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“It’s not like I pulled the trigger, although I might as well have.” He sighed. “Look, I just want you to know you can trust me one hundred percent. I know you think I’m some sort of tough guy with nerves of steel…”


And extremely talkative too if you ask me, Chukwudi the Stronger’s voice wafted into my thoughts but I mentally shushed him.


“…and that’s true, don’t get me wrong, you’ve nothing to fear by my side. However Christy, she saw right through all of that and knew I needed to lean on someone too, you know? Like I needed some good loving, not the tarnished type that money gives, but…”


He gestured close to his heart with his free hand and I nodded my understanding.


“It was love at first sight for both of us. She didn’t care about my past, only about my future. I told her all my secrets and she didn’t budge, rather offered to pray for me and introduce me to Jesus. I laughed hard at that but she was serious. I told her I had a string of girlfriends already and was a heavy drinker and smoker and I wasn’t talking the simple stuff like tobacco. But she didn’t give up, turned me into some sort of project to clean me up and make me better, more responsible. It was all fun and games to me at first because I wasn’t taking any of it seriously.


But she was a real life church girl, always praying for me and stuff. Waved away all the money I threw in her face. Walked out on me a couple of times and didn’t tolerate an inch of my bullshit. Even had me call my parents once.

She was the real deal you know? I didn’t need her to tell me, I could see that she was looking out for my best interest. Something that my spoilt upbringing had never offered me. She kept on telling me she loved me for me, and that I had great potential for kindness and generosity. That my happy-go-lucky attitude could be put to better use than getting people in trouble. If I could only stop treating people like objects, feel how they felt when I hurt them, empathized with them and all that. And I loved her so much for bringing out that part of me that I tried to be good. I tried real hard for six magical months.”


He suddenly became downcast.


“A month ago, she caught me with another girl. I don’t know what I was looking for, maybe I had gotten bored or whatever, maybe I wanted to see if I was still fit for the hunt you know?” He sighed, “A laundry staff in one of the hotels my dad owns. She walked in on us in my apartment. I tried to explain to her that it was nothing, the girl was nothing, just a fling, but she ran out of my apartment crying.”


The silver box above his head disappeared and in its place was a miniature phantasm of his young and pretty girlfriend, slim and dark skinned in her purple silk dress. She looked at him sadly and smiled.


“I was angry at first and said to myself good riddance but by evening I had begun to miss her. I realized I was being a fool and of all the girls I had had she was the only one that showed me genuine love. That night I couldn’t sleep. I sent her messages after messages preaching my undying love and begging her to give me another chance. I called her a couple of times and she didn’t pick. I thought she was still angry with me. So I thought I’d give it some time. The next day I went to her apartment and…and…”


His voice became shaky and a sob escaped his lips. The apparition sat on his shoulder and patted him comfortingly. He fought back the tears and bit his lip.


“She was hit by a car while trying to cross the road. Apparently she had been too emotionally distraught to look where she was going. She died just a few yards away from my apartment but I didn’t know because I was too stupid to run after her, stop her, calm her down. My neighbour filled me in on the details. He didn't even know I was indoors when it happened, felt I had gone off on one of my travels. By the time I got to the hospital where she had been taken to, her parents were already there crying over her body in the morgue. When I asked to see her, they inquired who I was and I said ‘a friend from secondary school’. I didn’t have the guts to tell them we’d been in a relationship for six months. I don’t know if they knew but they never asked. She was buried in her home town the next day.”


The apparition on his shoulder gave him one last smile and vanished and the silver box came back into view.


“Whoa. That’s pretty deep.” I breathed.


Jeffery smiled wistfully. “Well, there you go. That’s my big secret. I killed the love of my life and didn’t even have the guts to go to her funeral. But I’ve tried to be good for her since that day. Got myself cleaned up, ostracized all my friends, not one good one among the whole lot. But I refuse to go to Church. I don’t see why she had to die when I was the one doing the bad stuff. I’m gonna be good for her, for myself, not for anyone else.”


“There’s something else though.” I said, eyeing the box which had strangely turned black. “Something you said would make me think you were crazy. What is it?”


“Well, last night at the inn, I didn’t go to get high or anything. I’ve been clean for weeks now. I…er, had a dream where…” he hesitated.


“Go on,” I urged.


“Well, she kind of appeared to me in a dream, Christy that is, and told me to go to my former hangout at Ikeja, that someone I would recognize needed my help. I’m not one to believe in ghosts and the supernatural and all that but I couldn’t quite shake of the feeling no matter how hard I tried. I finally decided to check the place out to ease the nagging thought and besides, I had lost my job so I wasn’t really doing anything. I got there around eight in the evening and got another urge to wait. And so I did, right until close to midnight when you walked in. Crazy I know but that’s what happened.”


The car went downhill and in the distance a lorry approached on the other lane, carrying logs of timber.


“You said earlier that you saw ghosts right?” He said, glancing at me.


“Yeah, sometimes.” I replied. The box was behaving oddly. It seemed to be vibrating and metamorphosing into something else, bulging and bringing out blebs which popped spontaneously into nothingness. “Er, are you alright?”


“Who me?” Jeffery glanced at me again in surprise. “I’m fine, you are the one that said crazy is your thing. I just wanted to ask if you could like see her floating around me or anything like that.” He laughed nervously.


“How would that help you?” I asked, still eyeing the now violently vibrating little box. “Would you feel better knowing there was a ghost following you everywhere and dotting over you? I doubt it. Leave the dead alone, focus on your life.”


“Not that I believe any of that stuff, you understand…” Jeffery was saying, but then he stopped and became quiet.


And then the box, now a huge misshapen mass and vibrating like a black cartoon alarm clock, burst open and a dark substance flowed out of it and covered Jeffery’s eyes.


And then the manifestation vanished.


Jeffery suddenly turned the car sharply into the other lane right in the path of the oncoming timber-hauling lorry. The lorry driver swore loudly and swerved, missing us narrowly even as Jeffery steered back to his lane.


“What happened?!” I gasped.


“The bastard swerved right into me!” Jeffery exclaimed. “All these drunk drivers!”


“No he didn’t!” I said, “He was driving steadily on his lane! You were the one that rushed into him!”


A thin film of sweat appeared on Jeffery’s forehead.


“What is wrong with all these drivers today? See them, fighting to overtake one another!”


I looked at the road ahead; a tanker laden with fuel was headed at a moderate speed in our direction followed closely by a truck carrying what looked like yams. Both vehicles were keeping to their lanes. I looked at Jeffery’s hands and saw that they had begun to tremble.


“What the heck?” He fumed, “There’s nowhere for me to pass!” He swerved to one side of the road, then the next.


The fuel tanker approached us with caution, the driver blaring his horn and watching for any more erratic moves from Jeffery. I turned back to Zeke, he was still sleeping peacefully in the back, then I noticed a bald headed imp sleeping beside him, on his shoulder actually, the kind that usually appeared when people said long prayers or weren’t paying attention in church. It was a somnolence imp, usually sent out to make someone drowsy and lose concentration. Despite it's small size, it was the fattest one I had ever seen. The blue orb from the psalm I had said the night before was still there but it had cracked in some places. It held strong as long as the protected didn't think negative or fearful thoughts. Zeke's hidden fear of what we were going to encounter with Egbegradudu must have worn it out eventually and the imp must have gotten in through one of the cracks.


There was no way a somnolence imp of that size would have happened upon Zeke by chance. He had been knocked out.


We were under attack.




“Jeffery, what can you see in front of you?” I asked urgently.


“These tankers, they are blocking the road, do they want us to have an accident?” Jeffery cursed under his breath.


And yet he made no attempt to slow down.


I grabbed the steering wheel and wrestled it with Jeffery as he stubbornly continued to steer us into the path of the oncoming vehicles.


“Jeffery, I know what I’m about to say is crazy but close your eyes!”


“What?!”


We were now bulleting towards the tanker at high speed. The driver of the tanker started to make frantic movements in his cockpit, struggling to avoid us and blaring his horn continuously at the same time as he slammed on the breaks. A sharp piercing noise rent the air as brake-pads burnt unto the tarmac trying to bring the huge vehicle to a stop. The one behind started to swerve out of the way to avoid colliding with the one in front.


“Just for a moment, close your eyes!”


Jeffery stared teary-eyed into the oncoming disaster and then suddenly closed his eyes, letting me control the steering wheel. I steered the car back to our lane as the tanker whizzed past us, the driver ejaculating expletives and spittle in our direction. The truck driver behind him swerved back into his lane just in the nick of time, giving us a clear route.


“We made it! Thank goodness!” Jeffery exclaimed, opening his eyes. And then he yelled

“Cows!” and shut them again.


I looked ahead, the road was clear both physically and supernaturally.


“Id!” I shouted.


Chukwudi the Stronger came to the fore.


You’re looking at the wrong place, he said, directing my eyes away from the road and back at Jeffery. I looked upward. Right there sitting on Jeffery’s forehead where the box initially had been was a creature I hadn’t seen in a while. It looked like a big black bat but on closer inspection was a cross-eyed hairy monkey with leather wings. It sat squarely on Jeffery’s head and squealed in delight as it gave him delusions.


“Hello there!” Chukwudi the Stronger grinned. “Long time no see!”


The creature gawped at me and then screeched in terror at having been seen. I ignited my hands with yellow flame and grabbed the manifestation off of Jeffery’s head. It was like holding a small bolt of lightning in my hand which was usually how it felt when I made physical contact with manifestations. In one swift movement I snapped its neck and it disappeared.


“Whoa, what happened?” Jeffery said, opening his eyes, “I feel much better…Hey, the cows are gone!”


“Are you alright?” I asked, as I surreptitiously checked the car for other unwanted passengers.


“I should be asking you!” Jeffery yawned. “I am so sorry; I must have dozed off somehow and started dreaming.”


I nodded. “Sure. Right in the middle of our conversation.”


‘It’s happened before,” Jeffery yawned again. “That is why it isn’t good for one person to be driving; fatigue can do a lot of things to the brain.”


“Yes it can,” I replied, not interested in arguing. “Want me to drive now?”


“Yes please.” I’m so sorry, I almost got us killed.” He looked very confused but was gradually calming down. “I’m going to take a short nap.”
He parked the car and we exchanged seats. I took over the driving from there while he relaxed in the passenger chair and soon dozed off. As I drove down the express I happened to glance up and saw a cloud of the lunacy creatures hovering above the vehicle. I swore under my breath but Chukwudi the Stronger rumbled just beneath my skin unperturbed. They seemed to be undecided whether to send another of their kind down to finish the work. Some of them fluttered towards the car tentatively.


“Try it again, I beg you.” Chukwudi the Stronger dared, his fangs bared for slaughter.


The creatures shrieked in terror and dispersed.

I sighed in relief and focused on the road. If Egbegradudu could control that many lunacy creatures he must be very powerful indeed. He reminded me of someone from long ago.

What if…


I shook the thought from my head. It wasn’t possible, he had gone mad.


I faced the road again and drove the rest of the way to Port Harcourt as Zeke began to snore loudly in the back seat oblivious to all that had just happened.

CHAPTER 11

The wheels on the bus go round and round
Round and round
Round and Round
The wheels on the bus go round and round
All day long

“All through the town.”


“Say what?” Jeffery took a second to glance at me before moving his eyes back to the road.


“The wheels on the bus go round and round, all though the town.” I repeated. “That’s how it’s sung.”


“Is not,” Jeffery exclaimed.


“Is too.” I insisted.


We had been driving for nine hours straight. Jeffery had finally conceded to Zeke sitting at the back as we sped down to Port Harcourt. We hadn’t stopped anywhere for food, choosing rather to buy snacks on the road from hawkers.


Zeke was currently deeply asleep in the backseat. I had taken a little nap around 12 noon when the sun was high in the sky. Jeffery was the only one who was awake throughout. I had offered to drive for a while but he waved me off, he was fine, he drove long distances like this all the time. Inwardly I was glad he declined my offer, I had never been much of a fan of driving since I crashed my father’s car as a teenager during my first driving lesson trying to avoid what I later realized was a ghost.


“You know, the words don’t matter.” Jeffery huffed, “The important thing is that you enjoy the tune…”


“I think I have heard that excuse before” I laughed. “Only that it was being sung by a pastor and his reasoning was the other way around. Words more important than the tune.”


“I’m curious, what Church do you attend?” Jeffery asked.


“Catholic. Any orthodox church actually. I feel more comfortable in those.” I replied.


“How so?”


Well, you know, Orthodox Churches tend not raise hell as frequently as the other more liberal ones do.” I sighed. “It’s a bit difficult focusing on a sermon if there are manifestations popping up everywhere.”


