The Beasts within

Episode1

The Search For A Solution.

“Please don't kill me, I beg you I have a son” as the woman of Crimson Ridge begged for her life, she was half naked as the soldiers of Iyos stood in front of her. One of them asked them to leave as he has planned to r**e her mercilessly, as he went close to her he heard a call of retreat and he left her and went to his soldiers.

The village lay in ruins, smoke still rising from charred huts and fields, casting a dark haze over the morning sky. Villagers moved about, their faces streaked with ash and tears, crying out in grief and shock. Mothers clutched their children, huddling together on the ground, as men searched through the rubble, their expressions hollow as they took in the devastation.

A group of leaders stood at the village center, their eyes filled with tears as they looked over the remnants of what had been their peaceful home. The scent of burning wood and dust lingered heavily in the air, mixing with the muffled sobs and anguished cries that echoed throughout. Families mourned lost loved ones, while others tried to comfort their neighbors, holding each other close as they shared in their sorrow.

The Iyos soldiers left with Crimson Ridge belongings like harvested crops, treasures, valuables and any other items that seemed attractive to them.

Crying and sorrowful wailing were the order of the day as the Crimson Ridge village has just been raided by one of the Neighbouring villages called Iyos for the second time in a space of one month.

The Tribal head chief came out and saw his village in agony, he knelt beside a loved one’s body, hands trembling as he bows his head in grief. His tears are silent at first, but they soon become sobs that echo across the stone walls as he tries to control himself.

They killed some young men, r***d the beautiful and young ones and ceased their treasures.. This was becoming a norm when it comes to the Crimson Ridge, Hope and safety were their biggest search.

The next day, the leaders gathered to sprout out solutions to the consistent raiding and killings from the Neighbouring villages, having to know that Crimson Ridge soldiers are not many compared to other Villages.

“This is getting out of hand, we must act fast if we still want our children to be alive and keep our legacy” a leader spoke in a pitiable voice. Who lost his wife in the previous raiden before this one.

Their tribal head Chief kept mute as words eluded his mouth and made him quiet and listened to the Leaders. He only wish he could bring a solution to his people as he has often swore to protect them at all cost,

“I will suggest we plead allegiance to the Iyos and beg them to take us as their slaves, that way we can survive and be under their protection which will make the neighbouring villages leave us in peace” Usa said, being one of the leader

“its not possible” Said Oti. “Have you thought of what will happen to our wives and children as slaves? That isn’t what we should consider, I will suggest we call in the Witch doctor, Bokor who has helped us in similar cases such as this, I feel he is affected as well and will not hesitate to help us out in this matter” He said as he stood with a tighten voice looking at all the leaders in their eyes.

“A good suggestion” they said to one another, “let us call him as it is a matter of urgent interference by the gods if they still want us alive” said the tribal head Chief. With his eyes longing for hope.

“Flora! Flora!! Flora!!!” Oti calls his daughter upon returning from the leaders meeting, She ran out to him and welcomes him with a hug. She was his only daughter, Flora being all curious was desperate to know what was the outcome of the meeting.

She said “ How did it go? Was there any better solution? Hope there is good news?” Oti told her in a soft voice “Go and get me water to drink” she hurriedly went and brought the water and waited for him to finish it so she could get answers to her numerous questions.

“The meeting was adjourned to tomorrow as we are expecting the presence of Bokor the witch doctor to be with us” he said, Flora wasn't too comfortable as she exclaimed, “Bokor!!! Are there no other solutions? Bokor may demand some sacrifices and you all know it”

“Yes but if that will solve our pressing need then we are ready to offer the sacrifice no matter what” he said. “Ever since I lost your mother in the raiden of Godins men, I haven't been the same, I will not watch anything happen to you, if the Village needs to sacrifice something for us to be alive and well, then let them do it.” He firmly said to her.

Flora left him and went inside thinking of the outcome of tomorrow's meeting. She is just a young girl that really wants the best of life. She is fair and beautiful, she is 22 years of age and always hopes to marry a responsible man as to uphold her father’s integrity in Crimson Ridge.

The next day came with the speed of light as all the leaders and some villagers gathered to wait for Bokor. They all said to themselves that they hope Bokor brings a solution to this horrible event that they usually have occasionally. Bokor came in gently as he only comes to the Village twice in three years.

“Bokor, you are welcome” said the Tribal head Chief, “I believe you already know why you are here, please give us a solution before the gods run out of worshipers” He said, looking at Bokor the witch doctor with trembling eyes.

Bokor kept mute, shaking his head in a negative manner, Oti said “Please we are aware of how you have helped us in time past, whatever it takes we are ready to do it as to be free from these oppressions we find ourselves”

Bokor after he had kept quiet for some period of time finally broke the Ice, “There is a solution to you all, it will cease all oppression and strengthen your village” he said in a soft and scornful manner. “The solution will bring you peace, equity, celebrations and may cause destruction to you only if you become carefree in your ways” ending his words with an insane smile.

“Destruction??? How can we be carefree with what will give us Peace, hope, equity and celebration???” the tribal head chief said, “Please what are we to do to have such a solution?” the leaders nodded in consent with the question.

Bokor looked at them and smiled, “the gods have solved your problems before and May attempt to do it again if the proper rite of passage is observed, in this case, it will need one of your precious stones in the land Crimson Ridge” he said looking at the tribal head chief

“What precious stones that will be difficult for us to give in exchange for our lives and properties?” The tribal head chief asked as he was running out of patience and needed a solution promptly.

Bokor said “A virgin with the purest of hearts is needed, She will bring you the solutions, She will join me to Nightveil wood, there she will dwell for a night and come with me to the Village with the solution. The gods have chosen someone amongst you already.”

The villagers turned and looked at themselves one after another as they were all scared, panicking was the order of the day, Rumors about Nightveil Wood rushed into their memories, their Four-fathers have often told them how dangerous Nightveil Wood has been and no one goes there and comes back alive.

It was said that it is guided by the spirit of the night, that out of Nightveil Wood a full moon arises. No one dares to go there as the mystery of the place has remained mysterious.

the tribal head chief said “Whoever is chosen among you will go and get the solution for us, we have suffered enough in the hands of our neighbouring Villages.” he said with a determined voice.

Bokor smiled and said “ She is of the purest of hearts, her name is Flora” A sharp pain pierced the heart of Oti as his daughter's name was mentioned, he stood up and said “Which Flora?” with fear and trembling in his voice, Bokor looked into his eyes and said “The one that shared the same blood with you”

Oti had a cold feeling running through his spine, as his heart beats increased. Bokor said to the tribal head chief “ Get her prepared in 3 days’ time for at dawn on the third day we will set off for the Journey” Immediately he left, the leaders pleaded with Oti to adhere to the decision given by the gods.

Oti finds himself in a dilemma situation as he doesn't know how to accept such a decision, how can he convince his only daughter to go to Nightveil Wood with Bokor, is her safety guaranteed? All these ran through his mind as he gently entered his compound and received a warm welcome from Flora. He received the welcome and went straight to bed as he was full of thoughts.