watch its prey, each rise of her chest, the fear that presented itself from sweat and the sway of her hips…he noticed, he saw all of it.
‘i choose Ntiense,daughter of Ndaeyo Ekono’ he claimed her and lifted her and the crowd went wild with shock, it was not unheard of, but it was a rarety for a noble to go for a white maiden.
But the chief rose and settled his people and sealed their marriage then.
‘ndito Ekono, children of Ekono, whom the gods have blessed no man can unbless’ and the crowd cheered and thundered ‘Yak asioñgo, yak afon ye mmo and may they never cry’
Her heart began to race… did he really mean it when he told her he was going to marry her?
She walked like a coward to the square…some laughed at her as she was the only one with just a bead.
‘Yak unek atungo’ Ekono Clan chief instructed, and the dance of the white maidens began…
To her surprise, he was still at the waiting end, his eyes focused on her the entire time. He watched her silently, like how a lion would watch its prey, each rise of her chest, the fear that presented itself from sweat and the sway of her hips…he noticed, he saw all of it.
‘i choose Ntiense,daughter of Ndaeyo Ekono’ he claimed her and lifted her and the crowd went wild with shock, it was not unheard of, but it was a rarety for a noble to go for a white maiden.
But the chief rose and settled his people and sealed their marriage then.
‘ndito Ekono, children of Ekono, whom the gods have blessed no man can unbless’ and the crowd cheered and thundered ‘Yak asioñgo, yak afon ye mmo and may they never cry’
…. To Be Continued.
The chief rose and settled his people and sealed their marriage then.
‘ndito Ekono, children of Ekono, whom the gods have blessed no man can unbless’ and the crowd cheered and thundered ‘Yak asioñgo, yak afon ye mmo and may they never cry’
‘ndito Ekono, children of Ekono, whom the gods have blessed no man can unbless’ and the crowd cheered and thundered ‘Yak asioñgo, yak afon ye mmo and may they never cry’
Whom The gods Have Blessed – Episode 2
She sighed and pulled her legs from the
water, those were years ago. Now, she was a barren woman, who couldnt
bear her husband an heir. Gossips would say not even a female child! She
couldnt blame them. She had prayed, she had abstained from pleasures,
she had sacrificed to many deities from the seven clans, yet none had
heard her cry. None could wipe away her shame.
He had tried, he had been very Patient
with her, always by her side and very comforting but like all men, he
had to expand his coast.He needed an heir…
That night before he married a new wife
against his desires but to satisfy his family as they had put so much
pressure on him, he made so many promises to her. He promised never to
love his new wife the way he loved her…he promised to be by her always
but promises were like smoke, they faded away. He made love to her that
night like never before, he caressed her skin and warmed her with kisses
from his gentle mouth, then they dissolved into one, into love.
Things changed drastically when Uyai came in, yes, as her name Implied, she was indeed exotic. Her beauty was rare…not easy to
find among these lands. Some rumored she was an ndem mmong, a water goddess, for her beauty was too perfect for a human.
Maybe they were right, Uyai was an afie owo, a fair skinned woman, she wasn’t tall or short, her breast were perky and rounded and her fleshy legs were well rounded like pestles.
Her face was morning, her eyes reflected streams of brown and her lips were red, another rarety, her hair was very long and black. In fact, they grew like weeds.
Abasikot had already fallen in love with her, they became inseperable and played round the house like children.
Ntiense wept every night as their moans of ecstasy reached her ikenga, the hut he had built specially for her.
The next day, he built another hut for her, this time it was farther from the main compound. She couldn’t disobey him, so she moved there unwillingly.
He’d changed totally, not that he treated her badly, he still gave her cowries, he gave her some meat he brought home from subsequent hunts and other little gifts, but his heart had left her.
Maybe they were right, Uyai was an afie owo, a fair skinned woman, she wasn’t tall or short, her breast were perky and rounded and her fleshy legs were well rounded like pestles.
Her face was morning, her eyes reflected streams of brown and her lips were red, another rarety, her hair was very long and black. In fact, they grew like weeds.
Abasikot had already fallen in love with her, they became inseperable and played round the house like children.
Ntiense wept every night as their moans of ecstasy reached her ikenga, the hut he had built specially for her.
You Are Reading: Whom The gods Have Blessed – Episode 2
She almost died of jealousy and from his neglect, she had confronted him one time and he walked out on her quietly.The next day, he built another hut for her, this time it was farther from the main compound. She couldn’t disobey him, so she moved there unwillingly.
He’d changed totally, not that he treated her badly, he still gave her cowries, he gave her some meat he brought home from subsequent hunts and other little gifts, but his heart had left her.
His heart was now with Uyai daughter of Iket Clan who had given him a child, something she couldn’t do, a son for Abasikot.
Thank the gods of the seven clans, Ekono, Iket, Itina, Aro, Abak, Ikka and Afik clan which ruled other clans, the seat of the supreme king, Edidem.
She thanked the gods. She had been alone at the stream, she had carefully avoided the women groups, she knew the unkind things they spoke behind her back and it hurt her deeply …what hurt most was that Abasikot was no longer there to comfort her.
But wasn’t it strange for the village to be this quiet?
She looked around quickly and sensed a presence, somehow, she knew she wasn’t alone…she riveted her eyes back to the water and saw her reflection, but it had longer hair and was smiling.
Fearfully, she picked up her water pot and made for home ….
She stilled in her steps as she saw the crowd at the village square, what had gone wrong?
‘Edidem Atangadi’s son is here on a visit. Obong Edem shall stay here for a few market days till his mission is complete.’ The Chief informed and the crowd welcomed him with the clapping of their hands.
Thank the gods of the seven clans, Ekono, Iket, Itina, Aro, Abak, Ikka and Afik clan which ruled other clans, the seat of the supreme king, Edidem.
She thanked the gods. She had been alone at the stream, she had carefully avoided the women groups, she knew the unkind things they spoke behind her back and it hurt her deeply …what hurt most was that Abasikot was no longer there to comfort her.
But wasn’t it strange for the village to be this quiet?
She looked around quickly and sensed a presence, somehow, she knew she wasn’t alone…she riveted her eyes back to the water and saw her reflection, but it had longer hair and was smiling.
Fearfully, she picked up her water pot and made for home ….
She stilled in her steps as she saw the crowd at the village square, what had gone wrong?
‘Edidem Atangadi’s son is here on a visit. Obong Edem shall stay here for a few market days till his mission is complete.’ The Chief informed and the crowd welcomed him with the clapping of their hands.
‘I’m honored to be here by my father’s
wish, the King, Edidem sents his greetings to the people of Ekono….’ he
trailed as he saw her.
You Are Reading: Whom The gods Have Blessed – Episode 2
She held a water pot as if her life
depended on it, this amused him, there was something about her, she
wasn’t too beautiful save for her smooth dark skin.
But her eyes were soft and held a kind of peace he could never fathom.
Ntiense paused as she beheld the most
handsome man she had ever seen, their eyes met in one instance, and her
heart stopped, but she was still alive, still breathing but confused as a
hand warmed her shoulder.
‘Where have you been’? He asked gently…
She turned facing her husband, but no words came out,
‘ i went to the stream’ she stammered.
He nodded and followed her gaze to the Tall and elegant Prince from Afik Clan, then he felt something move inside of him.
A rage he didn’t understand…was he jealous? Why had the stranger stared at his wife that way?
…. To Be Continued.
He nodded and followed her gaze to the Tall and elegant Prince from Afik Clan, then he felt something move inside of him.
A rage he didn’t understand…was he jealous? Why had the stranger stared at his wife that way?
A rage he didn’t understand…was he jealous? Why had the stranger stared at his wife that way?
Whom The gods Have Blessed – Episode 3
‘So how is your co-wife’? Asari teased, She knew her friend Uyai would not take that question lightly.
‘Why do you ask of that witch?’ She
replied as she carefully placed her son on the bed made with bamboo
sticks and covered with leopard skin, Abasikot made it specially for
her.
She loved her husband so much and
couldn’t bear the thought of sharing her man with another, that was why
she sent an errand to her best friend Asari.
‘These days she no longer stays in the house,i hear she goes to the stream everyday and sings alone’ she continued…
‘you have to act fast, you know Abasikot
your husband stood by her for ten years, that should say a lot about
his personality and give you an idea how strongly he feels about her.’
Asari advised.
‘I do not quite understand you, Abasi!’’ she exclaimed, she hated it when people spoke in riddles.
‘I am trying to say the love they shared
before you came in was very strong and is still… he still harbors
feelings for Ntiense, it is just a matter of time before he warms her
bed again.’
Uyai placed her folded palm on her chin, deep in thought. Asari scared her, what if she was right?
No! She couldn’t be, Countless times Abasikot had professed his love for her, he called her edima, inem, his ediyie.
All those sweet names… His beloved, his heart and his beauty, could he have called her for nothing?
He spent most of the nights in her hut, he even packed his belongings there and promised to build them a bigger hut.
‘I only heard whispers at the market square, I thought it lies But I saw them with my very own ayen, my two bulky walnut eyes, they held hands like lovers’ Asari explained.
‘What are you saying’? Uyai didn’t want to believe it…
‘Abasikot and Ntiense I mean, that’s why I responded to your call, I had to tell you’
‘Thank you my friend, ado eti ufan’
Asari smiled and hugged her friend, they had been friends for such a long time.
Although Asari was not yet Married, they still maintained their friendship as against the norms of the society.
‘Meanwhile, I saw the prince of Afik land, the prince of the seven clans, he is a god, tall and well chiseled, his eyes are dreamy and seducing like the greeny face of editan soup’…Asari was already lost in her new found love.
All those sweet names… His beloved, his heart and his beauty, could he have called her for nothing?
He spent most of the nights in her hut, he even packed his belongings there and promised to build them a bigger hut.
You Are Reading: Whom The gods Have Blessed – Episode 3
‘Asari what have you heard that you hide from me’? She was not a fool, no daughter of Iket Clan was, something was up.‘I only heard whispers at the market square, I thought it lies But I saw them with my very own ayen, my two bulky walnut eyes, they held hands like lovers’ Asari explained.
‘What are you saying’? Uyai didn’t want to believe it…
‘Abasikot and Ntiense I mean, that’s why I responded to your call, I had to tell you’
‘Thank you my friend, ado eti ufan’
Asari smiled and hugged her friend, they had been friends for such a long time.
Although Asari was not yet Married, they still maintained their friendship as against the norms of the society.
‘Meanwhile, I saw the prince of Afik land, the prince of the seven clans, he is a god, tall and well chiseled, his eyes are dreamy and seducing like the greeny face of editan soup’…Asari was already lost in her new found love.
‘You are very sick my friend’ Uyai laughed heartily at the
description meant for the Prince of AfIk land. She had heard stories
herself, but she had never seen or met him in person.
‘I love him already my friend’ She closed her eyes and imagined the strong arms of Prince Edem on her breasts. She wasn’t a virgin, she had enjoyed several men who gave her gifts in return. That was one of the reasons she was unmarried, being twenty and eight moon years yet still in her father’s house.
She had always wanted a noble man for a husband, one with so much cowries and wealth that would never fail; and a big compound with servants… but the gods had not been very kind.
‘Keep your eyes off of him, you know too well a noble rarely marries a commoner talk more of a Prince and besides, you have lost your virginity. You are definitely not eligible,’ her friend advised calmly.
Asari ignored her, she was going to fight for the Prince’s heart; no one and no tradition would stop her.
Determined, she peered through the window and gasped at what she had seen.
‘Here they come, the two love birds,’ she called out to her friend.
‘I love him already my friend’ She closed her eyes and imagined the strong arms of Prince Edem on her breasts. She wasn’t a virgin, she had enjoyed several men who gave her gifts in return. That was one of the reasons she was unmarried, being twenty and eight moon years yet still in her father’s house.
She had always wanted a noble man for a husband, one with so much cowries and wealth that would never fail; and a big compound with servants… but the gods had not been very kind.
‘Keep your eyes off of him, you know too well a noble rarely marries a commoner talk more of a Prince and besides, you have lost your virginity. You are definitely not eligible,’ her friend advised calmly.
Asari ignored her, she was going to fight for the Prince’s heart; no one and no tradition would stop her.
Determined, she peered through the window and gasped at what she had seen.
‘Here they come, the two love birds,’ she called out to her friend.
Uyai quickly ran to the window and peeped, her heart sank, they were back together!
She saw the way he smiled down at Ntiense and the way he put his hands on her waist.
‘Abasi mmi!, my god, i am finished’
…. To Be Continued.
Uyai quickly ran to the window and peeped, her heart sank, they were back together!
She saw the way he smiled down at Ntiense and the way he put his hands on her waist.
‘Abasi mmi!, my god, i am finished’
Whom The gods Have Blessed – Episode 4
It is not as if his love for her had faded, no, it had just waned while his desire for his new wife heightened by the day.
They had been married for ten years before he took a new wife and during those times he had no cause to worry or suspect her. Ntiense wasn’t overly beautiful but her soul was the purest ….she cared for him and tolerated his quick temper but he had failed her. He was lost in the arms of another, he just couldn’t help it, which man could resist the charms of his jewl? His Uyai?
But he feared, what If Ntiense divorced him? What if she left him for another? He didnt know why those kind of thoughts entered his mind as in the seven clans, it was rare for a woman to divorce her husband, but it wasnt a total impossibility.
Abasikot squeezed her hands gently, his conscience pricked him as he remembered how he secluded her by chasing her to the outer hut.
Now he feared she no longer desired him, hiS blood rippled as he remembered the way Edem had stared at his wife, the Afik prince
was a reknown womaniser, he was yet to be married, What bothered him was the desire he caught in Ntiense’s eyes.
Had he neglected her to the point she desired another?
‘You are unwell’ he finally spoke after their long walk from the square…
She wasn’t in the right mood to respond, Abasikot was acting strange. He neither spoke to her or showed her care since his new wife came in and suddenly he was inquiring about her health.
Her silence bothered him, she was still hurt by his neglect and knowing Ntiense well, she had probably cried every night he spent some time With Uyai.
‘Am very fine’ she finally spoke as she calmed her racing thoughts.
He was as tall as her husband, a bit lanky with firm thigh muscles and a broad chest. But it was his eyes that clipped her heart, they contradicted his fierce looks, Prince Edem was a warrior, but his eyes betrayed the steely heart most warriors were believed to posess.
Had he neglected her to the point she desired another?
‘You are unwell’ he finally spoke after their long walk from the square…
She wasn’t in the right mood to respond, Abasikot was acting strange. He neither spoke to her or showed her care since his new wife came in and suddenly he was inquiring about her health.
Her silence bothered him, she was still hurt by his neglect and knowing Ntiense well, she had probably cried every night he spent some time With Uyai.
‘Am very fine’ she finally spoke as she calmed her racing thoughts.
You Are Reading: Whom The gods Have Blessed – Episode 4
If Abasikot was considered handsome, then the prince of Afik was beyond description, she couldn’t control her thoughts, they kept running wild even after her silent caution of being a married woman, an anwan ndö.He was as tall as her husband, a bit lanky with firm thigh muscles and a broad chest. But it was his eyes that clipped her heart, they contradicted his fierce looks, Prince Edem was a warrior, but his eyes betrayed the steely heart most warriors were believed to posess.
A voice broke her from her reverie, a voice she greatly despised, it was her co-wife’s friend, Asari.
