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News had reached Ibiru and it neighboring kingdom that Oyo dominance across the great stream had been shattered by some unknown forces believed to be the Aro people. There was widespread gossip about an Aro libration movement led by a Divine warrior.

Oyeku had intentionally initiated the rumor after defeating Oyo forces at the great stream. He did this in order to spread fear and terror across the lands in order to beat the other tribes into psychological submission to his rule.

He also did it in order to kindle the flame of battle and resistance in the heart of all Aro descendants scattered all over the lands; calling them home to join his army. He had sent some of his men to spread the news of the defeat of Oyo forces at the stream.

Just as he had presumed. The rumor had spread rapidly like a plague. The Aro refugees had started making moves in order to confirm the authenticity of the news. The Aro remnant had called for a night meeting.

At the outskirt of Ibiru, the men gathered. Under a large baobab tree. Oil lamps flickering in the hands of few men. Illuminating random faces.

" It should have gotten to the ear of some of us gathered here today, that a certain warrior had led our people against Oyo and had annihilated a whole legion stationed at the great stream? " Asoro the leader of the Aro remnant at Ibiru said.


There were murmurs of acknowledgement.

" Two days ago, a group of our people arrived from our land and confirmed the news. A certain young warrior called Oyeku from the Ebisa clan led hundreds of our people against the Oyo military camp at the great stream and vanquished them."

There were murmurs of excitement and Joy.

" How should we believe this news?" Is it not foolery to take this sort of news as truth. You speak of crushing an Oyo forces as if you crush a rotten melon. I refuse to believe this news!" A man voiced out from the congregation.

" There is no reason to doubt, my brothers, we have with us now, the proof of this historic victory of our people against our adversaries. Bring out the caskets!!" Asoro ordered.

Five large wooden casket were brought out from the darkness. The caskets were flung open one after the other. Inside of the baskets were weapons of war belonging to Oyo forces along with their armors. The weapons indeed were much and worthy of a thousand of soldiers.

The room of doubt has been filled. The Aro remnant were more than assured that a rebellion had really broke out at home. The meeting later turned to a planning game. The Aro remnants under the leadership of Asoro, made plan on secretly mobilising young Aro men to send to Aro land for military recruitment. According to the information they got from the messenger of Oyeku; all the remnant has to do is to mobilize Aro people out of Ibiru and into Aro land.

In the words of the messenger;

" Let every able bodied person, men and women, Old and young return home to join our Divine leader, Oyeku of Ebisa son of Ayeni".



Aro

Under the scorching heat of the sun; shouts could be heard from a distance. The smell of sweats and hot sand. Sticks clashing, wrestling, and hand to hand combat. It was the Oyeku military camp. Since two moons ago, the influx of Aro remnant from Ibiru and othe land had swelled his army.

Oyeku could perceived the thoughts and heart of this people. They sought nothing than a leader and a chance to take revenge on their oppressors.

He had laid a solid foundation of mercilessness and discipline. He had laid a foundation that encourages courage and destroys fear. He had installed in the heart of this people the virtue and love of war.

He had shaped their heart and soul, Now he has to shaped their body for war.

Truly, it takes the transformation of the body and the soul to make a true and efficient warrior. To shape both the body and the soul involves effective training and grooming.

Their experience of pain and loss had made the journey of making their soul atune to war easier. No one mocks death than someone who has lost everything and have nothing to live for. A person who has lost everything is no different from a mad person, he does the unthinkable.

It is exactly a year and two moons since Oyeku had initiated the military training. During this period, Oyeku had successful built skillful and efficient warriors of uniques styles and stance.

He have in his army men who can slice and fall a pawpaw tree with just a stroke from their sword. This men possess powerful striking techniques that supersede that of any war combat civilization.

There are men who strikes with the speed of lightning with Oyeku's guidance and insights. Men who are fast enough to catch a flying arrow or dodge a fast javelin.

Also, The Aro force had perfected the use of bow and arrows. Oyeku had introduced a technique that allows his men to shoot multiple arrow from just a bow stroke and take out multiple target.


Among the populace of Aro were men who were not fit for war. Disables and men who are not hefty and strong. Oyeku made a better use of this men by initiating them into the blacksmithing corp. They build war weapons and technical weapons that had not been built before.

Oyeku discovered that people who are not physically strong for war possesses great minds that easily solves mysteries and puzzles. He ensured that everyone participated in the building of this military settlement.

The women and children were taught to farm and produce food while at the same time allowed to train with the men at their leisure. Oyeku also forced Aro men to take many wives for themselves.

A lot of Aro women had became widow as a result of the war. Taking multiple wives by the men will provide husband for many widows at the same time increase the birth rate of the Aro people.

Everything has fall into place.

" The gods had made it easy". Oyeku said to his generals.

" My hand is strong now. Get the supply ready. We will move against our neighbors in three day time ".

" The Usis?"

" No, the Ibirus".

Chapter Six.



Aro - Usi border

The Great Stream


Oyeku had led his men towards the border. About two thousand and three hundred men. But their march was halted by the sight of Oyo camp situated at the bank of the stream. The Aros never knew that this was the location of the Oyo war camp from where they have been launching series of surprise attacks. The Aros had not been using the stream since the last war. There main water source during the exile was from a small lake close to the Ekuns's palace.

Seeing the Oyo war camp. Fear crept into the heart of the Aro soldiers. The Oyo soldiers at the war camp are close to five thousand.

"It seems as if Oyo had made plans to harness our land. These soldiers are not just here for war; they are here to settle down on our land." kwaita eyes burn with flames of indignation.

Oyeku gaze upon the horizon for sometimes then he faced Kwaita.

" Instruct the men of your platoon to maneuver themselves to the east of the war camp. We are going to flank them and condition them to fight two front. "

Kwaita could not believe his ears, Oyeku wants to fight a battalion of Oyo infantry in the plain; in broad daylight!!

"Do you understand?" Oyeku called him out of his daze.

"Yes, i hear you." Kwaita knew that Oyeku resolve does not shake. It is no use trying to convince Oyeku to reconsider.

Silently, Kwaita and his men slithered across the tall shrubs and positioned themselves in the east of the war camp. In this position, the Oyo war camp was boxed with Oyeku main army to the south, Kwaita platoon to the east, the dark forest to the west and the great stream to the north.

