Behind Castle Walls

The Old man

Once upon a time there was and still exists a kingdom in the middle belt of the plateaus of the Niger area. In that kingdom lived a certain old man named Dapia. He was popularly called Dikam because he was very old. Dikam was wealthy and generous first with his family and all those who are ready to help themselves.

The next morning Jelkes and his friend had just arrived Dikam’s estate, with some men the king had sent with them. They were ushered into the inner chambers where Dikam was by one of the servants.

“We bring greetings from the king and your lowly servants. Tyeriang’a Dikam.” Jelkes greeted on behalf of the group, but they too chorused the greeting together as they all bowed.

“May God bless you with many more years that we may benefit from the experience of your long life.” Jelkes continued.

“The king?” a weak voice answered and was moving towards their direction. It was the old man; he moved slightly faster than a chameleon and had servants attending to him at all times.

“Who are you and why many more years to a man my age, have I not lived long enough?” Dikam answered and laughed again.

“It is your humble servants, some of your students many years ago. It is I, Jelkes that is speaking.”

“Ahhhh.., I remember you, the man of steel is what I hear you are now called,” Dikam responded.

“May you live long…?” Dikam interrupted by laughing as he tapped him on the head

“Why say such a prayer when it is obvious I am close to my end? I plead with you to not repeat such prayers again. I long to rest like my fathers and I am close to meeting them already.”

“But...” Jelkes interrupted Makplang.

“Say no more young man, what good will it do me? I forbid such prayers. So what brings you to visit me?”

“The king sends us to you!” One of the men replied.

“The king!” Dikam asked with genuine surprise. “What use can the king have for an old man like me, I wonder?”

“You are a wise man of great knowledge, a blessing to this kingdom. You became the wealthiest man in the land while others struggled for existence; you wear the finest garments money could afford and enjoy the rarest food. You ride in style like the king while we must be content if our parents clothe us in the most affordable raiment and feed us the best they could. Once you were mates and in everything you did together, you did not out do them or been more faithful in your dealings than they were. It was thought that fickle faith and luck singled you out to enjoy all the good things of life and ignoring our fathers who equally deserved such because they were also hardworking men. We were forced to be contented citizens, settling for black soup and porridge, but in our midst, a friend of theirs, rich with wealth that equals that of kings, living in an estate furnished with the best ornaments one could find and gold could afford. You have everything for life and living while our parents struggle to make ends meet.

“We all changed our minds on living the rest of our lives struggling while others have more than enough for themselves. So I swore to myself that I would not be one of those that stand afar off, enviously watching others. We all were determined to change our destinies, and that prompted us to seek knowledge about money. Being sons of noblemen with very little or no significant inheritance, we learned how to create wealth from you that had it and knew how it is acquired.” The men all nodded in agreement as they looked at each other.

“Today we are made men of this great city because we learned and kept all the laws of gold you have taught us. We are now men of enormous worth, of plenty to spend and spare, but we are not happy people. We are here to plead that you teach us how to live a happy life. Happiness was what we desired, and we sought it in wealth, now we have it all, but we do not know how to be happy even with all these that we have acquired. The king supports us meeting you, and he requests you report to the palace” Jelkes continued.

“I knew this day would come” the man had a familiar grin on his face.

“You have said much; you come in the name of the king, and we must not make him wait.” Upon saying this, they left for the palace at once.

“May the king live long.” Dikam greeted and bowed as he was ushered in by the guards

“Tyeriang’a Dikam.” The king greeted, and gave him a seat. They had an elaborate greeting as is the custom when greeting an elder.

“You are an honorable man of this kingdom, a man of great wisdom and knowledge. Once I learned you were a poor man who worked his way to the top by hard work and obeying principles. With a great desire for wealth you sought for wisdom from those who knew how to acquire wealth and so did you become wealthy.”

“All you say of me is true your Majesty,” Dikam affirmed.

“My father being concerned with how poor the people were and how to build the kingdom persuaded you to teach your fellowmen the secrets of acquiring wealth, and all those that fared poorly and wanted change for their lives was taught by you. Today, our city is blessed because of the wisdom you imparted on the people; this kingdom is blessed with wealthy men. This wealth has brought great possibilities to their lives and much revenue to the throne. This wealth my people have accumulated has done us well but it has not given my people the happiness and the fullness of life, are there any other things you can teach them so they can learn to live happy lives? Your wisdom has proven to work for the people before and I know what you will teach will be good medicine like the principles you taught of how to acquire wealth.”