There was something immensely dark, that lurked round the woman, Asari was a few moon years younger than she was, yet still unmarried. She Had the eyes of a fox, twinkling with deceit.
‘Welcome back my in-law’ she greeted Uyai’s husband and ignored Ntiense.
‘Ah, Asari atie didie? abadie?, you have done well to pay me a visit’ Abasikot smiled and forgot his other wife who stood beside him.
‘My love, edima ebe mmi, my heartbeat, you are welcome’ Uyai approached him with open arms and hissed at the vermin that stood beside her husband.
‘My beautiful wife, ediyie, what did you prepare for me’? he enclosed her in his arms, she was his joy, his completion.
Unable to watch this display of affection, Ntiense walked away like a defeated lion, tail between legs. Abasikot had forgotten her completely, she had seen with her own eyes, the love between them both and for once she admitted she was nothing but liability to him.
There was something immensely dark, that lurked round the woman, Asari was a few moon years younger than she was, yet still unmarried. She Had the eyes of a fox, twinkling with deceit.
‘Welcome back my in-law’ she greeted Uyai’s husband and ignored Ntiense.
‘Ah, Asari atie didie? abadie?, you have done well to pay me a visit’ Abasikot smiled and forgot his other wife who stood beside him.
‘My love, edima ebe mmi, my heartbeat, you are welcome’ Uyai approached him with open arms and hissed at the vermin that stood beside her husband.
‘My beautiful wife, ediyie, what did you prepare for me’? he enclosed her in his arms, she was his joy, his completion.
Unable to watch this display of affection, Ntiense walked away like a defeated lion, tail between legs. Abasikot had forgotten her completely, she had seen with her own eyes, the love between them both and for once she admitted she was nothing but liability to him.
‘I prepared your favorite but you have
to massage my back first’ she eyed him seductively, while Asari sneered
at the two love birds.
‘My wife wants a massage? You know my hands are very gentle’ he replied and they all burst out with laughter.
‘So what did you prepare for your darling husband’?
‘Ekpang nkukwo with lots of periwinkles and snails’ she rubbed his face with her hands and he kissed them.
‘Abasi have mercy on me’ she cried as she shut her door from the laughter that emanated from the other side of the compound.
Ntiense lay on her bed mound, the tears poured freely like liquid from a rubber tree.
What was her purpose in life?
You Are Reading: Whom The gods Have Blessed – Episode 4
The prince was amazed by the hospitality of people from Ekono clan,
although it was a law for royals to be treated so, this was different,
their hospitality was poured out freely. He had expected to keep lodge
at the compound of the Clan Chief, instead the youth had organised
themselves into groups and erected a palace for him within a short
while.
The floor was decorated with clay mixed
with snail and oyster shells, it wasn’t a mud house but of wood, he
wondered where they got cowries to buy such amount of nails from the
traders.
The wood was iroko, so he would be safe from the coldness of the night and before him lay a hearth where He would keep warm.
‘Obong mmi, my prince, The Chief would like you to have dinner in his chambers’.
Edem nodded and requested that bath
water should be kept for him, on his return he was going to take his
wash and rest. There were so many things to do.
…. To Be Continued.
‘Obong mmi, my prince, The Chief would like you to have dinner in his chambers’.
Edem nodded and requested that bath
water should be kept for him, on his return he was going to take his
wash and rest. There were so many things to do.
Whom The gods Have Blessed – Episode 5
‘amedi, Abasi udiong, may the gods bless
you and prosper you, may your palms never go dry, may your strenght
never fail you in the battle field’ The chief prayed for the young
prince, as he poured the palm wine on the earth after each prayer.
The prince joined in the libation, he
was a firm believer in the culture of the seven clans, the gods were
existent and dwelled in him.
‘Thank you for honoring my invitation’ the chief spoke as he signalled the slaves to serve them.
Edem smiled tightly as he watched the
slaves scoop some fresh green Leaves into his gourd plate, while the
other was filled with roast plantain.
This was surprising, someone must have tipped the chief about his love for nniyong, plantain was his favorite meal.
He offered words of praise and thanked the chief for his hospitality, but the presence of the slaves bothered him greatly.
His father, was the first King to speak against the act of slavery, ifon practice was not very common among the seven clans, but it was rising steadily.
He shook his head as he chewed the delicious leafy sauce, many things weighed on his mind, the mission he had to carry out, the information he had to disseminate and the only thing that kept him restless, her beautiful eyes.
He was curious, she was definitely married from her dressing, only the maidens exposed their chest. Hers was well covered with a piece of animal leather.
‘Something bothers you my prince’? the chief observed his far away look.
‘Many things concerning the seven clans’ he replied. He assessed the chief once more, he needed someone he could trust and such a person would be difficult to find as many chieves were into slave trading.
Abduction and selling of fellow humans from the seven clans was greatly prohibited by his father’s regime.
He offered words of praise and thanked the chief for his hospitality, but the presence of the slaves bothered him greatly.
His father, was the first King to speak against the act of slavery, ifon practice was not very common among the seven clans, but it was rising steadily.
He shook his head as he chewed the delicious leafy sauce, many things weighed on his mind, the mission he had to carry out, the information he had to disseminate and the only thing that kept him restless, her beautiful eyes.
He was curious, she was definitely married from her dressing, only the maidens exposed their chest. Hers was well covered with a piece of animal leather.
‘Something bothers you my prince’? the chief observed his far away look.
‘Many things concerning the seven clans’ he replied. He assessed the chief once more, he needed someone he could trust and such a person would be difficult to find as many chieves were into slave trading.
Abduction and selling of fellow humans from the seven clans was greatly prohibited by his father’s regime.
However, that wasn’t as gruesome as the slavery practised by cultures beyond the seven clans, the tribes of the dessert region.
The tribes within the forest called them kauza, while few warriors and traders from the seven clans who had brief contact with them callem them ssanu. But they called themselves Kauza.
They were greatly civilized and built houses made of stone, they had conquered iron and made long rods out of them and they had large beasts their royals and warriors used.
What bothered him was their trading with some yellow skinned men, whom his Interpreter Abab, had referred to as the ‘masters’ from afar.
They rode on horses mostly and wore very long clothing covering their hair, ears and nostrils most of the time.
Most of the seven clans hadnt any contact with the Kauza’s, but he was opportuned to and they were a major threat to the seven clans and its neigboring forest kingdom.
They rode large and scary looking beasts, They made their own clothes and sold them off to other kingdoms, and they had long
You Are Reading: Whom The gods Have Blessed – Episode 5
Personally, he had come in contact with few dessert region men during his diplomatic travels. He had seen their army and their level of civilization, with the help of an interpreter he got to know more about them.The tribes within the forest called them kauza, while few warriors and traders from the seven clans who had brief contact with them callem them ssanu. But they called themselves Kauza.
They were greatly civilized and built houses made of stone, they had conquered iron and made long rods out of them and they had large beasts their royals and warriors used.
What bothered him was their trading with some yellow skinned men, whom his Interpreter Abab, had referred to as the ‘masters’ from afar.
They rode on horses mostly and wore very long clothing covering their hair, ears and nostrils most of the time.
Most of the seven clans hadnt any contact with the Kauza’s, but he was opportuned to and they were a major threat to the seven clans and its neigboring forest kingdom.
They rode large and scary looking beasts, They made their own clothes and sold them off to other kingdoms, and they had long
rods made out of iron. They had greater advantage when it came to battle, the problem was their active role in slave trading.
They had conquered some forest areas for
themselves and taken many captive, each day their presence to the seven
clans was getting near.
That is why he had come, the clans needed to be united more than ever before.
‘In time i shall let you know of my plans’ he concluded and made to wash his hands, but the chief stopped him.
He quickly cleared his throat as a signal for the slaves to excuse both of them.
‘I have a matter i must discuss with
you, two cousins were caught in a sinful act, the priest has declared
the message from the gods, they are to be buried alive and you are to
preside over the matter’.
‘Abasi, that is an abomination’ he exclaimed, but he pitied the culprits, he desperately wished he could save them.
Then something lightened his mood, he was going to see her again….
‘Your guards are already here’ the chief welcomed them and offered them some palmwine.
You Are Reading: Whom The gods Have Blessed – Episode 5
After much drinking and eating, the guards escorted him back to his
palace, while the rest left for their post, Akpabio his friend and most
trusted guard followed him inside.
‘What do you think about the chief? Can he be trusted?’ He asked his friend who was busy with the fire….
‘Only your heart can determine that, only you can say for yourself who is trustworthy and who is full of deceit’
The prince sneered, he hated proverbs, they bored him.
Not finding sleep, he decided to sharpen his carving blade, he loved to carve when insomnia took over him.
He carved faces of deities as they were described or anything of interest To him, his mother had told him he got the talent from his grandfather whom he was named after.
‘Be careful of the blade in this darkness’ Akpabi advised as he added more wood to the fire.
Edem ignored him, he wanted being alone, so he could carve out his heart, he had to see her again…and it scared him greatly, why did he feel this way?
‘I saw the way you looked at her….’ Akpabio begun..,
‘What do you think about the chief? Can he be trusted?’ He asked his friend who was busy with the fire….
‘Only your heart can determine that, only you can say for yourself who is trustworthy and who is full of deceit’
The prince sneered, he hated proverbs, they bored him.
Not finding sleep, he decided to sharpen his carving blade, he loved to carve when insomnia took over him.
He carved faces of deities as they were described or anything of interest To him, his mother had told him he got the talent from his grandfather whom he was named after.
‘Be careful of the blade in this darkness’ Akpabi advised as he added more wood to the fire.
Edem ignored him, he wanted being alone, so he could carve out his heart, he had to see her again…and it scared him greatly, why did he feel this way?
‘I saw the way you looked at her….’ Akpabio begun..,
‘I don’t know what you are saying’ he feigned ignorance
‘ i would not encourage it, i made some findings, she is married to the greatest hunter in the seven clans, Abasikot. Stay far from her’ he rose and took leave.
He felt his heart churn, His fears had been confirmed…
Angrily he dropped the blade on the floor and climbed his bed, he needed to find amusement …something to distract him.
He knew the consequences of adultery and he wasnt going to be a partaker…
But deep down, his heart yearned for her.
‘ i would not encourage it, i made some findings, she is married to the greatest hunter in the seven clans, Abasikot. Stay far from her’ he rose and took leave.
He felt his heart churn, His fears had been confirmed…
Angrily he dropped the blade on the floor and climbed his bed, he needed to find amusement …something to distract him.
He knew the consequences of adultery and he wasnt going to be a partaker…
But deep down, his heart yearned for her.
…. To Be Continued.
Angrily he dropped the blade on the floor and climbed his bed, he needed to find amusement …something to distract him.
He knew the consequences of adultery and he wasnt going to be a partaker…
But deep down, his heart yearned for her.
He knew the consequences of adultery and he wasnt going to be a partaker…
But deep down, his heart yearned for her.
Whom The gods Have Blessed – Episode 6
Dawn usually crept in with the crows of cocks… the rising of the sun rays and the voice of the gong on such days as this.
‘Rise in faith, Rise in glory and rise with hope. Children of Ekono edeme o!
At the break of dawn, may you all assemble in the square for the cleansing of our land from taboo’ the gong had spoken….
Ntiense was awoken by his shrill cry…why had the gong sounded?
She rose and made for the kitchen, she had to prepare herself for another day in misery…
Going to the farm was something to distract her and she would,
although it was against the ibet, the laws of the land, she had to go
far away from this house.
the sound of Uyai groaning in ecstasy all through the night left her very wounded….why did she have to rub more salt to her wounds?
She had won, she had given Abasikot a son and had finally won his heart, what more did she want?
she arranged her farm implements and picked her basket and walked straight to her farm…her life was losing meaning gradually.
She had made up her mind to commit suicide after this last try of conceiving…she was tired of the pain and the mockery.
She had been informed of one priestess, a very powerful Oku, she was Said to live in Ikka clan….deep in the wild forests. Rumors had it that she was immortal..,having served generations of kings.
Just that time, just that once, she was going to give it a try.
Day had broken, she quickened her steps as she sighted the warriors…what was happening?
‘bind her, she has broken a law’ their leader thundered but his subordinates were afraid to make a move.
‘She is the wife of Abasikot’ one offered weakly..
the sound of Uyai groaning in ecstasy all through the night left her very wounded….why did she have to rub more salt to her wounds?
She had won, she had given Abasikot a son and had finally won his heart, what more did she want?
she arranged her farm implements and picked her basket and walked straight to her farm…her life was losing meaning gradually.
She had made up her mind to commit suicide after this last try of conceiving…she was tired of the pain and the mockery.
She had been informed of one priestess, a very powerful Oku, she was Said to live in Ikka clan….deep in the wild forests. Rumors had it that she was immortal..,having served generations of kings.
Just that time, just that once, she was going to give it a try.
Day had broken, she quickened her steps as she sighted the warriors…what was happening?
‘bind her, she has broken a law’ their leader thundered but his subordinates were afraid to make a move.
‘She is the wife of Abasikot’ one offered weakly..
‘And so? No one is above the law’
Ntsiense winced in pain as the men roughly bundled her up and tied her wrists with fresh palm fronds, she hated this.,.,she was being treated like a slave but she couldnt protest, this was all her fault.
‘My god, he is so handsome’Uyai concurred as she stood next to Asari who was carried away …
‘But not as my Abasikot’
‘Eh’ Asari sneered, her friend loved to brag about her husband like he was a god void of flaws.
‘He made love to me ten times last night’ Uyai paused…
‘Ten times? he is a real man’ Asari replied as her eyes followed her friend’s gaze.
Ntiense cowered in shame as they dropped her on the bare floor….
‘That’s my wife, you animals’ Abasikot rose from the space meant for the nobles and helped her from the ground…
Ntsiense winced in pain as the men roughly bundled her up and tied her wrists with fresh palm fronds, she hated this.,.,she was being treated like a slave but she couldnt protest, this was all her fault.
You Are Reading: Whom The gods Have Blessed – Episode 6
‘May the trial begin’ Prince Edem commanded…he felt sick anytime he had to pass out a death sentence but he was born into royalty, and there was nothing he could do.‘My god, he is so handsome’Uyai concurred as she stood next to Asari who was carried away …
‘But not as my Abasikot’
‘Eh’ Asari sneered, her friend loved to brag about her husband like he was a god void of flaws.
‘He made love to me ten times last night’ Uyai paused…
‘Ten times? he is a real man’ Asari replied as her eyes followed her friend’s gaze.
Ntiense cowered in shame as they dropped her on the bare floor….
‘That’s my wife, you animals’ Abasikot rose from the space meant for the nobles and helped her from the ground…
‘Watch your tongue’ The prince commanded as he silenced the man with his dangerous stare…but his gaze softened as he saw her.
She looked troubled, she wasnt happy….
‘What is her crime’ he riveted His eyes to the warriors…
‘She was found on her farm….an outright disregard to our culture and the voice of the chief and my prince’
‘And what shall be her punishment’? Edem asked as his eyes danced all over her body…
Abasikot bit his tongue, he hated the way this snake raked his wife with his eyes even before him….
‘I will pay a fine’ Abasikot spoke up….
Edem regarded him silently, a jealous husband…
‘No, I want her to pay for her crime, she shall clean my palace for five market weeks’
Abasikot opened his mouth to protest but was silenced by her pleading eyes.
