The entrance to the cave was unearthly but Udo managed to get in. Yes he was now in. To his surprise there was a pool of water though small. And also many earthen wares. A fire place and a heap of cowries. He was in a dwelling place-of what? For he was sure no one had ever come yonder. He rested on the wall of the cave; with his sword in hand, peered everywhere within the cave anticipating danger. Yes he had a sword, some charms, amulets and talisman- he came prepared. Having thus convinced that he was alone he sat down, his back inclined on the wall and slept, still quite vigilant. No sooner had he slept than a monstrous serpent emerged from nearby as if it had been waiting patiently for Udo to fall asleep. Udo was no fool; even in sleep he heard the scuffling and hissing made by the serpent as it advanced towards him. Without recourse to examine and study the danger before him; Udo spring up and scurried to a safe distance. From his new site he could see a serpent most large and evil; here the bravest men would have resigned to death but Udo was not afraid. He raised his sword for a show down. Then the serpent attacked as if provoked by Udo's call to battle. It raised its head up and descended on Udo with such fury that the earth shook. But before it could strike ; Udo was quick. He gave the serpent a mortal injury and it fell with a thud, writhing in pain. Udo was still cautious though he seemed to have won the duel. In a minute the serpent transformed into man's greatest bane-woman. Udo was surprised at the sight. A maiden most fair , beautiful and comely. He did not believe his eyes, that a thing once monstrous could become beautiful. Udo was no fool; he saw this as a ploy to distract him from finishing his work- despatching the serpent to the afterlife. "If you like turn into my mother,I will still kill you,serpent "! He said without emotion. When he approached to permanently destroy his foe, their eyes met. He could see there were no further designs to scuffle with him. He only saw a lady in distress, pain and fear.

To be continued.
franklynagbebaku@gmail.com
Copyright of Agbebaku Franklyn.

This short poem speaks on the reasons why many of our African brethrens went abroad even though they had to go by land.




We had to flee home.

Our mother's entreaties

completely ignored.

We could not bear

The humility of leaking purse.

For we were slaves at home.

Slaves to poverty; hunger and strife.

Now you know why we left.

Why we parted the Mediterranean

By mere numbers.

For we were many running abroad

From the terror of home.


-Agbebaku franklyn
franklynagbebaku@gmail.com

The Witch : Is a short story fiction written by a Uniben student. The story has been entered into the commonwealth short story price fiction. The short story tells the tale-like adventure of Udo-an exile who fled into a forest known for its harbouring of witches. In the forest, he met a girl and later her serpent mother. The book is thrilling and it showcases witchcraft,bravery and a little bit of romance.



CHAPTER ONE.


The earth was wet,the bush and shrub too. It was cool and the wild animals were returning from their scouting of last night. Insects chirped,while some other wild animals prowled in the undergrowth. The breeze was cool and quite-still;having the trappings of an ominous environment.

This was the renowned forest of the Azen;fierce witches of the Ishan clans;respected and feared through out the nine villages. No wise man ever born would advise a fugitive to flee therein and any fool who retreats into the forest whether he is being pursued or running from trouble was sure to meet sudden death. The natives were cautious; always admonishing their offspring never to venture into the void; as it was called.

It is known that witches usually live in the Azen forest; others believed the place was their headquarters -a meeting place. And any wretch who comes thither served the monsters therein as food or the witches as meal. Such were the stories parents tell their children in those days.

But a man tempted fate and fled into the void-the Azen forest. He was not oblivious of the history of the forest neither did he forget the warnings of his ancestors. Why did he thus condemn himself to such a fate? Perhaps he was a son of the forest-a wizard.

Udo was no wizard but same can not be said of his mother;a mysterious woman; a woman of herbs,the lady of the gods. Yes,such were her titles amongst her people. She told her son Udo to flee into the forest when he was to be killed.

It was now evening;the sun had set and the forest getting darker; the perfect time for hunting. Udo was not the man to be afraid of the tigers and lions that roamed the forests of his lands. No, but his fears rested on the legend of the forest-the Azen. He must find shelter now or be devoured in the dark whence comes no help. "I can not escape from my pursuers only to fall into the hands of witches". He said reassuredly . "My bones will not be food neither will my flesh be meal". He incanted. When he lifted his head; before him was a cave, mighty and monstrous, and light shone within. Now he was presented a choice; stay outside in the forest to be devoured or stir into the cave and embrace the unknown therein.





To be continued.
franklynagbebaku @gmail.com

The night has been invaded,
sleep hath dost been murdered
and rest slain.

The rains are no more
But cold shivers running down the spine.
Where are the frogs that croak at night?
Where are the fireflies that light the lovers' path?

Only the bats and the owls remain
Forever perched to sing the songs of a broken heart.

Oh mother. Will my heart be mended?
Or will my throat remain parched? '
Or will the gaze of my lover send cooling rain,
and warmth anew

To aid me in my rest in thy bosom.
Will thou leave me oh mother
or will you stay to nurse me back to health?

If I die and she later comes for me
let her know I died
loving her to the end.


franklynagbebaku@gmail.com