Oyeku returned his gaze to the horizon as he watched the clouds form. Lightning streaked across the black clouds. It is going to rain.

"The gods are on our side! " An Aro soldier whispered.

"This is a good omen!! " another man said.

Kwaita heart was full with anticipation, his eyes were shifting between the clouds and the south; awaiting Oyeku's signal.

The rain started. Oyeku ordered a flaming arrow to be shot into the air. With this, Oyeku raised up his massive club.

"Charge!!! "

He leapt forward as others followed. The Oyo soldiers were thrown into confusion and panick. Fear was written all over their face. They had never in the least of their imagination assume that there would ever be an attack.

The Oyo soldiers hurried arround trying to gear up for combat. They positioned themselves to face the incoming Aro soldiers. While they were in this position; they heard war screams from behind. It was Kwaita and his platoon.

"This is bad! "

Though, the Oyo soldiers possessed the numbers but the Aro had efficiently utilized the element of surprise. An experienced war general like Oduaye might have been able to handle the situation but the nascent officers were like children in the helm of politics.

One and two, Oyeku clashed with the first man; smashed his head to a pulp with his club. He docked when he was about to be struck with a charmed whip. With his left hand he gave a swift jab to the jaw of the assaulter.

There was a massive conflict. The loud patters of the rain could not damp the terrible sound of battle. Men fell left and right. Blood and water made a flood of red stream.

Gradually, as if the elements of surprise are over; Oyo soldiers had adjusted to the situation and started handling the situation like professionals. They formed a formidable stance which enabled them to fight on two front by creating a circular phalanx.

The morale of Aro soldiers started dropping as they continue to fall dead from the blade of the Oyo soldiers. They began to automatically retreat.

Kwaita himself had been choked. He struck swiftly and viciously, but Oyo soldiers kept coming. His hand had become sour from clutching and swinging his massive machete.

" Don't dare back your enemy!! Face your fears!! " Oyeku yelled at the top of his voice.

" If you run away, i will kill you!!"

Despite Oyeku threat, a lot of Aro soldiers began to retreat and rush into nearby bushes.

Suddenly, Oyo soldiers begin to fall dead. They will let out a sudden scream then fall down dead. It took sometimes before Oyeku noticed the long-black king cobra, slithering between the legs of the soldiers, buring it deadly venom in their heels.

The cobra moves so fast that it appears like a blurry shadow. This created a disturbance that broke the circular phalanx. The retreating Aro soldiers found their courage and resume the battle.

After about three hours of mass manslaughter, there was calm at last. Oyo war camp as been sacked and the troop obliterated.

There was celebration of victory, but Oyeku had his judgement.

"Let every man assemle at front of the great stream!! "

As they hurry to assemble, Oyeku noticed handful of Aro soldiers who had ran off ealier sneaking out of the forest trying to mingle with the main group.

Oyeku pretended as if he saw nothing. when the assembly was formed. Oyeku marched to the front of the congregation.

"I am sorry, we lost the war! " Oyeku began.

"We lost the war against fear and death! Do you not know that fear is chain of bondage? When we want to fight war, we must first fight fear!! How do you fight fear? To fight fear, you must be thoughtless, because thought is the womb that conceives fear. Do not think about how much pain your enemy can cause you, rather; think of much pain you can cause your enemy. When death seems close to you don't be afraid, don't be awe by the mystery of death. When you die, you shall be like a steam escaping the heat of the furnace into the sky. In the sky, you shall be reformed and reborn. You will be return back to this world, purier, cleaner, more valuable and more honored. Like rain water, sweet and white full of nourishment. This is the mystery of death. Death is pleasant. Death is an opportunity to explore and grow, to renew and reform."


Oyeku raised up his right hand.

"For those who ran off during heat of battle, be honorable and come out!"

Not long about twenty-eight men came out.

"Take out your dagger and stab yourself in the heart!! "

Without hesitation, they brought out their daggers and thrust it into their heart. The men fell down one after the other as blood pumped aggressively from there chest.


Oyeku heaved satisfactorily. He had successfully created warriors who do not fear death.

*******



"There is no way to make a dead person live again!" A deep and bellish voice said out of a little box. It was the seer's voice. Ever since Maku entered with Legun, they had not set eyes on their host; it was just this voice coming out of the bell.

The room was lit with thousands of oil lamps, and on the smooth wall of the room were rough drawings of sea creatures. There were also patches of cowries on the walls.

"There is no way. " The voice finished.

At that moment, Maku made a resolve, he would end his life. The pain in his heart was unbearable. The pain of yearning for someone who you will never see again. The pain of unforgettable memories carved onto stones of memories.

He shook his head slowly and stood up. Legun stood up as well. Just as he was about to leave. A stream of fast moving smoke slithered out of the voice box. This smoke condensed to form the shape of man. The transparent form slowly added details until it became a man. It was the seer.

"I see that you are been hunted by forms and forms alone, which is the only thing not lacking in the world. " The seers voice remains bellish and strong.

When, Maku heard the voice, he stopped and turned around to see the seer, sitting crossed leg like a buddist monk, with long and neat dreads shadowing his face. Inside the shadowy face, an eye was revealed. A deep blue eyes like the ocean in the mid day, while the other eye had been entirely covered by the dreadlocks.

He sat back and Legun did the same.

"Who is this lady that you wish so dearly to see?" the seer asked.

"She was my everything, but now she is gone. She is dead. Arore was my lover, my everything. If you can return her to me, i will pay you a princely price."


The seer laughed.

"Can you pay the price? Life's price is life itself. You can't pay me nor do i have what it takes to make a dead person come back to life. But there is a way, to still bring a dead person form into the world of the living." The seer could see the spark of hope in Maku's eyes, as it grows bigger and bigger.

"Tell me wise one!! Tell me how!! I will do anything.. Just tell me what to do. "

"Listen carefully, this trick will not bring your woman back, it will only bring another version of your woman. She will have the body of your woman and her memories as well, but she would have no human soul.

Now this is what you will do, wait for a day that the rainbow will appear in the sky. Once the rainbow appears, you must hurry to the great stream. At the stream, the Osumare python would come out to shed it skin.