‘You may leave..,your punishment starts today’
Edem quickly dismissed them as he spotted the Priest from afar… ‘Bring the accused to the circle’ he called to one of his guards….
She looked troubled, she wasnt happy….
‘What is her crime’ he riveted His eyes to the warriors…
‘She was found on her farm….an outright disregard to our culture and the voice of the chief and my prince’
‘And what shall be her punishment’? Edem asked as his eyes danced all over her body…
Abasikot bit his tongue, he hated the way this snake raked his wife with his eyes even before him….
‘I will pay a fine’ Abasikot spoke up….
Edem regarded him silently, a jealous husband…
‘No, I want her to pay for her crime, she shall clean my palace for five market weeks’
Abasikot opened his mouth to protest but was silenced by her pleading eyes.
‘You may leave..,your punishment starts today’
Edem quickly dismissed them as he spotted the Priest from afar… ‘Bring the accused to the circle’ he called to one of his guards….
The cousins who had committed incest were Dragged into a big circle that was marked by white clay, ndom.
The crowd booed, some cursed while few had pity on them….
Amidst all this Edem noticed a woman
..,smiling at him seductively…he returned her smile…he had found his
amusement, his distraction.
‘Find me that girl, I need her tonight’ he whispered to Akpabio.
…. To Be Continued.
Amidst all this, Edem noticed a woman, smiling at him seductively… He
returned her smile…He had found his amusement, his distraction.
‘Find me that girl, I need her tonight’ he whispered to Akpabio.
‘Find me that girl, I need her tonight’ he whispered to Akpabio.
Whom The gods Have Blessed – Episode 7
As the priest arrived, the crowd went still like a ghost had appeared, it was quite amazing the power priests had on people.
‘May your days be long obong Edem’ he bowed before the prince who appreciated this gesture of the old priest with a nod.
‘We have come to the trial of two
children of our great Clan who have been accused of incest’ Edem paused
as he looked over to his side where she knelt bound by young palm
fronds.
‘Release her’ he commanded the warriors
who scurried to take his command. She looked so fragile…so weak and he
didn’t want anything to hurt her by any means.
Abasikot deepened his frown as he
watched the Prince eye his wife….then he felt a hand on his waist and
forgot about Ntiense that moment. Only one person could have that effect
on him, only her voice could wet his fiery temper….only her touch could
quench his maddening desires.
‘Uyai….hold still, we are at the square’ he breathed deeply, she was going to be the end of him one day.
Uknown to them, Ntiense had spotted the two lovers and her heart pained her by their unrestricted show of love for each other.
Was there ever a chance of Abasikot
returning back to her? Already she had missed him this much….her nights
were dull and her bed was cold while she saw him in her dreams every
night….he was faraway and lost to her.
‘Silence!’ The prince thundered as the crowd went wild as the accused persons were brought into the circle.
You Are Reading: Whom The gods Have Blessed – Episode 7
Then the priest began the trial by reciting the first law of the
seven clans feasible in any trial especially those that had to do with
taboos.
‘in the presence of Abasi enyong, Abasi isong, Ndem mmong, Ndem Akai and all the ancestors, we shall judge the accused and if found guilty by our laws and ascertained to be so by the god we revere, Abasiekong, then they would be buried alive in the akai ekpo, evil forest and may their blood rest on their heads’
And the people replied ‘yak asiongo, may it be so and may their blood rest on their heads’.
‘I call out the first witness to testify, daughter of Ini, son of Ekono clan’ the priest called the middle-aged woman out and she stepped into the circle weakly.
Trials were not taken lightly and witnesses were also to be buried if the gods revealed their testimony as untrue.
‘Tell us what you saw that made you report these two to the chief’ he beckoned to the two cousins who knelt in the circle, head down.
‘ndito Ekono, children of light, I greet you all and those that rule over us. Let me begin by stating the fact that Mma ‘s mother is my neighbor’ she spoke about the girl, who was driven out of their family ikure, her father’s compound with her widowed mother few moon years after the burial of her father.
The priest nodded and the old woman continued.
‘Her cousin brother Idopise visited her very frequently and they spent most of the time indoors, I myself was surprised at such closeness but I wasn’t bothered because I thought it natural affection for each other. But one night, I came out of my hut to urinate and I saw two shadows fondling each other’.
‘in the presence of Abasi enyong, Abasi isong, Ndem mmong, Ndem Akai and all the ancestors, we shall judge the accused and if found guilty by our laws and ascertained to be so by the god we revere, Abasiekong, then they would be buried alive in the akai ekpo, evil forest and may their blood rest on their heads’
And the people replied ‘yak asiongo, may it be so and may their blood rest on their heads’.
‘I call out the first witness to testify, daughter of Ini, son of Ekono clan’ the priest called the middle-aged woman out and she stepped into the circle weakly.
Trials were not taken lightly and witnesses were also to be buried if the gods revealed their testimony as untrue.
‘Tell us what you saw that made you report these two to the chief’ he beckoned to the two cousins who knelt in the circle, head down.
‘ndito Ekono, children of light, I greet you all and those that rule over us. Let me begin by stating the fact that Mma ‘s mother is my neighbor’ she spoke about the girl, who was driven out of their family ikure, her father’s compound with her widowed mother few moon years after the burial of her father.
The priest nodded and the old woman continued.
‘Her cousin brother Idopise visited her very frequently and they spent most of the time indoors, I myself was surprised at such closeness but I wasn’t bothered because I thought it natural affection for each other. But one night, I came out of my hut to urinate and I saw two shadows fondling each other’.
She paused again as the crowd went wild with cursing and shock.
People knew the calamity incest brought upon the land, the pollution of
that bloodline which made it rare for them to get married and the
plagues that befell them. Hence, cleansing by burying the culprits alive
was very necessary.
‘and who were the shadows’? the priest asked intently?
The woman turned and stared at the cousins once more and pointed towards them.
‘Abasi! Have mercy’ the prince groaned in shock.
Ntiense was very uncomfortable from where she stood, her husband and Uyai were no where to be found and she grimaced.
He had taken her to his bed yet again. What hope was there for her?
‘are you tired’? Prince Edem asked gently, while he sat comfortably on his throne, many were standing through the trial…he saw the way she shifted her weight from one side of her leg to the other.
She shook her head shyly and looked away. It was the first time he’d spoken to …she couldn’t stare into his eyes, they made her unstable.
He knew she was uncomfortable but he didn’t want to press further….people were watching and he had to keep a good record after his departure. His eyes were focused on the crowd but his heart strayed towards her….the dark skinned woman that stood beside him.
He wondered what had taken Akpabio his friend so long…he had neither seen the girl nor his friend.
‘and who were the shadows’? the priest asked intently?
The woman turned and stared at the cousins once more and pointed towards them.
‘Abasi! Have mercy’ the prince groaned in shock.
You Are Reading: Whom The gods Have Blessed – Episode 7
‘You may go now daughter of the land, we shall still hear from five witnesses before the judgement’.Ntiense was very uncomfortable from where she stood, her husband and Uyai were no where to be found and she grimaced.
He had taken her to his bed yet again. What hope was there for her?
‘are you tired’? Prince Edem asked gently, while he sat comfortably on his throne, many were standing through the trial…he saw the way she shifted her weight from one side of her leg to the other.
She shook her head shyly and looked away. It was the first time he’d spoken to …she couldn’t stare into his eyes, they made her unstable.
He knew she was uncomfortable but he didn’t want to press further….people were watching and he had to keep a good record after his departure. His eyes were focused on the crowd but his heart strayed towards her….the dark skinned woman that stood beside him.
He wondered what had taken Akpabio his friend so long…he had neither seen the girl nor his friend.
The priest lowered his bag of charms, his ekpad ibok, he brought out seven wooden idols and placed them on the ground.
Abasiekong, deity of their clan was male, it was gruesome and painted with black color holding a red machete.
‘ Abasiekong, god of war and wonders,
god of warriors…. If the accused have wronged you …show us a sign with
the eclipse of your anger….dakkada! arise and show us the way’ he began
to beat the little gong that lay beside the idols.
The crowd went completely quiet, fear
hung in the air and a rotten stench filled the whole square. ‘dop uyo!
Be silent’ a mother pacified her crying child.
The prince clenched his teeth as he
fought with the smell that threatened to spill his insides….Ntiense was
more afraid than ever….unconsciously, she shifted closer to the throne
till her back touched his feet and he quickly looked down and saw the
eyes that kept him awake at night.
…. To Be Continued.
Ntiense was more afraid than ever….unconsciously, she shifted closer
to the throne till her back touched his feet and he quickly looked down
and saw the eyes that kept him awake at night.
Whom The gods Have Blessed – Episode 8
‘I think we should go back to the square’ Asari whispered fearfully as he attempted to put on her clothes.
‘Relax….it’s just rain.’ Akpabio dragged
her back. It was something he liked to do, he always tested the women
before giving them to the prince. This one for some reason was quite
easy to lay, she was a wanton maiden and he liked her. He wanted her for
himself…
‘it is not rain, I do not know if you’ve
never been present for a trial before, the gods are angry and are about
to strike any wrong doer which we ultimately fall on the list, so let’s
go’ she commanded.
But he laughed as he watched her feeble hands…. Women! ‘ no, let’s do it one more time’ he ordered.
But Asari couldn’t be ordered, by a mere servant for that matter, he’d told her Prince Edem wanted her in his bed…she was desperate to do anything to get close to him as Akpabio showed her the royal mark of Afik clan, she believed him instantly.
‘Abasi!… you said yourself Prince Edem wanted me for his bed, why then do you stab him in the back? Why dishonor him by tasting his wine?’ her voice began to rise.
Akpabio smiled and regarded her for a while, he liked her, she had spirit. He liked women that were fierce, women that fought for their right not plainly submissive women.
Sadly, most women from the seven clans were that way….submissive. But due to his travels with the Prince, he’d come across many fierce women from the desert tribes of the Kauza, they usually bragged about getting their spirit from their legendary Queen, Amina of xaria.
‘I like you’ he dragged her closer to him…. She was beautiful and light skinned, her lips were full and soft like the bread fruit… her eyes were shaped like almonds and her breast was proud as a bee after it’s first sting…beautiful mound of supple flesh. She was beautiful.
‘Let go of me…I value my life, if you don’t yours’ she continued struggling with him, but she was no match for the tall Afik warrior.
‘Tell me your name maiden of Ekono’ he ordered.
‘I have no name…I shall only speak to my Prince’. This fetched a smile from her lips….the gods couldn’t be more kind. Surely, her dreams were going to come true.
But Asari couldn’t be ordered, by a mere servant for that matter, he’d told her Prince Edem wanted her in his bed…she was desperate to do anything to get close to him as Akpabio showed her the royal mark of Afik clan, she believed him instantly.
‘Abasi!… you said yourself Prince Edem wanted me for his bed, why then do you stab him in the back? Why dishonor him by tasting his wine?’ her voice began to rise.
Akpabio smiled and regarded her for a while, he liked her, she had spirit. He liked women that were fierce, women that fought for their right not plainly submissive women.
Sadly, most women from the seven clans were that way….submissive. But due to his travels with the Prince, he’d come across many fierce women from the desert tribes of the Kauza, they usually bragged about getting their spirit from their legendary Queen, Amina of xaria.
‘I like you’ he dragged her closer to him…. She was beautiful and light skinned, her lips were full and soft like the bread fruit… her eyes were shaped like almonds and her breast was proud as a bee after it’s first sting…beautiful mound of supple flesh. She was beautiful.
‘Let go of me…I value my life, if you don’t yours’ she continued struggling with him, but she was no match for the tall Afik warrior.
‘Tell me your name maiden of Ekono’ he ordered.
‘I have no name…I shall only speak to my Prince’. This fetched a smile from her lips….the gods couldn’t be more kind. Surely, her dreams were going to come true.
She would become an obong awan, a princess of that order. But the
shrill cry broke her away from her fantasy and had them dressing in a
hurry.
‘Arise!, dakkada! Dakkada! Kpe ikpe!’ the priest continued sounding the gong…
Ntiense had moved closer to the prince by now, she was so terrified. He understood perfectly and held her still, she felt her heart beat as his hands warmed her fingers.
Then a voice cried out in pain…..
Immediately the darkness began to clear….he held her hands still while staring deep into her eyes but she broke off and ran away.
‘Let her be’ he called back the guards who had attempted to chase after her.
He smiled as his heart thudded …she felt the same way too…the same way for him, for the first time, he yearned after a woman in a totally different way, but she was married.
‘She has been bitten by the cursed serpent’ … the woman who gave the shrill cry was quickly brought before the priest for a quick cure.
That was one of the many signs Abasiekong used in judging his children. The accused were therefore guilty, there would have been rainfall, if they had been innocent.
‘She must confess before I give her the cure…she was guilty of a crime before our god poured out his serpentine wrath on her’ the priest spoke with all confidence.
You Are Reading: Whom The gods Have Blessed – Episode 8
Darkness had covered the whole square, the ancient god was on the move. On the move to purge and cleanse the land from all sin.‘Arise!, dakkada! Dakkada! Kpe ikpe!’ the priest continued sounding the gong…
Ntiense had moved closer to the prince by now, she was so terrified. He understood perfectly and held her still, she felt her heart beat as his hands warmed her fingers.
Then a voice cried out in pain…..
Immediately the darkness began to clear….he held her hands still while staring deep into her eyes but she broke off and ran away.
‘Let her be’ he called back the guards who had attempted to chase after her.
He smiled as his heart thudded …she felt the same way too…the same way for him, for the first time, he yearned after a woman in a totally different way, but she was married.
‘She has been bitten by the cursed serpent’ … the woman who gave the shrill cry was quickly brought before the priest for a quick cure.
That was one of the many signs Abasiekong used in judging his children. The accused were therefore guilty, there would have been rainfall, if they had been innocent.
‘She must confess before I give her the cure…she was guilty of a crime before our god poured out his serpentine wrath on her’ the priest spoke with all confidence.
While waiting for the afflicted woman to confess….
He rose to the accused and administered justice.
‘take them to the evil forest, where there are to be buried alive’ he thundered.
The warriors bundled them up and blocked their wailing relatives from approaching the circle.
‘May the land be revived’ Prince Edem spoke as he rose to his feet… he had sighted his friend and the girl… where had they been?
You Are Reading: Whom The gods Have Blessed – Episode 8
In their moment of passion, they had
forgotten the laws of the land, the sacredness of trials…thunder had
clashed into the hut and burnt the baby alive.
‘Abasi! I am finished…it’s all your
fault…I warned you but you wouldn’t listen’ Abasikott wept bitterly as
he held the dead child in his arms. He had suffered much to get him and
now he was gone… what else could befall a man?
‘yet you agreed to come home with me’ Uyai fired back in tears. Her
enemies had succeeded… she knew who was behind this. She knew the
culprit… and she was going to pay.
‘My husband …I know who did this, you must send her away as quickly as possible…don’t you notice she leaves the house at dawn? For her farm? She is a witch…’ she was hysterical …her tears could fill all the calabashes in the world.
‘Who is a witch’? he dropped the child and knelt close to his love, this was no time for blames, he had to comfort her. He hated it when her heart was broken….
‘My husband …I know who did this, you must send her away as quickly as possible…don’t you notice she leaves the house at dawn? For her farm? She is a witch…’ she was hysterical …her tears could fill all the calabashes in the world.
