Ije, who could not explain how she defeated the prince and his guard lowered her gaze when her grandfather threw the question at her. She did not know what came over her. There were so many things Ije was yet to discover about herself. This frightened her. Mazi Ileka was touched by her sudden countenance. He had never talked to her in such a manner. He knew Ije was holding up great responsibility. The least he could do for her was provide a sufficient backup for her. "Come to me, Ije," Mazi Ileka said softly. Ije went to him as she wiped her tears with the back of her palm. Her grandfather embraced her warmly. "Do not cry, my child. The gods are with you. Their strength succeeds when yours fails. This is your destiny." Mazi Ileka kneeled beside Ije and stroked her soft hair. "I'm sorry I did not inform you about your strength. I felt you are too young to understand. I feel so ashamed right now that you discovered it by yourself." "You knew?" Ije asked. "Yes, the old woman o

Ikenga had fully recovered from the injury he sustained during the fight he had with Ije. He had earlier warned his mother and all the guards who knew what happened to him to keep their mouths shut. The news was rather a shameful one. "How are you doing son?" Ezeudo asked. Ikenga was stunned. He was not expecting anyone that early. He rolled on his bed and came down. "Greetings, father" Ikenga grumbled. His father ignored his greetings, inspected the injured places, and confirmed that he was healed. "I see you have fully recovered," Ezeudo said. Ikenga stared at his father and looked away. He was still feeling drowsy. "Come to the courtyard at sunset. There is a crucial issue I would like to discuss with you. Very very crucial do not fail to come." "I will father," Ikenga responded. Ezeudo left the chamber and walked straight to his temple for his morning rituals. I think you need to tell your father the truth," Ikenga's personal guard, who laid on the floor and pretended t

Ikenga had not been himself since the last meeting he had with his father. He felt an enormous responsibility had been assigned to him. His reclaiming the throne of his forefathers solely depends on his proficiency in making the messenger his best friend. A friendship that would lead to marriage in the future. The task was quite huge for Ikenga because the child was one of the most stubborn children ever delivered in Ohanta. With his eyes fixed on the roof of his chamber, Ikenga wondered how she would destroy the deity. A woman who could fight a deity and won is more of spirit than human. "But, some people are really heartless. How could you choose power and fame over the lives and safety of your subjects? They were aware of what our maidens go through in the hand of Ajonwa deity, yet they chose to ignore it as if it was nothing. Of what benefit is riches and affluence when your people are suffering? May the gods forbid I do such a thing. I'll try my best and leave the res

Ije went to bed without food. All the efforts made by her grandmother to make sure she took something yielded no result. Uzo joined her on the bed and cling to her as she slept. It was as if letting her go would cause the child to disappear. Mazi Ileka understood his grandchild more than anybody in the family. He knew Ije would love to leave without bothering anyone, so he gave her all the necessary advice a father would give to her daughter. Uzo woke up from time to time to make sure Ije was still there with her. She wished she could go with her. However, Ije had earlier told them that anyone who tried to go with her would be killed by Ajonwa deity because it may seem as though the person was trying to abscond with her. The mission was solely hers and the gods. Uzo thought about the child's mother who traveled to Uzofia community to see her friend Uzoma, whose husband fell from a palm tree and died. It had been eight market days since Anine left the community. No one had heard

Mazi Ileka, who had been glancing at the wall of his room stood up the moment Ikenga entered the cottage. Uzo arose and embraced him convulsively. No sound was heard except deep sobbing. Ikenga had already become part of the family. Mazi Ileka saw him as a son already. "Mother, it's okay. Everything will be alright trust me." Ikenga said and Uzo nodded like a teenager. "Father, please put yourself together. Ije is a strong girl and nothing would happen to her." Ikenga said as he sat beside Mazi Ileka. "I know you are also worried about Dee Anine." Mazi Ileka turned promptly and gaped at Ikenga. "Did Ije tell you anything about her?" Mazi Ileka asked curiously. "Yes, she did." "What did she tell you?" "She told me Dee Anine would be back soon. She also said she would return with good news." "She did?" Uzo asked. Ikenga nodded with a smile. "No news would ever be good to me without my son, daughter, and granddaughter." Mazi Ileka said. "How is your father?" "Ezeudo is fine