“Just like acquiring wealth, being and living happily is practical. That which I know will I gladly teach these men and any other like them.” Dikam affirmed.

“Aha… you speak words that I wish to hear.” The king was delighted.

“I am your humble servant O king. Whatever knowledge I possess I will gladly share for the betterment of the people and this great kingdom. Perhaps this is my last duty the God have set for me before this fleeting breath leaves me finally.”

“Say no more of death!” the king demanded.

“Is it not true your highness, am I not almost finished with this realm of life? My days are numbered Oh king, you must command your premier to assemble in the great hall of the temple of learning, anyone that wishes to learn and I will teach them all that I know out of my long years on earth, and the ancient wisdom that helped me through it all.” At the king’s command, all the necessary preparations were made, the hall was arranged just as Dikam had instructed and it was ready for him to begin as soon as possible. It wasn’t the practice of the Mwagavul people to have both men and women learn in the same place at a time but at Dikam’s request, the king allowed it. The hall was filled with people both young and old, men and women. The rich and poor all came to learn on the appointed day Dikam was to begin teaching the people. There was chitchat in the hall as the people were talking about the gathering.

“Behold his majesty, ‘Mishkaham’ Mangun!” the king’s attendant announced, hitting his gong to get the people’s attention. They all rose up and bowed to the king as he ascend to his throne, Dikam Dapia followed from behind to an honorable stool the king had made ready for him. The hall was settled, and Dikam began.

“I have served your father faithfully, and now, the gods have allowed you to take his place as king of this great kingdom. Just as I was to your father, I am always at your service, your dutiful servant, O king.” Dikam began. “May the king live long!” he added.

“Niasi!” the people chorused amen.

“The last time I spoke to a huge crowd as this was many years ago. My audience was mostly youth who longed for a share of the abundance of the land. The man of steel, Makplang, you and you and a host of others were all my students.” Dikam pointed out some few people from every direction. There was some murmur in the great hall as the men pointed the spot they sat on many years before.

“I was once like you.” He continued. “I was young, strong and handsome; I was also poor with no hope of an inheritance just as many of your fathers, my childhood friends. There was nothing to gladden my heart, but the great and burning desire to acquire enough wealth left some hope down my path, and because I acquired knowledge and wisdom on how to create a stream of wealth, I became the wealthiest of all my peers and in the entire land with time. Upon the thoughtfulness of the king, he asked me to teach the secrets to anyone that cared to listen and learn, and many people then turned out.

“What did you learn from the lesson I taught you many years ago?” Dikam asked a short man sitting in front of him. “I still remember your face till today.” He continued.

“I” replied the man. “Learnt a part of all I earn is mine to keep.”

“Good young man, is that law a part of you?” He asked again.

“I kept four out of every ten coins, I earned. It was hard because I denied myself all the things I could have had, but soon, my purse became rich in coins, and it felt good hearing the coins cling in my purse.”

“You are very wise for a short man.” The people laughed as Dikam spoke these words.

“I paid for bread and milk and sandals for my feet, and then paid myself the four remaining coins. I cut my spending and saved instead.” Jinang the short man continued.

“You are wise my friend and you will never lack,” Dikam answered. “My friend, what did you learn?” Dikam asked a hairy man who sat by the pillar.

“I” began the man in his hoarse voice, “have learned that Opportunity is a haughty goddess, she wastes no time with unprepared people!” the man gladly said.

“And you?” Dikam asked a baldy on the sixth row.

“I learned that the man, who seeks to find out more of his craft or trade, would be rewarded richly, and to pay all debts with all promptness possible is honorable; not paying for that which I cannot afford or need is very wise.” He answered.

“How about you, the man of steel?” Dikam asked.

“I learned that being the beast of burden that someone else is meant to be is foolish. There is wisdom in making immediate payment for a bargain when we are convinced to do so, for we will save ourselves many regrets and for lost opportunity and chance for increase.” The man of steel answered.

“I have also taught you that wealth that comes quickly goes away as soon as it came, but that which stays to give enjoyment and satisfaction to the owner comes in due time. I also taught you that procrastination thwarts all accomplishment. Misfortune loves a shiny mark; an opportunity may present itself to be plausible but it is not wise to be intrigued by massive profits when the principal may be lost. I always emphasized; do not be misled by the desire to make wealth rapidly.”

“I learned” a man spoke from the crowd, “that before I lend money to anyone, I must be sure of their reputation for doing so, if not I will be making them a present of my hard earned treasure.” He continued.

“I learned the five laws of gold" the man recited all the laws in the exact order and Dikam was impressed.

