IKONGA!

7

The cloth covering the entrance was whipped to the side as Kulo barged into the hut and quickly came to his uncle's side.

"Kona!, what are you doing here?", it was Mama.

"No time Mama. How is Uncle? The fire has not blazed yet Mama I can heal him", his hands were already wandering over Njobu's feeble body.

"Kona my boy come close. You are finally here", his voice was raspy and had not a single hint of the usual jovial tone that decorated it.

"Get him water, please", Mama directed Chechondu.

Chechondu gave an indignant look. "Why dathent the little one go inthted"

"I will never understand what is wrong with old people...", Kulo muttered as he turned to leave the hut.

"You little rat! I heard that. Don't you dare think I did not hear you, you should know by now it is the duty of the young generation to-". Kukola began.

"Kukola... it is enough!"

"Little warrior...do not bother. I have little time left anyway. The Ozuna have spoken. It cannot be undone-."His voice was gentle but strained as if he was forcing the words out of his mouth.

"Uncle, I can do something please let me."Kona pleaded.

"No Kona. It is of no use. I have a message for you, a very important one. Everyone leave us."

"Njobuka-"

"This is my wish." He cut her off "Will you deny a fading man's last wish? Where is the honour in that Rahika? Take care of my wife and children. I trust no one else with the task" and with a whisper, he added..... "even the King."

Through the tears and sobs that earned a small chuckle from Raha, Mama.

"Oh, Njobuka...."

Just then, the wind picked up outside and flapped the sides of the tent, making it shake a little. They could see a yellow glow from outside through the tent.

It was beginning...

"Leave us now. Immediately! What I have to say is not for all ears." Njobu glanced at his family around him.

"I shall remain with Kona, the rest please move out.!"

Chechondu ushered everyone outside quickly and he remained behind with Kona and Njobu. .The minute they stepped outside they could feel the charge in the air. Everybody could actually.

They had stopped murmuring and slowly everyone was putting out their torchlights while getting in a circle around the tent. In the front line stood all the Kumolo warriors in their glory flanking Epasu on both sides. They were wielding their staffs and had come in honour of their fellow warrior as was the tradition of Ikonga. Their bodies were painted in various white patterns in tune with the occasion.

Epasu and the warriors gave a bow as greeting to her highness. She acknowledged their greeting with a small nod not at all in the mood to talk. Epasu seemed to understand and gave her a meaningful look.

"Be strong my dear."

The crowd began to part and everybody got to their knees as a party made its way to the front. It was the King and his advisors. If before it was silent, it was nothing compared to now. King Onkwaba walked with an air around him that demanded respect, honour and to know his presence. His crown made him look even taller and his robes further complimented his large build. His steps were even, measured and deliberately slow. Not in a careless type of slow but the slow that knew, saw and understood things others did not. His demeanour could be felt as he made his way through the crowd of bowed heads.

"My King."

"Rise, Rahika." he urged.

"I have been familiarised of the happenings with my messengers. I believe Kona is still inside", he stated.

"Yes, My King."

"Then we wait.", he replied in calm and collected tone.

It was only a few moments that passed when the wind picked up more violently and the fire in the middle roared in huge flames. A few seconds more and it blazed so bright and so hot, the rest of the crowd except the Kumolo moved back. For them, it was not right to turn from the vigour of the power that they represented. In spite of the heat that pained and almost scorched their skin, they would bear it all with honour.

At that moment, they raised their staffs towards the sky and bellowed...

" JAAH..KWA AJILI YA IKONGA SIKU ZOTE!"

In an even more raucous voice, Epasu exclaimed...

"TUENDELEE KUIMARISHA UMOJA, USHIRIKIANO, UPENDO NA HESHIMA". His powerful voice could be heard loud and clear. It echoed in the valley.

"SIKU ZOTE!", the rest returned and their one voice tore through the night.

*****

It was a week since Njobu had left. Kona was sitting on a log at the bank of the stream alongside the forest with his feet in the water.

He couldn't stop thinking of what his uncle had told him.

The terror in his eyes when he told Kona flashed through his mind and he thrashed the water in anger and frustration. He could not share with anyone what his uncle had told him. He remembered his words clearly.

"What I am about to tell you...it belongs to you alone. No one is to be trusted Kona. Even if they can be trusted, they are much safe without possession of this knowledge. It is better this way."

He heard a twig snap behind followed by a growl. That triggered something in his memory. He immediately came out of the water and took a warrior stance, crouching low with his hands held before him ready. His hearing and eyesight were in alert too, intent to detect any motion or change in his surroundings. He lowered his breathing to enhance his hearing and moved his gaze around him slowly and carefully.

Seconds passed and something flashed in the trees. Quick as a flash he shot out and tackled what appeared to be a small creature half his size to the ground. He froze when he was about to deliver a deadly blow to the supposed harmful creature. A burst of giggles and laughter stopped him.

No way.

All the adrenaline and thrill of the fight left him.

He did not see this coming.

"You little!..."

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How was it?! :) you have to tell me! LOL!

So are you excited for more? You better be, cause more is definitely on the way.

Quick random question; What's your favourite movie? you wouldn't believe mine if I told you but you have to tell me yours first. I'll spill mine in the next author's note if you tell me.

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Glossary;

Kwa ajili ya Ikonga siku zote: For Ikonga always.

Tudumishe umoja, ushirikiano,upendo an heshima! : May unity, harmony,love and respect prevail!

Siku zote: Always, but literally it means 'all days'.

Until next time,

With much love,

Your Ikonga storyteller!