Ajali

The Hunt

It was the time of the year when umunachi clan face drought. It is something that is inadvertent. During those times, the good waters from the rivers dry up. The sun that scorches can boil a sea.Anyone who wants to be roasted alive should try going outside bare footed. The type of sun is one that can burn the brain especially if you are a bald headed person. Olake river was the last hope for the people of Umunachi.The river that Ada, Ajali's mother had bathed herself with years ago. It has never dried up since inception no matter how high the sun may be or how long drought takes place. This year, the people could no longer hold it anymore. Their storage has also dried up and some who are strong started going to neighboring villages to get water. One fearful thing about going to neighbouring villages is that you will have to work for what you want. People who go there to work for water have always been reported dead at the end of the day. Umunachi youths can neither fight those villagers because they are the ones that went after them in search of water at the first place. According to an elder, he said it is better he gets killed at home than to go and die in another mans land.

One day Nkanu, the son of egbeada, the oldest elder in umunachi clan summoned the courage to drink at olake river. On getting there, he threw some colanut and halt which he took along with him inside the river, pointing at the six directions of the diety, then he tied a red scarf on his head and also chew nchamwu leaf; a scented leaf known for its strong scent.. He believed by chewing that, the spirits of the water would welcome him to quench his taste..As he bent to scoop the water, the position where he stood began to bubble and turn in circles,.He immediately found himself sinking dip in the water. fear gripped him as he tried to escape from whatever that is holding him. It was as if some hands held him tightly to the ground. He struggle to no avail. The water was growing higher each minute and has reached his neck. Soon he will be gone,he thought to him self. I should have listened to father. Maybe I might actually get some help if I shout. He opened his mouth to shout but his lips were heavy. As a cool wind blew pass his ears, that was the last of Nkanu. Nkanu the hunter, Nkanu the handsome, Nkanu son of egbeada.The fly that refuse to hear follows the corpse to the grave.

when the news spread to the entire village, it made those who were intending to try olake river shudder with fear. The family of the deceased grieved bitterly, especially egbeada his father who refused to speak to anyone nor eat anything. For days egbeada neither tasted food nor water. His wife Aku became worried. Now that Nkanu is no more she feared his husband may join him soon, she tried all she could to make him to taste something but deep down, egbeada was communicating with his ancestors. He has journeyed to the dead already. It is left for his body to join them.Aku saw this and gave up trying.

Ajali on seeing what has been going on called some of his age mates and asked them to get their keg so they can go to olake river and get water for their parents. The boys were afraid to do so. They questioned Ajali how he will be able to get water reminding him of the incidence that happened to egbeada's family. In return, he replied; " Would you all prefer to be dehydrated and die before your time? Look at our parents, they are diminishing everyday. We never know when this drought will end,so we all have to go. The five youths joined him with panic. As they reached the river, Ajali took off his shirt and stepped into the water. Where he stood turned brownish, he started speaking to the gods to allow his people quench their thirst before they all die of thirst. The river couldn't swallow Ajali because he was a product of the water. As soon as he made such request, the eater turned back to it's whitish colour, then he scooped in his hand and drank. The others who accompanied him couldn't believe their eyes. One of them ran back to the village to inform everyone that Ajali drank from olake river. Their eyes couldn't contain what they saw, they wanted others to witness the miraculous event as well. The villagers ran with their pots to the river, on arrival, they aw that the other lads has started bathing themselves with the fresh water. Soon the rover ground was crowded as people who want seen the sight of water for weeks struggled to get a scoop. while they drink and fill their pots, they sang praise song for Ajali; " ali the hero,Ajali our saviour,Ajali the god.You shall live longer than your ancestor. Whoever that is after you shall never see the light of the day". Amidst the jubilation, Ajali stood like a statue at the bend he river, hands folded,eyes as bright as the rays of the sun,lips tucked out, he watched them with love in his heart and admiration for his people. He murmured o himself; this is truly where I belong.