Survival Of The Cursed

𝕮𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖊𝖗 9᯾ 𝕱𝖆𝖈𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕭𝖊𝖆𝖘𝖙𝖘

Meanwhile, the squeaking and hissing of the Ninki Nanka continued.

'Grrrrrrr!'

The naked man jolted in fear.

"Help me, the gods of our land! Save us, the gods of our lands!" His shaky lips silently quivered the prayers as it they were going to be his last. No body knew what was going to happen the next minute.

"This means we are cursed! Those stupid slaves cast evil spell on our gods! This shouldn't have happened! Why now?! Why today?!" The old chief snarled at him.

"Excuse me royalties, I'm from Odo-Ara." A man with tribal marks introduced. "I can't hold a sword neither can I kill anyone let alone, a legendary, serpentine creature. I know I might soon die but I want to be positive. Like our prince, I'm positive, that I'd somehow escape this."

"What's your point exactly?!" The chief hissed.

"Tell me your names and linages, and I will compose songs of eulogy for the both of you."

"Huh!"

"I'd sing songs of your bravery and generosity, in memorial of course. This could serve as hope for others." He held his bàtá drum and drumsticks under his arm."

"You think this is fun? You are at the verge of death and you still want to keep someone entertained! Are you dump or dead? You should also fight!" The chief instructed.

He felt the gravity of the words and once in his life time, he felt like a different person. Ordinarily, he would have killed the slave without second thoughts.

The drummer smiled bitterly, with the knowledge that he might die with his drum at hands. At least, it would be an honorable death. He didn't expect less.

The doors started cracking. As if somehow, it was loosing it's strength. The groan of the creatures outside thundered like the treble when pitch is shifting. The aggressive Ninki Nanka pushed with their scaly bodies.

"Push harder, they mustn't come in!" Banjoko shouted in ancient Yoruba.

Although, others didn't understand, they pushed harder. It was over thirty minutes and the push and pull was still going. Everyone was tired, the cracky door cried out for help. The creatures were domineering the struggle, they were stronger.

Iretiola, who just came out from the giant's chamber walked out in surprise. As if she'd missed a lot. She find her way to Yotifa's side and asked... "What's going on?"

"We have no idea what's at the door. This might be our last minute alive. Would you help me with a charm, maybe?"

"I know the creature. They would definitely burn this hall in feisty. I can see that already. Only few of us would survive."

"Are you saying I might die?"

"Maybe. If the gods will it, we would live."

"Open the doors! I want you to hide yourself along with the twin egg once they're in!" Yotifa instructed. "Be ready, and no matter what, never lose the egg!"

"I'd rather lose my life first!" She smiled and walked twords the door.

Everyone stepped away and took position to attack. With deep breaths, ready to strike

"Be ready! They are closer. It's only five of them..." Bankoko announced as their cry sounded like faded lion's roar, though closer.

"One, two, three!!!"

The animals hit hard on the door and invaded the hall. The ground shake to their might and giant size. Yotifa's jaw dropped to the ground, he could believe what what was coming, right in front of him. Asa's eyes widened in bewilderment and yelled.