Once it wants to start shedding it skin. It skins would start reflecting the rainbows colors. You must come out to the python and call it by the name of your woman.

When the Osumare python begins to shed it skin, call it by the name of your woman and start seeing it as your woman. Once you do that, the Osumare python would shape shift into the image of the woman in your memory. She will be like the woman of your memory in form and in character."

" Osumare python? " doubt could be sensed from Maku's voice.


"Yes, the Osumare python."

********


Oma


Maku time in the Oma Kingdom was that of a seeker. Seeking for a particular Seer. It had been rumored that there is a seer that has a magic that can bring the dead back to life. Stories like that are common and often treated as legends and fables, but the whip of desperation sent him chasing after this legends.

He had lingered and savored every memory he shared with Arore, yet he was never satisfied. Every memory implants in him fresh yearning. Life made no sense anymore. He couldn't point out what exactly he wants to live for.

For the past six years, he had nurtured a hope that he will see Arore again. Yet, he was draped hopelessness. ' There is no magic that can make a dead person lives '. The few seers he had met had said the same thing.

But, Maku was not ready to believe that there is no way to make Arore lives again. " If there is a problem, there must be a solution. The creator has not create what he can't tame. Death is a creation. I Maku will defeat death. '

The streets of Oma are usually wide and less crowdy. The Omas do not crowd their market either, they just drop their goods with a price tag on their stall, the buyers pick the good and drop their money. The Omas are as honest as such.

Maku turn and took a bushy path away from the streets.

" I am very confident about this. The man can do it." Legun said scratching his head which is becoming bald. He was walking alongside Maku.

They kept on walking till they got to a lone hut.
"This is the place!!".



**********




There was a great silence in Aro. The kind of silence that follows a misfortune. Even the birds refused to chirp and the trees refused to sway. The sun itself hid behind dark clouds. The only sound that seems to betray this domineering silence was the sound of multiple hoes striking against soft earth. Bodies were piled up as in a pyramid. Ebisa is no more.

Aro men from other clans joined to assist the fortunate Ebisa men who were loyal to Aro in burying the numerous corpses. It was a mass burial and the whole of Aro witnessed it. Soon, rain started to fall, yet the bodies continued to lay ontop each other.

' What madness!!'. The men of Ebisa who witnessed the slaughter and the burial had withdrew their support for Oyeku since the moment he pronounced death on Ebisa clan, his own clan!!

Revenge!! Revenge was the only thing on their mind. Though they had concealed their indignation for the sake of their lives; they had sworn in their heart to assassinate Oyeku.

More shocking was the willingness of the other clans to raise their swords against another clan from the same tribe. Was Oyeku words so powerful that Aro cut off one of her clans? Oyeku words became the reality of a whole clan.

Kwaita was at the other edge of the pit watching the men lay bodies on top of each other. For the thousand times, he questioned his decision to follow Oyeku. Was he on the right path? Did he miss it? Was the senseless slaughter neccesary?

But when ever he looks at the face of Oyeku, he sees a leader. He sees the unambiguous imprints of the deities upon the soul of Oyeku. Though Oyeku stood alone at the other edge of the pit, he was not alone. Kwaita could feel the presence of the unseens around him. He is fortified.

" The divine warrior of heaven!! " Kwaita whispered.

Oyeku is the divine warrior. The gift of the gods. The ultimate tool of liberation. He is the future of Aro. ' How pleasant will it be to fight alongside this enigma? ' Kwaita came to an epiphany of his purpose; to support and be loyal to this divine weapon.

He will die fighting for this man. He will ensure that all his men remains extremely loyal to the personality of Oyeku. For the hundred times he peek at Oyeku. His eyes were fixed on the bodies in the pit. His face was expressionless. Like a palm tree tall and strong. Every inch of his body was wrapped in tough muscles. His mighty chest rose and fell with rythm. 'What a gallant man!! '

By evening, the corpse were all buried. That night and the three days after it, there was mourning. On the night of the third day, Oyeku called for an assembly. This time, the whole clans showed up. Including men from the royal house.


" The loss of Ebisa is my loss." He began.

" An inevitable loss. Like a man who caught off a rotten thumb so that he won't loss an arm. People of Aro. We shall no longer raise our sword against ourselves anymore. Follow my lead and we shall win together.

I intend to build a military camp at the border between Aro and Usi. This will be a great move that will signify the end of Aro exile. We have lost much, it is time to build again.

The Oyos whom you fear will come to fear you. We will throw their territories into panic and the heart of their empire into worry. I, Oyeku will march against the lords of their empire and ruin them. The whole world shall wonder where does this people come from? Fearless and powerful!!" his voice resonated till it became a vague echo.

Kawo9ze:
Oyeku meji🤣

abi

hotswagg12:
Thanks man and with consistent update the ghost readers will start coming out. Kudos

Thanks for the encouragement. Glad you are always around.

Kawo9ze:
Glad you're back.

Thanks man.

daddio:
Thanks for the updates.

you are welcome senior man

Aro

In the evening of that day, Kwaita was with Oyeku in his father's compound with some other young men who are loyal to kwaita. Oyeku was sitting on a bamboo bench still wearing the burial regalia he wore during the progression. He was drinking heavily.

Kwaita and his boys were stooping before him like a subordinate before a superior. Kwaita had come with the purpose to declare his allegiance and support to the leadership of Oyeku.

"My sympathy to the house of the bereaved!! Baba is one of the central and the last pillar of our land. His judgement and wisdom became our hope and comfort. May his legacies never end."

"Ase!! " The men chorused.

"Without a pillar, the house will fall. If the root of a tree refuse to hold the ground, it head will touch ground. Ekun, the proud tiger, he was our king before he went to sojourn with his fathers across the river of forgetness.

Ichendu, the one who sees war and rejoice. He took war to Oyo on the great stream and laid waste the man resources of Oduaye the wicked. He also, he became a deity and his blood spoke of the courage of Aro to the barbarians of Oyo.

After the great tragedy, Baba Ayeni, took the realm of leadership, his wisdom and insight was the reason why we are here today, alive and strong.

And today, today. " He gently wipe the tears rolling down his eyes.