“What, you mean like spirits? Ghosts?” Jeffery changed gear and increased his speed


“I don’t see spirits per se. I mean, I can, but, I see more of symbols. They don’t have to be literal. Like bottles chained to a man shows me he’s an alcoholic. A woman with broken wings shows me a good person whose potentials have been crushed by bad companionship, and so on.”


“You have issues my friend.” Jeffery smiled. “So, what do you see when you look at me.”


I turned to look at the road, it was long and winding and not too many vehicles were plying this route. I considered my response. I hadn’t seen his dead girlfriend since the day of the proposal so I decided to leave that out for now.


“You’re hiding something from me.” I said, matter-of-factly.


Jeffery slowed his speed and shot me a wary look.


“What? Why would you say that?”


“Oh, I’ve known from when you barged in on me at the joint in Ikeja.” I replied. “There is a small box of secrets floating over your head.”


“I don’t... I don’t know what you’re talking about!”


I looked at Jeffery with raised eyebrows and he swallowed and said nothing more. We drove on for a few minutes in silence.


“So, if I were hiding secrets wouldn’t you know what they were?” He stammered


“Not really. Not unless you told me voluntarily. The manifestation is enough to let me know the secrets do not concern me personally so I’m not worried. Everyone has a past, some more gruesome than others. I’m guessing I will find out more before this journey is over.” I smiled grimly at him and returned my gaze to the road. “I always find out the truth though. It’s not a voluntary thing, it just kind of happens. Can be tiring sometimes.”


Jeffery relaxed a bit and chuckled.


“You’re a queer one.”


“I know.”


We drove on in silence for about half a minute.


“Screw it.” He finally said through clenched teeth.


“Look,” I said, “You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to…”


“Well I am telling you so kindly shut up let me pour my heart out alright?” Jeffery snapped.


I kept quiet.


“I killed her bro.”


“Who?”


“My girlfriend.”


“What?!”

“The world is dark, and full of sorrow.”


I tossed and turned in my sleep as the words filtered through my mind. A person covered in a silky veil approached me out of a dark mist. Her hands were stretched out in front of her, beseeching, as if in need of help, and I knew immediately it was Nina. I reached out my hand to pull her towards me but immediately she was pulled back into the darkness, like a cord had been attached to her waist. I heard mirthless laughter.


“The world is dark, and full of sorrow.”


“Let her go!” I said, forging deeper into the darkness, trying to find her.


“You will not be enough.” From what I could tell it was an old man’s voice. “When the time comes, your strength will fail you.”


“Then we will see when the time comes!” I retorted.


Suddenly the veiled woman appeared before me again and as I watched liquid fire flowed down her head and soon engulfed her whole body. She writhed and screamed in pain and I rushed towards her, but she disappeared in smoke. I felt bile rise to my throat as my rage soared.


“She is already dead.” The old man’s voice rang out. “Forget this fool’s errand. There are lots of women out there…” I was suddenly surrounded by young beautiful women of all shapes and sizes, smiling, laughing, whispering sweet nothings in my ear. “…there is nothing special about the one I took. You can have any one of your choice, or more than one.” The women converged around me.


I swept the illusion away with a forceful wave of my hand. “I want Nina!”


“Your request is pointless.” The voice chided. “She is already dead.”


“Then you will follow shortly,” I replied. “I will not relent. I will hunt you down.”


“A little pup like you threatening me,” The voice replied with a chuckle. “I wonder what this world is coming to.”


Suddenly I felt hands encircle my neck and begin to squeeze. I was being strangled! I tried to clear the thought, knowing it was only a dream but it only got worse. I fell to the floor, struggling to find the invisible hands and get them off me. In the distance I heard the voice laughing to itself.


“I thought it would be difficult handling you but it is really quite easy. Your journey ends here, same as the traitor that follows you.”


I screamed as loudly as I could and Chukwudi the Stronger appeared out of the darkness, fully kitted in his leather loincloth and a sword by his side. He rushed to me and pulled hard but the strangling hands would not relent. I was slowly blacking out. He turned around and lashed into the darkness around me but only elicited more laughter.


“Chukwudi the Stronger! Stand Still!” The voice commanded.


Chukwudi the Stronger suddenly gasped as his hands shot to his side and he stood straight as a soldier. He trembled all over as he tried to overcome the spell that held him captive. I could see his muscles bulging from the effort but it was useless.


A dark skinned man with a majestic white beard and flowing red and white robes came out of the darkness, laughing and holding a huge wooden staff bound at intervals by copper bands. His face was hidden in darkness but it was obvious who he was.


“Egbegradudu!” I choked.


“Indeed,” he said as he approached me. “You don’t pose as much of a challenge as I thought you would. Not that it would have mattered, you are still a pup compared to me. So much so that even your very hands obey me."

The mist around me faded and I saw that I had been strangling myself. My hands held unto my throat in a death grip and I gasped and struggled to regain control of my extremities.

Egbegradudu chuckled at my effort. He raised his staff and the strangling hands relented as precious air flowed through my windpipe. I gulped the air in and struggled to my feet.


“Your id is known to me, your mission is open to me. You are at no advantage. Turn back now and I will forget you. I have no quarrel with you, but your girlfriend is needed for… well I do not need to tell you. Promise me you will turn back and I will let you go.”


“Never!” I shouted.

Egbegradudu sighed. He came even closer, walking past the still immobilized Chukwudi the Stronger and faced me.


“Hmm, I was hoping to recruit you later, show you some wonders. But if you insist on being stubborn…” He struck the ground with his staff again and thick vines appeared suddenly, twisting around me. I struggled and trashed around, willing for flames to ignite and burn them but Egbegradudu shook his head.


“That won’t work, young pup. I am in total control of…”


There was sudden movement behind him and he raised his staff to his neck just in time to prevent being beheaded as the staff blocked a very violent slashing from Chukwudi the Stronger's sword. Metal clashed against metal and sparks flew, illuminating a very belligerent and defiant id who winked mischievously.


“Trickster!” He muttered. Turning around he saw Chukwudi the Stronger swinging for another blow. “You can move? How?”


“Trade secret,” He said with a grin and struck out again. Egbegradudu blocked his strikes with his staff but Chukwudi the Stronger did not relent. His attention away from me, I strained hard and broke from the vines I had been pretending to be imprisoned in.

"Good plan eh?" Chukwudi the Stronger said, still slashing away at a gradually retreating Egbegradudu. "We needed to see your true form to attack. Hence the charade just now."


Jumping to my feet I ignited my hands with fire and thrust them at the back of his head. But Egbegradudu’s reflexes were beyond swift. He turned and in a flash held up his hand, conjuring an invisible shield to block my fiery onslaught from roasting his face even as Chukwudi the Stronger attacked unrelentingly from the other side, striking at his staff again and again.


“You are one complicated pup,” Egbegradudu smiled. “Oh I see now. My insignia on your back has been removed.”


“Get out of our head!” I yelled.

"Or stay," Chukwudi the Stronger snarled showing large canine teeth. "I haven't had this much fun in ages."


Egbegradudu sighed.


“Well, I suppose I have overstayed my welcome. I will leave. But I have a parting gift for you.”


So saying, he sprang forward suddenly and struck Chukwudi the Stronger a blow to the chest with his staff. The force threw him back and as I rushed to help he grabbed me by the arm. I felt a searing pain and screamed.


“A gift of our battle, a reminder if you will.” He said, letting go. “Consider my proposal. Come as a friend if at all and not a foe.”


And he was gone.


A very loud banging on my door yanked me out of the dream.


“For goodness sake, wake up!” Jeffery shouted and banged the door again. I jumped out of bed and found I was drenched in sweat. My wrist continued to burn and I cringed as I rushed to the tap to pour some water over it.


“I’m breaking the door down if you don’t open up!” Jeffery shouted again.


“I’m coming!” I stumbled to the door and opened it and Jeffery peered in.


“What happened? I could hear your screaming from my room.”


“Was I screaming?” I rubbed my head with the palm of my hands, trying to chase away the grogginess from my eyes. “I was having a nightmare.”


“Boy that was some nightmare you were having.” He said, looking at me with concern. “Are you alright?”


“Yes,” I said, rubbing my wrist soothingly.


“Well, consider it your wake-up call. “It’s past 6 in the morning. Hope the nightmare didn’t stop you from having your rest. We have a long drive ahead of us. That is assuming that criminal hasn’t bolted, though I tipped the security guard to keep an eye on him.”


I had a sudden sense of urgency. “Zeke!”


I rushed out of the room down the corridor and out of the hotel lobby with Jeffery in hot pursuit. I ran towards where Jeffery had parked the car. It seemed like someone was thrashing violently inside. I flung the door open and pulled Zeke out, even as he had his own huge hands around his neck, trying desperately to strangle himself. With the help of a very confused looking Jeffery I sat him up and shook him hard but he refused to wake up, yelling and screaming instead, his hands closing off his windpipe.


“Let me,” Jeffery said and tore him a hard slap across the face. It sounded like a gunshot and the security guards rushed to the scene. Zeke woke with a start, rubbing his cheek and mumbling incoherently.


“Bad dream?” I asked the red-eyed, terrified looking Zeke. He nodded and whispered one word through trembling lips.


“Egbegradudu.”


“Who?” Jeffery looked at me puzzled.


“It won’t happen again.” I assured Zeke. Come on, let’s all go inside.


Back in my room, I went to my bag and brought out my old bible, searching its familiar pages. Jeffery and Zeke watched me, perplexed. “Are we going to do morning devotion before we set out?” Jeffery asked, bewildered.


“Just, give me a moment, ah, there it is.”


I walked up to them, the book of Psalms open before me. I said my usual prayer and the blue orb of protection that only I could see manifested and grew bigger and gently enveloped Zeke and I –but Jeffery hissed and was out the door before it could get to him.


“Seriously man,” he said on his way out. “I’ve got real protection.” And he tapped his concealed gun.


“Don’t mind him sir.” Zeke said. “I don’t know what you’re doing but I believe in you.”


“It’s not me you should believe in.” I replied and sighed as my phone’s alarm went off.



“Get ready, we will be moving out soon.”





____&&&&&&&__''_____________________________&&

The hotel was a three-storey building constructed at the side of a junction. It was a classy place with automatic sliding glass doors to the reception area. Jeffery honked twice and the gates were flung open. He parked his car at a corner and quickly went to open the boot and loosened Zeke’s restraints. The latter glared at Jeffery throughout but said nothing and came out of the boot as soon as he was freed. The hotel receptionist gave Jeffery his keys while casting a suspicious glance at Zeke who decided to smile evilly at her. She looked back at Jeffery in alarm.


“Pay him no mind.” Jeffery told her as he glared at Zeke. “They are with me.”


“We do not allow more than one man per room sir,” The girl replied curtly. “Management orders.”


Jeffery raised his eyebrows. “What? We’re barely spending the night! We will be out of your hair by morning.”


“I’m sorry sir, its management orders.” The receptionist repeated, eyeing the three of us suspiciously.


“I’ll take another room,” I interjected


“And I will sleep in the car.” Zeke replied and declined when I offered to pay for a room for him. “I have laid my head in worse places.”


“How can you trust him?” Jeffery whispered harshly in my ear as Zeke turned to go. “What makes you think he won’t make a run for it?”


“Don’t worry, he won’t” I replied, remembering the mark I had given him on his chest. Zeke was a very superstitious individual and he would abide by his words to me, I was sure of it.


“Okay o, but if he runs off with my car you will pay.” He said grimly.


We walked up to the rooms; I had taken the one adjacent to his and he urged me to sleep as soon as I could.


“It is late already,” He said. “Past twelve. And I have a feeling it is going to be a very long day.”


I nodded and shut the door behind me. Weariness like I had not known in a long time hit me as soon as I saw the well-made bed with white sheets and deep blue blanket. I took off my clothes and had a quick hot bath, dressed in the complimentary hotel robes and collapsed on my bed. It didn’t take long for me to fall into a deep sleep.

*************______&&&&&__________************

CHAPTER 10


It was way past midnight now and most cars were off the road except for a few late partiers. The night air was cold and yet humid, with a moderate breeze blowing through the highway. Jeffery had insisted on Zeke lying in the boot of the car, a black Nissan Altima, while I rode in the front with him. I protested on his behalf but Jeffery wouldn’t hear of it. Zeke grumbled loudly several times as Jeffery’s fast turns around bends threw him from one side to the other but Jeffery ignored him and continued his reckless driving.


“Scum like this don’t deserve any mercy, trust me.” He said through gritted teeth. “They only understand ruthlessness and fear.”


