₦airaland Forum

Chigold121:
Weldone, but does coconut, utazi leave and charcoal truly neutralise poison?

according to my research, each of them helps in toxins/ poison removal, so in their own might it could be a genuine poison neutralizer

EvaJael:
Lol funny way to ask. I want to hear from people too so lemme call on
Souloho19
Paulaspearz
Jadedgrace98
Aryember
Rachealfst
Chumzypinky
Kimberlywest
Cbella
Meneski
Theblessedman
OluwabuqqyYOLO
Frankline461
Chukswrites
Gracile
Lilyjoe567

Thanks for the mention. first I love meeting people, studying them (I'm more of an observer) and working on merging their different characters to form my character. I also get inspired by reading other stories, mostly by Nigerian writers and stories on this forum too, most times I just have an idea, a vague idea even and I usually don't have the full storyline planned out, its more like I challenge myself and see where the story goes, if it would make sense or not. Oh yea and when I kush up the pictures become more vivid

She had to make a conscious effort to settle her nerves. She was very jittery and her hands shook as she gathered the pieces of charcoal, stuffing it into the nylon bag. It was a good thing Joy had pressured their father to set up the small scale business for her a year ago. "Dé you say you don't like us asking for money for every little thing..at least let me have something doing na...and I'd never disturb you that I want to make my hair again" joy had used this statement to make her case and it had worked.
Now Amara was more than grateful for those words and also grateful Joy had chosen the peculiar business of selling charcoal. At the time the KAD (Kick Against Deforestation) movement was ongoing especially in rural areas and villages and Joy had predicted people would need another source of fuel apart from wood, but the business didn't do so well like the sisters expected. There was just too much wood everywhere. But now Amara thought her little sister was blessed with foresight,hindsight,insight...in fact she had a powerful sight!

She opened the contents from their various polythene bags and transferred them into the larger sack and before long it was full to the brim and overflowing. She hurried out of the shed and hurried to the kitchen. The leaves were much but she feared it wouldn't be enough. The sheer volume of the poisoned villagers had scared her immensely and as she hurriedly sealed the sack, she prayed against death...prayed against mass genocide.
The sack was too heavy or maybe she was too tired but the good news was the clinic was a Stone's throw from her home.
She set out dragging the sack behind her, thanking God Osi and her father hadn't drank the poisoned palm wine. She had walked a short distance when she ran into Joy.
"Joy! How are you..Paul and Oluchi were are they?"
Her sister sighed pitifully "Paul might have lost his memory totally, he can't remember anything."
"Hmmm...what of Oluchi? Abeg hold this other end..this sack is too heavy"
"Oluchi was just crying uncontrollably, I felt very bad....this sack is heavy o! What's in it?"
"Joy I don't even know where to start...but we need to hurry to the clinic, time is against us."

They walked in silence with brisk and determined steps eating the ground and reducing the distance. When they came across Stevenson, he still had blood on his shirt(mostly Bartholomew's blood,) although it was dry now. His mind seemed to be eons away, his brows were drawn together and he had a frown on his face and he almost passed them before he noticed them.
"Amara...Joy..." He shook his head as if to clear his thoughts and glanced at Joy again "Joy how are you? I hope that beast didn't hurt you?"
"No not really, I didn't have the chance to thank you for what you did earlier"
"Don't mention" he shifted his gaze to Amara then to the sack in between them "where are you heading?"
"We need to get this sack to the clinic right away" Amara answered
"Let me help you with that, it looks quite heavy" and with relative ease he hefted the sack on his shoulder and the three of them hurried to the clinic.

°•°•°•
By the time the small group got to the clinic there was a small crowd outside, shouting, chanting and generally restless. The doctor was outside tapping some villagers on the back, the ones he tapped immediately hurried into the clinic but the rest were really getting impatient and restless. A fight broke out as some youths began shoving each other and before long the crowd were shouting, pushing and shoving each other.

"Order...order..one after the other!" Dé Nwachukwu shouted at the top of his voice but no one heard him.
"Where is this boy with the coconut eh?" Dé john said worriedly as he looked round searching for the youth he had sent for coconuts "And your daughter too...where is she...where are they?!"
"Relax Dé...they'll soon be here" Dé Nwachukwu assured his friend.
His stomach grumbled in reply and he clutched it.

The doctor managed to hurry into the hospital followed by the twenty or so villagers he had tapped. He shut the door, promising he'll be back soon for another batch.

"Oh Lord..this is a tragedy" Gregory muttered under his breath.

°•°•
Inside the hospital, Nkiru tended to Benedict and at the same time the doctor..she kept on rushing from one end of the room to the other as she prepared the tube for the gastric suction. The doctor had assured the few villagers in the clinic that he needed to be cleansed first so he could attend to them quickly.
"Nurse...Nkiru...come come, come fast, come and attend to me biko!" The doctor shouted as he settled on the seat and adjusted the headrest.
Nkiru bit her tongue as she focused intently at the task at hand, she was currently applying a bandage to Benedict's chest, she took a break to check the knob of the intravenous drip, satisfied the flow was adequate and not too fast, she returned to the bandage.
"Nkiru..are you deaf! We need to hurry and save this people!" The doctor shouted again impatiently.
"I'm coming Sir" but she sighed and abandoned the bandage. She hurried to the doctor's side and inspected the water pipe, checking the other end and securing it to the water supply.
"Its ready just hurry...hurry" as if in agreement, his stomach grumbled again.
"I'm supposed to use saline solution to rinse it first, to prevent irritation and-"
"Nkiru for God's sake, flush this poison out of my system!"

°•°•°•°
The villagers were threatening to break down the door. They pummeled the door with their fists and shouted for the doctor to open up. Some clenched their stomach and complained the poison had started working while some slammed the door with their shoulders, intending to break it down. Still some forced their fingers down their throat.

Dé Nwachukwu attempted to calm the villagers down but everyone was in a state of emergency. None of them paid attention to him.
"Please...let's be organised! The door would soon be opened again...we can't all go in..."
"I don't want to die!"
"Elder do something.."
"Elder help us...wise one save us"
A woman thrust her child at him "he's just six years old...he can't die...please do something"
Dé Nwachukwu looked around helplessly "the doctor should have taken in children and women first" he muttered to himself. He glanced at the child who looked very frightened then studied the woman. "Wait...how could you give a six year old palm wine?"
"I didn't know it was poisoned...help me Dé..help me" she burst into tears and Dé Nwachukwu shook his head in dismay. "You shouldn't have given such a young boy alcohol" he muttered under his breath and looked around desperately.
The truth was, he knew there was no way the hospital could save everyone at once, they were just too much and judging by the rumble of their stomachs, the poison would begin to work any moment from now. He desperately wished Amara and the young man would turn up immediately.