" Today, death took our hen, who will protect our chicks from the talons of the powerful kite? Our hope is shattered. We are dead in the heart. Our hope is shattered. We are dead in the heart. Our hope is no less than the hope of someone bitten by a rattlesnake.

Oyeku, i am Odinna son of kwaita, but i took my father name kwaita for myself because the glory of our land is gone. A lot of my brothers had died in the great battle of the stream, six years ago. By bearing the name of my father, i live for all my brothers. Until the day Aro is avenged, my name remains Kwaita." Kwaita postrated on the floor.

"I, Kwaita acknowledge your leadership, Oyeku son of Ayeni. Your command and wish will be my desire. I along with this brave sons of Aro look forward to your command. "

The other men postrated as well.

Oyeku eyes were fixed on nothing in particular. His eyes were like the eyes of someone who has lost everything. Like a maniac, he broke into a hysterical laughter. He took another gulp of the undiluted palm wine. Then he stood up, pointing at Kwaita.

"You, where are the other men of your group i met yesterday? "

"Ah, though we arrived together, but they are not here now. " Kwaita replied.

"hmmm." he nodded his head hurriedly. He sat down.

"Are they for me or against me? " Oyeku gaze fell on Kwaita.

"Oyeku, i do not know. I do not know the mind of everybody, i only spoke for myself and these boys who had decided to follow you. " Kwaita replied.

"By tomorrow morning, i want every able bodied man to get himself armed. I want to set up a military camp at the border between Usi and Aro. Remember to sound this warning that anyone that disobeys these command shall pay with his life. " Oyeku voice was filled with every authority.

Kwaita was about to say something contradictory, but he didn't.

" I understand, i will do as you say." He stood up and gestured to the war boys to let go.

Oyeku watched them go. Then his gaze fell on the hut on which Ayeni body was placed.



******


It was dawn, Oyeku was standing on a small rock holding a massive club draped in red- black cotton. He wore a black fetish jacket laced with many gourds,shells and bones. He wore a leopard skin on his waist.

His expressionless eyes scanned the assembly of armed men before him. About one-hundred and fifty men in all. They were all dressed for war.

" Is this the total number of able bodied men Aro had descended? " He directed his question to Kwaita who was beside him at the base of the rock.

" Oyeku, when i left your compound yesterday, i had quickly assigned my boys to go to every compound, and pass the information which they diligently did. Sadly, some men had refused to recognized your leadership, most especially from the royal family and your compound, Ebisa. " Kwaita replied with every sincerity.

Oyeku scoffed. A sinister look was on his face.

" If you are from the Ebisa clan, and you are here, come outside. " Oyeku said with a deep loud voice.

About twenty seven men came out of the assembly.

" I congratulate you, my brothers. You honored me. I will honor you as well. " Oyeku faced the whole congregation.

" Ebisa is my clan, the compound of my father, yet they rejected me. They said it to my face that I am a bastard, not a true son of Aro. " Oyeku recalled how he went to meet the family head of the Ebisa clan to support his leadership in the previous night.


" Who do you even think you are? Don't push your luck too far, Oyeku. Ayeni was my elder brother, and for his sake i took you as one of the sons of our clan.

But the truth is that, you are not one of us. We know the story. You reek of Oyo blood. Oyo ways are written all over you. The desire to dominate and enslave others. Oyo blood will never rule our clan, speak less of Aro our father's land." The Ebisa clan head had told Oyeku.


" I loved Aro as I would love my mother, but my own clan men rejected me. Men of Aro, do you reject me as well?" Oyeku asked.

"Of course not" the crowd chorused.

" Do you take me as your leader then? "

" We have no other leader than Oyeku son of Ayeni. " They answered.

" Then swear in the face of the gods that, my commands are your desires!! "

"May Ogun unsheath his sword and do us harm if we ever disobey you. Oyeku is the divine warrior of heaven. " They screamed.

Oyeku smiled grimly.

" I have some enemies which i intends to destroy, and they are not very far from where we stand. Men of Aro, i command you to enter the Ebisa compound and slaughter every able man you find. "

*******

Usimalo

Thunder streaked across the sky as rain poured heavily. It was cold and chilly. Though it was still afternoon, yet it was dark and gloomy. Chilo was lying on her mat. Enjoying the cool weather, till she drifted into a deep sleep and fell into a dream.

A figure appeared from a distance. He was walking towards her. The closer he get the more Chilo came to epiphany of who he is. Tall and dark, his broad shoulders as if they can hold the world.

" Oyeku!" She muttered softly as her heart skipped.

She became overwhelmed with an unexplainable euphoria. She found herself launching forward to meet him, but she was held back by a strong arm.

She turn around to see who it was. It was Ogbo. He pulled her into his arm and held her tightly. She struggled to break free, but Ogbo wouldn't let go. She faced Oyeku and tried to beg him to help her free. But when are eyes met Oyeku's, she saw a magnificent hatred written on his face. These hatred was not directed to anything in particular but to Chilo herself.

" Oyeku." She almost whispered.

" Die!!!!!!! " Oyeku grabbed her neck and choked her.


" Oyeku, please!! Plea...se. " She woke up with a shout, only to find someone sitting crossed leg like a buddhist monk beside her.

She screamed and hurl herself backward away from the somebody.

" Don't near me!! I'll scream!!"

"It is me Iya, why are you shouting, and you are crying too. " It was Dada; her son.

"Oh!! my baby!! Am sorry i woke you up. "

She pulled him and held him tight.

" Sorry!! " She whispered to his ear.

"Why are you crying? Is it that man, Oyeku?" Dada looked up at her.

In that very moment, Chilo saw Oyeku right in him and her heart banged. Oyeku in a small body.

Dada resemblance with Oyeku is like the resemblance of beans with her siblings. She could not help but observe those features; the shape of his head, his eyes, his nose, his lips only his skin complexion appears more lighter than that of Oyeku, which might have been her only trait in him.

" Is it that Oyeku again? " he rephrased.

" How do you know Oyeku? " Chilo anxiety and shock could not be hidden.

"Sometimes you mention him in your sleep. I don't know him, but i know that he is troubling you, i wish i can see him and break his neck. " Indignation could be sensed from his boyish voice which is too deep for his age of five.

