OJADILI Episode 19 by Erasmus Ugochukwu Okafor

OJADILI Episode 19 by Erasmus Ugochukwu Okafor

**Consummated happiness**

Ojadili held the princess and led her outside to know the reason for the strangeness.

The guards were already waiting at the door to escort the princess but she shunned them and began to move.

Ojadili signalled to the guards that he was in control, so they just followed behind them.

Surprising to everyone, they saw a woman behind the Ikoro as she sounded it. It was unorthodox for a woman to sound the Ikoro; so people were taken aback.

“Who could this be?” The princess asked as they headed to the direction of the Ikoro shed.

People began to gather around to know who she was or what she came for.

Getting closer, the princess and Ojadili looked at the strange woman but couldn’t recognise her.

After looking closely at her, Ojadili smiled and said: “This is Akwaugo, nwanyi ukwu ugiri, I guess,”

The princess was so happy because she believes whatever Ojadili says. She knew that Ojadili’s guess was correct, so she rushed to the woman, collected the drum stick, and placed them by the side.

“I am Chinoyelum, your niece,” The princes said happily and snuggled into Akwaugo’s bosom in great excitement.

Akwaugo was so astonished and happy. She held the princess’s nape, observed her pretty face, and shouted: “Mma di n’agburu anyi! (beauty is in our lineage)”

“And you’re beautiful too; even at your age,” The princess flattered and held her with great joy, “I’ve heard of your exploits. You’re a real strong woman that should be respected,”

“No wonder she had the guts to handle the Ikoro,” Ojadili said indistinctly as he watched them.

“If we talk of achievements here, the accolades should be yours,” Akwaugo threw back at the princess, “If not for your intervention, I’d still be nwanyi ukwu ugiri,”

The two women burst into laughter as they had fun and exchanged pleasantries.

The onlookers clapped for them as they watched in admiration and surprise.

As they were having fun and entertaining the people, the king and the cabinet members were already waiting at the obi for the august visitor to come. The elders and the king have all dressed up for the great burial that was imminent. Even as they were eager for the burial, they had to attend to Akwaugo first.

Isikotebu, the chief guard came to alert Akwaugo that the king was waiting. The jubilation stopped when they saw him coming because they knew what he came for.

Getting to the Ikoro shed, Isikotebu bowed and said: “Princess Akwaugo, the king needs your attention,”

“Hmmm, from a king to a princess,” Akwaugo thought aloud making everyone that knew her story to start laughing, “Power is cool and I have enjoyed it but onwu ga egbu nwa nkita anaghi ekwe ya anu isi nsi (what kills a dog doesn’t give it forewarning),”

Akwaugo held the princess as they headed out.

Getting to Ojadili’s position, the princess dragged him to follow them but he footslogged and didn’t move faster at their pace.

“I’m coming behind you,” Ojadili said smilingly as he followed the ladies.

Akwaugo couldn’t help but notice how cute Ojadili was, so she stopped, looked back, and said: “I guess he’s your groom-to-be,”

”You guessed right,” Chino said with a touch of shyness.

”I see,” Akwaugo said admiringly and beckoned Ojadili forward to embrace him but suddenly stopped her action, “Are you Ojadili?” she asked guessingly looking so amazed and expectant of a Yes.

“Yes, I am,” Ojadili responded nobly with a curtsy.

Akwaugo genuflected before Ojadili immediately making everyone to be surprised.

Ojadili was all flushed with embarrassment because he was surprised too.

“I worship you today, the son of the gods,” Akwaugo said while the people mobbed them as they observed in awe, “I have prayed to set my eyes on my erstwhile enemy whom I should be revering and not fighting. You’re a king but you’re yet to find out where you belong,”

Ojadili was surprised at the last statement, so he smiled confusingly and went closer to Akwaugo. He pulled her up even though she hesitated to obey.

“I am Ojadili and not a king. I’m confused because the gods never revealed anything to me concerning that,” As he refuted this, Amirioma kingdom suddenly flashed in his mind’s eye but he didn’t take it seriously.

“Dibia gworo ozo, mana ozo gburu dibia (The diviner’s divination has become his weakness)” Akwaugo said proverbially and stood to his height, “Remember that a native doctor sometimes gets sick. So it’s not out of place for the gods to keep some things away from your vision. Let’s meet the king Azuamailo first. I have great news,”

The princess pondered the words of Akwaugo in her heart just as Ojadili did. They never uttered any word but remained thoughtful as they went to meet the king.

