Chapter Seventeen

“I have you old one," I answered, my reply sent him into another bout of laughter.

“You’re not only brave but cunny, surely Ogun did not have my backing but you could, if you are willing to accept my patronage; for your skills, strength and iron cutlass will avail you not when you face the daemon deity."

"Who are you who calls Ogun the terrible war god with such familiarity."

"I am Shokoti the elder smith god, he proclaimed, rising up to his full height, it was at my bellows that a young Ogun learnt his trade.’’

I bowed and payed homage.

“Then you must surely have a weapon that can defeat Elegbara I implored.”

Shokoti smiled and answered, “why ask a yam farmer if he knows how to plant and grow cassava, for if he can cultivate yam he will surely know the secret behind planting cassava for are they not both tuber? surely that was not the question I expected from you.