“You threatened to kill him back there at the inn, and you had this look on your face…that was pretty ruthless.” I said.


Jeffery laughed. “Oh that? Nah, I was only bluffing. Like I said; if you don’t appear ruthless, scum like this don’t take you seriously.”


“What are you really doing here, Jeffery?” I asked quietly.


For the first time, Jeffery’s face clouded over.


“Couldn’t fool you, huh?”


“No. I happen to know when someone is lying to me.” I glanced at him as he kept his eyes on the road. “Or in your case, when someone isn’t telling me the whole truth. Why are you following me?”


“What? I’m not following you!” Jeffery remarked irritably then sighed. “You’re gonna think I’m crazy.”


“Crazy is kind of familiar territory for me” I said and he chuckled to himself. “Come on, try me.”


“Well, to be honest with you, I haven’t been to the inn in weeks. I've been trying to clean up my act, kick off my bad habits of weed and women if you get my drift…I even got a new job as a security guard at that fancy restaurant...of course that too is over...”


"I don't understand."


"I got fired."


"You got fired from the restaurant? Why? I thought you did a pretty good job that night, subduing those criminals."

"Yeah well, the manager thought it would be best to get a more "professional" outfit, seeing that I'm just one man and my resume is kinda tainted...I wasn't too surprised though."

"Tainted how? Come on man, start from the beginning. I promise I won't judge."

He took a deep breath.

"I've kind of been spending the last few years as a thug for hire. Basically I rough people up in exchange for money."

“Okay,” I sat back, waiting for him to continue.

"I had a good education. Daddy and mommy sent me to the best schools thy could afford and made sure I graduated as an electrical engineer. They even arranged a job for me at one of those companies in Lagos with the hopes that I'd get my head screwed on straight, save money every month, get married, have kids. They had it all planned."

"So what went wrong?" I asked.

Jeffery grinned to himself. "I got bored. I've always had an aggressive streak, fought a lot in primary and secondary school, seemed to be drawn to bad gangs all the time. I think them trying to give me the best was a way of showing that if I did turn out bad then it wasn't their fault."

"I see," I said.

"That's what I think anyway. So I ditched the job, sought out some of my old friends in Lagos, became a thug for hire. I did all sorts for quick money, definitely better money than what they wanted to pay me as a glorified electrician at my father's friend's company. Moved out of my parents house and rented a good apartment on the Island. The odd jobs got fiercer and I adapted well. Soon I owned a gun. I've...I've..."

I saw sorrow and regret fill his face even as blood stained the hands he used in gripping the steering wheel so hard. I shuddered inwardly at the manifestation but nodded my understanding to him.

"I've done some pretty terrible stuff bro. And I honestly didn't care at the time as long as I got the thrill, the excitement and the money. You see, I enjoy the danger. Kind of like an adrenaline junkie. I loved the fast life and of course the women. Hit and run, even with the ladies, just like I told you at the restaurant."

"So what made you change? I assume you've turned a new leaf?"

His face lit up.


"A few months ago, I fell in love. Her name was Christy. I honestly don’t know what she saw in me. We were old school mates and met at one of my, er, functions…”

“Functions?”

“Some political leader gave my friends and I a gig and we came to scatter a polling booth when I ran into Christy. I have always had a crush on her and she was looking so damn attractive on that day, I suddenly developed spaghetti brain and we got talking and I kind of forgot the mission. Long story short we hooked up and it was awesome. I even abandoned the thug life. She actually made me think of settling down, that's how much she got into my head. Me! Settle down and have kids, imagine that! But...”


He sighed. A box appeared above his head as he spoke. A silver box with solid steel springs and I knew on instinct that something really bad had happened that he wasn’t going to talk about, a secret he wasn’t going to reveal, at least not right now. I searched for other clues or manifestations but I saw none.


"She died soon after. Got involved in a car accident. Her death shook me to my very foundations. Broke my heart and made me question my ways. So I changed. Opted to live better for her sake."

He shifted in his seat. "I decided to clean up my act, cut of contact with all my friends, moved to another apartment and started looking for a job, any job that would take me. I couldn't well go back to the electrical company, I had left a pretty bad impression there before I quit. So I found a job as an incognito security guard at the place and it seemed to work for some time. Now the manager has laid me off I seem to be in need of something else to occupy my mind. I guess my old habits came back and I decided to go on a night out, visit the inn, have a few drinks. And then saw you tailing that asshole and got curious."


He momentarily let go of the steering and jerked his thumb at the grumbling sounds coming from the boot.


“I felt, whatever you were up to, you probably weren’t so smart going after that guy without backup. Thought you might need some paid help.”


He emphasized the word paid and grinned at me and I shook my head and chucked to myself.


“That doesn’t sound in the least bit crazy to me.”


“I eavesdropped on the whole conversation before things went south and deduced these guys had kidnapped your girlfriend and you would pay anything to get her back safe and sound. Was I right?”


“Hmmm.”


“Come on man. I’m begging for a little action here. You’re obviously not waiting for the police to do their job, and you don’t look like you have the mien of a tough guy even though you have proved your mettle to me more than once. I’m offering my services to be your muscle and street smarts. For a modest fee.”


“I strongly believe you would come along with me even if I didn’t have anything to offer you.” I said.


“Ah, no o.” He turned a corner and headed down a street. “I’m in it purely for the money.”


“And the thrill” I added.


He showed his pearly whites once more. “Okay, and the thrill, yes. What do you say?”


I sat back on the chair and sighed as Jeffery continued to drive. The box of secrets had disappeared and his phantom girlfriend had taken its place, miniaturized and sitting on his shoulder while looking at him adoringly. He still wasn't telling me the whole truth but I decided to let it go for now.


“I think you’re about making one of those your bad decisions that get you into trouble.” I said. “But I guess I need all the help I can get. I can’t guarantee your safety though…”


“Let me worry about that bro.” He said confidently. “I’m a grown man and kidnapping is no joke. I take full responsibility for my safety and yours.”


“The guys we are chasing.” I hesitated. “They aren’t ordinary folk.”


“Big boys eh? Well-connected members of the society?”


“No not like that.” I took a deep breath and then decided to let it out. “We might be entering some really paranormal kind of stuff here.”


“Para what?" He raised an eyebrow. " You mean like juju?”


“Yeah, something like that.”


He took his eyes off the road for a while and looked at me. Then he turned back to his driving and began to chuckle. The chuckle turned gradually to an annoying laughter. I waited patiently for the laughter to finish but it only got louder and more irritating.


“Wait…wait…” he said between sniggers, “You mean to tell me you and that guy in there were serious about charms and oaths and crap?”


“That’s what killed the first guy.” I said.


“Looks like you strangled him more like it.” He said “For someone crying about not getting blood on his hands that was pretty hard core. I’m impressed.”


“It wasn’t like that…” I began.


“Look I get it; you did it in self-defense.” He replied still chuckling. “I’m not one to judge, my hands aren’t so clean either you understand…but trying to give an excuse that it was juju or jazz is as delusional as…”


I ignited my left hand and showed him the orange flames.


Not a good idea.


Jeffery was so taken by surprise that he shrieked and swerved suddenly, throwing the car into the opposite lane and almost flipping it in the process. If it had been earlier in the day we would have definitely caused a terrible accident but as it was late at night and there were virtually no cars around, we simply careened over the concrete slab and into the other empty lane. I quickly extinguished the flames and he stared at me in shock and utter amazement. For a moment I thought he was going to jump out of the moving car and bolt, but then he regained his composure admirably and swerved the car back unto the right lane.


“Holy shit.” He said.


“I can create yellow flames out of thin air. Sometimes they are blue but that one comes rarely.” I didn’t see the need to mention the black flames.


“What are you, some kind of fire demon?” Jeffery was looking at me like I was a wild animal locked with him in the car and I laughed.


“This is not even my primary gift. Calm down, you’re going to hit that bus.”


Jeffery slammed on the brakes and swerved just in time to avoid a commercial bus parked on the side of the road.


“Hey, driver, take it easy oh!” Zeke’s muffled shouts came from inside the boot.



“Chill out, you criminal!” Jeffery hollered back.
“We are here.” And he stared at me again and repeated with gusto:

"Holy shit."
*******

Apologies for the long hiatus.
Bingemode activatedx7days

“Jeffery!” I exclaimed.


“Good one! You remember my name!” he said cheerfully then said as he turned his attention back to Zeke. “You look like shit since the last time we met.”


“Funny, was about to say the same thing about you.” I replied. “What are you doing here?”


“Same question I was about to ask you, man.” He said, using the nozzle of the gun to stroke Zeke’s forehead. “I don’t know about you but I came here to get quality weed and clean girls.” He winked at me mischievously. “I was about getting my groove on when you walked in, looking all badass. I was like, ‘see person wey talk say he wan propose to babe, wetin he come dey find for my crib?’ So I sent one of my sexy customers to your side but you brushed her off.
That was when it occurred to me that you were here for business, not pleasure. I was about hailing you when you got up and followed this scumbag here.” He tapped Zeke severally on his shaved head with the butt of the gun and Zeke winced. “This guy is bad news, you know that right? Unless you’re bad news yourself?”


“No I’m not.” I replied.


“I’ll take your word for it.” He grinned again. “I followed you down the corridor and thought I’d lend a hand in case you got yourself into trouble again but from what I heard from behind the door you took care of things pretty well.”


“You could have burst in and lent a hand earlier.” I replied. “I was in a real pickle.”


“Yeah, but you handled it well!” Jeffery laughed a little then his face turned crazy dangerous again and he turned his attention back to Zeke. “Now what’s this about your girlfriend being kidnapped?”


“They’ve got her in a hidden location somewhere.”


“Ah, and he doesn’t want to talk right?” He pointed the gun at Zeke and spoke with an eerie calmness. “You will tell us where she is before I count to three or else I will put a bullet in your skull. Two…”


Zeke started shouting. “Bayelsa! Bayelsa State! I…”


And then he choked and grasped at his throat as his eyes bulged. Jeffery took a step back and stood up hurriedly.


“What’s going on?” He remarked surprised, “I didn’t do anything.”


“You didn’t have to!” I shouted and ran forward to the gasping Zeke though I wasn’t quite sure if there was anything I could do. I paused, concentrating my aura and then grabbed at the chains now fully aglow and drawing taut around his neck. Immediately the chains burned my hands and I drew back with a painful shout.


“What, what’s on his neck? I can’t see anything! Why is blood coming out of his mouth?” Jeffery looked very alarmed all of a sudden.


I saw the red shiny substance already pouring out of Zeke’s nose and mouth followed immediately by blood. Zeke’s eyes were huge balls of terror as he felt the life ebb out of him and he collapsed to the floor. I couldn’t lose this lead. I decided to give it one last try. I held my hands in front of me and concentrated until I felt the essence of the black fire appear though neither of the two men could see anything. Then I grabbed at the chains once more.


It stung but I held on and pulled with all my might. Zeke began to convulse and from the corner of my eye I could see Jeffery standing there with his hands on his head, not comprehending at all why I had my hands firmly in front of the dying man’s neck. Eventually the chains began to slack and suddenly broke into thousands of tiny pieces that burnt away in my hands. I felt completely drained of energy and fell back, lying on the floor beside Zeke, breathing hard like I had just run a marathon. Zeke stopped convulsing and lay still for a while, moaning like an injured bull.


“What the hell just happened?!” Jeffery demanded.


I could imagine he was freaked out. I still wasn’t exactly sure what he was doing here but I began to guess he knew little of what he had gotten himself into. After a while I sat up, rubbing my aching palms and watched Zeke who had quickly recovered from his ordeal and was looking at me in awe.


“You…you saved me.” He whispered. “Why?”


“You weren’t expecting me to just stand there and watch you die, did you?” I replied.


The look on his face told me that was exactly what he had expected. I shook my head.


“I told you, I’m no cold blooded killer. And besides, you gave us the information we wanted.”


“But I kidnapped your girlfriend.” Zeke insisted. “She will most likely die and I contributed to her situation!”


I winced inwardly when I heard that but shrugged. “We’ll hand you over to the police. They’ll know what to do with you.”


“You don’t know much about these guys do you?” Jeffery was leaning against the wall in a corner, his gun aimed at Zeke’s head. “They’ll be out of jail sooner than you can say ‘Justice.’” He raised the gun. “I don’t know what kind of seizure he was having, but you should have let him die.”


Zeke glared at Jeffery for a while then turned his attention back to me. “He’s right. I owe you my life. I am in your debt, seer. Let me help you get your girl back.”


