Lost Fortune

    As the wind howls, the city of Tako breaks quiet in a radio - like silence. The trees move their branches in form as the birds sit in their comfort zones gracing the environment with their chirping music. The Oracle layed peacefully on a rock to enjoy the hot afternoon breeze as the sun struggles to find its way through the canopy. Suddenly, the ground shakes slightly, stops, then shakes again, clouds begin to gather above his cave and through the clouds two rainbows form in parallel lines. Otenga the oracle is alerted by the continuous shake of the ground . She jumps out of his sleep , stands in shock and for a minute stares into the sky wondering the ratiinality behind this miraculous sign . Hurriedly, he enters his cave ,grab his staff and began speaking to the gods through his incantations......... "Open my ears so I may hear you clearly .... My wisdom is broad but yours is superior ...... Bring forth the meaning of this sign .... A blessing or a curse .... Show me the way." As many times as he recites the incantations music is been played,while she dances to the rhythm of the beat. She haults the music, stand still with an attentive ear she whispers into the ears of the sculptural image of their supreme being Omania the river goddess saying....... "speak to thy servant great Omania for I await " she listens patiently and quietly as she nodes her head along. After awhile she puts on a smile then she raises her voice in joy and starts to sing praises to the gods . The next morning, the voice of the talking drum is heard across the village. All the people in the village have gathered at the village square waiting patiently for the reason for their call including the King and his chiefs. The presence of the oracle is felt "I greet you my king ....may you leave long " the king responds to her greeting by noding and raising his hand. "Otenga the great oracle ! Please let us know the reason for your summon " says the king . "As the cloud gathers, two rainbows will form in parallel lines .......This is the message from the gods .Two seeds shall fertilize ,one bearing the mark of the moon and one bearing a mark of the sun ,together one shall reflect through the other to restore our fortune but beware for the enemy is close too." The whole village is entangled in a ghostly silence, as they hear the news of the enemy ,they looked cautiously at each other with eerie faces and confused in their thoughs. Otenga gazed at the king ,held on to his staff and sets for road while rumbling "beware for the enemy is close"till his voice faded. Night was fading as the clock ticks , now the day had already been broken and it was a busy day for another market day was due. Everybody was preparing to for the day including Mr. Akins and his wife Sarah when they heard a knock at the door "who is it please "Mr. Akins shouted as he walked closer to the door .It was a pregnant woman . She was a stranger but she needed help. She looked like she has been in a hot chase for hours, with sweat droplets trailing down her hairline, down her cheeks . She was offered a seat and offered water then Sarah massaged at her feet . Mr. Akins asked her name and the reason she had come to their home , she answered "hmm..it is a long story , I'm from the next town my husband was murdered out of greed by his own brother just because he wanted to have me..... an eight month pregnant woman. Ah! I have suffered. I was an eye witness to my husband's death and because of that, I had to escape out of the town else my life and that of my child. I prayed that the gods will lead me to a safe place and this is where they lead me . I'm very greatful for your warm welcome, may the almighty God bless you ." Sarah was not very happy about this so asked to have a private conversation with her husband . "I'm not so sure about your decision to help the lady " she said immediately they entered the kitchen. " Sarah...!" Mr. Akins said softly "please do this for me as a favour ...please . "Okay fine, for your sake ." Sarah whispered . They both walked to the lady in the living room they told her they have accepted to help her till delivered . Sarah asked of her name and She said my name is Glen. Days went by, Sarah and Glen have formed a good friendship and Glen had also been a marvelous friend and a big help to Sarah for she was a big help to her everyday. It was almost due for Glen to deliver but it seemed she was not so happy about it . Sarah had noticed this so had made her mind to sit Glen down and talk to her. Sarah was thinking that maybe she was scared of the labour journey that lays ahead, or maybe she had missed her husband and she has been thinking about him. But for the meantime, Sarah had plans to get her distracted for awhile so she offered to take her on a stroll. "Glen, come with me. let's take a walk . let me show you around town " Sarah said . Well Glen couldn't refuse because Sarah was able to convince her. So, Sarah and Glen set for the road . Sarah walked side by side with Glen as they gossipped and laughed , they came by a log where they sat to rest for a while . "I really appreciate the kindness you and your husband have shown me .I don't even know how to thank you both . May the almighty God bless you "Glen said with a smile . "well....we thank God having brought you to our home but that was not the reason I brought you out . I just wanted to distract you so you could take your mind off your worries even of it's for just a little while " Sarah gave a warm smile as she told Glen the reason she brought her out . she then continued "Glen... you know that we have become very good friends within this short time. Is there something you are not telling me? " "What do you mean ?" Glen whispered. Sarah continued " I've noticed you've been absent minded for a while . what have you been thinking about ? I know something is bothering you ." Glen held Sarah's hand and said "please promise me that you will take good care of my daughter when she is born. I have few just few days to live . Take her as your own daughter and give her life for she is very special and a blessing from the gods to those who will give her life". "And what do you mean by that ?" Sarah asked in discomfort. "Nothing will happen to you my friend, please don't say that ". Glen took a deep stare into Sarah's eyes " please just promise me that you will not let anyone know she is not yours, I only have a week left to deliver . I have named her Reign in honour of her father. I left my town because I feared for the life of my child . Please make her your own". Tears run down their cheeks as they both females get emotional. Sarah promised Glen she would always take care of her daughter as if she was her own. They sat on the log for a while then they left for the house . On their way they had to pretend that nothing had happened so Sarah and Glen had to Change the topic and discussed issues concerning the market.