‘Who is a witch’? he dropped the child and knelt close to his love, this was no time for blames, he had to comfort her. He hated it when her heart was broken….
‘Ntiense’ Uyai sobbed….that was the
witch….that still had a magical hold on her husband and she feared one
of this days, he was going to return to her. Maybe the gods had acted in
her favour…
‘Ntiense?’ he rose to his feet and
peered outside…sorrow made people to say many rash things…but his
Ntiense couldn’t be a witch. Witchcraft was an abomination, the practice
of ifot was greatly forbidden by the seven clans.
‘I know you have been married to her for
years…but she killed your son…our son. You know she hasn’t been happy
since I came into this house….who else would bring us this agony’? she
broke down again…
Suddenly, the veil was torn from his eyes…his wife may be speaking the truth …Ntiense was a witch and she had to be punished.
…. To Be Continued.
Suddenly, the veil was torn from his eyes…his wife may be speaking the truth …Ntiense was a witch and she had to be punished.
Whom The gods Have Blessed – Episode 9
Ntiense hurried to the house as she fell to the floor. Thankfully no guard had followed her…
She couldn’t deny what she’d felt when he caressed her hands with his fingers… she felt alive with him…she felt love for him….
She rubbed her chest and closed her eyes…she couldn’t believe this foolishness. She was married for god’s sake.
‘He loves me’ she whispered and smiled.
But the wailing in the main ikure, brought her to her feet and she raced inside… what had gone wrong?
‘Abasi!’ she gasped as she fell on her buttocks….the sight was gruesome. Why had so much terrible things happened today?
‘What happened’? she asked as tears clouded her vision on the sudden realization that her husbands heir was gone. As much as Uyai despised her, she had never wished her evil.
‘you happened…you evil witch ifot mkpo! Get out of my hut’ Uyai dragged her outside….
‘am not a witch…am sorry for your loss’ Ntiense begged…she was surprised Abasikott hadn’t come to her rescue…
He looked different…deadly really. What went through his mind?
‘Abasikott say something to redeem my name…you know am no witch’.
He cleared his throat and wiped his face after careful consideration of the matter.
‘you are a witch…I married you and you ate all our children….you couldn’t conceive for ten years and now I finally had a son….you end his life…’ he dragged her out of the compound towards her hut.
Her cries met deaf ears….
‘Leave my house, and don’t ever come back’
‘My husband…she should be reported to the priest so she could be banished or killed’ Uyai eyed her angrily.
‘No…this is enough…she will die off on her own’.
‘Please don’t do this to me. I love you so much’ she cried as she pressed her bleeding heel which he had bruised while dragging her.
‘What happened’? she asked as tears clouded her vision on the sudden realization that her husbands heir was gone. As much as Uyai despised her, she had never wished her evil.
‘you happened…you evil witch ifot mkpo! Get out of my hut’ Uyai dragged her outside….
‘am not a witch…am sorry for your loss’ Ntiense begged…she was surprised Abasikott hadn’t come to her rescue…
He looked different…deadly really. What went through his mind?
‘Abasikott say something to redeem my name…you know am no witch’.
He cleared his throat and wiped his face after careful consideration of the matter.
‘you are a witch…I married you and you ate all our children….you couldn’t conceive for ten years and now I finally had a son….you end his life…’ he dragged her out of the compound towards her hut.
Her cries met deaf ears….
‘Leave my house, and don’t ever come back’
‘My husband…she should be reported to the priest so she could be banished or killed’ Uyai eyed her angrily.
‘No…this is enough…she will die off on her own’.
‘Please don’t do this to me. I love you so much’ she cried as she pressed her bleeding heel which he had bruised while dragging her.
‘Please’ she cried but he turned his back on her.
Where was she to go? She folded her clothes and her calabash… where would she take refuge? She was an orphan…she had no one…
‘Abasi nyanga mien! Save me from destruction’ she wept as she approached the woods.
‘sit’ he invited her over to his bed….
She looked around excitedly….the gods had been too kind. One of these days she would live in a palace as this….which so much power to control but it wasn’t power alone that she needed, she needed something else. Something of greater value….a treasure, something greater than power itself. He had stolen her heart with his charisma….she yearned for the heart of Prince Edem, owning his heart right in her palms would give her so much power. A king’s heart was like a sword, any woman who wielded it had power.
‘Bring her some food and isip isong nuts’ he commanded his servants.
‘I can’t thank you enough for your hospitality’ she began chewing the fresh tiger nuts…it was not easily afforded by commoners except those that grew wildly on farms. The nuts were fresh and were sweeter than new honey.
Where was she to go? She folded her clothes and her calabash… where would she take refuge? She was an orphan…she had no one…
‘Abasi nyanga mien! Save me from destruction’ she wept as she approached the woods.
You Are Reading: Whom The gods Have Blessed – Episode 9
She had come prepared, she was going to charm him that night and it would be a long time before he could forget her.‘sit’ he invited her over to his bed….
She looked around excitedly….the gods had been too kind. One of these days she would live in a palace as this….which so much power to control but it wasn’t power alone that she needed, she needed something else. Something of greater value….a treasure, something greater than power itself. He had stolen her heart with his charisma….she yearned for the heart of Prince Edem, owning his heart right in her palms would give her so much power. A king’s heart was like a sword, any woman who wielded it had power.
‘Bring her some food and isip isong nuts’ he commanded his servants.
‘I can’t thank you enough for your hospitality’ she began chewing the fresh tiger nuts…it was not easily afforded by commoners except those that grew wildly on farms. The nuts were fresh and were sweeter than new honey.
‘You may rise fair maiden’ Prince Edem commanded….she was indeed beautiful …
‘May the gods forever favor you my prince’ Asari rose as a seductive smile played on her lips.
‘May the gods forever favor you my prince’ Asari rose as a seductive smile played on her lips.
‘You are welcome’… he returned her smile…. His heart strayed again like a lamb that had lost its mother.
He couldn’t wait to see her again…the way she’d looked at him when he held her hands….no feeling could replace that.
She was to begin her punishment in the morning….he was going to see her again but he needed distraction in the meantime.
‘You are very beautiful…. Tell me your name’ he whispered as he shifted closer to her.
Asari knew it was time….she smiled and bowed her head shyly. “Asari of Iket clan but I grew up here with my family”
‘You have very beautiful skin….your eyes are the only fire in this darkness and I love your lips’
He bent and devoured the softness of her neck…he planted kisses from her shoulder blade to her face…
She writhed against him engrossed in this inferno…. Then his hands found the knot of her wrapper….
You Are Reading: Whom The gods Have Blessed – Episode 9
Ikot okpo, yes, the woods was name after the numerous rubber trees that grew there…She sighed as she stretched her hands….age was telling on her…maybe it was time to return to her roots but he was still alive.
The man that had banished her from her land…who had taken everything from her just because she threatened to expose his devious acts to the edidem of Afik and the seven clans.
Twenty years was a long time….she had been secluded and discriminated on her stay in Ekono…she couldn’t blame them much.
She had lost an eye during the banishment rituals…. Many thought her an ifot, a witch…she still didn’t blame them…
They couldn’t understand that she was a gift to the seven clans from the gods but they had rejected her and branded her a witch.
She saw visions, beings and heard voices
no sane person could. Just as she stretched to pluck more afang leaves,
she had a vision….
A young woman walking into the woods with her luggage and in tears…who was she? Was she also an outcast like herself?
Inieyo stopped and let the visions take over…the power of the gods within her, she couldn’t resist.
Another vision came, the young woman was heavy with child, but it was confusing as she was dragged to the evil forest.
She wiped her face as the visions faded….she didn’t understand a vision for the first time in twenty years.
Just as she was about to return to her hut, she felt a presence…she wasn’t alone.
‘Anwan (my wife)’ the spirit called to her… She braced herself and knelt before it…
…. To Be Continued.
Just as she was about to return to her hut, she felt a presence…she wasn’t alone.
‘Anwan (my wife)’ the spirit called to her… She braced herself and knelt before it…
‘Anwan (my wife)’ the spirit called to her… She braced herself and knelt before it…
Whom The gods Have Blessed – Episode 10
The spirit looked exactly like the young woman she’d seen earlier in a vision…or was the young lady in question a spirit?
‘I sense your discomfort’ the spirit floated in the air… Inieyo shook her head…
‘You lie…you have nothing to fear, I won’t harm you but I have something important to tell you’ the spirit stopped floating and stood on the ground.
‘I am the female deity of Ekono stream…and am here to help the young woman that has entered your territory. You see, I choose to take her form because I like her, she has pleased me a great deal. She has sacrificed many times to us, seeking for a child for years, it is time to grant her wish.’
‘may the deities of Ekono stream be praised’ Inieyo exclaimed… she was a bit startled when the deity changed her form to a python.
Fear gripped Inieyo…was the deity going to eat her alive?
Her fears subsided when she took a new form…an ancient looking doll … eyen Eto ( a wooden doll) The doll was wooden but it was alive and it spoke to her…
‘she shall conceive…. The child shall bring great glory to the seven clans, she shall be an answer to many prayers and the redemption of a bloodline. But first she must be a slave, tell her to take of the ntuen ibok (alligator pepper) tree for seven market days, she should rub mmayang, kernel oil within these seven days and she must bath naked under the moonlight for another seven days…to fortify her spirit when the time comes’.
Inieyo nodded and knelt before the doll…. Praising the deity for its benevolence…
‘sesongo, ndem idim Ekono…..may the deities of the stream be
praised’. The doll vanished immediately, Inieyo gasped….what kind of
prophecy was that?
Inieyo quickly tied the leaves with fresh fronds and left to find the woman….
‘who are you’ the female voice interrupted her thoughts….
She turned and saw a blind woman…she was just blind in one eye and was middle aged…
She panicked….what if she were a spirit? Coming to the woods was a complete mistake….
‘I’m sorry I have to go’ Ntiense retreated….what had she been thinking? Many demons roamed freely in places like these… but she had no where else to go…
‘I haven’t asked you to leave…come’ the older woman commanded and she responded…
‘do not be afraid…am Inieyo…am human like you…I was banished several years ago from Afik…’ she explained while Ntiense relaxed.
Inieyo helped arrange her wrappers and prepared for them both dinner. After the sumptuous Afang soup and cassava fufu, Inieyo started a fire just outside their hut…. ‘what’s that for’? Ntiense asked, a bit worried as she was still scared.
‘Fire keeps wild animals and spirits away from here’ she replied as she added dried leaves to the fire. ‘who are you’? Inieyo asked, as she balanced on the cool mud floor…
Ntiense cleared her throat… the pain of his rejection was still fresh..
Inieyo quickly tied the leaves with fresh fronds and left to find the woman….
You Are Reading: Whom The gods Have Blessed – Episode 10
Ntiense spotted a hut…there was hope, maybe the gods had finally answered her prayers…‘who are you’ the female voice interrupted her thoughts….
She turned and saw a blind woman…she was just blind in one eye and was middle aged…
She panicked….what if she were a spirit? Coming to the woods was a complete mistake….
‘I’m sorry I have to go’ Ntiense retreated….what had she been thinking? Many demons roamed freely in places like these… but she had no where else to go…
‘I haven’t asked you to leave…come’ the older woman commanded and she responded…
‘do not be afraid…am Inieyo…am human like you…I was banished several years ago from Afik…’ she explained while Ntiense relaxed.
Inieyo helped arrange her wrappers and prepared for them both dinner. After the sumptuous Afang soup and cassava fufu, Inieyo started a fire just outside their hut…. ‘what’s that for’? Ntiense asked, a bit worried as she was still scared.
‘Fire keeps wild animals and spirits away from here’ she replied as she added dried leaves to the fire. ‘who are you’? Inieyo asked, as she balanced on the cool mud floor…
Ntiense cleared her throat… the pain of his rejection was still fresh..
‘I was married to Abasikot of Ekono, a hunter….’
‘I know him….our paths have crossed severally in this woods…your husband is a kind man but why do you say ‘was’?
‘He has divorced me…his only son is dead and he blames me for this, a thought his manipulative other wife placed in his heart….he accused me of witchcraft ….but am innocent’ she explained as fresh tears poured on her cheeks.
‘I am speechless really, but these things happen…I was banished on this same matter…witchcraft, but I believe you. Don’t worry your troubles will be over soon’ Inieyo comforted… it was one thing to be accused of witchcraft…it hurt worse when your own husband turned his back against you.
‘How do you know that? How do you know this will be over soon? Look at me…am barren, I don’t even know where to begin’
‘You shall conceive of a great child…a hero’ Inieyo spoke confidently as she remembered the deity she had seen earlier.
‘You make jest of me’ Ntiense chuckled softly…this woman was god’s sent…she had lightened her burdens.
‘The gods themselves appeared to me on your behalf….i speak the truth’
Ntiense shifted closer…then she remembered the stories that flied across the land about some old witch in the woods.
‘You are the witch’ she gasped in shock at the realization.
‘I am not a witch, just an instrument of the gods’ Inieyo replied softly.
‘I know him….our paths have crossed severally in this woods…your husband is a kind man but why do you say ‘was’?
‘He has divorced me…his only son is dead and he blames me for this, a thought his manipulative other wife placed in his heart….he accused me of witchcraft ….but am innocent’ she explained as fresh tears poured on her cheeks.
‘I am speechless really, but these things happen…I was banished on this same matter…witchcraft, but I believe you. Don’t worry your troubles will be over soon’ Inieyo comforted… it was one thing to be accused of witchcraft…it hurt worse when your own husband turned his back against you.
‘How do you know that? How do you know this will be over soon? Look at me…am barren, I don’t even know where to begin’
‘You shall conceive of a great child…a hero’ Inieyo spoke confidently as she remembered the deity she had seen earlier.
‘You make jest of me’ Ntiense chuckled softly…this woman was god’s sent…she had lightened her burdens.
‘The gods themselves appeared to me on your behalf….i speak the truth’
Ntiense shifted closer…then she remembered the stories that flied across the land about some old witch in the woods.
‘You are the witch’ she gasped in shock at the realization.
‘I am not a witch, just an instrument of the gods’ Inieyo replied softly.
‘Show me a sign…tell me what to believe’ Ntiense breathed.
The woman was silent for a long while, then she turned slowly to Ntiense with a wide smile…
‘You are in love with another….he isn’t your husband. But the gods sanction it’.
She couldn’t believe this….she was a
witch! Only one could read her thoughts this way…so the gods sanctioned
it? It still didn’t feel right.
‘I must say this….I’m very terrified of you’
The woman ignored her and laughed ….her
voice echoed in the woods and the men watched satisfactorily….finally
there was sign of human habitation in this area.
You Are Reading: Whom The gods Have Blessed – Episode 10
‘Master we have sighted a fire in the rubber woods’ the warrior informed their master.
Amjad stirred in his sleep… he hated being disturbed…but this was a very important mission…the Sultan had given them instructions himself.
‘What did you see’? he asked
‘Two women…if we spy more we may see more people…’
‘No, we do not spy more, we only came to see if humans exist in these areas’ Amjad returned to sleep.
This mission was relevant to the expansion of the Kauza Empire…. They were the most civilized as they had been able to conquer most forest tribes…but their greatest threat was the Bini king…he was undefeatable.