“You’re a seer?” Jeffery looked at me perplexed, “Like in, someone who sees the future?”


“No. I’m not a seer.” I replied them both.


“But, Egbegradudu said you were one.” Zeke replied vehemently, “A powerful seer at that, and very ruthless. He spoke of you with the utmost respect.”


I blinked.
“Well I’m not one. I just see visions about people, sometimes I can’t even decipher them properly…”


Before I could say anything else Zeke stepped forward and knelt at my feet. Jeffery pointed the gun at him menacingly.


“What are you doing?” We both asked him.


“Pledging my allegiance to you sir.” Zeke said solemnly. “You saved me when you had no reason to. She is in Bayelsa State near Port Harcourt at a discrete location. I can take you there. Let me help you find your friend.”


“At the risk of your own life?”


“That life is now yours until I return the favour. And besides, if you can locate your girl, Egbegradudu will know that we had something to do with it. And as you can see he doesn’t take offences lightly. I’m dead either way. Let me help you defeat him.”


Jeffery and I looked at each other. “I don’t trust this dude.” He said.


I turned back to Zeke who was still on his knees. I turned my sight on him and saw shadows, chains of the souls of people he had killed attached to him, keys and protective charms surrounding him, but no apparition of deceit. His black heart shone from deep within his chest and on impulse I tore his shirt open. There on his chest was the imprint of my palm from when I had hit him, black and blistered, burned with my supernatural fire. He winced as I placed my hand on it.


“This is my mark on you, Zeke.” I said solemnly. “If you double cross me you will regret it.”


Zeke nodded and I removed my hand. Jeffery stared, aghast.


“Whoa, how did you do that?” He gasped. “How’d he get burned?”


I turned to him. “We should leave. Someone might come and find us. And I think it will be very difficult explaining to the police how Bawo died.”


Jeffery turned to look at the dead body of Bawo for the first time. A look of surprise came over his face as he stared slowly back at me.


No, it wasn’t surprise. More of impressed.


I raised my hands to portray my innocence. “I didn’t kill him.”


“Hmm,” he replied. “We will discuss it later. Right now we need to get out of here.”


“I have a place we can stay for the night.” Zeke replied. “As soon as we are out I’ll make some calls. They’ll find the body here and dispose of it properly, don’t worry.”


“Surely you don’t expect him to trust you just like that, right?” Jeffery smirked at Zeke and winked at me. “I know somewhere we can hang for the night then you continue your search in the morning.”


I walked up to Jeffery and whispered in his ear, even as he kept his gun trained on Zeke. “I don’t want to get you involved in all this…”


He shrugged. “Ah, its fine. This is familiar territory for me.”


“How so?”


“Well, I was a lot of things before I became a legitimate bouncer at that new restaurant. Emphasis on legitimate. I can take care of myself don’t worry. And besides, you look like an interesting fellow and I’m bored at the moment. Let’s see if I can help you find your girlfriend.

____________&&&&&&&_____&______________&&&&__

purpose32:
Royver how far na

I dey.
I've started a new thread but for some reason I can't post the link else I will be banned. See my profile if you're interested

CHAPTER 9

I looked at the unmoving body of Bawo lying on the ground in front of me; his eyes open wide in horror, his mouth still gaping and oozing blood and spittle. There was no doubt in my mind that he was dead. This was the second dead body I was seeing in a few hours. Things weren’t looking good at all.


I sat down on one of the chairs and pondered my situation. I was worried about being found in a room with a dead body but at the same time I knew unless someone chanced upon this room there was no way anyone outside heard anything, not with the loud music from the Deejay blaring away. I turned my attention back to the problem at hand.


At least I had found out Nina had been taken out of Lagos to the South, but where? How was I supposed to find out the rest of the information now?


A moan from a reviving Zeke provided a solution.
I walked up to him and waited for him to get to his knees, then tore him a hard slap across the face. He gasped and was about struggling to his feet when I grabbed his shoulder and pushed him back down. He looked from my hand on his shoulder to me, shocked. I guess he was wondering how with his bulk I had the strength to hold him down with one hand. I pointed at his friend on the ground and when he saw Bawo’s contorted face he began to shiver. I let him ponder on it for a while then let go and took one of the chairs and sat opposite him.


“I need information.” I said quietly.


“You…you killed him?!” he gasped, still trembling.


“Listen to me Zeke. I’m not in the mood to answer stupid questions. I want to know what you guys did with my girlfriend, where you took her, do you understand?”


Zeke nodded and stared at his colleague on the floor. His eyes were filled with terror, just as I wanted them to be. I watched the red chain on his neck, it remained inanimate but I knew it could come alive and strangle him if this man so much as thought of uttering Nina’s location. It was obvious whatever oath Egbegradudu had made them swear to was very potent.


“We took her down south to the riverine area…” he had not finished uttering those words when the red chain began to glow. I raised up my hand immediately and he stopped, perplexed.


“Did you take an oath with Egbegradudu not to speak of the location?” I asked.


He nodded, a look of wonder on his face.
“I had forgotten about that,” He said. “How did you know?”


“Never mind.” I gave him my phone. “Type the name of the place here.”


With shaky hands Zeke collected the phone and began to type. He had not punched the keypad twice when the chain glowed again and began to get taut.


No way!


“Wait!” I shouted. Zeke stopped and stared at me, not aware of the mortal peril he was currently facing. Their boss was indeed a very powerful person to have worked such a charm on them. I leaned back on the chair and sighed, wondering what to do next.


“What?” Zeke asked, his gaze turning suspicious. “Why do you keep stopping me?” Then suddenly his eyes grew wide with fear. “What are you seeing? Is he here?”


I didn’t want to tell him about the chain but it seemed I didn’t have a choice. Also I was tired. The events of the past few hours were beginning to tell on me. I wanted the information so badly but at the same time I didn’t want to have to kill anybody to get it. I hadn’t reached that point, yet.


“Just…give me a State. Don’t mention the name of the place, just the State it’s located in.”


“It’s the oath we took isn’t it? You can see what it is doing to me?” Zeke asked his eyes bulging with fear.


“That’s what killed your friend over there. Not me.” I confessed. “Egbegradudu made you people swear never to disclose the location. Disobedience to that oath is tantamount to death.” I stood up from the chair and started pacing. “Apparently you boys didn’t know the gravity of your actions or else Bawo wouldn’t have broken the oath so freely.”


Zeke looked at Bawo again. The latter remained motionless on the floor.


“He made us swear, but it was nothing ceremonious, we simply joined hands and agreed. It’s not like it’s the first time he’s making us do things like that.” Zeke replied.


“Yeah, well, don’t say anything yet.” I replied. “Maybe I can figure out a way to save your life.”


He looked up at me and his eyes became curious. “Why do you care if I live or die?”


I shrugged. “You are no use to me if you die before you can mention the place. And besides, I don’t want blood on my hands.”


Zeke gawked at me for a moment then threw his head back and burst into wild laughter.


“You don’t want blood on your hands and you are going to face Egbegradudu?” He shook his head. “You must be a joker! The man is as ruthless as they come. Look what he did to Bawo…” and here he became sober again and seemed about to burst into tears.


“You two must have been quite close.” I said.
Zeke nodded.


“I’m sorry.” I replied.


Zeke sighed. “We knew the boss was a dangerous man but we have been loyal to him all these years, we have been with him through tough times, done terrible things for him. We thought he would at least be more lenient with us.”


“Give me the State.” I repeated. “Your oath didn’t include you mentioning the State did it?”


“No it didn’t.” Zeke replied, “But why should I tell you? You think this little talk we are having makes us friends?” He said, laughing scathingly.


Suddenly the door was kicked open. Someone wearing a black overcoat on black jeans and a fedora hat burst in, a gun in hand. I raised my hands to defend myself but he went passed me and grabbed Zeke by the throat, shoving the gun into his face.


“Maybe this will help you make up your mind.” He said. “He may not want to get blood on his hands but I’m willing to do so. Eager even.” He forced the gun into Zeke’s mouth and cocked it. “Say you won’t help. Go ahead.”


He looked very familiar though I couldn’t place his face just yet.


Zeke choked out some incoherent words.


“Huh? I can’t hear you.” The man in the overcoat replied.


“You shoved a gun in his mouth.” I said. “How do you expect him to speak up?”


“Oh, he’ll find a way, don’t you worry.” The man replied without turning back, and motioned with his other hand for me to leave the room. “If you don’t want to be a party to murder I suggest you leave right now. Things are about to get messy.”


Zeke stared at him then looked at me with bulging eyes and shook his head. He seemed terrified out of his wits, more terrified in fact than he had been of me a few minutes ago and definitely did not want to be left alone with this stranger. I felt kind of jealous that I hadn’t been able to elicit this kind of terror on such short notice.


“Who are you?” I asked.


“Aw, you’re hurting my feelings man.” He said and removed his hat with a grin. “Hey bro, how you been?”


The recollection came slowly but then I remembered the man in the Michael Jackson “Moonwalker” outfit; the one who had helped me fight the robbers at the restaurant three nights ago where I was supposed to have proposed to Nina. His countenance had changed greatly, now he looked darker and vicious, not as friendly as he was three nights ago. His clean shaven face showed a hard set jaw and bright, dangerous eyes. He was a ruggedly handsome fellow, I realized, although his features suggested he wasn’t a stranger to the hard life.

Jeffrey!

________________&&&&&____________&&&&&__&&&

kingreign:
What happened, you stopped writing. Ive always lookup forward to reading your write-ups on imaginary and strange things in a tale.

Got caught up with other pursuits.
Well I'm back, again
You can check out my latest thread. Tell me what.you think

How you guys remember all these stuff I don't know!

I had flashbacks reading through this thread. Almost brought tears to my eyes

Happy 2021 to all on this thread.

Last year looked like we were suddenly in a horror movie. People dropping left, right and centre. I still insist the oyinbo people found a hidden pandora's box in one of thier numerous excavations and opened it. And this time there was no indiana jones or tom cruise to stop them.

We thank GOD for His mercies in our lives.

And we pray 2021 brings succour and blessings.

HAPPY NEW YEAR once more.

I felt a surge of adrenaline course through me as I surreptitiously moved my hand under the table to have a better grasp of it.

“Chukwudi.” I said, staring straight into the man’s eyes.

A strange look came over the man’s face as he stiffened. It was obvious he was familiar with the name and his face contorted in fear and consternation. I didn’t know what it was they had been told about me but apparently it wasn’t pleasant. He backed away slowly.

“It’s him!” He whispered urgently to his colleague who looked at him blankly.

I decided to take advantage of their indecision and moved quickly, upturning the table in the face of the second man ‘Bawo’, who was still seated and looking confused. The table slammed him hard on the forehead and he fell over backwards while the first one fumbled for the gun which had been thrown along with the table into the air. He missed and it fell to the floor and I quickly kicked it aside. It slid under the door and out of the room.

The first guy exploded just as I thought he would. Initial shock gone, he charged at me like a mad bull. My brawling nature came alive in an instant. I aimed for his stomach and kicked hard. The kick caught him mid-charge but he was still moving forward and so he crashed into me, writhing in pains. I pushed him back into Bawo who was getting to his feet. Bawo flung him aside and in turn charged me, this time more cautiously. We locked arms and struggled while the first man recovered and got to his feet.

“You don die today!” he shouted and rushing forward he landed a punch on my mid-section. Pain shot through my belly and I tasted bile. They both threw me back against the wall and the second man grabbed my neck in a chokehold while the first punched hard at my ribs and stomach. I struggled to break free and couldn’t.
This fight was much different from the fight I had had in the bar three nights ago. Whereas those men had appeared violent but clumsy, these men fought with skill and a strength that just couldn’t be natural. Each blow was like a thunderbolt and shook me to my very core. Luckily I recovered quickly much to their consternation. The men paused for a while as I struggled to catch my breath.

“Zeke, he’s not going down oh!” Bawo shouted in surprise.

“Don’t you remember the Oga saying this guy has special powers?” Zeke grunted as he kept me pinned to the wall. “Normal person by now suppose drop with one blow, he no go fit get up again. Hit him again!”

It was then I noticed the rings on both their fists. A talisman of sorts supposed to discombobulate me with one strike. No wonder each blow hit me light a freight train. I took a deep breath and shouting, pushed them both back, feeling the old rage returning.

“Where is she?” I barked, “Where’s Nina?!”

Zeke picked some dirt from the floor and threw it at me and I looked away to avoid being blinded. Bawo rushed forward and knocked me to the ground and as I struggled with him Zeke came from behind and grabbed me in a choke hold. I felt myself being lifted up my feet as Zeke pulled me up while Bawo resumed punching me in the chest. The pressure in my neck was excruciating and I began to black out.


