Overthrown #ProjectNigeriaUC2017

Chapter 4

Nwibari was her name, the name of the healer who treated me back to life and who had also become my mistress. With time, I had recovered but I still remained in her hut helping her in her domestic duties as well as in taking care of the sick brought to her. I was faithful and very dutiful. After all she had tended me back to life so I owed her allegiance. She had taken a liking to me and had decided to keep me. I wondered if she had bought me later on or had manoeuvred her way into keeping me without paying a cowry. Nobody had come to demand for me and I did not bother asking her why. Somehow, I had come to like her and taken her as the aunty I never had. In a strange land far from home, I found solace here.

Some time ago, she had explained to me, to the best of her knowledge, what had led to the invasion. Eleishiali, the greatest kingdom in the whole Ikwerre land, did not only have control of other Ikwerre villages but had also subjected three other kingdoms to its rule - Apaba, Ugbuland, and the Wakiri kingdom- a riverine kingdom. Eleishiali had seized hold of their powers, colonised them and had sent colonial masters to teach these kingdoms a common language, Ikwerre. This was to make it easier to rule over them but what had at first seemed a very effective device for the Ikwerres, also became a very powerful tool for these three colonised kingdoms.

Because these kingdoms shared a common language, they could communicate easily among themselves. Naturally, all three kingdoms despised the Ikwerre rule and plotted on how to eliminate their arch-enemy. Years passed, plans were made and leaders were raised. Eventually, all three kingdoms were able to seize power from the Ikwerre colonial masters in their respective lands. United and stronger, they easily defeated Eleishiali, got rid of the royal family and took over every single village in Ikwerre land. After more than a century of colonialism, they had all succeeded in liberating themselves. Freedom was regained but at the same time, freedom was lost. For those whose case was the latter, the future only looked bleak and gloomy.

I had come to accept my fate but my heart still ached to see my mother, Wami and Papa. Time had passed and the realisation that I may never see them again had finally dawned on me. Were they alive? If so, were they alright? Where were they? These questions and others would just have to remain unanswered. If we were to never see again, so be it. I had come to learn that truly, this life was not really ours,if not we could always control the circumstances around us. The best we can do is to live as good people and leave everything to Him. After all, it was He who created the world, controlled it and knew the future. Whatever may come, I could only it all into His hands.

" Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."- Joshua 1:9

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He treaded cautiously, making the smallest possible noise as he made his way with little difficulty in the forest under the moonlight. More than twice, he had looked behind him to make sure he was not followed. He did not want anybody to discover him...or her. She had said that they would meet by this time in the dense forest. They could not risk being seen together; it had only raise suspicions. He never minded what she suggested so long he got to see her.

At last, he got to the spot they always met but he did not see her. He wondered if he was in the wrong place.

'Chikweri,' a voice called out softly.

That was her voice. He looked around but only heard leaves rustle. Then she appeared. She looked beautiful as ever even under the dim light. She was dressed in her usual apparel - a bead cap, bead accessories, lace blouse and a short wrapper. She smiled when she saw him.

'Ebiere,' he called out pleased.

'I hope you were not followed?' she asked peering behind him.

'No,' he assured her.