Amjad stirred in his sleep… he hated being disturbed…but this was a very important mission…the Sultan had given them instructions himself.
‘What did you see’? he asked
‘Two women…if we spy more we may see more people…’
‘No, we do not spy more, we only came to see if humans exist in these areas’ Amjad returned to sleep.
This mission was relevant to the expansion of the Kauza Empire…. They were the most civilized as they had been able to conquer most forest tribes…but their greatest threat was the Bini king…he was undefeatable.
The Kauza empire was going to rule the world soon, they just needed
more slaves to work their lands and build more houses of stone.
‘Go back to sleep, s’ai gobe. May Qar bless us’. ‘one more suggestion lord Amjad’
‘What’! Amjad screamed irritated…. They had a long journedy ahead of them and this pig face wouldn’t let him sleep.
‘I think we need to strategize… this particular forest tribe chiefs hardly sell out their kind…so we may have some trouble’.
‘I’ve always said you are a fool Hasan, of course they would try to resist us…we start with diplomacy then if they resist…we clamp down on them…we have never lost any battle against the forest tribes. With what weapon shall they fight us’?
Amjad returned back to sleep with many things on his mind….he had been blessed with the gift of quick learning of languages.
Yes, it was difficult at first, but he spoke five languages, Kauza, his mother tongue, Arabic, which he had learnt as a child, being sold at an early age as a slave to some dark skinned merchants from Sudan, Pula, which was close to his own dialect, Joroba, a language used widely in trade in the forest kingdoms…even the Bini traders spoke Joroba, ibio, which was the most widely spoken language along the river areas of the forest tribes, Igale, spoken by tribes close to the dessert region but not actually Kauzas.
He was a warrior… he had come across many tribes but the most civilized was Kauza.
‘Go back to sleep, s’ai gobe. May Qar bless us’. ‘one more suggestion lord Amjad’
‘What’! Amjad screamed irritated…. They had a long journedy ahead of them and this pig face wouldn’t let him sleep.
‘I think we need to strategize… this particular forest tribe chiefs hardly sell out their kind…so we may have some trouble’.
‘I’ve always said you are a fool Hasan, of course they would try to resist us…we start with diplomacy then if they resist…we clamp down on them…we have never lost any battle against the forest tribes. With what weapon shall they fight us’?
Amjad returned back to sleep with many things on his mind….he had been blessed with the gift of quick learning of languages.
Yes, it was difficult at first, but he spoke five languages, Kauza, his mother tongue, Arabic, which he had learnt as a child, being sold at an early age as a slave to some dark skinned merchants from Sudan, Pula, which was close to his own dialect, Joroba, a language used widely in trade in the forest kingdoms…even the Bini traders spoke Joroba, ibio, which was the most widely spoken language along the river areas of the forest tribes, Igale, spoken by tribes close to the dessert region but not actually Kauzas.
He was a warrior… he had come across many tribes but the most civilized was Kauza.
…. To Be Continued.
Kauza was most civilized in economy,
culture and weapons. They had nothing to fear, they would win any battle
they were faced with, by the grace of Qar their moon goddess, they
would prevail over all.
Whom The gods Have Blessed – Episode 11
‘Wake up’ Akpabio shook her….
‘My prince, I love you’ she mumbled in
her sleep to Akpabio’s amusement. Women were always throwing themselves
at the prince when he felt nothing for them except lust for their supple
bodies.
‘Wake up Asari, it is time to leave’
‘What are you doing here’? she finally opened her eyes ….she was irritated and astonished…
Where was the prince?
‘I live here…get up and dress quickly
before dawn elopes’ he advised…. It would stain her reputation to be
seen coming out of a man’s house.
‘Where is my prince’? she asked angrily….did he just disappear into thin air?
‘Your prince?’ he chuckled softly….women
and their funny ideas…. Edem belonged to no woman…he was a warrior and
had a warrior’s heart.
‘That’s none of your business….get
dressed and have this for your services last night’ Akpabio dropped the
bag of cowries on her bare laps.
‘Did he say anything? Did he ask me to
wait for him’? she asked feeling embarrassed….all those sweet words he’d
whispered in her ears….he hadn’t meant any of them!
‘Okay…’ she gave up….but the night they shared would not leave her
memory…she had fallen for him. He was so gentle and patient…he was a
wonderful lover and he loved to tease her nipples.
‘You know I like you Asari and I want you to be mine…being with the Prince the way you want can never happen.’ Akpabio held her still… he needed her, he wanted her for himself.
‘Get away from me you vermin and who told you my name’? she felt angry….what was wrong with this servant?
Her words hurt him deeply… why did she act like he was no good…
‘You waste your time…he will never love you, his heart belongs to another’
Asari felt a sharp pain…maybe Akpabio was right… she had seen it herself… the eyes of a man who was in love…
Even though he made love to her….she had seen the distant look in his eyes …
She thought it was something else weighing on his mind…like a responsibility….but she was wrong…who had stolen her prince away from her?
She left the palace angrily, while Akpabio’s commanding voice trailed behind…
‘Go to Abasikot’s house….get his first wife to the palace….she has to begin her punishment’ Akpabio ordered.
He needed this to work…..with Ntiense around, Edem was going to lose interest in Asari and he would win her heart.
‘You know I like you Asari and I want you to be mine…being with the Prince the way you want can never happen.’ Akpabio held her still… he needed her, he wanted her for himself.
‘Get away from me you vermin and who told you my name’? she felt angry….what was wrong with this servant?
Her words hurt him deeply… why did she act like he was no good…
‘You waste your time…he will never love you, his heart belongs to another’
Asari felt a sharp pain…maybe Akpabio was right… she had seen it herself… the eyes of a man who was in love…
Even though he made love to her….she had seen the distant look in his eyes …
She thought it was something else weighing on his mind…like a responsibility….but she was wrong…who had stolen her prince away from her?
She left the palace angrily, while Akpabio’s commanding voice trailed behind…
‘Go to Abasikot’s house….get his first wife to the palace….she has to begin her punishment’ Akpabio ordered.
He needed this to work…..with Ntiense around, Edem was going to lose interest in Asari and he would win her heart.
You Are Reading: Whom The gods Have Blessed – Episode 11
‘my love…dry your tears…the gods would bless us again’ Abasikott
comforted his wife…she was devastated by the premature death of their
son… she had cried all night.
‘I wish I could….that witch killed our son’ Uyai sobbed….
‘Forget about her and face our future’ Abasikot was worried…he thought about her throughout the night…his conscience would not let him be… what had he done?
But it was too late to turn back now…where could she be? Where would she stay? Ntiense had no relatives… he feared for her safety.
‘don’t go hunting today, stay with me’ Uyai begged softly… her husband was now hers alone…. ‘I promise to do anything to make you happy’ he kissed her face.
The loud thud on his door startled him…. Who would visit him this early?
‘are you expecting anybody?’ Uyai asked….
He shook his head and groped in the poorly lit room to see the intruders…
‘Can I help you’? what were Afik warriors doing on his front door…
‘We want your wife, she has to begin her punishment. The prince requests for her’
He was silent….what was he going to tell them? That he’d been influenced by his other wife to send Ntiense away?
‘She fled’ Uyai’s voice broke the silence….
‘What do you mean fled’? one of the warriors expressed his confusion? ‘she is no longer in Ekono clan…’ Uyai supplied …
‘I wish I could….that witch killed our son’ Uyai sobbed….
‘Forget about her and face our future’ Abasikot was worried…he thought about her throughout the night…his conscience would not let him be… what had he done?
But it was too late to turn back now…where could she be? Where would she stay? Ntiense had no relatives… he feared for her safety.
‘don’t go hunting today, stay with me’ Uyai begged softly… her husband was now hers alone…. ‘I promise to do anything to make you happy’ he kissed her face.
The loud thud on his door startled him…. Who would visit him this early?
‘are you expecting anybody?’ Uyai asked….
He shook his head and groped in the poorly lit room to see the intruders…
‘Can I help you’? what were Afik warriors doing on his front door…
‘We want your wife, she has to begin her punishment. The prince requests for her’
He was silent….what was he going to tell them? That he’d been influenced by his other wife to send Ntiense away?
‘She fled’ Uyai’s voice broke the silence….
‘What do you mean fled’? one of the warriors expressed his confusion? ‘she is no longer in Ekono clan…’ Uyai supplied …
‘Abasi! Why do you let a woman speak for you’? the warriors murmured and left.
‘What’s that supposed to mean’? he flared…. She had to be found! He was going crazy….she filled his thoughts…he had to see her…
‘I am sorry my Prince but the husband said she wouldn’t be returning’ Edem peered angrily at the guard who spoke…
Right now, she was the only thing that would calm him…the only thing that would draw his mind away from the impending doom.
‘What troubles you my friend’ Akpabio inquired….
‘Get out! Go’ The prince shouted at the servants….he was in his bad moods…
‘Trouble is coming….i can feel it’ he replied….
The meeting had been with all the nobles of six clans… he had told them of the order from the Edidem of the seven clans….slavery was to be stopped…
But many opposed the idea…most nobles loved to own slaves…less privileged that were kidnapped and sold…
‘They have started exporting slaves to other kingdoms and I fear the Kauzas may be interested which is not a good thing’.
You Are Reading: Whom The gods Have Blessed – Episode 11
‘She fled’ Akpabio informed Edem on his return from the meeting he had with the nobles….something troubled his friend, he noticed this.‘What’s that supposed to mean’? he flared…. She had to be found! He was going crazy….she filled his thoughts…he had to see her…
‘I am sorry my Prince but the husband said she wouldn’t be returning’ Edem peered angrily at the guard who spoke…
Right now, she was the only thing that would calm him…the only thing that would draw his mind away from the impending doom.
‘What troubles you my friend’ Akpabio inquired….
‘Get out! Go’ The prince shouted at the servants….he was in his bad moods…
‘Trouble is coming….i can feel it’ he replied….
The meeting had been with all the nobles of six clans… he had told them of the order from the Edidem of the seven clans….slavery was to be stopped…
But many opposed the idea…most nobles loved to own slaves…less privileged that were kidnapped and sold…
‘They have started exporting slaves to other kingdoms and I fear the Kauzas may be interested which is not a good thing’.
‘Rumors have it that the chief of Ekono
clan is the foreman in this slave trading business…but I find it hard to
believe…he seems quite harmless’ Akpabio suggested…he had placed his
ears on the earth… there were many stories about the man…
‘He seems harmless…my greatest
opposition comes from the nobles of Aro clan…they see nothing wrong in
selling our own to the dessert tribes’. The prince was greatly
troubled….
‘I hear the cousins who were sentenced
to death for incest were not buried…instead they were sold off to some
men with covered faces’. Akpabio had overheard some guards gossip….
‘That is a serious matter….but the gods
would have acted if it were true’… the prince was worried about what his
friend had just told him.
‘You really believe in these gods’?
Akpabio sneered…. Religion wasn’t something he was overly fond of…it
imprisoned the human mind and he was very much interested in freesom…
‘Well, we need to find her…I would die if truly she’s fled’
‘The prince is in love….with a married woman, may the gods be praised!’ Akpabio mocked…
‘I don’t plan on doing anything abominable with her’ Edem fired back…
‘Yes, I hear you…just that I’ve known
you all my life’ Akpabio smiled as his friend picked one of his carvings
which he launched at him.
…. To Be Continued.
‘I don’t plan on doing anything abominable with her’ Edem fired back.
‘Yes, I hear you…just that I’ve known you all my life’ Akpabio smiled as his friend picked one of his carvings which he launched at him.
‘Yes, I hear you…just that I’ve known you all my life’ Akpabio smiled as his friend picked one of his carvings which he launched at him.
Whom The gods Have Blessed – Episode 12
Weeks had passed, she hadn’t gone to the square or the market…she visited the stream only at night.
Nobody could see her…but she missed him dearly
‘You are thinking about him’ Inieyo observed. Love was beautiful… a
gift from the gods but humans had misused it…turned it into something
evil. ‘Yes…I miss him…I wish I could see him’
‘You can, if you want to…I went to the square today and it was announced that the ekpo festival is to start in three moon days…but the wrestling match would be tonight…so you better go…he may be there’ Inieyo advised.
Ntiense pondered on this…she was right, the festival was around the corner….but she still feared…what if he didn’t feel anything for her?
‘I’m scared…what if he has another’?
Inieyo held her hands… ‘child, he is your destiny…you must go before another takes your place’ She had seen a vision of a woman sitting beside the prince… it wasn’t Ntiense…
‘I just couldn’t face you…what could I have spoken to lighten your grief?’ ‘I’m truly sorry but I’m here now’ Asari continued.
‘It’s fine…already I have taken in for my husband’ Uyai informed her friend who giggled excitedly… ‘Abasi enyong anam oboho, the gods have done it again’ Asari was happy for her friend.
‘You can, if you want to…I went to the square today and it was announced that the ekpo festival is to start in three moon days…but the wrestling match would be tonight…so you better go…he may be there’ Inieyo advised.
Ntiense pondered on this…she was right, the festival was around the corner….but she still feared…what if he didn’t feel anything for her?
‘I’m scared…what if he has another’?
Inieyo held her hands… ‘child, he is your destiny…you must go before another takes your place’ She had seen a vision of a woman sitting beside the prince… it wasn’t Ntiense…
You Are Reading: Whom The gods Have Blessed – Episode 12
‘You have been a bad friend Asari’ Uyai complained‘I just couldn’t face you…what could I have spoken to lighten your grief?’ ‘I’m truly sorry but I’m here now’ Asari continued.
‘It’s fine…already I have taken in for my husband’ Uyai informed her friend who giggled excitedly… ‘Abasi enyong anam oboho, the gods have done it again’ Asari was happy for her friend.
‘That woman was a witch…thank god she is gone’ Uyai added feeling
fulfilled…. But something else bothered her, the night before, when
Abasikot made love to her, he’d whispered her name, Ntiense….in the heat
of passion. It bothered her greatly.
‘So tell me about your prince’ she decided not to dwell on the issue.
‘He loves another….and it hurts me so much…he has forgotten totally about me…he now has a new maiden to warm his bed’ Asari’s heart broke….she had never felt this way about a man…
‘Friend, I warned you now you are trapped…but I will advise you to fight for his heart…he belongs to you’
‘Fight?’ she had to do something…then a thought lingered…would Akpabio help her?
It was always exciting to watch men fight…a show of strength was one of the rites to kick off the masquerade festival.
The young men involved usually slept in the forest for three days prior the wrestling match…this was a rite to cleanse their soul and make them receptive to the wish of the gods. They stayed there till the appearance of the white moon, after which they were fed and dressed up for the occasion.
‘Ndito Ekono, children of Ekono clan move to the square for the dance of victory’ the gong had sounded.
‘Hurry’ the Prince commanded as his guards put on him the full regalia of a royal during a festival.
‘So tell me about your prince’ she decided not to dwell on the issue.
‘He loves another….and it hurts me so much…he has forgotten totally about me…he now has a new maiden to warm his bed’ Asari’s heart broke….she had never felt this way about a man…
‘Friend, I warned you now you are trapped…but I will advise you to fight for his heart…he belongs to you’
‘Fight?’ she had to do something…then a thought lingered…would Akpabio help her?
You Are Reading: Whom The gods Have Blessed – Episode 12
It always started at twilight ….at the fading of the bright yellow sun, the youth were in charge of arranging the square and decorations….It was always exciting to watch men fight…a show of strength was one of the rites to kick off the masquerade festival.