And then my id came to the surface.


As I struggled for my life and the pain from the tormenting blows coursed through me, I felt a fire come alive in my chest. It coursed through my arms and feet and up to my head until I felt it all around me and the pains and breathlessness completely disappeared.

“Wetin be that?!” Bawo shouted in alarm as black smoke started billowing out from my nostrils. I glanced at him and grasped his striking arm with my hand. He screamed and let go as the part of his skin I had touched turned black and began to blister. Zeke quickly let go as well, scampering out of the way to avoid my touch. Black fire, the worst kind of flames, emanated from both my hands from the wrist up. Although very useful in times of emergency, these belligerent flames didn’t last more than a few minutes and took a lot of spiritual energy. I let the flames die out immediately but the message had been passed. Both men were not going to attempt grappling me again.

“Tell me where you kept Nina,” I demanded, getting to my feet “And I will let you go!”


The two men looked at each other.

“Ezekiel, levels don change o.” Bawo said.

Zeke nodded and put his hand into his pocket. He brought out a small egg and threw it at me before I could make another move.

Suddenly I was frozen to the spot. Try as I might I couldn’t move. I looked down and with my Sight I saw the egg manifest into a powerful thick cord that wound around my hands and torso, making me immediately immobile.


“Stay there!” Bawo shouted in glee. “You think say we be small boys abi?”


“So na this fool Oga dey talk say we no fit handle?” Zeke sneered. He stuck his hand into his pocket again and brought out a white powder wrapped in cellophane. He rubbed the powder on the palm of his hands while muttering incantations. Then he stepped forward and slapped me hard on my cheek. As he did so, I could see small chains appear out of his hand and attach themselves to my face. The other ends of the chains struck the ground and attached themselves there as well and became taut.


“Fall my friend!” He shouted while Bawo began to laugh.


I could feel the chains pulling me to the ground. A normal person would have fallen immediately and been unable to get up again. But I’m not normal. Not in the least.


I reignited my fire and pulled hard against the rope that held me still and it made a strange crackling noise as it gave way. Both men gasped in surprise as I forced my hands free from my sides. I turned and grabbed the chains attached to my face and pulled hard until they too came off and disintegrated into smoldering bits. Then I turned once again to face my assailants.


“Is that all?” I asked, feeling rage and unnatural strength surge deep within me. I could feel Chukwudi the Stronger just beneath the surface, lending me all his strength. “Are you done wasting my time or do you have anything else up your sleeves?”


Zeke made a sudden bolt for the door and I used my palm backed by my id’s strength to hit him hard on the chest. The force in which the big man was thrown back startled even me and he crashed against the wall and collapsed on the floor unconscious. Bawo, who seemed to be the more lily livered of the two immediately went on his knees.


“Bros, abeg…”


“I need to know where Nina is and I need to know now!” I thundered and raised my hand threateningly, the black fire still smoldering on it.


“Wait wait, I will tell you, wait!” He squealed. He took some deep breaths and swallowed hard. “We carried her out of Lagos; our Oga said we needed to take her to a special place where you won’t be able to track her with your powers…”


“Go on,” I urged.


Bawo swallowed again. “We took her south, to the Riverine areas. He made us swear not to reveal the exact location, but I can give you the name of the town, it’s…”


And then he stopped short. His eyes bulged outwards as the red chain around his neck suddenly came alive and tightened, strangling him. He put his hands around his throat and started to scream. A shiny red substance came out of his mouth and nose followed by blood. I took a step back as he collapsed on the floor and started to convulse. In a few moments he was dead!



Now I knew what the chains were for.


_______________&&&&&&&___________&&___&&&&__

As soon as the doors were opened a blast of hot air hit my face. Cigarette smoke and Indian hemp wafted into my nostrils. The room was quite large with a high roof and crammed with tables and chairs upon which many bottles of beer and other hard drinks were meeting their demise. The Deejay played his music on full blast and the booming from the speakers sent strong vibrations into my body. I walked down a small flight of stairs and headed to an empty table and took a seat.

The place was full of shady characters. Thick plumes of smoke billowed from every occupied table with most people trying to shout above the din while some contented themselves with just sitting and drinking or dancing to the music. A young light-skinned girl in a revealing red top and short black plastic skirt that barely covered her nether regions sidled up and took a seat beside me.

“Oga buy me stout.”

“No thanks.” I replied. She batted her eyelids and leaned forward with a coy smile.

“You sure?” she asked, her voice flowing like honey. Her bosom was huge and threatened to spill out of the skimpy piece of scarlet clothing holding it captive.

“No, I mean, yes I’m sure.” I said faltering a little. Deep within me I heard Chukwudi the Stronger’s rumbling laughter.

She persisted, “how much dey your hand?”

A man walked past behind her. He was bald headed and quite muscular with a black sleeveless top and black trousers.

I remembered the men from the vision that had carried Nina away and my eyes widened in realization. I recognized him immediately as one of them.

The prostitute flicked her fingers in front of my eyes angrily.

“Wetin you dey look? I dey talk to you, you dey look another place, you no go face me?”

I turned to face her and grasped her hand. She gave a little cry and withdrew it as my hand ignited momentarily with Chukwudi the Stronger’s fire.

“Go away.” I whispered.

The girl fled.

I got up and hastily went after the baldheaded man. He walked briskly through the crowd, shoving aside anyone in his way. Most people that saw him seemed to know him; for as soon as they saw him they averted their eyes with some even apologizing for standing in his way. He went through the dance hall and opened a door at the far corner and went through it. I followed behind quickly, not sure exactly what I wanted to do but knowing I wouldn’t let him out of my sight for anything. This was the first real lead I was having on Nina and I wasn’t going to let it slip by.

I was walking behind him when he suddenly turned a corner. I followed suit and was startled to come face to face with him as he stood in the corridor waiting for me.

“You better have a good reason for following me oga.” He said quietly although I could feel the viciousness in his voice. “Because if you don’t then that means I don’t have a good reason for letting you leave here alive.”

He stared at me with cold-blooded eyes and my throat went dry. I didn’t see any weapon on him but I doubted he needed it. Those big arms could snap a man’s neck like a twig in seconds. There was the manifestation of a big chain around his neck that shone red, I had never seen the likes of it before and couldn’t imagine what it meant. I decided to think fast.

“I want to have someone kidnapped.” I said. “One of the girls pointed you out."

He sniggered, his lips parting to show yellow tobacco-stained teeth.

“And why do you think I have anything to do with kidnappers? Do I look like a criminal to you?”

He was sizing me up, I could see it. His aura reflected a deep grey fire whose embers glowed fiercely. This sort of person would appear cool and calm but could explode at any moment. I thought of my next words carefully.

“I was told the last job you did two days ago was so professionally carried out that till today the police don’t have a single clue of her whereabouts.”

The man’s eye’s turned to narrowed slits as he assessed my every word.

I hazarded a guess.

“I’m willing to pay whatever the master paid you. Provided you and your friend do as good a job on my matter as you did with his.”

The man stood there contemplating me for a moment. Finally he spoke.

“All right, come inside.”

He opened a door to his left and gestured for me to follow before he walked in. I looked around me; there was nobody in the corridor, nobody at all in sight. I took a deep breath and followed.
The new room was brightly lit by a fluorescent bulb which had been placed at the very centre of the ceiling. It was furnished with two wooden chairs and a square wooden table. Another bald headed man in a similar attire sat at the table in the middle of the room cleaning a gun. He too had the same invisible red chain around his neck that only I could see. He glared at me as I came in.

“Don’t worry, the guy na correct.” The first man said and his counterpart grunted and went back to his cleaning. A strong smell of Indian hemp filled the air.

“Ehen, bros sit down.” The first man offered me the other chair and I took it and sat down while he leaned against the wall. “Tell my guy here what you said outside.”

“I want somebody abducted and I heard you two were the men for the job.” I said. “I need something like the job you pulled off two days ago. I heard it was very professionally done.”

The man cleaning the gun laughed out loud and began to load it. The other man looked at him irritably.

“Why are you laughing? Shebi I told you not to tell anybody about that operation?”

“I didn’t o, bros.” the second man said, still loading the gun.

“Then how come this guy here knows about it? He even said a girl at the bar told him, I don’t need anyone to tell me it is your girlfriend Becky. You always tell her everything and you know she can’t keep her ugly little mouth shut.”

“I repeat, I no tell Becky anything!” The second man said angrily. “Ask this guy well because I don’t know how he found out but it’s certainly not from her!”

My throat went dry as the first man turned to look at me. Realizing I was about to be found out, I quickly changed my tactic. I had already seen a greed demon hovering over him and decided to use it to my advantage.

“Bros you better start talking or we finish you here. Are you the police?”

“Do I look like the police to you?” I asked calmly.

“And the guy no just dey fear sef!” the second man scowled and pointed the now loaded gun at me. “If I end you here now nobody go know!”

“If you end me here now you will never in your life make the amount of money I am about to offer you, ever again.” I replied, appearing unfazed.

The two men looked at each other and the first man shook his head at the second, motioning for him to wait and hear what I had to say. The second man hissed disapprovingly but put the gun back and the table. Apparently they didn’t think I was much of a physical threat.

‘Oya talk na, how did you know about the kidnapping? Was it Oga that told you?”

“No, a colleague of Egbegradudu did. He said you two can help me.”

At the mention of the name both of them glanced at each other meaningfully and they both visibly relaxed.

“Sorry bros, you know in this kind of business one must always be careful.” The first man said and leaned closer. “When do you want the job done?”

“Two nights from tonight.” I replied. “The target is a young girl as well, the daughter of an oil magnate. I’ve managed to get quite close to her and the family and I know the house in and out. Her parents will be traveling tomorrow and security at the house is quite lax. It’s a straightforward job.”

“Then why do you need us specially to do it?” The first man asked, “If you talked to Egbegradudu or his friend then you should know we don’t kidnap ordinary people. What’s the catch?”

“I need a good hiding place.” I replied. “Her father is extremely fetish and will leave no stone unturned in looking for his daughter. He’ll go to any length and I mean any length. I need a place where no one on this earth will be able to find her physically or otherwise.”

“Then you came to the right place!” the second man said, clapping his friend on the shoulder.

“We just happen to know somewhere that will suit your purpose very well. In fact, that was where we dropped our last victim…”

“Shut up Bawo.” The first man said.

I stiffened inwardly. The first man was definitely smarter than his friend despite his greed. He put his hand on his chin thoughtfully.

“How do we know you are not just stringing us along to find out where we put the other girl?

I shrugged, feigning nonchalance, although I was becoming deeply agitated inside. I saw the greed demon hovering above him gradually recede. That wasn’t a good sign at all.

“You’ll just have to trust me.” I said.

“No I don’t.” The first man replied. “Just because you know our boss’s name doesn’t mean you should be trusted.” He leaned forward. “You could be one of Oga’s numerous enemies you know.”

“Indeed.” I replied.

He straightened up and eyed me curiously. “What did you say your name was?”

“You never asked.” I replied.

“Well I’m asking now.” His words hissed through his teeth like pent up vapour from a pressure cooker. “Your name bro. We will check it out on social media just to make sure. And don’t you dare tell me you’re not online.”


The game was up.

CHAPTER 8


The bus ride to Ikeja was more or less an uneventful one. Night had set in completely and the tarred roads were flooded with moving lights from vehicle headlamps. There was some traffic on the way and the bus seemed to be filled with employees returning home after a hard day’s work. I sat at the extreme back seat and watched them come on and jump off at their desired stops. For a moment I envied them. They each had their problems hovering over their heads but it was mostly superficial; how to pay for rent, what to tell the boss the next day, what lie to give the wife for returning home at this hour when they should have been back much earlier, whether to give the conductor change or not.

There was a lady who entered the bus and I could see immediately she didn’t have enough money and was contemplating how to get out of paying her transport fare. When her bus stop was called she came down and brought out the money she had. It was a very paltry sum and the conductor’s eyes flashed in anger. He began hurling insults and threats at the girl and she pleaded quietly in front of him. I was about to intervene when I saw a Being gently put his hand on the conductor’s shoulder. The conductor sighed, relented and jumped back into the bus, ordering the driver to move on as the girl shouted her thanks and started walking away, totally oblivious to the Being a few steps behind still following her.


These things fascinated me for a moment but I knew deep down I was trying to use my powers to distract my mind from thinking about Nina and what she might be going through at that moment. I took a deep breath and closed my Sight and all the manifestations disappeared.
My heart skipped a beat as I considered what would happen if I saw the men that had kidnapped Nina in the vision with Madam Balle. They had looked extremely vicious. I couldn’t imagine the likes of them keeping Nina company for days.