He must have conjured his daughters because Amara and Joy suddenly burst into the clearing, they were accompanied by Stevenson who carried a big sack.
Dé Nwachukwu knew it contained the charcoal and utazi. There was Hooe after all!
"Where is this young man...we need the coconut right now" he sighed looking round but there was no sign of the young man.

"I need a stick I can use to grind the charcoal and the leaves" Jelemba said immediately Stevenson dropped the sack.
"What of a plate or something you'll grind it in?" Amara asked
"No...that's what the coconut is for, I'll grind it inside allowing it to soak the water" he replied.
"Where's the coconut now" Dé John said for the umpteenth time. A dozen worry lines were etched in his elderly face.

"Look at that coconut tree..maybe we'll need to pluck by ourselves"
Reverend Okorie suggested, pointing to a coconut tree close by.
"Then we'll need to start breaking it and removing the exterior...it would waste precious time" Dé Nwachukwu observed studying the tree thoughtfully.
"Precious time is what we're wasting right now...we need to do something, we can't continue to wait" the Reverend countered.
"I agree with him...lets try and pluck some ourselves" Dé john said.
"But how do we do that...do we throw stones or find a stick or what?" Gregory asked. He sounded confused.
"I saw a bamboo stick not far away, it should be long enough...let me hurry and get it" Dé john said and hurried off.
"I'll assist you" Osi offered and hurried after the elder.
Dé john had taken just few steps when he doubled over, and shouted in pain. He clutched his stomach tightly and began to shake so fast it was more like a vibration.
"No..no...no...oh my God" Osi said in dismay as he knelt down beside the elder. His chest was still on fire but now he could hardly feel the pain. He began to pray and speak in tongues. He laid his hands, on Dé John's stomach as he prayed.
"There he is!" Amara exclaimed suddenly.
"My friend will you hurry!" Dé Nwachukwu shouted causing Osi to look up. He saw the young man pushing a wheelbarrow filled with coconuts. The good thing was the hard exterior had been removed.
"Why did you take time eh?" Dé Nwachukwu demanded harshly.
"I'm sorry sah...I had to peel everything"
Jelemba quickly took one coconut, cracked it into two with the cutlass the youth had brought and after handing one half to Gregory, he loosened the sack and added charcoal and the utazi leaf.

Dé john was still having a seizure and Osi feared he would begin to foam at the mouth any moment. He continued praying as Jelemba used the handle of the cutlass to smash the charcoal.
"Actually...this leave is supposed to be soaked at least overnight to get the nutrients but this way too will work" he said as he grinded the charcoal to powder form.
"It better...it better...it has to work" Dé Nwachukwu kept on muttering.
"Okay..help him up" Jelemba instructed when he was satisfied with the mixture and the youth helped Osi raise Dé john in a sitting position.
Jelemba brought the coconut to his shaking lips and tilted it, spilling the contents into the elder's mouth.
When Osi noticed his Adams apple move, he gave a sigh of relief but he began to worry again when Dé john continued shaking.
His stomach rumbled again. Louder this time and it seemed his shaky movements was more serious than before.
They all kept quiet and observed the elder.
Osi prayed the concoction would be effective but a heavy doubt hung in the air.

Charminee:
The devil wears okrika and delayed diagnosis by souloho19[color=#000000][/color]

thanks a lot, I appreciate

happy weekend FAM, sorry for the delay(couldn't help it) and thanks for your comments. The update is almost ready... just few more updates for the story to conclude,Have a little sabali biko

bakeuhappy:
@souloho19 ..just want to say thank you for telling this beautiful story..

uwc ma'am...thanks for sticking with me

"Good Lord what do we do?" Osi asked as he watched the doctor amidst the vengeful crowd throwing stones at pa Kenneth who was no longer standing. A fist sized rock had struck him on the head, sending him horizontal immediately. The butcher didn't couldn't partake in the stoning exercise. He sat on a tree stump looking down at his chest with glassy eyes. A young woman knelt before him touching the region around his chest tenderly and speaking intently to him. It was Nkiru.

"I can see the nurse!" Osi exclaimed pointing in her direction but he withdrew his hand immediately and gripped his chest.
"You've stressed yourself too much. Please Osi its okay..you need to rest" Amara touched his arm softly. Every word she uttered dripped with worry.
"I'm fine...I shouldn't have shouted" he offered weakly. But he wasn't fine and they all knew it.
"Son you're not going to die...you're going to live" Reverend Okorie said. His voice was deeply soothing and assuring. He glanced at the duo under the tree then turned to Amara. "This Nkiru person, is she a medical personnel?"
"Yes sir"
"Is she good...can she take the place of the doctor?"
"Yes sir....I believe she is even better"
"Please time is of the essence, go and call her"
Amara gave Osi's hand a reassuring pat then hurried to her friend.

°•
Dé Nwachukwu held a very distraught Dé John. His left hand was around the other man's shoulder and his right hand clasped his comrade's fist which was balled tightly. He led him to the Reverend. "So what next..you said we should group the poisoned?"
"Yes sir..I believe we may be able to pump the poison out of their stomachs" the Reverend explained.
"That is not guaranteed..they may die before we get there" Dé John exclaimed (it seemed he preferred the word 'they' to 'I' or 'we')

Osi straightened. He had been haunched over, his hands on his knees now he winced as he stood straight. "Dé please we need you to call the crowd to order, the people are so busy venting their frustration-......." His voice trailed off on its own accord and the worst part was he couldn't even take a deep breath. He returned to his normal posture, resting his hands on his knees just as Amara and Nkiru came over. Each of then had Benedict's arm hooked in theirs as they helped him move slowly. There was a single trickle of blood from where the glass had pierced him.

"I don't know how many people drank the palm wine but if we can get to the clinic immediately we might be able to save them!" Nkiru announced immediately she was within earshot.
"How do you plan in doing that? Pumping the poison out?"
"Yes sir.." She winced and shuffled her feet when Amara hurried to Osi's side leaving the majority of the butcher's weight on her. "Its called gastric suction, as long as it is performed within four hours of ingesting the poisoned substance, there's a very good chance!"
"Then there's limited time.." Dé John shrugged his fellow elders' hand from his shoulder and gripped the reverend's hands tightly. "Pray to your God..do something, let him do something...save us!"
"Of course elder...but we need to go to the hospital, God can use it as a medium to save...and by his grace there wouldn't be any casualty.
Dé john didn't look all that convinced but he released the reverend's hands then sighed. "Okay....let's hurry to the clinic"
"Please I need to go ahead and attend to Benedict before his wound gets infected or worse. I also have to spray saline solution down the tube against clogging and electrolyte imbalances..." she shrugged when they looked at her blankly and she added "to prevent gagging and something called aspiration pneumonia" she started walking away, leading Benedict who said nothing through out but stared at the thin piece of glass sticking out if his chest.

