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ORIGIN - Chapter Twelve
Despite everything that had transpired between him and Isiewu, Echi still managed to feel happy. He was happy that all his years of prayers had been answered. He was elated the gods had finally paid him for all his faithfulness. When he got home, he was surprised to see a lot of people in his hut. The first person he recognized was his mother, who was sitting close to Olanna. His mother was rubbing Olanna’s stomach. Not too far away from his mother was his father, who was smiling widely.
“Bring them some kola nuts,” Echi said to Olanna.
“No! Leave her alone. Let her rest,” Abali replied.
The few women who came to visit clustered around Olanna, each wanting to see the big bulge in her stomach.
“You have become a man today,” Echi’s father said proudly. His voice was low and crackly, but he managed to let out his words in a clear and distinct form.
Echi laughed. “The gods have proven my potency as a man.”
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A wave is like a trembling man suffering from an unending seizure a panic attack with a glowing beam. Isiewu came the next day when the moon was taking a long stride and leaping beyond the boundaries of Umuolu to another part of the world. His footsteps sounded loudly, followed by a rattling sound caused by the staff he held in his hand. He struck his stick several times on the ground as he got closer to Echi’s compound. His movements were slow and steady. Precise.It was often said that when Isiewu walked in a hurry, he was being chased by his personal god for disobeying the task given to him, but when he walked slowly, especially when he wore his dreaded raffia cloth stained with blood in its centre, he was believed to be under the influence of Igweka-ala’s reserved spirit. Beliefs were essential to the people of Umuolu. They were the foundation of their existence.“Greetings to the eyes of the gods. You are welcome,&rdqu
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