“Well said, young man. You all have kept to heart all I have taught you till this very day. I am happy to know all of you, how blessed are you who heard and acted on what you were taught. You are a wise people, a blessing to your children and the king, your barns will be full of grain and your purse and safe with gold coins, your children will never lack and they will always be proud to have you. You will never lack bread or wine, or robe of every kind, everyone that hears about you will know you are blessed.” Dikam was proud of the response he got from the people, he smiled all the while.

“I will begin to teach you all that I know about being happy, and if you obey all of them as you have the laws of gold, you will be happy. Do not turn from the rules I will teach you to the left or to the right as you did with that to fatten your account and you will have much happiness for the rest of your life. Make all you will learn a part of your life, memorize them and never forget any of them, teach them to your children every morning till they know all these laws. Write them on scrolls and tablets of stone for the future generation to learn from this ancient wisdom I will impart to you, it will make your life more pleasant if you know them all.” Dikam then rose and was aided to his chariot; he dismissed them for the day.

“Listen carefully and be attentive to the words that will come from my mouth.” Dikam began teaching them.

“I knew a day will come when the happiness you sought for in riches would run short”. The people were surprised at what the old man said.

“You mean you did not tell us everything?” Jelkes asked with genuine surprise

“You should have taught us everything and saved us from all we have put up with in these many years that have gone by.” A leading citizen protested, and the people argued among themselves.

“You asked for the secrets to riches, not happiness and I did teach you how to acquire it didn’t I?” he replied.

“What you desire now is wealth, and you will soon find out that happiness is product of many things of which riches is just a part. I say to you today, eat honey; and just as honey from the comb is sweet on your tongue, you must be sure that wisdom is good for your souls. Get knowledge and divine insight, pray for understanding, listen to me all of you and pay attention to all you will be taught, and you will have understanding. What I will teach you is good so remember it all, remember what I say and never forget it. Do as I tell you and you will live a long time in this land. Do not abandon wisdom and she will protect you, love her, and she will keep you safe. Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can ever do, whatever else you get, get insight and acquire knowledge. Wisdom will make you great, she will bring you honor and be your crowning glory. Take all I will tell you today seriously and you will live a long life of many blessings, with much of everything that you will be blessed with. I will teach you wisdom and you will know how to live. Nothing will stand in your way if you walk wisely, and you will not stumble when you run. Always remember all I will teach, your education is your life, guard it as you will guard your eye. Wisdom will give you good health, if you understand and act on the words you will hear me teach, you, your actions and words will show that you are knowledgeable.

“Wisdom and knowledge are worth paying for but too valuable for you to sell. If you lack wisdom, you should sell all that you have to get wisdom, and you will get back in a thousand folds. Wisdom will save you from many troubles and your knowledge will prevent you from many regrets. Pay attention to the wisdom I will impart and do not ignore it and you will not get into trouble, and people will not laugh at you, or mock you when terror strikes when it comes upon you like a storm, bring fierce winds of trouble. Wisdom will save you from all adversity, and your knowledge will do you good. Listen to what I say and try to understand it, look for insight as hard as you looked for silver and gold, and hidden treasure. If it is deep in the ocean and deep blue seas dive in to get it, if it is buried deep, many kilometers in the earth, dig to find it, for if you do, you will live longer. You will have good judgment; you will discern the truth and know what a sure lie is, you will know right from wrong, just and fair, and you will know what to do, and that will give you great pleasure. Wisdom will add years to your life, you are the one that will profit if you have wisdom, but if you reject it, you are the one that will suffer. My advice are good, they will make you sensible, but if you ignore them, you will come to ruin.” There was great silence as Dikam spoke, they were all ears.

“To you, shall I explain how to live and be happy and I recommend to all people. Listen attentively and debate it with me, discuss it among yourselves and dispute me if you find faults in what I teach.

But before I begin, send me the prince, heir to the throne at once.” Soon a servant arrives with the young prince.

“Come closer boy” Dikam called and he came.

“Ouch!” the young man cried as Dikam smacked the young prince hard without warning. The people were surprised and wondered why he did that. The king just watched to see what was happening.

“What wrong have I done to deserve this?” the young prince protested.

“Someday you will take your father's place on the throne of this great kingdom. Remember this and never forget; if it hurts you, it will surely hurt the people too. Whatever you do affect the people you rule. This lesson is not meant for the prince alone, but for all of us seated in this great hall. There are rules to everything and I shall begin with the most important of them all, the ultimate rule.