The young men involved usually slept in the forest for three days prior the wrestling match…this was a rite to cleanse their soul and make them receptive to the wish of the gods. They stayed there till the appearance of the white moon, after which they were fed and dressed up for the occasion.
‘Ndito Ekono, children of Ekono clan move to the square for the dance of victory’ the gong had sounded.
‘Hurry’ the Prince commanded as his guards put on him the full regalia of a royal during a festival.
He was burdened by so many things… he hadn’t seen her for a long while and he suspected all wasn’t well.
After the festival, he would expand his search to other clans…she couldn’t hide from him, no, he knew what he saw that day. When he held her hands…he knew what he felt and she felt it too.
‘Get your mind off of her….there are many beautiful maidens to pick from’ Akpabio advised…. Yes, he didn’t understand why the noble prince was bent on disgracing himself. Ntiense was married….the thought alone could cost them both their lives.
Then he thought about Asari, she had sent him a message, they were to meet in the woods while the match was going on. He smiled….his chest rose with anticipation… was she going to accept him? He really liked her, although she was wanton, his heart was in her palms… she had to be his.
‘And the festival begins’ the Prince mused as he strode to out with his guards. Something else bothered him, one of his guards had reported seeing a Kauza man in one of the forests…. If that were true it only meant one thing, they were coming for the seven clans. They had always wanted the clans for themselves, from his travels to the desert region, the king of the Kauza empire had requested his surrender and that of all the rulers of the seven clans and forest tribes, but he had ignored the request tactically. Now, they were coming for them…it was time for all nobles to stand and fight.
‘You amuse me child…your journey begins…mine is ended…go’ was all Inieyo said. Her mind was greatly troubled by the visions she had seen.
After the festival, he would expand his search to other clans…she couldn’t hide from him, no, he knew what he saw that day. When he held her hands…he knew what he felt and she felt it too.
‘Get your mind off of her….there are many beautiful maidens to pick from’ Akpabio advised…. Yes, he didn’t understand why the noble prince was bent on disgracing himself. Ntiense was married….the thought alone could cost them both their lives.
Then he thought about Asari, she had sent him a message, they were to meet in the woods while the match was going on. He smiled….his chest rose with anticipation… was she going to accept him? He really liked her, although she was wanton, his heart was in her palms… she had to be his.
‘And the festival begins’ the Prince mused as he strode to out with his guards. Something else bothered him, one of his guards had reported seeing a Kauza man in one of the forests…. If that were true it only meant one thing, they were coming for the seven clans. They had always wanted the clans for themselves, from his travels to the desert region, the king of the Kauza empire had requested his surrender and that of all the rulers of the seven clans and forest tribes, but he had ignored the request tactically. Now, they were coming for them…it was time for all nobles to stand and fight.
You Are Reading: Whom The gods Have Blessed – Episode 12
‘Are you sure I should go’? Ntiense regarded the old woman kindly….she didn’t feel comfortable leaving her behind.‘You amuse me child…your journey begins…mine is ended…go’ was all Inieyo said. Her mind was greatly troubled by the visions she had seen.
It was of burning huts and bloodshed by
men with unseen faces…they hid their faces in strange cloaks and they
killed lots of men and took away the women and children. It burdened her
mind …what did all these mean?
Earlier she had seen a vulture perching
on an ukana tree, the oil bean tree, it was a bad omen. But who could
she speak to? Who would believe her message? Maybe it was for a time
like this she had been created, to avert the doom that was coming to the
seven clans.
Just as she was about to enter her hut,
she heard a movement behind her… fear gripped her, it was strange
really, she hadn’t been afraid for a long while….
She finally let out a scream as some
cloaked men advanced towards her and bundled her up… they spoke in a
strange tongue…. Was this how she would die? Were they even human?
‘Maza maza…ki kare ka… Take her away
while I enter the village with Hasan, we will spy for a little while and
meet you again’ Amjad commanded his warriors.
‘Madala… may Qar be with you’ they
responded and carried the old woman away… Inieyo screamed with all her
might, but the sound of the night swallowed her wails.
…. To Be Continued.
‘Maza maza…ki kare ka… Take her away while I enter the village with
Hasan, we will spy for a little while and meet you again’ Amjad
commanded his warriors.
‘Madala… may Qar be with you’ they responded and carried the old woman away… Inieyo screamed with all her might, but the sound of the night swallowed her wails.
‘Madala… may Qar be with you’ they responded and carried the old woman away… Inieyo screamed with all her might, but the sound of the night swallowed her wails.
Whom The gods Have Blessed – Episode 13
‘So tell me, Do you love me’? Uyai teased her husband.
He responded with a smile… She was being
coy and he knew it. She was quite happy and that made him glad, it
meant she had moved on.
‘You know I’ll always love you…’ he rubbed her face. His rough palms soothed her…. She had never been this happy.
‘I’m pregnant’ she whispered and bit his ear…
Abasikot paused and released her face, he didn’t hear right, the gods were too kind.
‘Abasi! I am so happy right now’ he embraced her …. But his heart was still troubled.
That was why he had to go for the festival, he needed to find her and apologize and bring her back, she wasn’t a witch. He didn’t know what had come over him.
‘I’m going for the match…but you must stay home because of the baby’ he informed her.
‘I am coming with you’ she frowned…. She didn’t want her husband alone in the square…. He was a good and kindhearted man….and he was very handsome. Many women admired from afar but she still wasn’t comfortable with that.
‘I don’t like this Uyai, what if something happens to this baby? I shall have you to blame’
‘I insist’ she replied.
Ntiense gasped as she sighted him… She held her chest to help calm her breathing, the prince was simply magnificent.
He wore a long robe made of leopard skin, a symbol of his belonging to the ekpe cult and his supremacy there.
Abasikot paused and released her face, he didn’t hear right, the gods were too kind.
‘Abasi! I am so happy right now’ he embraced her …. But his heart was still troubled.
That was why he had to go for the festival, he needed to find her and apologize and bring her back, she wasn’t a witch. He didn’t know what had come over him.
‘I’m going for the match…but you must stay home because of the baby’ he informed her.
‘I am coming with you’ she frowned…. She didn’t want her husband alone in the square…. He was a good and kindhearted man….and he was very handsome. Many women admired from afar but she still wasn’t comfortable with that.
‘I don’t like this Uyai, what if something happens to this baby? I shall have you to blame’
‘I insist’ she replied.
You Are Reading: Whom The gods Have Blessed – Episode 13
The crowd cheered as they sighted the Prince in his full regalia. If by daytime he was considered handsome, then the night had added to his handsomeness. The moon had favored him.Ntiense gasped as she sighted him… She held her chest to help calm her breathing, the prince was simply magnificent.
He wore a long robe made of leopard skin, a symbol of his belonging to the ekpe cult and his supremacy there.
He didn’t wear a crown but tied a piece of fabric of rare color over
his forehead… His chin wasn’t shaven, his beards graced his handsome
face and made him look a god. He raised his hands and acknowledged the
crowd and his sensuous lips gave way to a smile. He was purely adorable.
‘Children of Ekono, I welcome you all to the Square…. We have come to witness strength and valor of our young men. May the gods be pleased and may you be blessed. Let the match begin!’ he thundered still raising his hand.
‘Yak asiongo, yak ado ntoro. May the gods be pleased’ the crowd responded and broke into louder cheers.
His smile faded and was replaced with something else when he saw her…. He almost moved to where she stood but he held himself.
‘I have to go to the palace’ Akpabio’s voice interrupted him.
‘What for?’ he asked
‘Something I forgot’ Akpabio lied and moved away from the Prince.
Their eyes met yet again…she looked different…she looked happy this time, he smiled at her and she returned his smile.
Ntiense had never felt this happy, she continued to stare at him while the match began…. ‘Bring her to me….Ntiense’ Edem ordered one of his guards.
The lovers entered the square still holding hands….but Uyai broke off and went to where her other friends stood, while Abasikott stopped to exchange pleasantries with other nobles.
‘Children of Ekono, I welcome you all to the Square…. We have come to witness strength and valor of our young men. May the gods be pleased and may you be blessed. Let the match begin!’ he thundered still raising his hand.
‘Yak asiongo, yak ado ntoro. May the gods be pleased’ the crowd responded and broke into louder cheers.
His smile faded and was replaced with something else when he saw her…. He almost moved to where she stood but he held himself.
‘I have to go to the palace’ Akpabio’s voice interrupted him.
‘What for?’ he asked
‘Something I forgot’ Akpabio lied and moved away from the Prince.
Their eyes met yet again…she looked different…she looked happy this time, he smiled at her and she returned his smile.
Ntiense had never felt this happy, she continued to stare at him while the match began…. ‘Bring her to me….Ntiense’ Edem ordered one of his guards.
The lovers entered the square still holding hands….but Uyai broke off and went to where her other friends stood, while Abasikott stopped to exchange pleasantries with other nobles.
But his eyes strayed to the figure that looked so much of his first wife… Could she be the one?
‘The prince requests your presence’ the guard whispered.
Ntiense nodded and followed him….unbeknown to her, Abasikott watched bewildered.
‘Where are you taking me’? Asari asked fearfully.
‘Don’t be afraid, I love you too much to harm you’ Akpabio held her still… Thank the gods for moonlight, Asari glowed like a pearl that night.
‘I love you so much my eme, my jewel’ he kissed her gently.
She was silent and she didn’t resist him… his heart raced….she loved him back.
‘I love you too’ she whispered and kissed him back.
Minutes later they lay on the leafy floor of the rubber woods.
‘Tell me all about your Prince’ Asari begun as she curled a leg over him. Without thinking, he told her everything he knew about Edem.
She chuckled softly, men could do anything, could say anything in the heat of passion. ‘Is he married or betrothed?’ She asked eagerly.
‘The prince requests your presence’ the guard whispered.
Ntiense nodded and followed him….unbeknown to her, Abasikott watched bewildered.
You Are Reading: Whom The gods Have Blessed – Episode 13
‘My love’ he breathed as he dragged her deeper into the woods, they couldn’t stay in the palace, it was too dangerous.‘Where are you taking me’? Asari asked fearfully.
‘Don’t be afraid, I love you too much to harm you’ Akpabio held her still… Thank the gods for moonlight, Asari glowed like a pearl that night.
‘I love you so much my eme, my jewel’ he kissed her gently.
She was silent and she didn’t resist him… his heart raced….she loved him back.
‘I love you too’ she whispered and kissed him back.
Minutes later they lay on the leafy floor of the rubber woods.
‘Tell me all about your Prince’ Asari begun as she curled a leg over him. Without thinking, he told her everything he knew about Edem.
She chuckled softly, men could do anything, could say anything in the heat of passion. ‘Is he married or betrothed?’ She asked eagerly.
‘None of the above, but his heart belongs to Ntiense wife of Abasikott’ He choked on the words but he couldn’t withdraw them.
‘Ntiense?’ Asari spat.
‘Yes, please keep this to yourself, I
only shared my secrets because I love you very much’ he added not
knowing the reason of her sudden anger.
‘I have to go’ she wore her clothes but he stopped her….
‘Where to?’ he questioned, not
understanding her behavior… One minute they were in each other’s arms
and the next she acted like nothing had happened.
‘That’s none of your business and for
the last time, stay away from me! I only used you to get that which I
have heard’ She cursed and quickly left.
Akpabio sat quietly, he didn’t know what
had hit him, he felt used and stupid. Never had any woman in the Seven
clans humiliated him this way.
It dawned on him that she’d only come to
him to get closer to the prince…. But he couldn’t let that happen, he
was going to own her at all cost even if it meant the death of Prince
Edem.
…. To Be Continued.
It dawned on him that she’d only come to
him to get closer to the prince…. But he couldn’t let that happen, he
was going to own her at all cost even if it meant the death of Prince
Edem.
Whom The gods Have Blessed – Episode 14
‘Wow, your palace is beautiful’ she exclaimed. She walked closer to where the carvings stood proudly.
‘It’s nothing compared to my fathers’ at Afik’ he held her hand
‘I searched for you for the past weeks’ he began
‘I….my husband…’ She broke off as tears welled up in her eyes. She was still hurting.
‘What happened?’ Edem pulled her closer to him, she didn’t resist.
‘He sent me away and accused me of witchcraft just because I couldn’t bear him a child’ She explained in detail.
Abasi! His heart was hopeful. Was this another sign from the gods? If she had been divorced, there was no law in the seven clans that could stop them from loving each other. Although his parents may not approve, he was ready to renounce his title and wealth just to be with her.
‘I love you… I love all of you’ he whispered and Ntiense became silent.
She walked towards the carvings and stood there for minutes, did he really meant those words? Was it right for him to feel that way? She was still married because Abasikot hadn’t divorced her officially.
‘I know you feel it too. Since the first day I set my eyes on you, Ihaven’t been the same’ he wrapped his hands around her.
‘I know but…I am not fit for a prince, there’s no point, we would only hurt each other’ she closed her eyes.
‘I understand but it’s worth the try. You are the first woman I have
ever loved apart from my mother’ he whispered against her ears. This
made her laugh and he liked the sound of it. Who knew a warrior’s heart
could be melted by love?
Slowly he spun her around and looked deeply into her eyes. They spoke of peace and a love that was genuine.
Her gaze focused on his sensuous lips, the way they clamped together and the wonders they could perform on a woman.
As if reading her thoughts, he brought his lips down on her bare throat and she sighed. They were meant to be together.
‘Open up this minute, you brute! You wife snatcher! Thief!’ a gruff voice thunder amidst the loud knocks.
Fearfully, Ntiense broke away from the prince. She knew the owner of the voice, the very first man she had loved but whom had betrayed her.
‘Wait here’ the prince commanded as he fetched his ukara idem, his machete. His blood boiled at this rude interruption.
The Prince regarded the man for a while….Abasikot…He hated the man with his being and felt like spilling his guts for the way he’d hurt Ntiense but he held himself.
‘What do you want’? the prince asked very calmly.
‘I want my wife, I know she’s in there and you have defiled her, give her back to me’ Abasikot roared like an angry lion.
Slowly he spun her around and looked deeply into her eyes. They spoke of peace and a love that was genuine.
Her gaze focused on his sensuous lips, the way they clamped together and the wonders they could perform on a woman.
As if reading her thoughts, he brought his lips down on her bare throat and she sighed. They were meant to be together.
‘Open up this minute, you brute! You wife snatcher! Thief!’ a gruff voice thunder amidst the loud knocks.
Fearfully, Ntiense broke away from the prince. She knew the owner of the voice, the very first man she had loved but whom had betrayed her.
‘Wait here’ the prince commanded as he fetched his ukara idem, his machete. His blood boiled at this rude interruption.
The Prince regarded the man for a while….Abasikot…He hated the man with his being and felt like spilling his guts for the way he’d hurt Ntiense but he held himself.
‘What do you want’? the prince asked very calmly.
‘I want my wife, I know she’s in there and you have defiled her, give her back to me’ Abasikot roared like an angry lion.
‘She’s no longer yours, you sent her away remember?’
‘That’s not for you to say….bring her here’ Abasikot groaned. His whole body burned with jealousy, the thought of this rude brute touching his wife, caressing her in places only he had the right to, inflamed him further.
‘Ima ami, come’ Edem called out to Ntiense.