"Hush, little one!! There is no Oyeku. Do you hear. I only say that whenever i am very tired before sleeping. Do you hear? " Fear was written all over her.

Dada nodded.

"And, do not mention Oyeku again, do you hear? Oyeku is a bad name that can attract malevolent and ugly demons. Don't even say it again, and don't say it near your father, do you hear. "

Dada nodded once again.

She heaved in relief.

" Here, now lie here beside me and sleep. " She adjusted for the boy to fit on her mat.

How could he have known about Oyeku?

"This is bad." she thought.

She prayed that Dada should not mention Oyeku, near Ogbo.

Ever since she has become Ogbo's wife, she had not conceived. It was obvious that Ogbo was the one with the problem. This situation was a weakness for Ogbo who had tried all he can, with different herbal remedies, rituals and magic waisteband, yet his basket could not hold water.

He had agreed and resolved to make Dada his own biological son. Only if Chilo and her mother could keep quiet about it, erase the memories of Oyeku, as such; Dada would come to accept him as his true father.

Dada mentioning Oyeku is ominous. Only the gods knows where this situation will lead to.

She determined that she will ensure Dada does not mention that name again. Even if it means to say bad things about Oyeku. She can't afford to lose the peace she has been enjoying in her family. Her love story with Oyeku should have ended six years
ago, but she had always tried to nurture a false hope that Oyeku is alive. Now, the false hope has turn around to hunt her in her dreams, now it want to destroy her family.

" Oyeku is dead, you must move on! " she told herself.

" I must move on. "

She was determined.

" Am here now my father, am here. Oyeku is back. "

" I wish i can see you well, but my eyes had totally betray me. But i am grateful. I am grateful to the four-hundred and one deities of our land. This is fate. It has been written and we can not erase it. "


Ayeni attempted to stand up, but he fell back again.

"Rest, old one. "

Oyeku adjusted him.

"Please, leave everybody. I want to talk to my son." Ayeni instructed.

The men nodded and left, remaining Oyeku alone with him.

"Eredi, she is the lady that takes care of me. She probably is with the women at the rock mill grinding corn. She as been compassionate with me. When you see her, please favor her and protect her. Wherever you go, keep her by your side. She has the mark of ajé; a potential spiritual vessel. Don't forget."

" I will favor her as you asked." Oyeku replied.

" Have you ever wondered why, i didn't interefer with the war? It is not because my hands are two weak to strike nor my charms too watery to work. It is because it has been written, that you Oyeku will be the bringer of perennial peace through war. There will be no true peace without war.

Aro has made the sacrifice to obtain peace for herself and you Oyeku, is the fetcher that will be sent into the well of peace. As such, your destiny is linked with the future of Aro.

You must do what you must do, just as i did what i did by not interfering with the war. Of course, if i had fought for Aro and saved it, there would have been peace and this nightmare might not have occur.

But for how long would this peace stay with us ? As long as i live? Then war returns after my death. I do not want the war for peace to be postponed to the time of my children's children; i want to fight it now, so that my descendants might know no war.

Oyeku, you must pull the tree down to the root. You must enter into the heart of Oyo and break it. You must seize their power and authority. Only by that would you bring a perpetual peace."

Ayeni voice trailed off at the last statement, never to be heard again.



********



CHAPTER FIVE


The men arrived at the Aro settlement early in the morning. From distance they could hear sound of drums.

" That drum, it speaks of death. " A man said.

" That drum is played only when the king dies. Why then do we hear it when we have no king? " Another man chipped in.

" Those are not even important, why would they play that drum when we are meant to be inconspicuous? Why draw unnecessary attention?.

" This might be related to that young warrior, Oyeku. Only the gods know what he is up to."

Getting closer to the settlement, they could hear loud wails and mournful songs. A weeping woman walk past the men, but they stopped her.

" Young lady, why are you crying? Who died? Kwaita asked.

" Oh, it is Baba Ayeni. He died this morning. The men are embalming his body as we speak." She choke in her tears.

" Embalming? " The men were surprised.

" Yes, his son, insisted that Baba will not be buried without honour. He wants to bury Baba, with an entourage of slaves."

The woman finished and hurried off without waiting for another question.

"An entourage of slaves. " The men chorused with their mouth ajar with surprise and confusion.

They were still contemplating when they heard the procession of the priestly undertakers approaching with the embalmed corpse.

At the front of the procession was Oyeku like a vanguard. Tall and strong like the Iroko tree. His head has been shaved. He was bare from his neck down to his waist. Strings of leather and cotton amulet hung around his neck holding tiny gourds. He tied a white wrapper around his waist.

Behind him were the priestly undertakers. They were also dressed in white. On their shoulders was the flat-walless coffin, carrying the corpse.

The returning men led by kwaita, postrated as the corpse passed before them. They arose and joined the procession.

The corpse was to be taken to Ayeni family house at Ebisa, where the body would be placed in a hut of it own and guarded until the time for burial.

While the procession was progressing, a fresh round of wailing arose from a corner. It was the women from the corn mill. The news of Baba death had been broken to them.

But none caught the attention of the procession than the wailing of a particular young lady. She tried to follow the procession but she was repel by the men. It is forbiden for women to participate in the rite of passage of an initiate.

Oyeku eyes had fell on her shortly, before he returned his gaze to road and continued with the procession.

Bam17:
My baby Ahah. Kilode? E don tey o. Where have you been? You might not even remember me. It's Jessica. What happened??

Miss, the break was inevitable but all well.

How are you doing?

Why would i forget my number one fan?

Hope you are coping with this country?

hotswagg12:
you are welcome bro. More wisdom to you.

thanks for the encouragement bro.

******




Though the land was mostly covered with thick bush and shrubs; there were also patches of clean niches where lone huts sat. It was very dark, but Oyeku could fathom that there are no people in the huts. ' They might be here hiding.'

He rode slowly, observing to catch a glimpse of a living person, indeed this place might just be the graveyard town of his people. Then, like an invading scent of a house bug, he percieved hidden presence. He is been watched and followed!!

He paused his horse and dropped down.

" It is i, Oyeku son of Ayeni of Ebisa. I am one of you." He spoke loudly.

