Way of The Pride

6| The Surprise

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"I heard a strange rumour, my friend."

Agada pretended not to hear as he watched the forest. Although he could not see the birds, the sound of their wings flapping about reached his ears, announcing their presence. It was dulled by the gentle sway of leaves brushing against each other.

The wind was in his favour today. Whenever it got too windy the birds started to hide. An experienced hunter could find it hard to hunt in such a situation.

"Has it gotten to the point where you ignore me?"

"It has when all you seem to speak about these days are rumours."

Ibe laughed heartily as they turned on another trail nestled between a copse of obeche trees. The birds here moved freely not paying heed to the intruders in their territory.

"It is not my fault news comes to find me." He rose his chin in the air as if it was something to be proud of.

He shook his head at his friend's antics.

The path was laden with dry leaves that rustled beneath their feet - announcing their presence in the forest. If this were to be the territory of wild animals they would have either scared them off or be hunted in hordes.

"Did you really bring a strange man home?" Ibe pushed, not wanting to let go of the bone.

He shot him a glare. "You do know that we are supposed to be silent while hunting right?"

"It is a good thing that we have a lot of catch today." Ibe pointed at the dozens of birds circling the air and the top of the trees.

There was one thing he admired about him. Ibe was not a master in any craft. He was not as skilled as he was in hunting nor was he adept in the ways of the sword like their other friend, Amuobi. Yet what he lacked in talent he made for with his strong will and annoying persistence.

He had witnessed it one too many times to know that Ibe would not let the matter go unless he told him what he wanted to hear. A defeated sigh left him as he lowered his bow to his side. Like he said, the birds were not going anywhere.

Agada narrated what happened as they trudged through the forest grounds, mindful of hunters traps. He left out the part about the visions, not wanting to admit to anyone or himself that it meant anything.

Ibe was lost for words. His already large eyes widened in disbelief as he stopped in his tracks.

"I can not believe your father let him stay."

He crossed his arms. "Have you ever known him to turn away someone in need?"

Ibe nodded in agreement.

"Besides, my father is only nursing him till he wakes up and regains his full strength. He did help save his son after all." He grumbled at the last part, not liking the idea of being rescued like a helpless maiden.

Ibe caught onto his annoyance and of course, like the good friend that he was, teased him mercilessly.

"If I may speak seriously, my friend, I advice you to be careful of the stranger. As exciting as the thought of uncovering his identity is, we still do not know if he poses a threat when he eventually wakes."