"I think close to a hundred people or maybe more drank the palm wine and I'm very sure the clinic has just a single tube" Gregory said still observing the crowd. Pa Kenneth lay unmoving, on the floor in a bloodied mess. But some villagers-mostly youths stood over his still body and pummeled him with stones from close range. Some advanced menacingly towards mama Ezinne, shouting accusing words while some made choking sounds as they forced their fingers deep into their throats.

"Heeey! People of Amaife, if you drank the palmwine come this way and be very quick...we have a solution but time is against us"

There was more confusion among the people and they bumped into each other as they hurried.

Jelemba tugged Osi's hand. The young boy had remained close to his side since they left the clinic and he hadn't uttered a word, only observing quietly through eyes that had too much depth to belong to a 12 year old. So when he tugged Osi's hand, the youth pastor immediately bent his knees further until they were the same height.
"What is it son?" He said softly.
"I can prepare a potion that can help..its something the dibia taught me"
"Woa! The dibia?……dont worry..forget it" Osi interrupted him.
But Reverend Okorie had overhead the exchange and he said "wait...let's hear of it first...what's the potion?"
"There's a leaf called oziza„ I'll need to mash it with charcoal and mix it with water from a coconut.. Once they drink it, it would cleanse them.

By now there was a mini stampede as the poisoned villagers rushed in the general direction toward the clinic. They would surely overtake Nkiru on the way. Even the doctor was among the forerunners.
Only mama Ezinne remained unmoving. She just stared straight ahead, a distant look in her eyes. Even when some of the women from her association-(The market women association) wailed and shouted, asking her questions asking her why she had done what she did, she didn't reply, only continued staring into space.

"So how do we get the items" Osi forced his eyes from the disturbing image of the woman who seemed to have accepted the fate of death. In fact she seemed almost welcoming, apart from the regret that flashed in her eyes.
"The charcoal, coconut and that other herb you mentioned, where can we get it?" Osi asked Jelemba as Amara stroked his back gently. She was very worried. She had noticed his slow/slurred speech and quick short breaths and she feared his legs would give up on him any moment.

She and Dé Nwachukwu chorused "there is charcoal in the house"
"Good. One down....how about-"
"There's also utazi at home...I planned to cook oha soup this weekend before...before all these happened." Amara interrupted Osi yet again. She leaned closer to him "please can you stop talking? Its exposing your chest wound...please"she admonished.
But Osi was only half listening "so we just need coconut water?"
"That wouldn't be a problem" Dé Nwachukwu assured them. One of the youths would be able to provide as many as possible. He looked around searching the faces of the rushing villagers. He stopped a young man who wasn't poisoned, at least judging from his laid back movements.
He spoke to the man in low tones and he nodded, looked at Jelemba with a funny expression then was on his way, moving in the opposite direction.
"Now where is Joy? I want her to go for the charcoal and utazi"
"I think she's still with Oluchi and her brother...he lost his memory and I think they took him home whole we came here straight"
"Okay...you'll have to run home fast..meet
us in the clinic with the items"
"Please hurry...we need to start going" De John added worriedly.
Amara held Osi and kissed him on the cheek causing her father to raise a suspicious brow and she was off, running down the path towards her home.

"Let's move" Dé John repeated
"I desperately hope this potion works first...at least it should keep the poison from entering the blood stream from the gut...I know charcoal is good for toxin removal" Greg said as they walked down the path.
"Are you familiar with the procedure?" Dé john asked him "I mean the pumping..the stomach pumping..what did the nurse call it again?"
"Gastric suction... Or gastric irrigation..my elder brother had his bowels flushed some time ago...its a simple process...a lubricated tube into your mouth or nose..but it should be the mouth in this case and then they thread the tube down through your esophagus into your stomach"
Dé Nwachukwu flinched on behalf of his friend "it doesn't sound nice...it sounds horrible!"
"It must be painful?" Dé john asked the question like a comment as he touched his Adam's apple absentmindedly and Osi wished he could comfort the old man.
"Not really sir...my brother said the doctor gave him medicine to numb his throat that made it better....its not painful..not like that..but the gagging and irritation is something else entirely"
They were silent for a minute walking briskly although not as fast as they would have liked. They each made a conscious effort to slow down so Osi won't exert himself too much.
After some minutes Dr Nwachukwu asked.
"How long does it take...the villagers that drank the palm wine are almost up to a hundred...and we have limited time"
"Well..." Greg scratched his head thoughtfully "I can't really say but it won't take much time I'm sure"
Suddenly there was a loud rumble, similar to thunder but it came from Dé John's stomach.
The elder looked up and his eyes held fear...so much fear.
"Uh-oh..I think its starting" he said sadly.
"You're not going to die....." Osi hoped it sounded reassuring and not empty "today"
But Dé john already was bitter and he grumbled "that's right...the poison can kill me tomorrow not today and it'd be alright"
"Dé...stay strong...put yourself together, we're almost there" Dé Nwachukwu encouraged him.
"Let that hand that offered me the drink be withered for life...cursed is Ugo...cursed is he!" His voice shook with anger and despair and his stomach rumbled again.

A lot of things happened at once. Dé John had been looking at his colleague intently, with a sad look on his face "how could you do this...why did you do this..elder. Why!"
Pa Kenneth clenched his teeth "he was my son..bone of my bone.. You all are going to pay, you all!" he replied bitterly.

At the same time, Dé Nwachukwu and Amara arrived at the market square.
"Jesus...what's going on here?!" Dé Nwachukwu demanded raising his voice above the noise from the crowd.
The noise died down as Dé Nwachukwu walked to the front, looking at Pà Kenneth and then studying the charred remains of his son.
Benedict lifted the cup of palm wine to his lips but he paused to speak "Elder...Bartholomew was found guilty of rape and murder and sentenced to death..pa Kenneth on the other hand is guilty of aiding the killer"
"Hmm....how can you people be drinking like this while one of us burns to death?" Dé Nwachukwu asked with a disgusted expression.
"He was never one of us sir..never!" A voice shouted from the crowd.
Dé Nwachukwu looked at Dé john. He avoided pa Kenneth's eyes. "Dé..you allowed this happen?"
"Actually I only just arrived myself..but what can I do, the people want justice...jungle justice and to be honest I quite agree with them" as he spoke a young man brought a cup of palm wine and bowed slightly before offering it to Dé Nwachukwu "sir..elder...the palm wine is very fresh and undiluted"
"Take it away from my face at once" Dé Nwachukwu snapped.
The young man withdrew the cup as if he had been scalded. He turned hurriedly but Dé John called him back.
"Hey..Ugo...bring it here"
Dé Nwachukwu sighed tiredly "this is not right...what are we going to do to Pa Kenneth now"
"He's going to face another trial but truth be told I see him suffering the same fate as Bartholomew"
Pa Kenneth scoffed and Dé Nwachukwu looked at him finally "Everyone is going to die..I'm not going alone" there was a triumphant look in his eyes and Dé Nwachukwu frowned. "What do you mean...pa Kenneth what have you done?"
"Hahaha..watch and see... Just watch and see"
Dé John shook his head and drank the palm wine.