She felt thrilled when he called her that name… his love, his darling….his everything… was she?
She regarded her husband coldly, as the memory of that day was still fresh. The way he cursed her and dragged her out of his ikure.
‘Come home with me’ he commanded.
‘You are no longer my husband, I cease to be your wife!’ She fired back at him. A voice interrupted them.
‘I can’t believe you’d stoop so low my husband’ Uyai spoke with deep seated bitterness as she eyed the vermin that had her claws all over Abasikot.
‘You cheat!’ Asari snarled….
‘Go to the house Uyai mma’ Abasikott cajoled, he needed to take Ntiense home or his heart would never rest.
‘That’s not for you to say….bring her here’ Abasikot groaned. His whole body burned with jealousy, the thought of this rude brute touching his wife, caressing her in places only he had the right to, inflamed him further.
‘Ima ami, come’ Edem called out to Ntiense.
She felt thrilled when he called her that name… his love, his darling….his everything… was she?
She regarded her husband coldly, as the memory of that day was still fresh. The way he cursed her and dragged her out of his ikure.
‘Come home with me’ he commanded.
‘You are no longer my husband, I cease to be your wife!’ She fired back at him. A voice interrupted them.
You Are Reading: Whom The gods Have Blessed – Episode 14
It was Uyai daughter of Iket clan alongside her friend Asari. Both had bumped into each other at the square.‘I can’t believe you’d stoop so low my husband’ Uyai spoke with deep seated bitterness as she eyed the vermin that had her claws all over Abasikot.
‘You cheat!’ Asari snarled….
‘Go to the house Uyai mma’ Abasikott cajoled, he needed to take Ntiense home or his heart would never rest.
‘And what brings you here, your miserable daughter of a whore?’ the Prince sneered at Asari.
‘You slept with that whore and had pleasure in her and you made so much promises to that whore’ she replied.
Ntiense was confused, what was Asari about? Then she feared.
‘He is mine you witch, stay away from my prince!’ Asari yelled to her face.
‘You touched her’ Ntiense whispered, her knees were weak.
Without thinking, she launched herself into the dark night and ran as fast as her legs could carry her.
‘Stay right here’ Uyai commanded, holding Abasikott still.
‘Get out of my palace’ Edem thundered while he signaled for his guards.
‘Search for her and bring her back tonight’ he couldn’t lose her a second time.
You Are Reading: Whom The gods Have Blessed – Episode 14
‘Welcome Lord Amjad of the Kauza empire’ the Ekono chief greeted his visitor.
He wasn’t alone, the chief priest and other nobles from the seven clans were with him, they were aware of the meeting.
‘So have you decided on trading with us’? Amjad asked…he was impressed by the turnout of the rulers of the seven clans.
The priest cleared his throat. He loved cowries, that’s why he’d complied in selling the incest culprits off to the Kauza slave traders.
He wasn’t alone, the chief priest and other nobles from the seven clans were with him, they were aware of the meeting.
‘So have you decided on trading with us’? Amjad asked…he was impressed by the turnout of the rulers of the seven clans.
The priest cleared his throat. He loved cowries, that’s why he’d complied in selling the incest culprits off to the Kauza slave traders.
‘But our greatest opposition is from the crown’ he concluded. ‘who is the crown?’ Amjad asked confused.
‘Our edidem, the king of the seven clans and his son Prince Edem’ the Chief of the clan replied. Most nobles opposed the king, he was too upright for that seat and that was going to be his end. He’d restricted all forms of slavery…. But other kingdoms progressed by this same means.
‘have you tried convincing them otherwise’? Amjad inquired.
‘They are beyond convincing. Mentioning Slavery to the Edidem means death, he would have our head that instance. I see no wrong in selling of slaves and making wealth out of it’ the chief replied.
‘Then we must change the king. Replace the ruling house in your favour’ Amjad suggested and the faces of the nobles were bright with joy, their next fight would be who to crown king?
‘Fools’ Amjad mocked them in his heart, the whole land was for their taking. Kauzas never negotiated with anybody. They commanded, they took and never cowered.
‘Well then, the massacre shall begin soon. Keep your house well’ he left them and hurried into the night with Hasan behind him.
…. To Be Continued.
‘Fools’ Amjad mocked them in his heart, the whole land was for their
taking. Kauzas never negotiated with anybody. They commanded, they took
and never cowered.
‘Well then, the massacre shall begin soon. Keep your house well’ he left them and hurried into the night with Hasan behind him.
‘Well then, the massacre shall begin soon. Keep your house well’ he left them and hurried into the night with Hasan behind him.
Whom The gods Have Blessed – Episode 15
‘I do not trust the stranger, he speaks
our tongue far too smoothly. I fear he may betray us’ the Chief of Aro
clan spoke his mind but many did not share his opinion.
‘I will speak to his friend, if he can do that for us’ the Chief smiled, he had his plans…. That throne was going to be his.
‘You heard the stranger, the massacre shall begin soon. Keep your house well’ the priest reminded them and they all walked into the darkness.
You Are Reading: Whom The gods Have Blessed – Episode 15
She groped in the darkness, why had the moon taken her light?She heard the footsteps and knew people were after her… She quickened her steps but tripped over something hard and her blood began to gush out like spring water.
‘Abasi help me’ she sobbed. She felt stupid for running.
Knowing Asari well, she must have thrown herself at the prince. Besides, she was still married at the time.
‘Get her, be gentle, she’s injured’ the guards spoke to each other.
One gently lifted her and placed her on his shoulder and they all returned to the palace.
‘You are wounded my love’ Edem as the guards brought her in. He quickly ordered the servants to fetch him some rags. It was all his fault…everything.
‘I am so sorry’ he kissed her softly. He was going to tend to her wounds himself. She smiled down at him as he rubbed her wound with a herb, wororo leaves, its liquid stung her a little but it was to prevent the leg wound from getting infected.
‘I shouldn’t have left… I’m sorry too’ she replied and kissed his mouth.
He dug her mouth with his tongue and then placed her gently on the bed. His hands roamed over her body and she cried in ecstasy.
‘Are you sure about this?’ He looked deeply into her eyes and she nodded. They became one in that moment and exploded in each other.
‘I can’t believe you tried fighting for that whore you married’ Uyai was angry with her husband. Her only wish was the death of Ntiense.
She occupied her husband’s mind most of the time, she was no fool not to discern his absent mindedness.
‘I’m truly sorry, my love but her affection for the prince wounds me’ he was being sincere. He had joined with the other nobles…Edem was going to meet his doom soon. For daring him and touching Ntiense, his blood would flow.
‘So you still love her’ Uyai felt hurt by his honesty. She had to destroy Ntiense by all means possible.
‘I love you more my beauty’ he embraced her before leaving for his hunt.
She was alone now, pregnant and angry. Her marriage wasn’t secure with Ntiense around, something had to be done.
‘Are you sure about this?’ He looked deeply into her eyes and she nodded. They became one in that moment and exploded in each other.
You Are Reading: Whom The gods Have Blessed – Episode 15
The next few weeks, news of their affair spread like wild fire through the land. But they were not pertubed.‘I can’t believe you tried fighting for that whore you married’ Uyai was angry with her husband. Her only wish was the death of Ntiense.
She occupied her husband’s mind most of the time, she was no fool not to discern his absent mindedness.
‘I’m truly sorry, my love but her affection for the prince wounds me’ he was being sincere. He had joined with the other nobles…Edem was going to meet his doom soon. For daring him and touching Ntiense, his blood would flow.
‘So you still love her’ Uyai felt hurt by his honesty. She had to destroy Ntiense by all means possible.
‘I love you more my beauty’ he embraced her before leaving for his hunt.
She was alone now, pregnant and angry. Her marriage wasn’t secure with Ntiense around, something had to be done.
‘Is my friend home’? Asari called as she walked in. She had sleepless
nights over the rejection by Prince Edem. He had no regard for her.
Maybe Akpabio was right, but she didn’t care, she still loved him.
Adored him, dreamt of how they loved each other over and over again. But
the only obstacle was Ntiense.
‘Ufan, Abadie? Welcome’ Uyai offered her a seat.
‘You look upset’ Asari noticed.
‘He still thinks about her. I’m sure of it’ Uyai wiped the tear that strayed.
‘Ku twa, do not cry my friend, we would find a way and deal with Ntiense, she has stolen something from us both.’ Asari comforted her.
‘What do you propose we do?’ Uyai wondered. It was not as if Ntiense had done anything so wrong to her, she was just a jealous wife whose husband still had the craving for his other wife who had divorced him.
‘We bury her.’ Asari hissed, she deserved to die.
‘Of course, she has to die for your marriage to regain peace and for me to get the Prince’s heart…can’t you see that?’ Asari explained.
‘Mmaha se afo atang ado, I don’t like what you’re saying. We would be going too far and she isn’t much a threat to me. She divorced Abasikot few moon days ago at the family meeting’ Uyai explained.
‘Divorced him? Is that even possible?’ Asari was surprised.
‘Ufan, Abadie? Welcome’ Uyai offered her a seat.
‘You look upset’ Asari noticed.
‘He still thinks about her. I’m sure of it’ Uyai wiped the tear that strayed.
‘Ku twa, do not cry my friend, we would find a way and deal with Ntiense, she has stolen something from us both.’ Asari comforted her.
‘What do you propose we do?’ Uyai wondered. It was not as if Ntiense had done anything so wrong to her, she was just a jealous wife whose husband still had the craving for his other wife who had divorced him.
‘We bury her.’ Asari hissed, she deserved to die.
Whom The gods Have Blessed – Episode 15
‘You mean kill her? Shed blood?’ Uyai was bewildered.‘Of course, she has to die for your marriage to regain peace and for me to get the Prince’s heart…can’t you see that?’ Asari explained.
‘Mmaha se afo atang ado, I don’t like what you’re saying. We would be going too far and she isn’t much a threat to me. She divorced Abasikot few moon days ago at the family meeting’ Uyai explained.
‘Divorced him? Is that even possible?’ Asari was surprised.
‘Abasikot had reported her to the elders
concerning her adultery but Prince Edem and other villagers who knew
how we treated her came to her defence, she broke the calabash he’d
presented her on her marriage day, while the Prince returned his bride
price and a healthy black goat.’
Asari was silent for a while, she now understood her friend’s reluctance to join her in this quest for justice.
‘I even hear she is pregnant for the Prince’ Uyai continued, ‘that means only one thing’
Asari was more determined than ever.
‘Yes my friend, it means only one thing.
After she delivers, the Prince would marry her but first he has to take
a virgin for a bride which you aren’t, so just forget the prince and
move on. Akpabio really loves you… Think about it’ Uyai advised, still
harboring a bit of resentment for Ntiense.
But that wasn’t Asari’s line of thought.
If Ntiense was really pregnant, it further delayed her plans. It was a
taboo to harm a pregnant woman but she was ready and willing to wait…
She had to take what rightfully belonged to her, sooner or later.
…. To Be Continued.
But that wasn’t Asari’s line of thought.
If Ntiense was really pregnant, it further delayed her plans. It was a
taboo to harm a pregnant woman but she was ready and willing to wait…
She had to take what rightfully belonged to her, sooner or later.
Whom The gods Have Blessed – Episode 16
‘The massacre shall begin on the
eighth month… Be prepared, I want you to be part of us’ The chief of
Ekono clan instructed Akpabio.
‘I have heard you’ Akpabio paced around. Was he making the right decision? The chief had instructed him to poison the Prince.
‘You still have your doubts’ The chief noticed the restlessness of the young man.
‘We have been friends for a long time, my chief’ Akpabio responded.
The chief rose and fetched a gourd. He emptied the contents of the
keg into it and handed it over to Akpabio. ‘It will calm your nerves’
‘You said yourself, Prince Edem has stolen the heart of a woman you love, Asari daughter of Iket clan…’
‘True….’ Akpabio nodded but was Asari worth this betrayal?
‘Then take his life and when I become edidem, I shall make you a wealthy man and Asari shall come running after you.’
The plan looked so bloody, yet rosy. If the present ruling house was completely wiped away, he would stand a chance to be wealthy.
And Asari would run into his arms with Edem out of the picture. He swallowed hard, the seventh month was coming.
‘I have lost a friend’ Ntiense replied. She had checked the woods severally, even sent the guards to check but she was nowhere to be found. What could’ve happened to Inieyo?
She rubbed her belly again. The kicks were getting stronger and she could give birth any day. She wondered about the prophecy about the child in her womb.
‘Everything would be fine, I promise you.’ he encouraged her.
‘You said yourself, Prince Edem has stolen the heart of a woman you love, Asari daughter of Iket clan…’
‘True….’ Akpabio nodded but was Asari worth this betrayal?
‘Then take his life and when I become edidem, I shall make you a wealthy man and Asari shall come running after you.’
The plan looked so bloody, yet rosy. If the present ruling house was completely wiped away, he would stand a chance to be wealthy.
And Asari would run into his arms with Edem out of the picture. He swallowed hard, the seventh month was coming.
You Are Reading: Whom The gods Have Blessed – Episode 16
‘Why are you so sad my love?’ The prince bit her ear, pregnancy suited her perfectly.‘I have lost a friend’ Ntiense replied. She had checked the woods severally, even sent the guards to check but she was nowhere to be found. What could’ve happened to Inieyo?
She rubbed her belly again. The kicks were getting stronger and she could give birth any day. She wondered about the prophecy about the child in her womb.
‘Everything would be fine, I promise you.’ he encouraged her.
Everything seemed like a dream. Abasikot was her greatest mistake.
Now she had been blessed with a child and man who cared for her.
Praise be the gods!
‘I love you, My edima’ she pulled his face closer to hers.
‘You know we can’t do anything funny, your belly is so big like that waterpot I saw you holding on the first day I saw you’ he teased but she wasn’t laughing…
Ntiense winced, the pain was too much to bear. It started from her laps then spread to her lower abdomen. It was terrible.
‘I’m dying…’ She groaned.
Then he saw the water that leaked mixed with blood.
‘Call me the Abia Umman, bring the midwives here.’ He was a warrior and had never been this scared.
He felt frightened that he may lose her. He wished he could comfort her as she cried out in pain.
‘My prince, I have urgent news from Afik.’ One of the guards whispered to his ears.
‘It can wait, can’t you see she’s in labour?’ he thundered but the guard lingered and he knew it was serious.
‘My love, do not leave me to face the world alone.’ she cried but he couldn’t wait, he had to go.
Praise be the gods!
‘I love you, My edima’ she pulled his face closer to hers.
‘You know we can’t do anything funny, your belly is so big like that waterpot I saw you holding on the first day I saw you’ he teased but she wasn’t laughing…
Ntiense winced, the pain was too much to bear. It started from her laps then spread to her lower abdomen. It was terrible.
‘I’m dying…’ She groaned.
Then he saw the water that leaked mixed with blood.
‘Call me the Abia Umman, bring the midwives here.’ He was a warrior and had never been this scared.
He felt frightened that he may lose her. He wished he could comfort her as she cried out in pain.
‘My prince, I have urgent news from Afik.’ One of the guards whispered to his ears.
‘It can wait, can’t you see she’s in labour?’ he thundered but the guard lingered and he knew it was serious.
‘My love, do not leave me to face the world alone.’ she cried but he couldn’t wait, he had to go.
