Chapter 18: Prophecy of a new son

"Hei!" One of the messengers of Nge shrine shouted at Mazi Ileka who laid helplessly on the shrine's mat. He had been lying there for more than four hours and no one seemed to notice his presence as they were busy attending to their people. He stood up immediately and waited for further instructions.

"Drop two cowries in that calabash over there. You will be invited to see the Chief priest shortly." The messenger instructed.

Mazi Ileka walked towards the big calabash that was partly buried in the ground. He was surprised, there was water inside the calabash. The water was crystal clear. However, it turned red immediately after Mazi Ileka dropped two cowries into it. The sudden change of color scared him. He suppressed his fear as he walked back to the mat. He laid on his back, bent his knees, and supported his head with his two hands.

Mazi Ileka had not eaten for the past three days and he was not hungry either. It was as if all the worms in his stomach had gone on strike. He was