°•°•°•
Amara was shocked when she saw Osi squeezing his way through the crowd. She had left him in the clinic and he promised to remain there, but here he was in obvious pain. She swore angrily and called out to him.
"Osi..Osi..over here!"

°•°•
Osi heard his name and turned. He saw Amara hurrying to his side and he swallowed. Jelemba smiled "uncle...look at aunty" the young lad was fond of the beautiful lady.
"Osi what are you doing here...you promised me"
She said accusingly.
He gave her an apologetic smile and tried not to show the pain he was in "I know..I know..but I just learnt something and I had to come here immediately"
She frowned "what did you find out?"
"Mama Ezinne was involved with pa Kenneth..I think she was Bartholomew and Sofiri's mother"
"What?" Her eyes went wide immediately.
"Where is she? I need to speak to her" Osi asked her clutching his chest and panting slightly.
Amara noticed he was in serious pain but she looked round, scanning the crowd for mama Ezinne.
"I don't think she's- okay there she is!" She pointed at the woman who was bent turning more palm wine into a cup. She was surrounded by a small crowd as people waited for a drink.
Osi studied her for a second and frowned "what's that she's sharing?"
"I think its palm wine but I'm not really sure" Amara replied blocking the sun with her palm to afford a clear view.
"That's strange..her son was just burnt in her presence" his eyes strayed to the black figure on the ground. Bartholomew's remains. "Her son was just killed and she's sharing palm wine? Something is not right"
"I think you're on to something..." Amara agreed then hesitated "unless there's a mistake and she's not his mother?"
"she's his mother alright...I'm very sure" Osi insisted.

"Osi..why did you leave the clinic?" Reverend Okorie asked worriedly as he walked to where they stood.
"Sir..something bad is going to happen, I can feel it" Osi said as the reverend and Gregory observed him intently, looking at his chest.
"I can feel it in my spirit too...I just pray nothing evil happens" Reverend Okorie said.
Osi watched mama Ezinne with a frown as the woman handed cup after cup of palm wine to the crowd. Then he scanned the crowd looking for pa Kenneth and he saw the old man sneering at the other elders. Dé Nwachukwu and Dé John.
There was something in his expression, a victorious look that got Osi worried.
He watched the young man approach and thrust the cup of palm wine to Dé Nwachukwu who gave a harsh reply because the youth withdrew the cup immediately. But when Dé John signalled the young man and took the cup from him, Osi noticed the Pa Kenneth as his eyes brightened. He said something and smiled wickedly as he watched Dé John downed the contents.
Osi immediately knew what was happening.
"Oh my God..its the palmwine...they poisoned the palm wine" he shouted. He clutched his chest as the pain doubled. He looked at Reverend Okorie with wide eyes. "Sir...we need to stop them from drinking the palm wine..."

°•°•°•
Benedict strolled to the elders with his palm wine cup in his hand.
"Dé..we want to commence the trial of Pa Kenneth" he brought the cup to his lips.
"Who are the we? Are you now in charge of this village?" Dé Nwachukwu asked.
The cup barely touched his lips when he brought it to his side without drinking it yet again.
Pa Kenneth sighed angrily, drawing a quick glance in his direction from the trio.
"Elder...It is not possible, I am a loyal indigene I am only the voice of the youth"
Dé Nwachukwu nodded satisfied. "We will have the trial, but this time no death sentence...it would be a taboo to end the life of the oldest man in our village like that"
"But Dé-" Benedict protested.
"He's right...we can not afford to treat our elder in such a disgraceful manner" Dé John agreed.
"Okay sir...I agree, but what punishment would be suitable for him? Remember Bartholomew got away for so long because Pa Kenneth shielded him."
Three was a brief silence then Dé Nwachukwu said "Exile...we exile the traitor permanently"
"Okay Sir... But the crowd may want-"
"Benedict...forget the excuses, you're a blood thirst young man, now call the crowd to order, whether you like it or not you're one of us now" Dé Nwachukwu chastised.

Just then there was a shout from behind the crowd and the people began murmuring excitedly.
Amidst the chatter a word could be heard clearly, it spread among the people like wild fire until it got to the front.
Poison.
"Poison?" Dé Nwachukwu, Dé john and the butcher said together in confusion.
Pa Kenneth hissed in frustration when he saw the tall pastor and the Reverend moving round the crowd alerting the people to the poisoned wine. How the hell did they find out? He thought to himself. Did Margaret (mama Ezinne) betray him? Well his death sentence was very sure now, no two ways about it.
He looked around, searching the floor intently for any weapon. One thing was also sure, he wasn't going down without a fight.

°•°•
"Don't drink it...the wine is poisoned...there is poison in the palm wine, its going to kill you!" Osi shouted as a middle aged woman brought the cup to her lips.
She looked at him but couldn't help herself as she took a sip. "But it tastes fine...it is fresh palmy"
Osi hurriedly knocked the cup out of her hand.
The few people with the cups were no longer drinking, some poured the contents on the floor but some still gripped the cup stubbornly.
Osi headed towards mama Ezinne. Their eyes met and held and he wondered about the frightened look in them. She looked like a cornered rabbit and for a minute he was filled with compassion..she looked so hurt.

His legs almost gave out under him. He took short breaths inhaling through his nose gently and slowed his steps. But then mama Ezinne bent down and filled the cup in her hand. The look in her eyes was clear and betrayed her intention.
"No..no...don't do it" Osi increased his pace to a half run and ignored the fire that was spreading in his chest.
But he was too late, too far and too slow. Mama Ezinne drank the contents of the cup, emptying the liquid down her throat.
There was a cry of dismay from the front and Osi realized it was Pa Kenneth. He must have seen her drink the poison.
He approached mama Ezinne "why...why did you do it?"
A single tear rolled down her cheeks "I can never go against him"

There was commotion as the villagers were suddenly restless. Some forced their fingers deep into their throat desperate to vomit the palm wine they had just drank. They discussed amongst themselves about a special herb in the woods that would cleanse the system.

Dé John clutched his stomach and trembled. His eyes were white with fear. "Oh my God...Oh my God...Oh my God" he kept on saying over and over which was quite strange since he had insisted countless times that he was a pagan.

