MAIDENS

MAIDENS 15

It was another five days when Adelola was allowed to leave the hospital. As soon as they escorted her home and ensured she was resting, they enjoyed a meal at the insistence of her very grateful mother. Though they had initially refused, Wura was very grateful for that meal of Amala and Ewedu. It meant she would not need to prepare an evening meal seeing as it was so close already to the time of the day when they usually ate. Less work meant more Iwe-Mimo time.

When she got to the door of her room, she registered that her father was still standing behind her instead of moving down to his room so she turned with a raised brow. "Yes? Anything for me, Father?"

Her father smiled and pushed himself into her room. "Can I not spend time with my daughter again without looking like a criminal?"

"Ehhh? All these days we stayed with Lola at the clinic was not enough 'time spending?'"

"No, it was not and it was not the same thing." The man dived onto her bed.

Wura found herself laughing as she followed him inside. She sat on her table and opened the Iwe-Mimo down without looking at it and turned back to her father. "Okay, tell me the real reason for this visit. What is it?

Her father caught her seriousness and sat up. "After this scenario with your friend, I realized that many of us, the elders of this community take some things for granted. We have not been very faithful in carrying out our responsibilities. Through the days we waited on Lola, I kept wondering what would have happened if it were you then it struck me that I may not really know you too."

"Father, you know me," Wura said.

"I do not think I do. Only the king has the power to know anybody inside and out. We also have not exposed you to many matters of our kingdom even the things that plagued former generations. I cannot remember when the Iwe-Mimo became a national treasure that only is seen on field days by the students and on festivals by the people. In my father's time, it was not so." Wura could not say much because she had noticed these errors earlier too.

"So I am here now to tell you that if you ever need anything or have any challenges, you can talk to me and I will try my best to find a solution to it. Also, concerning your mission with the chosen maidens..."

Wura heard "chosen maidens" and the tingling at the back of her neck started. She only had time to say, "Father" when she began to fall and landed into strong arms. The buzz moved from its initial position at the back of her neck and bursts into colours before her eyes.

Out of the colours, she saw three maidens talking and laughing in a place very similar to her village and yet distinct. They all came running from different directions and met at the centre, all holding the King's Royal Invitation. They danced together in excitement and carefully wore the slim white bands on their foreheads. Then an elegant man who looked wealthy had been watching them with greed in his eyes as he appreciated their waist movements. He approached them now with a huge case, showcasing pearls, pieces of jewellery and gold coins but all three ladies laughed at him incredulously at his actions.