IKONGA!

1

"Aiiiii..... you can do better than that now," Kona said to his brother mockingly. 

Whoosh! 

Kulo's wooden staff missed Kona's head by less than an inch.

 Much better, Kona thought but then the staff made its way to Kulo's behind and he dropped to the ground whilst holding his behind and writhing in pain all too dramatically."If I remember correctly, I was to be your target and not your over naive behind" Kona told. He wiped the sweat of his brow with the back of his palm and offered his free hand to Kulo, trying to get him off the dusty ground.

Kona and his little brother, Kulo,  were just out their hut doing some Kudoko practice which Kulo insisted that Kona teach him. The boy with only his nine years of age had a passion for the defence art that amazed everyone at their household however Kona would never admit that to Kulo lest his head swells with too much pride.

He would have to wait for the choosing to see if he would pass and if he wouldn't, Kona knew his brother's spirit and ego would be crushed. He loved the art too much and even more, it would be a great shame for a Kumolo not to pass the choosing. They were destined to master the art and follow the footsteps of those before them, with this they also had the privilege of learning the art without permission of the Elders.

Kulo looked at his brother's hand and slapped it away, "Its unmistakably because I haven't come of age yet, you just wait and see brother, I will master the Kudoko and wield the staff like Epasu himself!''.

 Kona laughed, he just couldn't take the little boy seriously.

 "And how long will  that be brother if not six years to come, you have time to hone your skills and that, my brother,  is exactly what you have to do now instead of waiting for six long  years, now charge!"

"Aaargh..." Kulo once more charged for his brother with a ferocity that almost made Kona proud had it not been for the fact that he just sliced the air with  no particular target in mind."Focus on your target and don't let your anger blind you, rather channel it and let it fuel the impact of your blows" Kona said to Kulo.

 Kulo charged for his brother again. 

Whack! 

The staff was stopped effortlessly in mid-air by Kona's palm. It was aimed to hit his side.

 "Ouch...ah ah ah" Kulo dropped the staff, his hand burning from the impact. 

Kona walked to him."I thought you learned your lesson, steady your hands when you deliver your blows. I am not even using all my strength in blocking, you need to toughen up little one if you wish to live up to the Kumolo name". 

He knelt beside his brother to examine his wrist. 'Hhhmm'  it seems there was no need to use his healing powers. "That's enough for today  Kulo, remember we also have to get ready for the evening meal.". His wrist was not in bad shape, it only had a bit of shock. They sat on the ground and Kona began to massage Kulo's wrist."But I still want to fight kaka"

"Your persistence is admirable but look, the sun is setting we have been here long enough. We should get going before Mama has our throats".

Kulo beamed and nodded.

 "Nicely put Kaka".

They got up and made their way to the stream to wash up.

 As they walked they could see the sun setting. The sunset viewed from their Boma was truly a beautiful sight. They took their time walking as they drank in the view and let the warm light of the sun bathe them. It was a peaceful quiet during the sunset. Only the birds could be heard chirping. The animals were returning to their homes, the lions to their dens and the serpents and critters to their holes.