It was Benedict yet again who spoke up in an effort to calm the crowd. Truth be told he couldn't believe his luck. He had really wanted to drink the palm wine but now he was glad he hadn't been in a hurry.
At first he almost slammed the cup in his hand on the ground but then he looked at Pa Kenneth.
"You're behind this...you..you filthy swine!"
"How..did you see me share any palm wine?" Pa Kenneth closed his hand round the shard of glass he had picked up. He gripped it tightly and eyeballed the butcher.
"Oya take this cup and drink my friend!" Benedict shouted angrily and thrust the cup under Pa Kenneth's nose.
For an old man he was very swift. He slapped the cup from his hand and swiped the glass at Benedict aiming for the throat. He missed by the slightest inch but stamped the glass on the return swing catching the butcher in the chest.
Benedict staggered backwards and stared down at the narrow piece of glass sticking out of his chest. It had missed his heart. the glass had gone in his right chest.
He grabbed the glass prepared to pull it out with force.
"No..don't..leave it in first, so you don't loose too much blood" Dé Nwachukwu cautioned. He seemed to have found his voice after being shocked into silence earlier. Mama Ezinne's betrayal had stunned him deeply.

The youth named Phillip who had been the first to drink the palm wine picked up a piece of stone.
"Death to this unrepentant demon! Before I die...you must kiss the dust!" He threw the stone with much force, catching a surprised Pa Kenneth on his chest region. The elder yelped in pain and clutched his chest.
Another youth picked up a stone. A very massive one and let fly. More shouting from Bartholomew. A young woman threw a stone at him also and before long the villagers were in a baseball competition, throwing stone after stone on the weakened elder.
Pa Kenneth turned to run but he was cut down with more stones before he could succeed a home run.
That is if he planned to run home.

Dé John was still busy panicking, he was unaware of everything that was going on around him and he couldn't even hear Dé Nwachukwu's calm voice as he spoke soothing words.

Osi looked at the Reverend for guidance, he was his mentor, his teacher his friend. But this time his guardian looked just as lost.
"What do we do?" Gregory spoke up. He couldn't take his eyes off the stoning that was going on and for a minute Osi thought he meant they should do something about it.
Reverend Okorie replied when the pause seemed to stretch for eternity. "We need to group them...separate the people that drank the palm wine from the others."
"And pray for their souls?" Gregory asked.
"Yes but there has to be a way we can save them..we shouldn't just accept they would die like that" the reverend reasoned.
"I think if we get them to the clinic, the doctor might be able to pump their stomachs..I don't know how long before the poison starts to work but if we hurry we might be lucky" Osi suggested, bending resting his hands on his knees and his tongue out as he panted, taking extremely short breaths.
"I think that's good enough..right Greg?" Reverend Okorie glanced at him.
"Reminds me of Steven" Gregory muttered still watching the stoning.
"The European? What about him?" Osi asked with a concerned look.
"No...Steven in the bible..what a horrible way to die"
Osi shrugged "please let's get moving, time is against us..we need to group them..starting from Dé John..by the way look out for the doctor and Nkiru..I didn't see them in the clinic earlier so its very likely they're here"
Amara had been silent all along but she spoke up "I can't see Nkiru but there's the doctor" she pointed and Osi looked in the direction. True enough the doctor was in the midst of the crowd so intent on hurling stone after stone on Pa Kenneth who was fast becoming a bloody mess.
"There's just one problem...or maybe its not a problem" Amara said.
"What is it dear child?" The Reverend asked her softly.
"I saw the doctor drink two cups of palm wine"

nuelzy:
Tired of waiting.. Someone pls mention me when he is done with the delay...

oya come back bro

kingphilip:
Souloho19 you no see anybody name to use na my own ba

Better come appease with one good update o or else


You're doing a great job here BTW just that your updates come scarce these days

hahahaha...I completely forgot bro..the update is coming right now..as for the slow updates, remember I once used to update everyday sometimes twice a day that was when I was home but been facing electricity problems in my ppa

clint237:
Sir Soul. My huge apologize on my ghost reading habits. I only got hold of this story 3 days ago. And my reading pace has been an unprecedented one..you captivate souls & you more Merit than merit i shave my dada just to pay you Hommage.

Bless You Sir as you soldier On. God Bless every aspect of Your Life.

amen God bless you bro, thanks

emerich:
One of the best piece I had read in a very long while, U just got me glued to my phone all through the weekend, U made my weekend bro....
More grease to your elbows, U deserved my admiration....

thanks boss I appreciate

Oluwakemi65:
Souloho y have u nt updated since, is something wrong? .i hope all is well shaa.

all is well dear just electricity problems as usual...going to update soon

solomonbrown64:
....Don't mind me jare.... I formatted my phone hence losing so many files in the process but that wasn't the only issue. I discovered that I tend to get lost in my imaginations some times especially when writing, you know. Sometimes I can't even do anything reasonable when such things happen until I got to know I had some melancholic tendencies or whatever. Meaning that I would tend to have vivid and powerful imaginations.
....I have stopped writing because of this "problem" but it won't be for long though. As soon as I get underway again , I will let you know. Missed your input greatly.

form is temporary, class is permanent. I await your next masterpiece. Gracias boss

sorry for the delay, update is almost ready

Walking was very tough for Osi. Each step caused a searing pain that shot straight to his chest. Almost forcing him to his knees for a rest. But he had to keep on moving. Sneaking out of the clinic was not difficult. It had been eerily quiet with no sign of the doctor or the nurse. It seemed everyone in the village had gathered at the market square.
Jelemba gripped his hand tightly and Osi tried his best to pick up pace. He was getting closer to the market square and he gritted his teeth in determination. He wasn't going to fall now, he couldn't give up. He chanted the words 'mind over matter' continuously in his head. He could collapse when he arrived at the market square but for now he had to be strong.

°•°•°•°•
Pa Kenneth seemed to be warning up and enjoying himself. He actually smiled. A scary evil smile.
He was obviously getting into his element and he began pacing as his voice grew louder.
His plan was to set the mood with his narrative while his accomplice in the crowd did the rest.
"Many many years ago, when I was still-"
"People of Amaife! Did we come here to listen to tales by moonlight or we came to mete out justice!!" Benedict interrupted him rudely.
There was a slight murmur from the crowd, it was like they all held their breath waiting.. Benedict had just interrupted their leader. For a second a pin could be heard dropping but then they all shouted in agreement "burn the devil, burn the killer! Burn the tyrant! Let him rot in hell!"
The chanting resumed.