" I survived and escaped from Oyo. I came alone!! "

There were rustlings of dry leaves, and murmurs from invisible persons from different directions.

" You said you are the son of Ayeni from Ebisa house? " A voice asked.

" Yes, i am. I am the last son of Ayeni, my brother is Uzo and my sister is Ola."

" Why are you riding a horse if you are not Oyo? " Another voice asked harshly.

" It is a long story my people, one that we don't say or hear while standing. " He answered.

" Answer now, or we will shoot you down where you stand!! Archers are everywhere aiming at you!! "

" I managed to overpower and take the horse of an Oyo soldier, in order to escape faster." Oyeku spoke with tone that express suppressed anger and diminished patience.

" You said, you are the son of Ayeni? "

" Yes, i am. "

There was a louder murmur and rustling, in the moments after, men emerged from their hiding places and surrounded Oyeku.

A man waved a burning torch across his face.

" Truly, he is our own, he bears our tribal mark; the mark of Ebisa. "

The men slowly lower their arms and inspected Oyeku closely.

" He is indeed our own. "

" Is my father still alive?" He asked.

There was a short silence but a short man with big stomach gave him an answer.

" Yes, baba is alive, but even the walking stick can not keep baba standing again. The old lion can no longer hunt. It is a good thing that you came; the old man would be happy that he still has a heir that will bury him."

" Take me to him now!! "


.......


Oyeku was led to a very large compound. The compound was not a very large one, but it was indeed spacious and around it were tall neem trees that must have been intentionally planted to serve as a wall or a camouflage. This hidden compound had burning torches at the four corners that lit the interior.

At the center of the compound was a large hut. Though it was still night getting close to dawn but Oyeku could see women around the compound cooking, sweeping, washing and doing many more chores.

As soon as the men entered together with Oyeku, they all paused and observe the men.

" Weldone women. How is the old man fairing? " The short man with the big stomach asked without slowing nor waiting for their reply.

He stooped at the door of the hut and pull the rafia curtain while he motioned with the other hand for Oyeku to enter.

The room was well lit with enough oil lamps. The room smelt of coconut fragrance. Different calabash of varying size and purpose were arranged at the corners of the wall. At another was a bamboo bed. Ontop of the bed was Ayeni, the biological father of Uzo and foster father of Oyeku.

He was lying on his back. His hands by his sides. Lean and old. His head was white with grey hairs. His eyes were loosely shut and non could discern if he was asleep or not.

" Baba, it is i, Oyeku."

He knelt slowly beside the old man.

" Do you hear me? "

He held Ayeni's leg.

" Open your mouth and talk to me my father." He said softly. It must have been like eternity; the silence.

" Baba might be asleep. Let come again by morning. "

The short man with the big stomach said quietly.

Oyeku nodded slowly and was about to arise, when Ayeni called his name.

" Oyeku. " He called slowly and softly.

" Baba, am answering. It is me, it is Oyeku. "

" Oyeku who fooled death. My son took death to the river to drink water and drowned him there. Oyeku is it truly you? "

"It is I, it is Oyeku son of Ayeni of Ebisa. I am back!"

"Oyeku. I have waited for you. I have waited for this day. I fought death and refuse to slumber to eternal sleep. I endured the pain of this betraying and weak body to see this day.

hotswagg12:
Welcome back my man. We really miss you. I will have to go and start reading from the beginning to catch up and you need to compensate us for the long hiatus.

thanks man. Missed your comment.

" I have set you free. " He said to the dead man, dropping him first then dropping his intestines.

He turned around to face the bewilded men.

" Are you afraid? " He shook his head pathetically and laughed.

" I have just killed one of your men, is it not right if you kill me in return? But you can't!! Why? Because you are afraid of me. Like a slave who cannot do outside the will of his master, fear has held you down. "

" You monster!!! " a man screamed from the back and brought out a deadly charm attached to his waiste with a string.

He spinned the it in the air and lashed it at Oyeku. Like a rattlesnake, Oyeku threw his right hand and held the wrist of the man, with his left elbow, he delivered a serious blow to his jaw. He relieved the man of the charm and whipped him with it multiple times till they man stiffened and convulsed to death.


The crowd could no longer contain their anger. They attacked together as a group. Oyeku raised the charm up and started spinning it. He struck the closest man grabbed him, lifted him up, began to spin him, using him to injure the other and clear the perimeter off those who are coming for him.

When he had finished clearing the perimeters with the mortally injured man, Oyeku threw him on the ground, raised his leg up and smashed it against his head, squashing it as one smashes a rotten melon.

"Ah!! " The mob exclaimed as they shifted back in fear.

" This is not a man, this is a demon!! "

"Terrible!"

Oyeky slowly walked towards his horse and got on it.

" I am off to Aro, if by tomorrow you have not come to join me, i will treat you as an enemy of Aro. Better still, run far away to foreign lands and sojourn there, but peradventure i catch you, i will not make your death easy. If you wont fight for Aro, i will treat you the way i will treat the tribes across the river. With these, he whipped his horse and rode off to Aro.


*****



The refugees camped at the outskirts of Aro. It was night, yet they refused to make a bonfire. The atmosphere was cold and the mood sober. The silence as of the graveyard. Yet this silence contrasts the noise and storm of their thoughts. It was a moment when they lost direction of their lives, when they reflect on the purpose of their lives; it was a night of unknowing and knowing.

Each man with is own direction of thought. ' How can a man bring terror to the hearts of many men? ' One would think. ' Fear is indeed a chain of slavery." another thought. Yet these spectrums of thoughts were the effect of no other than Oyeku.

" The boy was right." The man with the large scar on his face. The effect of the charm is wearing off gradually, now, he could make slow movements.

" Oyeku was right. "

" Let speak of this matter no more." A man said angrily.

" We shall speak about it!! " another man answered with equal anger. " Is it not an irony that the words of Oyeku are already unfolding before our eyes? Why are we still at the outskirts of our own land? What are we doing in the forest? Hiding from crook to crooks like wild rodents. Is it not because we are afraid for our lives? Hence we become lowly lives, lesser than the most worthless slave!! "

" I agree with you. " A man replied.

