This is the book of motherhood and the things which many women pass through in order to raise their children or safekeeping of their families. it is the first book written by inspired online Author Patson Phiri from Zambia in Africa.
Morning was greeted with jubilation from the people of Chiponta village. The maidens and women are seen moving with pots of water in a hurry to and fro, a fireplace already lit with a pleasant aroma coming from the pots on it.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
People and Headmen from neighbouring villages came earlier after hearing the great news of anewbornking to be.
"Ican't wait toseeourfutureking'sface", excitedly says one of the village headmen.
"Itis a signmy elders," followed the other, "aking'schild born on the celebration of the new moon, it is a sign from the gods."
"I know it is a sign", agreedtheoldestheadmanamongthegroup.
" My elders! ", interups Kunjalo the king's messenger, Today is the day we people of Chiponta shall have to remember for generations to come", He paused then continued, " For you all heard the news that now, the great one, the king of Chiponta, leader of our kingdom has been blessed by the gods. The great one the king, now has a Son, the future king of our land. Today is the day of initiation for our future king. Please be merry and be at peace for the day has come!!!", he shouts.
Then drums starts beating and all the people young and old starts dancing. The headmen share greetings and salutations then took their seats in wait of the King to arrive and celebrate with them.
In the old thatched house, is filled with silence and warmth. The fire is still burning since last night and the women were still in it. One of the women is preparing porridge, next to her is the old woman. After cooking, she give porridge to the old woman, " go and give it to her, mother, " she says.
The old woman takes porridge and enters the room where the woman who gave birth to the King's son was asleep. After shaking her a few times, she opens her eyes slowly,
"Drink my child," the old woman says, "to gain your strength back."
"Where is my child?" She asks.
"The child is in good hands Mwatita, so you don't have to worry." She answers For Mwatita was the name of the woman who gave birth to the King's son.
"I want to see him," she says with tears in her eyes.
In no time the old woman calls out to the woman who was holding the baby. The woman comes and gives the baby to Mwatita.
"Now drink my child," the old woman cries, "the initiation will start soon."
The King arrives where the people were gathered. The drums stops playing, all the people stand in respect to the king. Then king sits on his throne and all the people shout," khooomo!!!" to the king then took their seats
"My people," starts Kunjalo," in the name of our king i greet you all, Today, we are celebrating for the gods have shown their love to our people. They have given us the seed of our king, a new seed has emerged in the house of our king, a new seed that will serve us in the future as our King", he paused and looks to the old thatched house and called out, " bring out our king and mother so that we start the ceremony". (The ceremony is to present the child for all people to see and the gods of their forefathers)
Then the drums starts beating, All the women starts coming out of the old thatched house one after the other. Last to come was the old woman with the child in her hands and the mother behind her. In no time, ululations filled the air and dances. The old woman hands over the child to the master of initiation then sits down on the ground with the mother. After the initiation was, the master of initiation hands over the child to the king. Then silence is restored. The king stands and shouts, " behold your future king!!!"
Then cheers ring the arena. This day, the people celebrated and feasted like no other day before. Wine and meat was served to both young and old. The finest cattle was picked from the kraal and the finest wine was brewed. After the celebration was over at midnight, the king gives the child back to the mother and say his goodnight. He goes to his house to sleep. With tiredness from the jubilation, the king just goes straight to his bed and take a deep sleep. Then he starts dreaming.