At least she was alive.

For now.

“’keja last bus stop!” The conductor shouted as the driver parked his vehicle. I jumped down along with the rest of the passengers and headed in the direction Thomas had given me.

As I walked down the street I noticed the area was almost deserted. There were a few night hawkers selling cigarettes and sweets but even they seemed to be packing up to go home. It was now almost ten o’ clock my watch. I walked further down and turned a corner into another street.

At the far end of this street was an island of light illuminated by a huge flood-lamp tied to an electric post. An old blue and white building stood conspicuously at the centre of the island of light, surrounded by haphazardly placed plastic chairs. Night hawkers thronged around the place and two Suya spots added their flaming oil lamps to the luminance, their grilled spicy meats sending off savoury scents into the air, making me remember I hadn’t eaten since morning. A cloud of smoke hovered over the area and highlife music filtered out of the closed doors. Some prostitutes were gathered outside, exhibiting their fleshly wares and casting seductive glances at any one who passed by. I stopped by the suya spot and ordered for some spiced meat, wolfing it down with a bottle of chilled soda one of the hawkers was selling by the entrance. Thus sated, I made my way to the building.

I walked determinedly towards the main entrance but was stopped suddenly by a huge man in black three-quarter jean shorts and a grimy brown t-shirt that must have been pure white at some brief point in its existence. He smelled of beer, marijuana and sweat. His eyes were small and piercing and his outstretched arm revealed a hairy armpit. I looked up into his eyes and smiled pleasantly.

“Who you dey find?” He asked gruffly.

“Your papa,” I promptly replied.

He rose to his full height as if he wasn’t big enough already and glared at me. I stood my ground and maintained eye contact, my smile changing from pleasant to maniacal in a way I knew my id would have approved of. My hands hung lazily by my side but in reality they were tense and ready for action as adrenaline began to course through my veins. Nothing was going to stop me from getting in here.

He glared at me for a moment longer then suddenly burst into raucous laughter.

“Enter, maybe you go see ya mama there too!”

I shrugged and shook my head at his lewd joke and he stepped aside and opened the door.

_____________&&&&&_______&&&&&&&&&&&_____

Pls comments and criticisms will be highly appreciated.

CHAPTER 7


The next few hours went by like a blur. I had insisted on waiting behind to assist Thomas the beggar in any way possible concerning the disposal of the dead woman’s body. He directed me on some people I could alert, all within the neighbourhood and in a few minutes they had all gathered together. Many of them expressed profound shock in hearing the old woman had died, but none showed too much surprise as to how it had happened. I had wondered what Thomas would say caused her demise but he was truthful albeit brief about it. She had been carrying out a spiritual exercise when she was attacked. For some reason the neighbours understood that well enough and her body was carried away for burial amidst loud wailing and shouting. I stood behind the scenes, helping as much as I could and generally trying to make myself useful while fighting feelings of guilt. The old woman had been well known in the community and a lot of the common folk came around to pay their last respects before a grave was dug and she was buried.


Time passed like in a dream and before I knew it night had come and I found myself sitting weary and hungry in Thomas’ room. I looked at my watch, it was seven o’clock. The single yellow light bulb hanging from the ceiling gave adequate illumination.

Thomas felt about his room with his walking stick until he found the mattress then he pushed himself forward and sat down heavily. He started singing and chanting and it occured to me that he had forgotten I was there. I coughed.


“Are you still here, Chukwudi?” He asked, looking up.


“Yes sir.” I replied quietly.


“I thought I told you to go home. Forget this quest you were about embarking on. It’s a fool’s errand. Your girlfriend will most likely never be found. A lot of people go missing every day in Lagos. And she isn’t officially attached to you. Take it as one of those things in life and go back to living yours.”


“Most likely…” I said.


“What?”


“You said ‘most likely’, my girlfriend will most likely never be found. Most likely is not absolute. That means there is a small chance that she can be found.”


“That small chance is at risk of your life.” He said and leaned forward. “The people that took her are not playing around. These are professionals. They hired a very dangerous man to help them. You don’t want to get involved in this. Leave it for the police to handle.”


“No.” I replied immediately. “If there is even the slightest chance I can get her back I’m willing to take it.”


“Chukwudi…”


“Listen sir,” I said, “My mind is made up. I’m getting to the bottom of this with or without your help. If you send me away I’ll simply look for another means to find her. I will not stop. I will not relent. I cannot imagine going back to my life without having tried my best to help Nina. Do you understand?”


Thomas sighed. “Unfortunately I do. I can see your passion for her is strong. Your body burns with embers so bright it almost threatens to blind my Sight. To vanquish this foe you will need all your wits about you. You shouldn’t underestimate this man no matter how powerful you think you are.”


“After all I have seen today, I’m thinking ‘not so powerful’.” I replied nervously. “But all the same I want to do it. I love Nina.”


“Courage is always an admirable trait and a welcome quality in any undertaking.” Thomas paused. “But Egbegradudu is involved...”


“Who is this Egbegradudu?” I asked. I had noticed anytime the name was mentioned Thomas would shake his head almost surreptitiously. He shifted uneasily on his mattress.


“He was initially one of us; blessed with the gift of Sight so strong he could almost foretell the end of the world itself. But he turned himself over to darkness many years ago and never looked back. He engages in all sorts of dubious deeds for money and will not hesitate to make and give out charms of questionable powers to those who seek it. He is a charlatan and a thief. And one of the most powerful seers of our time.”


“And what does he want with Nina?” I asked.


“That I don’t know.” Thomas replied. “It seems in this case he is just a hired help. You said you heard other voices in the background, correct?"


I had earlier recounted my experience in Nina’s place to Thomas when he had asked for an explanation to give those that had come to bury the old woman. I had to tell the story twice; he seemed to want to know every little detail in case I had missed something.


“Yes, though it wasn’t clear. It appears he was trying to reassure someone, told him not to worry, let his money do the worrying for him, something like that.’


“Did your girlfriend have any enemies? Someone she would have offended greatly? Someone very rich?” Thomas asked.


“Nina? No, she is a sweet lady, friendly to everyone around her. If anyone has any axe to grind it would most likely be against me, not her.”


“If they wanted to use her to get to you they should have contacted you by now. They would have left clues, not left you spiritually blinded.” Thomas sighed again. “As it is, you were just an obstacle they factored into the whole issue.”

“I am NOT leaving her to her fate, Thomas.” I declared. “How do I progress from here? From what the old man…what’s his name…?"

"Egbegradudu" Thomas enunciated each syllable like he didn't want me to forget it.

"He said we have only a few days left to find Nina before…”

I couldn’t finish the statement, didn’t know how to. What did they want to do with Nina in three days? How was she faring now? The thought of her being alone in some dark unknown place hit me hard in the gut and I suddenly felt powerless and angry at the same time.


Thomas reached out and touched my arm.

“Take it easy. Since you have decided to go on this journey despite the risks I will do my best to assist you. Take down this address, it is an inn located in Ikeja. Those bald men who took your friend away would most probably have been hired from there. Use your Sight wisely.”


He gave me the address and I typed it down in my phone. Coincidentally it was just some distance from where I lived. Then getting to my feet, I walked briskly to the door. It was pitch black outside especially as there were no streetlights. The only source of light was from the night hawkers selling their wares of tobacco and kolanuts beside their smoky lanterns. I hesitated for a moment.


“Thomas, sir, can you give me an angel? I think I’m going to need all the help I can get.”

“It is not I who gives out the angels my son,” Thomas said. “Or else I would have called upon a legion of them to accompany you. You will have to commence this journey on your own. In fact, you have already begun. And despite all that has happened, I can tell that you are doing well.”

“Oh?” I laughed nervously. “How so?”

“You know how to ask for help. You were humble enough to come to me, a lowly beggar. Humility will never get you in trouble, Chukwudi, remember that.

He bent his head and sighed yet again.

“There are no shortcuts. I learned that the hard way. I wasn’t always blind, Chukwudi. In my youth, I could see just as well as you. My blindness came to be as a result of disobedience, recklessness, and pride. I thought I could do it all, and I went on a quest that I was expressly warned against going, even though my reasons were far less noble than yours. I threw my friends aside in my selfish ambitions and used all the powers at my disposal. By the time I realized I needed help it was too late. My friends came to my rescue and sacrificed a lot to set me free. And it seems they are still sacrificing to this day.”

He bent his head again and I knew he was talking about the late Madam Balle. I looked beyond him and for the first time saw shadowy figures of his past standing and sitting by his side. Many of them had chains and ropes which were attached to an iron collar around his neck. The collar was secured by a padlock but beneath that padlock hung the key that would set him free.

“You are holding on to your past, Thomas, can’t you see it?” I asked taking a step forward to the key but he stopped me.

“No, leave it.” He shook his head. “This is my cross to bear, my burden. It’s a reminder of how a lack of wisdom can lead to the downfall of everything and everyone you know and love.”

“Those chains are also preventing you from seeing your future and forging ahead.” I replied. “Holding on to past mistakes is never a good idea. Best to learn your lesson and move on. You might even regain your sight.”

“You have no idea what I did, my son…”

“But I am quite sure whatever it is, you have redeemed yourself after all these years.” I said taking another step. “Let me help…”

I reached out for the key, knowing that with my powers it ought to be tangible in my hand even for a few minutes, but my fingers went right through it. I tried again to no avail. One of the shadowy figures manifesting behind him suddenly came forward. I took a step back and gasped as I saw it was an Angel. It looked ragged; its armor was lacking in luster, cracked and dented. The angel smiled resignedly at me and shook his head no.

“Only I can touch that key, Chukwudi.” Thomas said. “Only I can set myself free. I am the exiled one, and I must learn my lesson to the fullest. And neither you nor my guardian angel can convince me otherwise.”

I backed away slowly.

“I have to go.” I looked at his guardian angel “Take care of him.”

The angel nodded solemnly.

“Good luck my son,” Thomas said, “And may God be with you.”


“Thank you sir.”


I closed the door behind me and walked out into the night. The previously desolate street through which we had come had now turned into a night market. It was one of those nights where the veil between the physical world and the supernatural one had all but vanished. I didn’t need to look between my legs to separate the mortals from the spirits. I saw them plainly with my gift of Sight, interacting as one creation, the physical haggling with the spiritual, the metaphysical exchanging pleasantries with the mundane, ancestors of the land walking the earth in native garb. I ignored them all and hailed a bus going down to Ikeja.


There was no time to waste.

***********_&&&&&&&&&&&&&&_*****************

MightyFortress:
Incredible!!!

Poor Madam Balle... Paid a high price...

Even though this is not the first time I am coming across your writing, Sir Royver; I am still blown away at your superb descriptions of the supernatural happenings around us... I really do not know what other superlatives to use... I only request that you somehow convince me that everything you described is just pure fiction... Fragments of the fertile imagination of a writer... Or else, fear go begin catch me oh.

Your description of those beggars and the angelic occurrences around them...


I am trying to imagine what Chukwudi would see if he looks this way...

Wonderful work Sir and I still reiterate that I would make good my promise of getting you a simple drink if our paths ever cross. You are such a brilliant and engaging writer, one of Nigeria's best presently, I dare say.

Kudos.

Compliments of the season and wishing you a beautiful, blessed and fulfiling year ahead.

Embarrassed blush

Bonjour.
Softy I have replied your email.

CHAPTER 6


Suddenly we were back in the blind beggar Thomas’ room again. I jumped from the stool, startled, and it fell over and clattered on the floor. The blind beggar was before me again, his opaque eyes glistening in the evening sun, his tattered rags swathed around him.


“The person that took your friend is very powerful. He was prepared to render your powers of sight utterly useless, and he succeeded. This isn’t a foe you want to face without being prepared yourself.” Thomas said.


“I’ve faced something like that before.” I said, remembering Jenny and the Revealer ring, “Rings that suppress my ability to see.”


“This is nothing as trivial.” Thomas insisted. "This person was able to keep your id at bay for…how long did you say? Two days without any contact with you.”


“Whatever it is, we…my id and I… can handle it.”


Thomas sighed.


“You have to take this very serious Chukwudi. The people you are after know about you and might guess you are coming.”


“Okay I’ve taken the hint.” I replied. “Things are going to be pretty serious from here on in. So what do I do? Because either way I’m still going after her.”


“There could be a way of investigating her apartment without involving you directly. That would be a start.” He suggested.


“Okay, and how do you suppose we do that? Can you work some magic there as well?”