At this point, pa Kenneth fell quiet. There was a resigned aura about him now, as if he had accepted the fate of his son.
Bartholomew's eyes were partially open and he stirred. He was no longer bleeding, it was as though all his blood had been drained and he looked dry. It was obvious he had few minutes or luckily an hour left but he was going to feel the pain of being burnt to death. Benedict was going to make sure of that and as he carried the 5 litre keg filled with kerosene (lifting it like a trophy) the crowd seemed to go wild.
They shouted "rot in hell! Burn in hell! Go and meet your twin brother the devil!"
Some of the youths began their regular war chants "ja ja kere, kere o, kere o..Ja ja kere..!"
Benedict poured a generous amount of the kerosene on Bartholomew's face "This is for Ozioma and her mother!" He shouted with fury.
"....kere o, kere o..ja ja kere!!"
"This is for Chisom!" More kerosene on his chest and neck.
"Ja kere..kere o.."
"Die and go to hell!"

°•°•°
In one week she had lost her 3 children. Bartholomew was as good as dead and just minutes ago she heard the rumour that Sofiri- her second son had died that afternoon. At the hand of his brother.

She observed her eldest son who was her first child as he lay still and unmoving apart from the frequent twitching of his legs and hands. He had killed both of his siblings, his blood sister and blood brother and she suddenly felt angry as the realization struck her. Angry at him but mostly angry for him.
He used to be a sweet little boy until his father took him and his brother away. He was barely three then and Sofiri was just learning how to walk.
She had known about the evil deeds Kenneth committed. But he had always controlled her.(Even now he still held so much control over her. She didn't even think twice but had gone to fetch the palm wine just as they he planned.)
she loved him dearly and had always been eager to please him but somewhere along the line the love turned to a terrible fear. Now when Pa Kenneth said jump, she asked how high and did just that. Even when he refused to marry her she still allowed him back to her bed even though she had been married then. Ezinne had been conceived that night.

Hearing her daughter's name snapped her from her deep thoughts. She blinked and refocused on what was happening around her.
"This is for Ezinne! Rot in hell pig!" Benedict poured the last of the kerosene and at this point Bartholomew was completely soaked.
He murmured something only Benedict heard and the youth leader laughed. A very mean laugh.

"People of Amaife, the devil begs! Did he listen to our daughters when they begged for their lives?"
"No!...death to the bastard!"
Benedict stood a short distance and lit a cigarette "people of Amaife, we would also have another trial today..our own leader...our number one citizen, the father of all...was the very same man...was the culprit who offered him shelter" he inhaled the smoke deeply and blew it from his nostrils. "He has a lot of questions to answer!" He looked directly at Pa Kenneth "you hear me...elder he said the 'elder' mockingly. "You have a lot to answer! But first..death to the killer!" He dragged from the cigarette once more, blew smoke rings and flicked it on Bartholomew's body.
The body burst into flames immediately.
There was a loud cheer from the crowd as the villagers gave a shout of victory and some clapped their hands.
The body burst into flames immediately.
At first there was nothing but then Bartholomew gave weak shouts..maybe if he had a little strength he would have flayed his hands about and tried to put out the fire but as it stood he could only watch himself burn.

Mama Ezinne watched her son and felt a pang in her heart. She remembered when he was a young and handsome boy. She remembered the first word he had spoken "momma". She remembered-
She couldn't stand it anymore, the grief she had tried so hard to fight was unleashed all of a sudden and she looked away from the body as her eyes became moist.
But she ran straight into Pa Kenneth's steely stare. She had never seen such an expression on his face in all the years she had known him. A mixture of rage, hurt, disappointment and so many more contorted features she couldn't understand. But his eyes...his eyes carried a very clear message and she trembled.
when it came to Pa Kenneth she only knew obedience.

She pushed aside her guilty conscience and hurriedly opened the keg. She had distributed the cups earlier but Benedict's ""justice"" (quadruple quote intentional ) had stilled proceedings. Now she opened the keg. She made up her mind there and then; She was going to drink a cup also. She won't be able to live with herself otherwise.

She shut out the still gentle voice in her head...the voice that sounded so much like Ezinne asking 'what are you doing?' and instead focused on the victorious shouts and singing ('Finally! The devil is dead! Woooo!') Coming from the crowd.

The villagers were jubilating, shouting and singing and mama Ezinne filled the cup in her hand and passed it to the closest person. His name was Phillip and he was one of the youths that had dragged Bartholomew to the market square. He broke from his singing and smiled at her. "Thank you Dada...daalu"
"Please drink and pass it" she said, avoiding his gaze.
"Haa..please o..I haven't drank palm wine in a long while and besides I haven't slept..I spent the whole night searching for that bastard..I think I deserve to finish this cup...biko"
Before she could respond, he drank the palm wine..rushing it down his throat in a single gulp.


°•°°•°•
Pa Kenneth smiled when the young man downed the contents. He was pleased when people started requesting for palm wine.
The ones who had gotten cups were waving them frantically, requesting a fill.
ha-ha..begging for poison
He looked at Bartholomew's charred remains, still burning and smoking up to the sky. your death would be avenged son..he promised quietly

He felt his insides light up in pleasure when Benedict strode comfortably to the keg. His peers parted for him as he passed, making the old man scoff. This clown has already attained 'Dé' status...so much respect and for what? agitating for jungle justice? running a kangaroo court with only one outcome? He spat in the dirt in contempt when the butcher turned to him and shouted "my people let's not forget we have another trial! Bartholomew had an accomplice...we need an explanation...but first..." He turned to the keg and someone offered him a cup immediately. "We shack!!"

°•°•°•
Reverend Okorie was very disturbed by what he had seen/was seeing.
He belonged to the school of thought that judgement belonged to God alone but he had been helpless to do anything apart from mutter a quick prayer for the soul which was no doubt hell bound.
He was feeling restless in his spirit. He had a feeling something was going to happen which confused him considering all that was happening but he didn't know what it was.

But something he recognised as the holy spirit told him it was about Pa Kenneth...just looking at the evil smile made him frown in thought.

°•°•°•°
Osi arrived at the market square almost out of breath. His chest felt like it was on fire and he would have given anything to be back on the bed in the clinic. But he knew he was in a race against time...could even feel he was behind...
He said a quick prayer as his eyes scanned the crowd.

