IKONGA!

5

The drums got closer and closer as they walked in the night to their destination.

Though she didn't like to admit it, she dreaded seeing what was awaiting her.
"Oh Ozuna why now, why Njobu, why us? did we wrong you in any way precious fathers . Do have mercy." This was her mantra throughout the way.

As they made their descent on the small hill that led to the village grounds she could see the orange flames dancing in the dark from the torches that the group held. She also noticed that the big fire in the centre of it all was not blazing yet.

A bit of relief came through her.

He was still with them.

How much time he had left she did not know and she definitely did not want to take it for granted. With that thought in mind she urged the rest to walk faster.

If the spirits had arrived to take her brother, their presence would be felt through the elements the strongest among them being fire. It would blaze so hot and burn so bright it could be blinding to the eye. It also towered so high , some say it's tongues kissed the sky.

However no one was sure since none had dared risk their eyesight to blindness.Which is why during the taking only the big fire was left alit lest their torch fire burn them in the process.

Old Chechondu had once forgotten to take his fire out and the consequences of his actions are seen until date.

His very smooth and shiny bald egg of a head as Kulo would describe it.

They drew closer to the group and the minute the villagers noticed them, they began to part to let them through towards the centre. Most had solemn looks on their faces.

The overwhelming feeling in her multiplied ten fold.

It's true then.
It is all real...

Her steps faltered and immediately Kulo and Kukola moved to grasp her hands. They squeezed her hands for assurance. The mere action was so that they could comfort and assure her but it only threatened tears in her eyes. The treacherous things already started pooling in her eyes, blurring her line of vision.

"Mama, you're not moving. Everyone is watching." Kulo slightly nudged her.

"I'm sorry" she said,her voice breaking. Then she viciously wiped the tears in her eyes hoping no one saw her like this. It was not fit for her subjects to see her in this state of weakness.

"Clear the tent, her highneth hath arrived. Hurry we do not have mush time. Bring in her veil too and the washing cloth." Chechondu's voice could be heard. He had a unique way of speaking,what they call Kithembe due to his lack of teeth.

They closed the remaining distance and finally reached the tent pausing a bit to absorb the sudden turn of events.
"Thith way my my lady" Chechondu ushered her and the rest into the tent
"I do not thee the printh, where ith he? "
"Not now Chechondu we shall explain everything after here" Kukola answered him.
"Bonkath! We need him, poor Njobu hath been muttering hith name. We shall thend for him immediately!"
"Chechu you mean Bonkers?...and Kona is too weak to make the journey here" Kulo provided.

"Hmmm... I know what you speak fully well. I forethaw hith epithode in my vishion today. He should be well by now ath a matter of fact I know the boy." he nodded more to himself "He is rethilient, he shall be on hith way wanth he figurth out the weakneth hath fully left hith body. Oh yeth... now in you go Shoo!"

That left them all speechless.

"Whath are you waiting for? Get your legth moooving!" Chechondu pushed the flabbergasted group into the tent.
The minute they entered the tent, the atmosphere changed. It was not only because the air was stuffy but also because of the body that lay in the midst of all the crying women who were slowly getting up one by one and exiting through the opening on the opposite side of the tent.

After a few moments only the crying and sobbing wife was remaining and had to be lifted by her daughters since she was reluctant to move from the body of her husband.

"Let her be" voiced Chechondu calmly.
The others left and Mama and her group moved close to Njobu. She knelt next to Ouna, Njobu's wife and wrapped her arms around her shoulder while she burst into even louder sobs and her body trembling.

"All shall be well" she spoke soothingly and her voice betrayed her real feelings. Once she was close enough she dared to glance at her brother. Who was she lying to. The overwhelming sadness made her break into sobs too.

"Njobuka"she called using his nickname when they were younger. She opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out.
What could she say? What would she say that could change the already planned fate of the Ozuna. They had spoken their wish and the drums had delivered the message.

He was to depart from them that night.

His eyes fluttered open and he began muttering something.
'Kona? bring Kona...'

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Why do you think he wants the young prince?
Can Njobu be saved?
It's all in the next chapters my pips!

Also just so you know, I deliberately wrote the words that Chechondu speaks like that. It's because he has a unique way of speaking he cannot pronounce words with 's' properly. He makes the sound 'th' instead. For instance he would say sausage...thothej...do you get it now?

Tell me what you thought I'd like to read your comments too! I absolutely adore comments :)
♡♥♡♥

Also how do you think I can get more people to read my story. I'd like to know your views ♡

Until next time!

With much love,
Your Ikonga story teller!

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