Getting to the obi, they saw that the Igwe and the cabinets were already waiting.

The first to recognise Akwaugo without a tinge of doubt was Ichie Utaba, so he rushed to her and shouted: “Nekwanu asamma (behold the beautiful)”

He tried to embrace her but Akwaugo pushed him away with laughter.

“So you’ve not changed, Utaba,” she said and shook her head.

“It’s Ichie Utaba, biko (please) and not Utaba,” He corrected vauntingly, “I’m now a titled man, you know,” he added and displayed some pride as he observed his chieftaincy apparel.

“As long as I’m concerned, you’re still the sarcastic guard that always needs to be noticed,” Akwaugo jeered at him and went straight to the king and bowed, “Long will live my king, my brother, my blood, and my playmate,”

The king was so happy seeing his younger sister. He joyfully walked down from his throne, rushed to her, and hugged her.

“I have missed you so much,” Azuamailo said with both joy and sorrow, “I want to apologise for what I turned you into…”

“No…no…no,” Akwaugo corrected looking happily into his eyes, “Our father did that to us and not you. You don’t need to apologise,” Looking at the familiar faces of the entire cabinet members, she bowed to them and said: “Ndi ichie ekenemu unu (titled men I greet you all)”

The cabinet members began to clap for her with cheers and joyful noise.

Akwaugo felt so elated and happy coming back home. Her well-adorned royal seat was already waiting for her, so she went straight and sat.

The king went back to his throne and sat too.

When the queen entered the Obi, she was surprised to see Akwaugo. She rushed to her and embraced her.

“This is amazing and I’m surprised seeing you, my old-time best friend. Welcome back, my darling husband,” she added and observed her face, “the beauty never fades ooo!” she exclaimed joyously.

Princess Chino tried coming into the obi with Ojadili but the latter whispered to her saying: “You have a seat there but I don’t. So go and seat let me stand outside here,”

The princess wanted to be insistent but Ojadili convinced her to go. She went and took her position beside her dad; even though her eyes were fixed at Ojadili.

Everyone noticed the lewd and lovely eye contacts between Ojadili and the princess making them all wear smiling faces.

“Welcome, Ojadili,” The king said with happiness, “There is a seat for you already, so come in,”

Ojadili genuflected before the king and bowed before the elders without saying anything. He went straight to a vacant seat and sat.

Ichie Okafo stood, smiled to everyone and said: “Today is a great day; even though we never planned that this would happen. It’s a day of double blessings for us. First, we’re all heading to Amaudo soon for the burial of Ifenkili. Secondly, we’re blessed with the visit of the great Akwaugo. I also call her Asamma even though I borrowed that name from Ichie Utaba,” he added making everyone laugh, “Yes, I did,” he continued, “I used to remember when we were Eze Azuamailo’s guards. Ichie Utaba would always tell me how he had his eyes on the princess. I always warned him because he never knew that all fingers are not equal,”

The people began to laugh at that expression as they listened.

“So as I kept you men close as personal guards,” The king said with a loud grin, “Utaba was busy crushing on my sister. Kam nwetakwa gi (let me catch you)” he added with laughter.

“But she never accepted me oo,” Utaba defended, “I was just addressing her as Asamma because of her beauty, nothing more,”

“Liar,” Ichie Okafo countered mildly, “do you want me to expose you more?” he threatened smilingly.

Ichie Utaba quickly went and sat to avoid mockery. “Why not mind your business and welcome Asamma first,” he said and winked at Okafo to keep his mouth shut. “I promise to give you three big tubers of yam and Ogiri isi. But that’s if you stop talking about the past,” he added smilingly.

”Mgbada ka ibe ya bu na odi ime (the only reason an antelope is bigger than the other is pregnancy,” Ichie Agwanti said and began to laugh.

The observers began to laugh.

The laughter was prolonged among them until an aged man was seen coming to the obi. The old man came in the company of a younger man who looked like a son to him.

The guards went to stop them but Akwaugo told them to allow them to come.

The people were all surprised as they looked closely at them. Silence flared.

Everyone was speculative except Akwaugo who acted as if she already knew their mission.