[quote author=arrestdarrester post=62365103][/quote]thanks bruv..would research on the 'finding forester'
I rili appreciate your comment

@ house I sight you all...would love to quote but I still have plans to sleep..thanks a gazillion for your comments, please kip em coming

mitchelljnr:
Hope Mr souloho19 is in good health, this one we've not heard from him.

thanks bro, I'm gud sorry for the delay

@honourable356 rchilee jide219 kikiwendy queenjuli and everyone confused by the last update I appreciate your critic comments. most times its easier to spot irregularities when you're watching from the stands than the referee himself..
Remember pa Kenneth is the number 1 citizen of Amaife, respected by everybody..the crowd urged him to make a speech. There has been doubts and rumours within them but nothing concrete and it is safe to say he was given the podium to clear the 'air' well that was my perspective while writing it
As for mama Ezinne and the palm wine it is strange to start gyrating when Bartholomew still has life in him
just wait for the next update sha..everything would be worked out.
once more thanks and Jah bless

thank you all..amen Jah bless.. the story should be done in the next few updates

Osi was lying on the bed, Jelemba beside him as he stared up at the ceiling his mind thinking, reflecting on everything that had happened this past few days.
The discovery that had shook the whole village played in his mind, frame after frame.
The news that Bartholomew had been a deadly killer and managed to keep it a secret for so long. Successfully living a double life and deceiving everyone in the process.
Deceiving he-Osi in the process, he thought with a frown. And to think he and the man had shared the altar, shared the same house.
He shook his head and sat up.
"Sah..pastor what happened...are you in pain?" Jelemba asked immediately. He was very protective of his new friend.
"No...I'm fine..I'm fine, I was only thinking"
"Oh..." The young boy leaned back. He could understand that perfectly. He had also been thinking, thinking about a lot of things.

The dibia was one who had known a staggering amount (if not all) of the secrets in Amaife, and just as dogs are bound to get some crumbs from the master's table, Jelemba had found out about pieces here and there.
The latest piece he had revealed, the information that had cracked Pa Kenneth's real identity was nothing close to the one he was thinking about currently. He looked at Osi, trying to decide if he should discuss it with his new friend. It was still about the devilish Pa Kenneth after all, the wily old fox.

Osi caught his look of uncertainty and helped the young lad make up his mind.
"What...what is it...what's bothering you?"
"Sah...I just remembered...if Bartholomew is really Pa Kenneth's son, then he killed his own sister"
Thank God Osi was not in the process of eating or drinking anything, he almost choked on his breath alone.
He jumped to his feet and sat down back as his blood seemed to drain to his feet then back to his head in a matter of seconds.
"What....sister...he has a sister?"
"Yes sah..I can remember one night, the woman came to the dibia with Pa Kenneth, she said her husband was suspecting their daughter was not his and was for another man and she came to get a charm to control his mind.
"Jesus...and the daughter was killed by Bartholomew? His own sister? He raped his sister? Did he know?"
The picture seemed to get disturbing for the young boy also, he squeezed his face, his expression one of irritation before he replied "no sir...I'm not sure they know..only Pa Kenneth and the woman was aware"
Osi stood up again. He was suddenly feeling cold "who? Who was the woman?"
"It was mama Ezinne..she was the one who came that night"

Ezinne was the only girl not to have been raped by Bartholomew, she had been killed, stabbed with a knife- a bit hurriedly and Osi wanted to believe the devil had not raped her because she was his sister, but had to kill her because he believed she was with the letter at the time but deep down he knew his arrival had forced Bartholomew to rush things up and kill her immediately.
He didn't know she was his sister.
No one knew, except Pa Kenneth and mama Ezinne.
He suddenly had a disturbing image of mama Ezinne crying and rolling on the floor during the candle night.
She was in genuine pain then, didn't she know her son was responsible? How could she live with herself? Or didn't she know?
"Arrghh God!" He rubbed his face tiredly.
Jelemba watched him silently, an intent look on his face.
"So what are you going to so sah?"
"I have to leave this clinic...this information is important, I can feel it...I need to act!"

He had promised Amara he would stay behind and rest but he suddenly knew he had to break that promise. Whatever happened, he could feel it in his spirit that it wasn't over. Not yet.

°•°•°•°•
As the elders arrived at the market square, Dé John proceeded to take charge of events, but the ball was already in motion. The tire was set and the crowd was impatient.
The only reason Bartholomew wasn't yet a burnt offering was because the fuel was yet to arrive. At this point kerosene would do the trick and an elderly woman who sold kerosene offered to run to her shop and get a jug full. She didn't care about the profit loss.

Dé john didn't really have a problem with the burning, although it seemed quite elaborate to him. He had other things weighing on his mind.
He wondered where Dr Nwachukwu was (The elder was on his way at this point) and more importantly he wondered what to do about Pa Kenneth. He wished Dé Nwachukwu were here.
He could feel the energy and murmurs about Pa Kenneth's presence coming from the crowd. They had heard the rumour no doubt and while it was a bitter pill to swallow, they needed clarification.
He worked slowly to Pa Kenneth's side, marvelling at the man's arrogant and regal posture.
But there was no mistaking the murderous rage in his eyes.

°•°•°•°•
Pa Kenneth stood still. Ever since he had seen his boy. His protégé lying on the floor, his mind had been made up. He ignored the calls from the crowd urging him to make a speech and he scanned the crowd. Searching for her, his old but eagle eyes piercing the faces and moving, searching, searching...
He shrugged off the reverend's hand when the man kept a comforting arm on his shoulder and only when he saw her did he smile.
A faint wicked smile that was more like a sneer...
He gave her a direct and pointed look and she gave the slightest of nods.
He relaxed finally. The murderous crowd...all of them were going to die, he would see to it.
The chants for a speech became too loud and he stepped forward, clearing his throat and raising his hand calling for silence.
"You all...my people, are in for a surprise! I know you have heard rubbish about me, rubbish that originated from my very own close friends...but I assure you in a few minutes there shall be clarity!"
His voice was clear. It dropped confidence and everyone was caught up.

He paused, looked at his son for some seconds before continuing. "Feel free while the drama unfolds, you murderous crowd! As you enjoy jungle justice, I can see fresh palm wine in your midst...have a sip as you listen..I have a story to tell and you are going to need to be a little intoxicated to hear me out! Touch the palm wine to your children's lips...today is a wondrous day..let them enjoy themselves..."

As he spoke a woman directed one of the youths to place the 25 litre of palm wine amongst the crowd.
She held a big jug and few cups.
"Drink and pass..once I share you drink and pass.." She instructed. "God has heard our cries for revenge...let's all toast to justice"
It was mama Ezinne.

A week and some days ago, the team of crusaders had been saved from drinking wine poisoned with risin by a mere accident when Gregory knocked the bottle over.
Bartholomew had mixed the poison with the communion wine and he got it from his father.
Pa Kenneth was the source of all evils and he believed himself to be a master planner. So many times he had envisioned a scenario like this one and although things had unfolded a bit differently there could only be one outcome.

There was a generous amount of risin in the palm wine.

°•°•
The kerosene arrived and mama Ezinne began sharing.
Tears streamed down her cheeks and people comforted her. "ndo.. justice would be served"
To which she replied
"Yes...justice would be served"
But no one knew the double meaning..