You Are Reading: Whom The gods Have Blessed – Episode 16
Rain poured mercilessly with thoughtless thunder strikes. Many trees had been uprooted, it was like evil loomed over the land.
‘Push harder’ the midwife instructed and Ntiense pushed with the last ounce of strength left in her.
‘It’s a girl’ one of the midwives cried excitedly but their joy was dampened, there was a second baby trying to come out.
‘Abasi mmi! an abomination has happened’ They both exclaimed. ‘Send for the prince’ the eldest commanded.
Ntiense was too weak to know what was going on but she felt it, another life was struggling to come out… And she felt sick, why were the gods this cruel?
‘He is nowhere near the palace.’ the messenger returned. ‘Then we have to see the chief priest.’
‘Stay where you are,’ a voice thundered from behind. He knew that voice too well.
‘Is this some kind of joke Akpabio?’ he asked his friend.
Akpabio regarded the young prince quietly. Soon he’ll be dead like his parents and relatives….
‘Push harder’ the midwife instructed and Ntiense pushed with the last ounce of strength left in her.
‘It’s a girl’ one of the midwives cried excitedly but their joy was dampened, there was a second baby trying to come out.
‘Abasi mmi! an abomination has happened’ They both exclaimed. ‘Send for the prince’ the eldest commanded.
Ntiense was too weak to know what was going on but she felt it, another life was struggling to come out… And she felt sick, why were the gods this cruel?
‘He is nowhere near the palace.’ the messenger returned. ‘Then we have to see the chief priest.’
You Are Reading: Whom The gods Have Blessed – Episode 16
‘Why are we stopping’? the Prince looked from one warrior to another as they surrounded him… Was he being ambushed?‘Stay where you are,’ a voice thundered from behind. He knew that voice too well.
‘Is this some kind of joke Akpabio?’ he asked his friend.
Akpabio regarded the young prince quietly. Soon he’ll be dead like his parents and relatives….
‘As we speak, your family is being destroyed one after the other and
you will not be an exception’ before he completed his statement, the
prince had unsheathed his Machete.
He flung the metal expertly and two heads rolled on the floor. He feared for Ntiense and their child, What was going to befall them? He was doomed.
‘You betray me, I shall spill your blood today.’ he groaned as he approached Akpabio, but he wasn’t fast enough, two guards bundled him up.
‘Hold him still’ Akpabio commanded as he brought out the poisonous root.
‘My spirit shall never rest… Adiok ono fi ye ofri ufok mfo, it shall never be well with you and your generation’ the prince cursed.
Akpabio chuckled, he had never been a firm believer in such matters. Just as he was about pouring the potion into the Prince’s mouth, which he’d forced open, the sound of hooves and neighs from the Kauza beasts startled them and they fled.
Edem ceased this opportunity to run. They were far away from Ekono and it would take him days to return to Ntiense.
He had never dreamed of this kind of betrayal, but he had to be brave. He had to see the mother of his child.
He quickly hid behind the bushes as he spotted the cloaked men with unseen faces.
‘Maza maza, Ulla shi’ Amjad ordered his warriors to tie the men he’d found. He was capturing the seven clans for the glory of Qar their goddess and honor of their king.
He flung the metal expertly and two heads rolled on the floor. He feared for Ntiense and their child, What was going to befall them? He was doomed.
‘You betray me, I shall spill your blood today.’ he groaned as he approached Akpabio, but he wasn’t fast enough, two guards bundled him up.
‘Hold him still’ Akpabio commanded as he brought out the poisonous root.
‘My spirit shall never rest… Adiok ono fi ye ofri ufok mfo, it shall never be well with you and your generation’ the prince cursed.
Akpabio chuckled, he had never been a firm believer in such matters. Just as he was about pouring the potion into the Prince’s mouth, which he’d forced open, the sound of hooves and neighs from the Kauza beasts startled them and they fled.
Edem ceased this opportunity to run. They were far away from Ekono and it would take him days to return to Ntiense.
He had never dreamed of this kind of betrayal, but he had to be brave. He had to see the mother of his child.
He quickly hid behind the bushes as he spotted the cloaked men with unseen faces.
‘Maza maza, Ulla shi’ Amjad ordered his warriors to tie the men he’d found. He was capturing the seven clans for the glory of Qar their goddess and honor of their king.
‘May the gods save me’ Prince Edem
prayed as he observed the men who spoke Kauza, which he didn’t
understand much. They had bundled Akpabio and the other warriors up.
‘But that wasn’t the plan….’ Akpabio struggled but he was handed a heavy blow which sent him reeling on the ground.
‘You said the massacre would begin in
the eighth month, this is the seventh… You betrayed us. You seek to take
our lands.’ Akpabio spat at the cloaked men. He realized they had been
betrayed.
‘Rufe shi, shut him up’ Amjad commanded Hasan.
Before he could utter another word, his
head rolled on the floor and the horse riders advance to the next clan.
Afik was currently theirs; only one clan remained, Ekono.
…. To Be Continued.
You betrayed us. You seek to take our lands.’ Akpabio spat at the cloaked men. He realized they had been betrayed.
‘Rufe shi, shut him up’ Amjad commanded Hasan.
Before he could utter another word, his
head rolled on the floor and the horse riders advance to the next clan.
Afik was currently theirs; only one clan remained, Ekono.
Whom The gods Have Blessed – The Final Episode
Ntiense cried at the realization of what was to be done to her….she stood in the circle with her two babies.
Some jeered, some pitied her while other called her names…. Her Adultery had caused the gods to punish her by giving her twins.
Ntiense inhaled deeply as she absorbed
the punishment meted out to her by the Chief. The gods had lied to her
yet again, they never told her she would be this unfortunate.
‘Take her to the akai ekpo with her
children…. For the land to be cleansed…. They have to die out in the
evil forest’ The chief priest sounded the gong and the procession
begun….
Something strange was going on… she felt it strange in her spirit…
Edem wasn’t alright….or maybe he had heard the news and had chosen to
spare himself from the tragedy.
She stepped into the thick forest and was enclosed in its eerie darkness… she cried, her babies cried….why was life so hard?
Just as the crowd made to return to the square, she heard some shouting….what was going on?
But she couldn’t step out of the forest or the gods could strike her dead….
‘edi o edi o, they have come to take us into slavery’ voices clashed ….
She quickly stepped out of the forest, maybe this was her opportunity to escape alive with the kids….
She ran as fast as her legs could carry her but she failed to see the man who followed her closely….he grabbed one of the babies and his horse galloped away…
People ran helter skelter, men were slaughtered like animals….and the whole land flowed with human blood…..where were the gods?.
‘come back no!’ she cried….but it was too late…another advanced towards her but she dodged and returned to the forest….
She had been among those who cursed Ntiense at the square, as they processed to the forest, they had been attacked by strange looking men.
She was badly injured and her intestines were falling out, she had come to warn her friend, who was no where to be found.
She stepped into the thick forest and was enclosed in its eerie darkness… she cried, her babies cried….why was life so hard?
Just as the crowd made to return to the square, she heard some shouting….what was going on?
But she couldn’t step out of the forest or the gods could strike her dead….
‘edi o edi o, they have come to take us into slavery’ voices clashed ….
She quickly stepped out of the forest, maybe this was her opportunity to escape alive with the kids….
She ran as fast as her legs could carry her but she failed to see the man who followed her closely….he grabbed one of the babies and his horse galloped away…
People ran helter skelter, men were slaughtered like animals….and the whole land flowed with human blood…..where were the gods?.
‘come back no!’ she cried….but it was too late…another advanced towards her but she dodged and returned to the forest….
You Are Reading: Whom The gods Have Blessed – The Final Episode
‘Uyai…..’ Asari called out weakly as she approached her friend’s house….but no one had answered….She had been among those who cursed Ntiense at the square, as they processed to the forest, they had been attacked by strange looking men.
She was badly injured and her intestines were falling out, she had come to warn her friend, who was no where to be found.
‘Abasikot, show your face.’ she cried weakly, still no response.
Then she lay on the ground ….slowly the pain ebbed away…and she felt light, she widened her eyeballs as a cloud of darkness enveloped her….she was dead.
‘We must hurry’ Abasikot urged his wife. They hadn’t gone to the square for Ntiense’s judgement…as soon as he heard the cries. He knew the Kauzas may have arrived.
They had been betrayed ….
‘ I can’t go on any longer’ Uyai breathed reminding him of her pregnant condition….the pregnancy had lasted far too long…
She had to return to her people…. She had to go, in her next life, she prayed she met Abasikot again. ‘ I have to go’ she cried weakly.
‘Go where’? I don’t understand.
Before he could say another word….a gust of wind lifted her up the trees and she vanished.
‘Abasi mmi!’ he cried fearfully…. Uyai had just vanished. Had he been married to a ghost? Or a spirit being?
No! he cried….he felt so alone….then he began to hear voices. He didn’t understand why they called his name…but he began to laugh with them…. A lunatic was born.
Then she lay on the ground ….slowly the pain ebbed away…and she felt light, she widened her eyeballs as a cloud of darkness enveloped her….she was dead.
‘We must hurry’ Abasikot urged his wife. They hadn’t gone to the square for Ntiense’s judgement…as soon as he heard the cries. He knew the Kauzas may have arrived.
They had been betrayed ….
‘ I can’t go on any longer’ Uyai breathed reminding him of her pregnant condition….the pregnancy had lasted far too long…
She had to return to her people…. She had to go, in her next life, she prayed she met Abasikot again. ‘ I have to go’ she cried weakly.
‘Go where’? I don’t understand.
Before he could say another word….a gust of wind lifted her up the trees and she vanished.
‘Abasi mmi!’ he cried fearfully…. Uyai had just vanished. Had he been married to a ghost? Or a spirit being?
No! he cried….he felt so alone….then he began to hear voices. He didn’t understand why they called his name…but he began to laugh with them…. A lunatic was born.
You Are Reading: Whom The gods Have Blessed – The Final Episode
Epilogue………….
Days had passed and he hadn’t come across any life as he passed through villages….all that was left were ashes from burnt huts and wailing women….
Some wailed for their husbands and some wailed for their children…but nothing could be done to bring them back…..
He neither ate nor drank ….only the thought of her kept him alive….he had heard from whispers…that she had given birth to twins and they were thrown into the evil forest ….but he chose to believe…
She had to be alive for him, now he’d lost everything…. His name, his title…. …………………………………………………………….
‘So how did you escape’? Ntiense was curious as Inieyo narrated the story of her abduction by the cloaked men….
‘They just asked me questions about the seven clans, then tied me up for no reason, at midnight before the massacre, one had mercy on a blind old woman’
‘May the gods be praised’ Ntiense responded weakly….
Stories of the slaughtering of the Edidem and his household weakened her, Edem was gone and never to return…
That wasn’t enough her baby had been stolen from her…. ‘everything will be fine…’ the old woman consoled her….
For all they knew, they were the only ones left in the land, many were taken as slaves and others died while some couldn’t be found.
Days had passed and he hadn’t come across any life as he passed through villages….all that was left were ashes from burnt huts and wailing women….
Some wailed for their husbands and some wailed for their children…but nothing could be done to bring them back…..
He neither ate nor drank ….only the thought of her kept him alive….he had heard from whispers…that she had given birth to twins and they were thrown into the evil forest ….but he chose to believe…
She had to be alive for him, now he’d lost everything…. His name, his title…. …………………………………………………………….
‘So how did you escape’? Ntiense was curious as Inieyo narrated the story of her abduction by the cloaked men….
‘They just asked me questions about the seven clans, then tied me up for no reason, at midnight before the massacre, one had mercy on a blind old woman’
‘May the gods be praised’ Ntiense responded weakly….
Stories of the slaughtering of the Edidem and his household weakened her, Edem was gone and never to return…
That wasn’t enough her baby had been stolen from her…. ‘everything will be fine…’ the old woman consoled her….
For all they knew, they were the only ones left in the land, many were taken as slaves and others died while some couldn’t be found.
She paused as she had another vision…. The prince was alive and he’d just entered their territory.
‘Your prince is coming back to you’
‘I don’t know what to believe anymore…the gods have not been kind to me…’
‘You speak of your baby that was snatched…. She was the promised child the deity told me about, no matter how long it may take, she will find you and you will find her….she shall bring you great glory’
He was going to die soon, he knew that, but he had to see her…..just her face and he’d die a happy man….
‘Somebody there’? he called out as he heard the echo of voices….
His strength couldn’t carry him anymore, he fell to the ground and began to pant like an antelope for water….
……………………………………………………..
‘Did you hear that’? Ntiense heard a voice….they weren’t alone.
‘Yes, he is here, go ahead’
She held her baby tightly while Inieyo followed behind….then her heart stopped…. ‘may the gods be praised’ she broke down….he was alive! Her prince was alive! ‘Ntiense… I love you’ he muttered… He was slipping away.
‘Your prince is coming back to you’
‘I don’t know what to believe anymore…the gods have not been kind to me…’
‘You speak of your baby that was snatched…. She was the promised child the deity told me about, no matter how long it may take, she will find you and you will find her….she shall bring you great glory’
You Are Reading: Whom The gods Have Blessed – The Final Episode
He’d chosen a safer path….he entered the village through the woods….He was going to die soon, he knew that, but he had to see her…..just her face and he’d die a happy man….
‘Somebody there’? he called out as he heard the echo of voices….
His strength couldn’t carry him anymore, he fell to the ground and began to pant like an antelope for water….
……………………………………………………..
‘Did you hear that’? Ntiense heard a voice….they weren’t alone.
‘Yes, he is here, go ahead’
She held her baby tightly while Inieyo followed behind….then her heart stopped…. ‘may the gods be praised’ she broke down….he was alive! Her prince was alive! ‘Ntiense… I love you’ he muttered… He was slipping away.
‘Please don’t leave me…. I love you,
don’t go, stay with me’ she began to cry… If she lost him now, the gods
may as well take her.
‘I will stay strong for you’ he whispered and brought her hand to his face…. ‘Show me the child.’
She brought the baby closer to him then she broke down again.
She brought the baby closer to him then she broke down again.
‘They took her….did you hear?’ She wept…
‘I know….I swear to you, we will get her back’ he kissed her forehead. Then he wiped her tears with his palms.
‘You are my world…my life, my everything.’
…. To Be Continued.
You’ve Been Reading: Whom The gods Have Blessed – The Final Episode
Ntiense had given birth to twins and was sent to the evil forest to die but she is attacked by slave traders and one of the babies is taken from her.
The child is the promise from the gods, the Kauza slave master names her ‘Yashira’ for her rare beauty would bring him much wealth.
She grows up as a slave and when she is eighteen moon years old, she is sent to serve as a palace slave.
The Prince falls in love with her, but she cannot reciprocate his love for fear of being killed by the Sultan….
Islam rises slowly in the Kauza empire, but the indigenes still hold fast to their goddess Qar, to bring to life her prophecy of sending them a ‘JABILA’- a saving child who would save them all from the day of the dark armies… but a Jabila hasn’t been born in a hundred years according to historians.
Only a woman with the moon sign and blessing of scars from the moon goddess can give birth to a Jabila….
Yashira has the moon sign, a natural scar she was born with… could she be the only woman fit to bear the sultanic lineage a Jabila?
On the other hand, Yashira’s sister, mother and father re-united, but they haven’t given up hope on finding her.
COMING SOON!!!
PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO DROP YOUR COMMENTS, THANKS.
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