Midnight Reckoning

Afternoon Hours

As the day progressed, Ade's supervision moved outside the confines of the farm, this time with a guard and an assistant behind him. It was usually a short walk back and forth between his supervisions and business meetings—the best part of his day. However, Ade took slow steps as his eyes darted nervously around his surroundings. His agbada, stained with sweat, felt heavy under the hot day, yet he couldn't shake the overwhelming gloom that sent chills down his spine. It was all because of the farmer.

Earlier, Ade noticed everywhere they visited he was there, sure he wanted retaliation for being sacked. About to confront the lazy man, Ade saw shadows twisted and turned inside a store building where the farmer stood. His skin went pale as he screamed for his guard and assistant to bring out the farmer. By the time they entered, the farmer had disappeared... or rather, according to a confused store owner, he was never there.

Now as they walked on, Ade caught shadows moving inside every building they passed from the corner of his eyes and then suddenly stopped when his gaze focused on them. An unsettling feeling gripped his core. The guard and assistant found nothing in dark corners, nor someone hidden in the bushes they passed when he'd forced them to check. For the first time, Ade thought about the farmer's last words.

By the time the sun dipped lower, so did Ade's sanity recede as he shouted and cursed anyone who glanced at his haggard appearance. His guard and assistant who had taken the worst of it retreated far away but still kept watchful, concerned eyes on their oga.

Ade, unable to make out the unsettling emotions, turned his direction to another intelligent person other than himself.

The village healer welcomed and bypassed Ade through a dozen frustrated patients who waited their turn. They'd entered a small furnished room where Ade quickly settled down on a cushioned chair meant for the healer, who stared at Ade quietly for a moment before he sat on a wooden chair meant for patients, opposite the formidable man.

A calm collected man with white bushy hair, wrinkled skin, and a colourful patterned Ankara wrapped around one of his shoulders to his ankles, the healer spoke.

"Welcome Sir Ade."

"Thank you, healer. I'm glad you made time to see me on short notice—it's not every day you get this chance," Ade said in a matter-of-fact tone.

"Hmm... kind words from my most important patient."

"Your only important patient." Ade corrected.

"Of course." The healer mustered a smile. "What seems to be the problem?"

"I've felt strange all day. I keep seeing things that aren't there and my chest has become increasingly uncomfortable." Ade said with a frown.

"Hmm... well Sir Ade you know stress results from lack of rest which can cause you to see things that aren't there, especially with your heart condition. Did you take a day off like we discussed last time?

"A man of my calibre can't be bothered with a day off, my business needs me far too much."

But when the healer noticed Ade's hesitation, he pressed further. "Or is anything else bothering you, sir?" He too had heard of what conspired at his farm. "You must be honest so I may offer better judgement."

Ade glanced everywhere except the old man. He recalled his latest dreams, the strange sensation something watched him, the farmer and his ridiculous... curse.

But Ade was a man of action; words were not enough to sway mountains, least of all, death. As quickly as the thoughts came, he dismissed it.

"Nothing else. Only my tired mind playing tricks, I'm sure."

Resigned, the healer prepared a bottle of herbal concoction, his expression stern when he spoke.

"This medication will help you relax. I strongly advise you not to stress your weak heart. At this rate, lack of proper rest and medication can put your health at high risk and lead to confusion. Please sir, you must rest."