Thomas Fox.

A CLOSED DOOR MEETING

I woke up that morning with a bit of fear in me. I walked to my parents hut to give my greetings to them. I greeted my parents and they extended their own greetings back to me without any questions. I was happy because they suspected nothing.
Did your parents noticed you were away from home yesterdays night ?. Bolu asked as I was confronted by him on my way to the farm with father ahead of us. No!. They didn't.., in fact they were fast asleep. What about you ?. I asked back. No!. They didn't too. We all chatted as we walked to our farms.
Well..everyone one was talking about what might rap up for today. 'Everyone was at alert'. Yes., our farms we all got to safely, we ploughed and made ridges for the next planting season. Everyone was not carried away by their task, they all 'peared' their minds all around for safety, for they never trusted the men from beyond the sea.
Soon our ears were drawn by the sounds of feet's stamping on the earth.., it sounded as though they were matching. One by one everyone stood up to see for themselves what was going on. Soon the men became visible.,out of fear some men amongst us drew their weapons in case their were about to strike. But no!.. they were not matching to war.., they were matching to the Chiefs residence. From afar we saw someone running towards us " they are matching to the Chiefs palace for a very important meeting. All the neighbouring villages and their Chiefs would also be in attendance". Said the villager who ran to give us the news. Some amongst us followed the matching men from afar to see what might issue from the meeting. Soon the men's matching feet's came to a halt as the entered the chiefs courtyard, all village Chiefs saw the matching men enter the courtyard and Chief' Adebisi ordered they go in for the consideration of the meeting. Only the high ranked officials who were amongst the men went in with the Chiefs.
Soon there was murmuring every were as people began to asked one another what might be of say and of conclusion at the end of the closed door meeting.

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Greetings'... a high ranked official said as he started the meeting with proper introductions. Akintolu' was amongst them interpreting. Akintolu was taught for many days the language of the white men in other that their messages may be understood by the people and chiefs.
"We're here for a reason. We have sailed through many seas and crossed through turbulent storms. Our main reason for sailing here is for more work hand. You see.., we are.. building our country but our men are not enough for we fear that time is really not on our side.., we have not even completed our walls for we fear our surrounding neighbours who are a threat to us might vent an attack on us. We beg that you please release some of your strong men and women to us to help build our country., but there's a reward for their labouring hands with us, we shall return them back to you as soon as we have completed construction. They will be returned with treasures and knowledge and they will also help build your city with what they have learnt from us". Said the official.
At the end of his statements the chiefs were a bit confused and a they had a 'sly' trust of the men in their minds. Soon Chief' Banjo' broke the silence and asked "how true are your words that we are able to trust them". Yes..Yes.. How true are they.., all chiefs chorused back. Bringing out the round object that had the three sticks with two moving, the official handed it over to the chiefs saying " this is a pocket watch, we use it to look up the time" the chiefs were amazed by this 'treasury inventory'.. More will be given to you if you agree to our deal. Also bringing out a cylindrical object with a long protruded head with liquid in it. Handing it over he said "this is a bottle with whisky in it., only men drink this..mature grand men. Taking a sip of the whisky the official also encouraged the chiefs to do the same. Chief' Adebisi took a sip while other chiefs looked on for his say in the liquor. Its good..it's good he said.. Taking a sip also the chiefs nodded their heads in affirmation. The high official also brought out shoes and also the reflecting object and finally their weapon. This is a gun it works with gun powder we'll also teach you on how to use and make one if and only if you agree to our deal. This weapon gives you more edge over your enemies. Its a killing machine. The chiefs looked keenly at themselves and discussed silently deliberating on if they should give in to their proposed deal. While they were doing this, the officials looked at themselves with smile on their faces 'finally we got them'. Yes we agree to your deal all chiefs said in agreement. They never considered on hearing the peoples own opinion on the matter.., they were pursuing their own selfish desires. An official said " very well then ..., more of all this will be given to you, and more will be given to those who returned from our land with them.

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Our attentions were drawn as we saw the chiefs and the officials coming out.
We had a meeting and have come to a conclusion that some of our men and women will go with this men to their land to help in building their cities. Those who went with them will be returned back to us with a reward and new knowledge and skill. We have all striked a deal.., Chief' Adebisi said.
Everyone was shocked by his words. Soon their was commotion and murmuring then it all came to a silent halt..... No!!! We won't go with them.., this is were we were born., never will we plunder in another mans soil. A villager said in annoyance. Soon everyone joined in and began shouting "No!No!". This annoyed the chiefs and the officials. We have made the decision and its final said the chiefs. No!., you don't make decisions for us.., we won't go.., we won't.
Everyone left the chiefs courtyard with an angered heart. I followed the angry crowd back to our various activities, some back to his home with anger.
We have made a deal and its final. Or we use force. The chiefs never said anything as they saw the officials left the courtyard.
I followed father back home. We abandoned our work on the farm leaving it for the next day. Everyone's lips were uttering bitter and engrieved words.
Little did we know that the next day would lay a turning point in our lives.
Now the story of my ordeal in slavery begins.