The Spirit Killer

CHAPTER ONE HOW IT ALL BEGAN

This world, which is earth, as we know, is filled with mysteries; from the pyramids of Egypt down to the controversial Bermuda triangle; and even to the thick forest of the Amazon.
All these mysteries at one time or the other have been tried to be given reasonable conclusions. But there are some you can’t explain; you just have to… believe it!
You’ve read books and watched films about life after death; to all one word “Spirits” or “Ghosts” , you have, from experience of these books and films, deduce the fact that there are good and bad spirits; and that the ultimate end of each will either be heaven or hell. I love watching films/movies and reading books about stuff like that but I never anticipated that in my much cherished existence that I would actually be involved in the battle between good and evil.
It was a Monday morning; it was the beginning of the second month in the year. I was on my way to work. I run a small business centre in the environs of iju. I am a part-time teacher at a secondary school I teach Biology twice a week. The previous night I couldn’t sleep because of the unusual dream I had. In my dream I was surrounded by five figures claded in black. It was obvious to me that they were not happy about something and I was going to be blamed for it. Although their faces were hidden, I knew that they weren’t human. Somehow they seemed afraid but they didn’t show it but I could feel it. It was when their fight wanted to start, that I woke up. In the darkness of my room I could see a figure in white disappearing. Initially I was scared but within a short time I conquered the fear.
Now I was in my office pondering over the thing when my assistant came in.
“Good morning, sir”, she said smiling.            
“Good morning and how was your weekend?” I replied not returning the smile.
“Oh! It was …great”, she said sitting herself in front of me. She then began to narrate how she spent her entire weekend to me. I just sat there and nodded occasionally. When she was through she got up and set about her office work. Her name was Glory. She is above five feet, slim and light in complexion. She had just completed her secondary school education and was also running a part-time course. That’s why she decided to work during the week days and go to school weekends but her school was still on holiday that’s why she was able to spend the weekend attending three different parties.
Not much happened during the course of the day except the usual business activities. It was in the evening after closing for the day, I had decided to visit one of the local eateries. I spent more than an hour there just sitting and munching on a very tasty snack before ordering for some ice- cream. It was past eight in the night when I left. I decided to walk hoe since the evening was cool; besides I wasn’t in a hurry to get home. I left the main road and took one of the numerous short-cuts to my apartment at Obawole. Not too many took the route I was now taking; especially at night. It was a narrow road that leads to a valley which was connected to a hill by a wooden bridge. The houses were not much except when you had crossed the little bridge.
  As I descended the hill, making my way towards the ridge I felt I was being watched. I have had that feeling from the time I left the office but I couldn’t see anyone in sight. I turned round but there was no one there. I continued walking. For me, I had learned to control every form of fear that came to me. I had also learned to defend myself over the years. Martial arts, boxing and a little wrestling as well; but I never really used it. I rarely got into fights where skills will be required. Maybe it's because I don’t really have a social life. Don’t get me wrong, I have friends but I am not really that close to any of them. They can sometimes mislead you, believe me, I speak from experience. Now, let's get back to the story.
I had almost got to the bridge when I heard, very faintly, a sound behind me. Instantly I was alert. I was ready to defend and attack at the same time. I didn’t turn immediately I still took two steps forward before turning slightly. From the corner of my right eye I could see someone moving towards me. I moved a little to my left and turned sharply. The sudden change in movement caused the figure to halt in his tracks.
“I see that you are more vigilant and faster than they said you would be”. He said smiling.
Mark said nothing. He appraised the individual standing before him head to toe. He was tall, slim and had the build of an athlete. He was clean shaven, both head and face. The striking thing about him was his light green eyes. He was dressed in dark blue jacket to match. He smiled and said.
“At least they were right about you being on the quiet side.”
“Who are they? Come to think of it; who are you?” asked Mark who had now folded his arms across his chest.
“You’re going to find this very hard to believe” he replied.
Mark scoffed and said:
‘If “they” told you so much about me; they should have told you that nothing surprises me’. “Trust me, THIS will surprise you.” He replied.
“Yep, I sure will.” Replied Mark sarcastically.
His companion smiled. He knew mark was mocking him; he also knew that Mark would think his story was farfetched; he had to convince him fast because time was of the essence.
Mark glanced past him; he also turned round to see what had caught his attention. Three guys were descending from the hill and coming towards them.
“Perhaps it would be better we talked at your place.” He turned round to face Mark again.
‘I’m not taking you to my house. I don’t know you that well.” He replied.
“Who said anything about you taking me there?” Having said that he grabbed Mark’s hand and they disappeared.