“I don’t do magic.” Thomas replied with a wistful smile. “At least not any more. But she does.”


He pointed behind me and I turned around.


Standing behind us was a very old woman. She was short and fat and wrinkly all over. Her eyes were both glazed over with cataracts and judging from the way she stared vacantly into space she was blind as well. I jumped, wondering how and when she had entered into the room. She showed no sign of acknowledging my shocked reaction but spoke to Thomas like I wasn’t even there.


“Is he ready?” Her voice sounded old and cracked but strict reminding me of a headmistress.


“Yes Madam Balle.”


“He looks easily frightened though,” She eyed me disdainfully. I guess she wasn’t so blind after all and I shuffled my feet, embarrassed.


“He is stronger than he knows.” Thomas smiled. “I think he can handle it.”


“Very well,” She turned to me. “Sit.”


I sat down on the stool but one stern glance from her and I removed the stool from under me and sat on the floor. I noticed there was a circle drawn in chalk around where we stood and without being told I sat inside the circle. She joined me in a comfortable looking squat and began mumbling some incantations. Thomas sat as well but behind me and outside the circle. I turned warily to Thomas who nodded encouragingly.


“She can channel your energy.” He said by way of explanation. “She will see what we can’t. This process can drive a normal person mad as it will involve the total invasion of your mind.”


“Isn’t that what you just did?” I queried and Thomas smiled.


“I simply entered your mind. Madam Balle here will find your memory of your friend’s place and then use that memory to take you there now. It’s like being in two places at once and can be very disconcerting. But I’m sure you can handle it.”


“But, how did she come into the room?” I asked.


“Shush!” Madam Balle hissed sternly. “Pay attention. Concentrate on the day in question.”


I pressed my lips together and was quiet. I began to think of Nina’s room.


Madam Balle muttered some more incantations and started to weave back and forth, and the incantations got louder. All of a sudden Madam Balle cried out and grasped me by the hand. I felt a jolt like an electric spark had gone straight to my brain. The pain was excruciating and I thought I was going to lose consciousness.


Then...


We were standing in Nina’s room. It was dimly lit, and the atmosphere had a certain cloudiness as if something like a veil covered the whole room. Madam Balle stood beside me, silent and still; then she stretched her hand forward and made a cutting movement through the air and the veil came apart. Everything became clear and bright. I felt hot and cold at the same time and all my hair seemed to stand on end. I could feel that I was still sitting on Thomas’ dirty floor while standing in Nina’s room at the same time. The room was well lit up now and scattered as I saw it that day. Then as Madam Balle clapped her hands a cloud covered the vision and cleared and the room came into view again only this time I could see Nina had just arranged it, her clothes laid out neatly on the bed. It was a wine red dinner gown with matching shoes and a purse.


“This was before I got here,” I whispered. “How come-”


“Silence!” She hissed again. “Use your Sight. See.”


I shrugged and concentrated. And slowly the room came to life. The radio came on, playing a popular tune and the sweet smell of Nina’s perfume filled the air.


“Awesome.” I whispered.


Nina came in from the bathroom, putting finishing touches on her makeup. I averted my eyes as she put on a matching set of polka-dotted black and white bra and underwear and approached the bed to put on the gown. Madam Balle sighed irritably and drew my face back to continue watching. There was this smile on Nina’s face that made my heart melt. I hadn’t seen her in so long and now here she stood before me, although I knew instinctively that this was just an illusion, she could neither see nor hear me. Through the powers of Madam Balle I was watching an event that had already taken place.


I watched as she slowly put on her dress, taking care to smooth out any rough edges. I saw her put on her wristwatch and glance at the time in alarm, realizing she was going to be late. She put on her shoes and put some items in her purse. She looked around the room once more to make sure everything was in place when suddenly there was a knock on the room door and she glanced up.


Everything happened so fast. Since I seemed to be able to only see what was happening in this room I didn’t know how the intruders had gained access into her apartment. One moment she was looking up in alarm, the next moment two hefty looking men dressed in t-shirts and jeans barged into her room and attacked her. Both men were bald and their jaws were set and their faces mean-looking. She screamed and tried to get past them and out of the room but they pushed her back instead. She fell over the bed and hit her head hard on the tiled floor, sustaining a cut on her forehead that began to bleed profusely. I shouted and moved forward but I couldn’t touch her, couldn’t make contact. I was like a ghost in the room, they couldn’t see me and I couldn’t touch them. I shouted in indignation as they rushed at her again and she made wild efforts to avoid them, striking out with her purse and kicking viciously, but it was hopeless. They managed to subdue her and one of the men pinned her arms behind her back while the other covered her mouth with one hand and with the other hand brought out a small bottle from a pouch in his waist. He opened it and poured the contents of the bottle in her face and she began to gag and sneeze violently. Gradually her body became limp and she soon stopped struggling.


I watched in horror as they proceeded to bind her hand and foot and stuffed a piece of cloth in her mouth to stop her from screaming should she suddenly gain consciousness. Then one of the men hefted her unto his shoulder like she was a rag doll and the two men exited the room.


I was about turning my eyes away in despair from the whole scene when I saw further movement and another man entered the room. This man was much older than the others and wore a simple brown and red patterned attire with amulets round his neck and beads on his waist. From his chin hung a well-groomed majestic silver beard and for some reason a shiver went through my spine. He brought out something that looked like powdered chalk and blew it into the air around the room. Then I heard a voice from the parlour. It wasn’t clear but the elderly man answered.


“It is done. Even he with all his gift of Sight won’t be able to see through the obfuscating charm. It should buy us a few days.”


I cocked my ears eagerly to catch the other end of the conversation but again was only able to hear murmurings and the reply from the elderly man.


“Do not worry; let your money work for you. I assure you in the next five days all would have been accomplished and you will finally have your revenge. The gifted boy will see nothing.”


So these people actually knew who I was! They knew about my abilities and apparently had come prepared just like I had suspected. What were they intending to do in the next three days, seeing that I had already let two days slip by?


The elderly man with the amulets continued to blow the chalk and mutter incantations.


Suddenly he looked in our direction. He stopped what he was doing and approached where we stood. It seemed…it seemed he could actually see us! He walked up to us, stretched his hand out to touch us but his hand went right through. I stood stock still and held my breath, wondering if I should do anything. But the elderly man waved his hands once or twice and decided whatever it was that had piqued his interest wasn’t worth investigating. He turned his back to us and continued his processes.


Then he paused.


“Just in case…” he whispered, and then turning around suddenly and plucking an amulet from his neck, he flung it to the floor. It fell directly in front of Madam Balle.


Madam Balle suddenly lost her concentration and stared down at her feet in horror. The amulet was on the ground right where she stood. As we both watched, green smoke emitted from it and the fumes wound round Madam Balle who shrieked and tried to move away but she was stuck firmly to the ground. She struggled more frantically but the more she did, the more the green smoke engulfed her feet and found its way up to her waist and torso. She looked up and tried to tell me something but I couldn’t hear her. However I could see the fear and urgency in her eyes. I put my hand to my side and sure enough, my manifested sword was there and my hands closed on its hilt. I pulled it out swiftly and with one wild swing, struck at the amulet with all my might. There was an explosion and a loud ringing in my ears and suddenly we were back in Thomas’ room and Madam Balle started to collapse. I grabbed her just in time and set her gently on the bed.


“What happened?” Thomas asked in alarm. “Why did she scream?!”


“I don’t know!” I replied, as Madam Balle began to convulse. “We were in this trance and the next thing this old guy throws an amulet down and she panicked!”


Thomas gasped and felt about frantically in his swarm of clothes. He pulled out a bottle with an oily liquid and stretched out his hand.


“I can’t see her! Place my hand on her forehead! Quickly!” He shouted. I grabbed his hand and guided it to the old woman’s forehead and he immediately started muttering some prayer and poured the contents of the bottle on her head.


Immediately the convulsions ceased and the old woman’s breath came back in short gasps.


But still there was something wrong.


She grabbed Thomas’ hand and dragged the beggar down to her side until his ear was just against her mouth.


“Egbegradudu…” she whispered.


Thomas stiffened.


“Egbegradudu…he was there…knew I would come with the boy…foresaw…”


“He set a trap?” Thomas asked


But the woman didn’t answer. Her eyes stared vacantly into the distance.


I stood up suddenly in shock as her hand fell limp at her side.


She was dead.


I backed up against the wall as a sob escaped Thomas’ lips and he hugged the body of this strange woman I had barely known but who had sacrificed so much for me.


“What…what happened?” I asked, aghast at what had just occurred.


Thomas was silent for a while as he stroked the lifeless body’s forehead sadly. Then-


“Go home boy. Forget this woman you seek. She is lost.”

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By now Chukwudi the Stronger was standing beside Thomas. Thomas seemed to be looking for something on his body, then called his name again, commanding him to turn around. All the muscles in Chukwudi the Stronger’s body bulged in protest but he turned around all the same until he was backing the two of us.


“You won’t get away with this!” I shouted and my body began to catch fire. The vines squirmed against the heat and loosened a bit. A surprised look came over Thomas' face as he observed me, and then he smiled. It was a most unexpected, carefree smile that took the anger and flames out of me immediately.


“You have nothing to fear Chukwudi.” He said, genially. “I was only trying to demonstrate the power of a name. And also to show you this!” He pointed at Chukwudi the Stronger’s back.


Right there, in between Chukwudi the Stronger’s shoulder blades, was an inscription.


“Your id was summoned and imprisoned by a great power. How he escaped at all was a miracle.” Thomas smiled again and made a gesture with his hands and the vines disappeared. “Having said that, you are indeed very strong.”


“What’s going on back there?” Chukwudi the Stronger yelled. “I can’t turn around!”


“Calm down bro.” I replied. “You have something on your back.” I turned to Thomas. “How do we take it off?”


“It’s a simple but clever spell.” Thomas replied. “Finding it was the hard part.” He placed his hand over the inscription and made the sign of the cross on it and the inscription disappeared. “You are free to go, Chukwudi the Stronger.”


Chukwudi the Stronger suddenly fell forward, free what whatever bond had held him. He got to his feet, muttering angrily, then turned and saw Thomas’ calm face. He shook his head and chuckled.


“That was one heck of a lesson sir.”


“Ah, but the lesson is not over.” Thomas’s eyes blazed again and he commanded, “Chukwudi the Stronger, come to me!”


Chukwudi the Stronger looked at him, then at me. “Nothing is happening this time.”


Thomas relaxed. “Good. Lesson complete. You’re Chukwudi’s id and you will be addressed as such from now on.”


“Sir, yes sir!” Chukwudi threw a mock salute.


Thomas chuckled and motioned for my id to sit and he obeyed. I sat down too, eager to learn more.


“You should be concerned.” Thomas noted. “Someone else knows you id’s name besides you.


“Well, yes, my Dad knows him. He named him in fact.” I said.
.
Thomas turned to me sharply. “And that is the last time you will proffer such information without duress.” He scolded.


“Yes Sir.” I replied quietly.


“Do you have any issues with your father? Could he have done this to you?”


“What? No!” I exclaimed. “My dad knows nothing about this, I’m sure. From the explanation you’ve given, he was the one who rescued Chukwudi the Stronger in the first place by calling him forth.”


“Alright then, someone else knows the name and can use it to neutralize your id at any time.”

Thomas replied. “You have to be vigilant.”


“Okay, now that the inscription is gone, my gift should be fully back right? Can I return to the scene of the crime, find out if I’ll be able to pick up something?” I asked.


Thomas shook his head.


“I doubt if that would be a good idea. The spell activated as soon as you entered the place your friend was kidnapped. It would simply suck your id out again. Even if you were able to resist it, it would alert the one who set it up. I suggest you go through another route.”


And so saying Thomas stood up and clapped his hands twice.

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Ofez:
bro, i sent u a mail, pls try and reply

Done.

hottadiva:
Can I also get it ? Pleeeeeeaaaaasssssssssseeee

Yes of course. Just send me a pm with your address and you can have all my published works

oluwadabira222:
Cc divepen and obinnau,seems the OP has been ban by spambot.and his second update has been deleted, pls kindly unban him and restore his second update thanks in advance!

Thanks man! I appreciate I no know wetin I do spambot

The beggar’s residence was a hostel for the homeless built by the Lagos state government many years ago. A row of ten single rooms with three toilets built adjacent to the rooms gave the structure of the building an “L” shape. As we passed by the toilets the stink of urine and feces assaulted my nostrils. I held my breath and led the blind beggar through the hallway to his room which was the third in the row. He stretched out his hand to the door and pushed it. It wasn’t locked and swung open quite easily.