" We are all afraid. We are pathetic!! "

" I, Odinna, son of kwaita will enter into Aro and join hand with Oyeku. This is the will of the gods for me. My heart yearn to see Aro rise again. Every day, i pray to the gods to raise a deliverer for our land, then comes Oyeku. His words became a light that lit up the darkness around me. His words had set me free from my fears and confusion. I see inside of him the power of great rulers. I see in him the power of the gods. He is the ideal warrior. He has no fears. He strikes like the rattlesnake fast and deadly. A divine warrior. " It was the man with the large scar on his face that spoke. He has been the leader of the refugees for sometimes now after the death of the former leader.

" But, how do we know, this man is not a charlatan? How do we know he is not who we think he is? " How do we know this man is not leading us to our death?

" I do not know much about this man, but i know a divine warrior when i see one. A divine warrior, that is what he is. " Odinna said.

" If he is truly a divine warrior as you said, i will follow him. " A huge fair skinned man said

" And i" another said.

" And i" it was a chorus.

Half of the assembly had decided to be lead by Oyeku. Odinna is a man of experience and truth. A great leader, selfless and brave. The men respected him, and thus his words anchored in their hearts. Though they do not trust the strange warrior, but Odinna resolution to follow Oyeku forced them to reconsider.

" How sure are we that this warrior will not kill us leisurely as he killed Otuafo who questioned him earlier? How sure are we that he is sane enough to acknowledge and accept our resolution to be lead by him?" A man asked from the assembly.

" Let meet him first. " Odinna replied.

" Odinna has risen, off i go to the land of my fathers. Aro has called me and i must answer. "

Odinna picked up his items and began to move towards the direction of Aro. Though it has not yet dawn, and the stars can still be seen in the skies but Odinna heart has been captured. A divine warrior is what Aro need at a time like this. Oyeku is a divine warrior. He can't wait to see this strange warrior and know his plans, he would gladly serve him; he would fight by his side and bring the world down if there is a need to.

Soon after he left, other men began to move towards Aro as well. Under the fading stars, they march towards their home. Like the exodus, they marched pass the mighty forest, resolved to build Aro with whoever this strange warrior proclaimed himself to be.

Little did he know that this warrior does not know what it's meant to be protected by anyone. The tide of the battle had began to favor the refugees. The Oyo soldiers had acknowledged a defeat and had started retreating towards the main path.

" None must leave this place alive!!" It was the strange warrior.

In response, the refuges gave a hot pursuit, slaughtering the soldiers randomly as they ran. The refugees knew more about the forest path than the soldiers so it was easy to round the soldiers, blocking every escape route. It was a great slaughter.

When the storm of battle finally stopped and peace invaded the forest. The Aro refugees returned from the pursuit and re-organized. The strange warrior was still around, sitting on a large tree root. The refugees were able to catch a better glimpse of him now.

Bushy hair laced with cowries, a black cotton shirt laced with cowries, bones and snail shells. a short black skirt covered with leopard skin.

" Who are you great warrior? " A man asked.

The strange warrior stood up and walked towards the hibernating horse. He held the reins and pull himself up the horse, adjusting his posture, he faced the assembly.

" I am Oyeku, Son of Ayeni of Ebisa. I am Oyeku of Aro." He searched their faces to see their expressions. indeed it was that of recognition.

" Oyeku of Ebisa, Son of Ayeni? " The warrior with the large scar on the face. He was held up by some men, because he had been paralyzed by the charm he held earlier.

" Is this really you? "

There was a loud murmur.

" You are a real man."

Oyeku scale them with his eyes, they were like sheep without shepherd. Still dwelling in their simplicity and emotions, slaves of pain and fear. All their lives they fear those stronger than them, they fear that they might die, they fear that they might lose precious things, they fear that they might lose precious people, they fear that the strong might trample on them if they stand up to be free.

Here they are now, at lost in all. All they have is gone, what they fear most has happen, Oyo had taken all. Is this not the reality that they refused to acknowledge? He sought to enlighten them about the cruel laws of the world. He sought to open the doors of their hearts and break that chain called fear. If this chain can be broken; they will never be slaves again.

" I, Oyeku Son of Ayeni of Aro, have seen the two edges of a sword, and i can tell you that one is always sharper than the other. I have seen the two head of a herding stick and i can tell you that one is always bigger.

Two kind of people exist in this world; the strong and the weak, the lion and the lamb, the male and the female, the hot and the cold.

You my people are cold people!! You are weak and the strong has devoured you. Why are you weak? Why are you cold? Why do you care if you lose? Is it not fear? You fear to lose while in reality you own nothing. Don't be afraid to lose!! Take fear out of your heart, it is nothing but the chain that eternally bind you to serve."

" Is it not wisdom, if i am afraid of someone stronger than me? " a man from the assembly asked.

" If you can't be the strong one then die!! You have no excuse to be weak. You must either be strong or dead. Only a strong man and a dead man is truly free, a weak man remain a slave as long as he is weak.

I will advice you my people to be strong. Be the proud tiger that roam the jungle like a king, not a worry in his heart. Sharpen your claws and bare your fangs, chase and kill but don't be chased and killed.

I, Oyeku, i am the great tiger of the house of Ebisa. I fear none than myself. Today i had laid waste few of my enemies. I intend to go to Aro and build whatever is left. I intend to cross the Aro stream and take war to the other side.

My victory is certain, yet a tree does not make a forest. Follow me and let build Aro together."

A quite elderly man cut in.

" Who do you think you are? Who do you think you are that we should follow you? You think too highly of yourself !! You felt you are invincible because you were able to defeat a handful of Oyo soldiers, do you have any idea of the powers of our adversary? The great Ichendu himself was swallowed by the great war of Oyo. But here you are, a wishful child; building castles in the air. " Facing the assembly.

" Men of Aro, let hurry home quickly we are alive by luck, there may be no luck next time." He faced Oyeku.

" Don't come to Aro with that horse. Horse riding is not for the warriors of Aro. We are not lazy soldiers. Do not bring the traditions of Oyo to us. " He finished.

Oyeku head was hanging down as if he was dozing. One would have thought he heard nothing, because he appeared sleeping. After some moments of silence, Oyeku jerked and dropped swiftly from the horse.

He took slow but steady steps towards the elderly man. Placed his hand on his shoulder. So sudden, he grabbed the man's neck and lifted him up. "

" Drop him!! " men yell from different sides.