A crowd had already gathered at the market square.
By then the news had spread to all corners of the village.
Bartholomew the devil had been caught.
He was going to be executed.
There were hushed murmurs between the villagers. News always has a tendency to travel like wild fire, especially negative news of this kind and more than once Pa Kenneth's name was whispered within the crowd as the people wondered what role he played in the murders. There was a lot of rumours. They didn't know what to believe again.
When the war cry drew nearer, the villagers began to get restless, their voices were raised and before long they joined the chanting of the youths as the young men came into view.
"Ja ja kere..kere o..kere o...ja ja Kere...!"

°•°•°•
The devil was quarter to his grave already. He had lost excess blood, in litres and his skin had broken apart in so many spots as a result of the friction when he was dragged roughly from Pa Kenneth's house to the market square.

Benedict looked around. It was obvious he was searching for an elder. Any of the three leaders to take charge of the proceedings at this point but none of the elders were in sight.
Finally he held his hands up signalling silence and the incessant chatter from the crowd died down immediately.

"People of Amaife here is the devil! The man who raped and killed our daughters for so long..he started with Ozioma..Chinenye..Chisom...Ezinne...mama Ozioma...Chinaza..."
His voice broke as he called the last name. Indeed he had really loved Chinanza. Her murder had been his stressor, driven him to obsession to find the killer.

After some seconds he continued his speech. "This man we all looked up to as an upstanding member of our community..we turned to him for spiritual guidance, went to his church every week and yet he insulted us! Insulted us by praying for us and praying for the souls of the deceased...the very same people he killed!" His voice grew hard as he spoke and his eyes narrowed.
"People of Amaife its up to you...he is guilty as charged is he not?"
The crowd chorused "yes! Yes! He is guilty!"
The butcher nodded "what is his sentence?"
"Death!" They chorused in a uniform voice. "Death!"
"Good!" Benedict nodded. "Death by hanging?" He boomed the question.
"No!" The majority chorused, only very few agreed with the method.
"Okay.." Benedict began to pace. It was evident he was going to be one of the elders of the community when he grew older. He was an orator, a leader and full of charisma and he was well respected.
"Death by stoning?" He asked again.
"No!" This time a larger portion of the crowd agreed to this method. The villagers relished this method, to unleash their anger by hurling large stones and rocks at this inhuman killer.
But still the majority didn't agree.
Benedict was quiet for some seconds probably thinking of another way Bartholomew should be killed.
"Death by burning?" He asked finally.
"Yes!" They chorused. They all agreed with the burning suggestion and only a hand few didn't agree.
"Death by burning?" He asked again.
"Yes! Yes! Death by burning!" They all chorused again. There was no refusal this time around.
"It is settled" Bartholomew agreed.

°•°•°°•
The men were almost at Pa Kenneth's house when they saw a young woman running frantically.
She was obviously in a hurry and passed them without even acknowledging their presence and greeting them.
It was Ezinne's mother.
"Mama Ezinne where are you running to?" Dé John asked her.
She didn't stop but reduced her pace.
"Didn't you hear? The devil has been caught..Bartholomew is in the market square he is going to be executed.. Justice will be served at last...my sweet Ezinne can finally rest in peace"
She hurried off.

Pa Kenneth's eyes were immediately hard. He froze, causing Reverend Okorie to walk into him and bump against his back.
"Move...move you old man!" Gregory shouted at him from behind. He was still very much angry and he was in pain. He held a handkerchief to his ear which was almost completely stained with his blood

Dé John spoke up from the rear.
"Let's move then...let's go to the market square and see what's going on...we need to hurry"
The small group took a different turn and headed to the market square.

°•°•°•
Back in Pa Kenneth's compound, Paul stirred awake.
He held the back of his neck and winced. He looked round the corridor slowly, taking in all the faces. "What happened...who are you?"
Oluchi left Sofiri's side and hurried to her brother.
"Paul..Paul..thank God"
But Paul looked at her blankly "who is Paul? Where am I? Who are you?"
"Paul its me Oluchi...your sister...you're scaring me" Oluchi was beginning to panic.
Paul just looked at her blankly.
It was clear he was suffering from memory loss and Amara hoped the amnesia was only temporary.

Joy helped Dé Nwachukwu to his feet. Thankfully his own memory was still intact.
"My daughter...thank goodness you're alright.." He looked at Paul then at Sofiri
"Is he alright?" He asked nodding towards Sofiri.
"No Dé...he's gone, he's dead Sir" Oluchi replied tearing her eyes from her brother for a second.
"Where's Bartholomew?" He asked offering Amara his hand and helping her to her feet.
"The youths took him to the market square" Amara replied as she got to her feet.
"Then we need to go there immediately" he looked at Paul. "Young man I appreciate your effort today...let's go, I assure you you'll be rewarded"
"What are you saying? Who's Paul...where is this place for God's sake!"
Oluchi began sobbing quietly but Dé Nwachukwu stopped her. "Come let's go...don't cry, it would he okay...at least he's alive...look at Sofiri..." He fell silent as he studied Bartholomew's brother for some seconds.
He finally looked away "help him to his feet let's go"
Amara and Oluchi helped Paul to his feet ignoring the questions he asked continuously.
"Who am I? Who are you? Where are you taking me?"

°•°•°•°•
Reverend Okorie was surprised to see the crowd gathered at the market square. He followed Pà Kenneth slowly, a hand placed nonchalantly but firmly on the elder's shoulder, looking at the faces as the people moved back creating a path for them.

°•^•°•
Pa Kenneth lost the little grip he had on sanity when he saw his son lying on the floor like a piece of rag.
A young man was arranging tires, fixing it round his body like an engagement ring pushed into a finger.
"No...no...No..." He gasped clutching his chest in pain. It looked like he was going to have a heart attack but he made a promise to himself.
No one was going to leave this market square alive! They were all going to die.

Teebilion:
I started just yesterday,i cant help but say ,souloho19 got real talent,u r just xo amazing,ur descriptive prowess,use of flashbacks,handling suspense and putting fear and still wanting the reader to hear more is just amazing,u r a greater achebe,God bless bro

Gracias bro..I appreciate.. Jah bless

dammypat:
This work has kept me glued to my phone for days now,you did a great job Mr,may your cistern of wisdom n inspiration never dry up,million thumbs for you

Amen..a million thanks for you too

Creeza:
Wow! Am stunned. Souloho deserves an award

Lol thanks bro

Honourable356Honourable356 is a wonderful motivator. Your comments always spur me to pick up the pen and try
to be better and I'm sure its the same with other writers. Thanks for reading and always encouraging.
Sah Chidi Eze Phillip, Jah bless!