“How do you manage to get home by yourself?” I asked, glancing through the room and taking note of the single foam mattress and stool that made up the whole furnishing of the room. The blind beggar laughed.


“Esilios shows me the way. He is my guardian angel. Also I have my trusty walking stick.” He felt his way to the mattress and sat down. “But most of the time I get home through acts of human kindness; a bus conductor, a charitable stranger, or a street urchin. It is preferable I get home that way as I can then bless more people.”

"Why would someone with your, em, gifts, stay in a place like this?" I asked. "Surely you can bless yourself to get a little money, maybe afford better conditions..."

"The vanities of life are a distraction from what lies ahead, my son." He smiled. "The bible says the Son of Man had nowhere to lay his head, not that he couldn't afford it, but it may have distracted him from his mission. The vanities of this world will crumble soon enough."

"I see..." I said. But he saw my hesitation and smiled.

"And yes, I know you can see the chains binding my feet and held by my own hands...I may also be punishing myself for deeds done in the past...but that does not concern you. What concerns you now is this girl with the giant wings whose face I cannot see. I suppose she is missing?"

I nodded. “So you have the gift of sight…”


“Just like you do, my son.” He frowned. “Just that it seems you hardly ever use yours.”


I coughed uncomfortably.


“You could be great, my son. You could be a Pastor or a Seer…”


“No thanks.” I replied hastily. “I just want to live my life free of any hassle.”


“And how is that working out for you?” He chuckled and motioned for me to sit down. “You still seem to be getting into a lot of trouble.”


The time now was 4pm. It had taken almost an hour to get to his place on foot. He had insisted on walking and honestly I was a little worn out. I sat on the stool, testing its strength gingerly before putting my whole weight on it. It creaked a little and was still.


“You have a lot of growing up to do son.” The Beggar said, and stretching forward touched my chest with his hand. “Both parts of you.”


I felt Chukwudi the Stronger stir within me “Tell him that we are looking for our friend.” he began, but the beggar put his hands to his lips and Chukwudi the Stronger fell silent. The beggar sat on the bare floor and crossed his legs, muttering something that sounded like a prayer. Then he touched my forehead.


There was a bright flash of light and I suddenly saw myself in the room in my mind where Chukwudi the Stronger resided. Only this time the beggar was there with us. And his eyes were not opaque but fully opened, full of life and shining bright. He was regally dressed in flowing white robes embroidered with gold designs and magnificently adorned with gold and silver necklaces and bracelets.


“How…How are you here?” I gasped, looking around the imaginary room in my mind. Chukwudi the Stronger stood beside me, his eyes narrowed and alert. The beggar smiled at the both of us.


“Greetings once more. You are in a trance of sorts.” The beggar replied throwing his now golden robes around him. “I needed to talk to both your personalities."


“Who are you?” I asked as he conjured up a seat in my mind and sat down.

“My name is Thomas. And a long time ago I could see as well as you do. But then I used my Sight for evil and was punished for it. I spend the rest of my days now paying for my mistake, blessing those who deem it fit to seek my blessing.”


“We need your help Sir.” Chukwudi the Stronger sat beside him boldly. “Our friend has been taken and we have no idea who they are or what they want from her.”


“Your vision did not lend you a clue?”


“No manifestations whatsoever,” I replied. I sat down too as we all faced each other.


“It is like my powers were completely neutralized.” Chukwudi the Stronger said.


“They still are; I haven’t been able to use my Sight even with his return.” I said, gesturing at Chukwudi the Stronger. "The chains you spoke about binding you, your real regalia...I didn't see any of it just now. The last time something like this happened there was a ring, but so far I haven't come across anything like that this time."


“I see.” Thomas replied. “Stand up, Id”


The Stronger and I looked at each other and then back at Thomas.


“I mean you sir.” Thomas said, pointing at Chukwudi the Stronger.


“My name is Chukwudi the Stronger.” He replied.


“A name is not to be used carelessly, especially an Id’s name.” Thomas chided. “From henceforth he shall call you his Id. Your name can be used to summon you and from what I am seeing it has happened already.”


“I don’t understand.” Chukwudi the Stronger and I said in unison. Thomas smiled.


“You both need a lot of growing up to do. Let me demonstrate.”


With that Thomas stood up, took a few steps back and his eyes began to blaze fire as his soft features hardened and his face suddenly became fierce.


“Chukwudi the Stronger, Arise!” He commanded.


To my surprise, Chukwudi the Stronger bolted up from his seat, back straight, arms at his sides like a robot. He gasped in consternation.


“Come here Chukwudi the Stronger!” Thomas boomed.


“I…I cannot…resist!” Chukwudi the Stronger said as he began to walk unwillingly towards Thomas.
“Hey, what are you doing?” I yelled, jumping from my seat. Thomas stretched a palm towards me and thick vines materialized and wrapped around me until I was immobilized. “Stop this!” I shouted again, straining hard against the vine which only got tighter.

"Don't struggle." Thomas mocking voice reverberated round my mind. "It is already over."


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Today however I was determined to have a word with him. I had packed a small backpack containing some change of clothes, toiletries, and a bible. I cleaned up the apartment as best as I could and left, locking the door behind me. I had made up my mind that I wouldn’t return home without Nina. And thus determined, I set out.


It was close to 3pm when I finally reached the bridge. Traffic had been terrible and by the time I got there I was sweating, irritable but undeterred. I climbed up the stairs, hoping desperately that he wasn't absent for any reason. The beggars were at their usual spots, praying and chanting and singing hymns. I walked past them determinedly, not pausing for a moment to spare any change, and sure enough he was there, pleading for alms as usual. I took a deep breath and approached.

As my shadow fell over him he paused momentarily, not turning towards me, but more seemingly lost in thought. Tired of waiting for him to notice me, I slipped a new thousand naira note into his begging bowl.

He grunted and felt in the bowl for the money even though it had barely made any sound. He picked it up and finally turned towards me, a blank expression on his face.

"Bless you my son." He said. "Let us hope that it is that simple."

Before I could ask what he was talking about, a slice of light ripped through the air and a guardian angel appeared. It walked towards me momentarily and then stood, hesitating. Then it bent and whispered into the old beggar’s ear. The beggar smiled and nodded and the angel disappeared.


“You do not need my help, brother.” He said, his voice hoarse. "Not this way."


“But I do, I do need your help.” I replied desperately. “I am at my wit’s end. Please, I’ll give you more money.”

The moment I said it I realised I had made a mistake and I knew why the angel had retreated. I was trying to buy thier help. The beggar looked up at me with those white physically useless eyes and his face was filled with disgust.


“God’s gifts are not for sale.” He replied, turning away. I bent down and quickly grabbed his arm. He turned back to me as people began to stop and stare.

"I apologise, my approach....I didn't think."

"You thought, 'give the poor blind man some money and he will sell his blessings to you,' right?" He sighed. "Real blessings cannot be bought."

"Then will threats do?" Rumbled Chukwudi the Stronger through me. To my shock and consternation the man sniggered and tapped my forehead lightly. "Threaten away inner one. It will do you no good.You are going about this the wrong way, Chukwudi. You won’t find the girl if you go about it like this.”

I caught my breath. He knew my name! More importantly he knew about Nina! I grabbed him tighter by the arm and his face took on a perplexed and slightly alarmed look. I relaxed my grip.


“I’m so sorry sir, please forgive me...er...us... I’m not behaving properly at all.” I let go of him completely and knelt before him, ignoring the stares from passers-by. “Please help me find her. I’ll do anything you ask.”


“Are you kneeling?” He chuckled. “People will be staring at you.”


“I don’t care sir. Please help me.” I repeated.

He stared in my direction for what seemed an eternity, his opaque eyes appearing to bore into my very soul.

“Alright, alright. Help me up.” He said at last and attempted standing. I held him by the waist and assisted him to his feet. I heard his old joints pop and creak as he put his weight on them.


“Let us go to my place. We can discuss more freely there.”


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EkoroPrince:
Boss, well done oo... Still waiting for your updates

One at a time. Will come back to this later. Meanwhile check out my other thread, The Tarnished Ones. You might enjoy it.

CHAPTER 5


Ajoma Estate is a small settlement just after the Berger Bridge in Lagos. It’s a very busy neighbourhood, filled with the swarming bodies of people hurrying to and fro, hustling for their daily bread, boarding molues and private vehicles turned charter services and taxis.


The expressway divides this estate into two and to cross from one side of the estate to the other, you have to use the walkover pedestrian bridge. Failure to do so might earn you a fine or even a night in the local jail. Regardless, people still take the risk and cross the express directly, some due to the inconvenience of climbing the pedestrian bridge, others because they are in too much of a hurry to bother about their own safety. But a good number of people avoid the pedestrian bridge because of the many beggars that can be found there littered on its path.


The beggars colonized the bridge more than ten years ago and have turned the place their permanent begging ground leaving only a small path through their middle for at most two people to pass comfortably side by side. Beggars of all religions flock this place; the crippled, the blind, the deaf and dumb and a few charlatans who have no physical impediment but who disguise themselves to look destitute in order to squeeze off a dime from unsuspecting passers-by. It is also a hunting ground for pick-pockets.


I once passed that bridge when I was running an errand for my boss three years ago. I had taken my parcel and gotten to the Express, taken one look at the pedestrian bridge afar off and was going to risk crossing the road on foot when a traffic official sternly warned me not to try it. I had heaved a sigh of resignation and trudged a few hundred feet to where the bridge was teeming with people. I climbed up the steel steps, trying to ignore the hot rays of the sun beating down on my already sweating forehead as I shaded my eyes with my free hand. I had climbed to the top of the bridge and was about walking across when I saw...


The beggars were sitting in a scattered row on each side of the bridge. Essentially to get past them, one had to walk between these two rows. One had to also walk past thier row of empty tin plates, beseeching voices and outstretched hands, and it took a certain amount of bravado and nonchalance to not drop anything into any of the plates. Most people mustered up this nonchalance quite well and many a prayer was met with a cold shoulder and an increased pace in footsteps. A few people however stopped to dip their hands in their pockets and spare some change for the beggars. And it was from these people I saw one of the most amazing visions I had ever seen in my life.


As each of these people gave, their guardian angels manifested beside them in a flash of bright light only I could see. Beings clad in shimmering gold garments with wings of purest white manifested beside their wards in an instant. These angels would stretch out their hands in return and collect parcels of silver light from the guardian angels of the beggars. I never could see what was in this parcel but I knew the parcels of light were blessings. No matter how little the giver gave, no matter how it was given, a quick spiritual exchange was made between angels as gifts were given back to them. I had walked some distance and then stood stock still in the middle of the bridge, awed by the sight of so many flashes of gold and silver lights as the angels came and went. I found myself surrounded by givers, receivers and angels alike, and for a while I quite forgot where I was until someone bumped into me, swearing under his breath. The vision disappeared; I apologized and turned to continue on my way when I saw him staring at me.


He sat there in his own filthy corner of the bridge, an elderly man surrounded by dirty brown tattered rags. His face was dirty brown as well, and filled with wrinkles. His beard was a dirty grey colour and his teeth were mostly rotten and black. Below him swarmed his agbada, a flowing brown mass of clothing, wrapping the rest of his lean body up like a poorly packaged item.
And his eyes were white and opaque.


I looked down at his placard as I passed him to read his ailment. Sure enough, he was a blind beggar. But the way he looked at me with those eyes was as if he could see me, and he smiled and nodded knowingly as I passed. I walked a short distance and turned back and saw as a passerby drop something into his outstretched palm.


“Bless you, my son.” He said to the person.


There was a flash of light and I saw a guardian angel appear beside him. But this guardian angel offered nothing. Instead it left the blind beggar’s side and accompanied the young man who had just given. It called forth the young man’s guardian angel and began ministering to it until the man’s guardian angel glowed with strength. Then the angel went to the young man himself and wrapped him with his wings for a short while. Every spiritual mark on the man’s body, ever scar, hurt, chain, disappeared. The man stood up straighter and looked younger, like a lot of weight had been lifted from his shoulders. I gasped audibly, enough to elicit strange stares from people around me. A young lady passing by also gave something to the blind beggar and the manifestation repeated itself. The bling beggar had then turned to me, smiled again and mouthed the words


I see you


I had quickly turned and hurried away to continue my errand.

On a few occasions I had returned back to the pedestrian bridge and each time I saw the same event occurring, reality bending as the beggars and the old blind man in particular rendered out services in the other realm. The blind beggar would look up at me out of those opaque physically unseeing eyes and smile and I would smile back. We never spoke, only exchanged the occasional nod of recognition.

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