" Drop him!!"

Men set up to stab him from behind, but they suddenly froze in shock when they saw what Oyeku did to the man. He sent his hand inside the man's stomach and brought out his intestines, spleens, gall and fat.

Am back guys.

I missed everyone of you.

And am sorry for the great break.

It was inevitable.

Am back now...

Let roll!!!?

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CHAPTER FOUR


He had rescued the woman from the mob. Yet he felt the power of this woman. Not the kind that a mob can subdue. The power of witchcraft; cult of the birds; glory of the night. After they had left the town, the woman held Oyeku's hand and led him to a lone hut.

Inside the hut was a single oil lamp burning revealing a small black pot, which contains a fleshy and bloody material.

These are hearts of men, great men. Eat them." She commanded.

With no further ado, Oyeku squatted in the front of the small black pot in front of him. Fresh human hearts indeed, three of them, coated in fresh blood. Like an hungry lion he devoured the hearts. When he was done, streaks of blood were hanging on the corners of his mouth. His eyes were wild and crimson. He could feel it, the life force of the men who owns this hearts. He could see their experiences, their emotions at various points in their lives, their sorrows and pains, their joy and lust, their triumphs and tragedies, their wails and laughs.

He laughed out, gently at first then he burst into a frenzy of laughs, convulsing with each outburst. Like a maniac at the prime of insanity.

"Arise and consume what ever you desire. We have grown you with pain and sorrow, let your harvest be bountiful, let it be much, let there be streams of blood and tears. Oyeku Son of Ari, arise!!"



Two Oyo soldiers were camping under a tree. Their horses were tied to some tree roots. The crescent moon was peeping behind the black clouds.

The small bonfire they made illuminated the whole base of the tree. They were already dozing when they heard the rustling of dead leaves.With all alertness, they brought out their machetes from their sheathes.

" Who is there? "

There was no reply but the steps were coming closer. Indeed, a tall dark figure appeared out of the shadows of the great trees. He seems to stop and gaze into the bonfire, his gaze shifted from the bonfire and rested on the two soldiers who were set for combat.

" Who are you?"

" Are you deaf? Who are ..." before he could get the words completely out of his mouth, he felt a strong arm grabbed his neck. The strange man like a king cobra, fast and precise had covered the distance between him and the clueless soldiers in the twinkle of an eye.

He grabbed the soldier with his left hand, he lifted the right and shoved it straight into the soldiers stomach which gave way.

"Ummmph!!" the soldier struggled weakly to remove the hand, but the strange man shoved in the hand more into the depth of his stomach. He grabbed and pull out the intestines in one mighty effort bringing out the intestines to witness the crescent moon and the roaring bonfire.

He dropped the dead soldier and faced the other whose eyes and mouth were wide open in shock and horror.

" Don't kill me please!! Spare me!! Please don't... " his voice trail off. The strange man had twist his neck, until his head fell of the neck.

Blood pumped vigorously out of the vent in the neck. The body stood for a few seconds before it crashed into the red flood. Flood of blood.

The strange man held onto the awful and bloody head as if he held unto a big yam.

" I am Oyeku. "

Oyeku losen one of the horse, mount it and rode into the night.




.......





" Run!! "

Under the shades of mighty trees, feets scurried disturbing the dried leaves. A large number of Aro people about fifty seven of them, mostly men who had constantly managed to sneak between Aro and Ibiru to get food and other items for survival has been discovered by the Oyo soldiers.

For months Oyo soldiers had relentlessly combed the forest between Aro and Ibiru, including the axis of Usi; hunting down every person of Aro descent. The Aro refugees in response learnt how to maneuver in and out of the forest without been noticed nor caught. All has been going smoothly until now.

The Aro refugees had successfully bought food at Ibiru and were trying to maneuver themselves across the forest to the settlement, unlucky they were; Oyo soldiers had found the hidden paths they use across the forest.

The Oyo soldiers had waylaid them and launched a surprise attack which set them on their heels.

" Let split " An Aro man said to the other fleeing refuges.

" Yes, and wherever we go, we must avoid the main settlement." Another agreed.

They did according to plan and divided themselves into two groups. One group went west of the forest while another went east. The Aro hidden settlement lies somewhere in the northern part of the forest. If Oyo should discover the hidden settlement, this would lead to the total annihilation of the Aro race. The men are bound to ensure that the settlement is not discovered.

Little did they know that the soldiers were prepared for their splitting strategy. The group that headed west came across two dozens of Oyo soldiers waiting for them with arms. The refugees turned back immediately retreating towards the direction of the approaching Oyo soldiers who had pursued them initially. They had been flanked and sandwiched.

" Fight with whatever you have!! don't let them kill you like a fowl!! " An Aro man with a large scar on the face said with a shout.

" Bring it on!! "

Like a hungry lion, the Oyo soldiers attacked with every intent of destruction and death. The refugees met them with war screams and the bloodbathe began.

Oyos possessing the numbers and the weapons fought with solid proffessionalism and formation. The Aros who had nothing to lose anymore; hopeless and miserable fought with every madness, fearlessness, ruggedity and brutality. They struck with daggers, clubs, charms and wooden spears.

Men fell left and right. Screams and the smell of blood might have damp the galloping horse and it rider. The horse rider as if not satisfied with the speed of the horse in the rough forest terrain, he descended, and dashed into the battle storm, seized an axe from an Oyo soldier and split his head in two with it. He shifted another person ribcage with a fist blow. He pulled out the axe from the bursted head bring out the grey content as well. He shifted into the heart of the Oyo soldiers formation and swung his axe creating an arc which sent Oyos within the perimeter down.

It wasn't long before this strange warrior was noticed. He fought like an abomination, a madman, a vengeful demon. He is the image of death and destruction. Cutting, breaking, twisting, punching; a killing machine. An Oyo soldier who had observed the strange warrior amidst the battle storm, brought out a charm; a charm of paralysis, once thrown at a person takes away the motion power and leaves the person vulnerable.

He threw the object but an Aro man, the one with a large scar on his face caught the charm in the air and immediately fell down.

" Protect the Strange warrior!! " He screamed for his men to hear.