When they came to the obi, the younger man revered the king with a genuflection while the old man couldn’t bend because he was weak.

Ojadili suddenly got up from his seat for the old man to seat. He helped the man to seat while he stood beside him.

The king nodded in admiration as he observed Ojadili. Notwithstanding that he was oblivious of the mission of the old man, he was happy for Ojadili’s kind gesture.

“My son, if a picture of an old man is drawn on the sand,” The king said exhortatively to Ojadili, “you already can tell. Thank you,” And to the old man, he said: “Nna anyi (our father), who are you, please?”

Having sat and rested, the old man took a deep breath and said weakly: “Igwe, birikwa oo (may the king live long)”

Without delay, Akwaugo stood and smiled, making everyone to listen.

The people already anticipated that Akwaugo was about to clear the air by introducing the visitors. They were ardent and listening.

“Wait,” the king said looking closely at the old man, “Is this not erhhmmmm…Nna anyi Agbogidi (Our father Agbogidi) the great healer?” He asked looking attentively at him.

“Igwe, you’re right,” Okafo concurred, “the great healer in Obohia,” he added assuredly, “But he changed,”

“You’re right Okafo,” Utaba said frowningly, ”but why is he this old?” he asked without mincing words.

“Nice question,” Akwaugo said and smiled, “Well, Nna anyi Agbogidi held tenaciously to what doesn’t belong to him; hence the punishment from the gods that made him age fast,”

The people were surprised but had to hear the details and the gist to understand what Akwaugo meant by that.

“Go on, we’re listening,” The king said with extreme curiosity. ”Nwannem, gaa n’ihu (my sister, continue)” he added making the elders nod in agreement.

“My people,” Akwaugo continued while others listened, “It’s no more news about what king Azuamailo, in the company of Utaba and Okafo did when they were youths,” Saying this got everyone saddened; especial the trio that was remorseful, “Let me go straight to the point because we have a reconciliatory burial to attend,”

“Go on, you have our attention,” The king urged, “Ndi ichie okwanu ya (the titled men, hope it’s true)”

“Of course, it is, Igwe,” they chorused unanimously.

“Thank you, my king,” Akwaugo said appreciatively with a bow to the king, “Adadimma gave birth to twins before she died. I took one to Agbogidi while I left with one to Onumajuru to…”

“What did you say?” The king exclaimed and stood, “where is the other baby. I have Akwaobi already. Kedu nwam (where is my child)?” he asked looking intently at the man that came with Agbogidi, “This is my child…This is my blood…I feel it…I feel it,” the king yelled and rushed down from the throne to meet him.

“Chielotam,” Akwaugo called looking at the young man, “It’s time to meet your blood, the king,”

Chielotam was already teary, so he rushed to the king and embraced him. “Nnam, (my father)” he called with tears possessing his eyes, “I have been out there healing the people but never knew my true lineage,” he added as the warn embrace lasted.

The king was speechless but cried before everyone. He wept with a superfluity of joy as he kept looking at his son. He couldn’t believe that the gods just answered his prayers and compensated him with an heir.

Chielotam looks exactly like the king. He could even be called a chip off the old block. If not for the age difference, people would have thought that they were twins.

As this was going on, Akwaobi who was eavesdropping, rushed out from hiding and went straight to meet her twin brother. She was super excited because she never knew she had a brother let alone being a twin. Getting to them, she held Chielotam and began to cry. “My blood, my brother,” she cried out joyfully.

“Yes, she’s your twin sister,” Akwaobi said to Chielotam, “We wanted to surprise you too, so we kept the truth from you,” she added.

Ojadili couldn’t contain his joy and ecstasy when he remembered that Umuabani hinted about that moment but kept the truth from him. He was so happy that tears dropped from his eyes. Before everyone, he knelt, raised his eyes, and muttered: “Thanks to the gods,”

The princess rushed at him and pulled him up. She was crying too. “You said that whatever made the marriage proposal to wait is worth it. I now believe you, my lord,” she vocalised and hugged him tightly, “So Amachara now has an heir,” she added with great surprise.

“Yes, Amachara has an heir,” Akwaugo said and watched with pride and happiness. “My king, you and I know that I grew up to hate men; the reason why I never gave Utaba a chance in my life,” she continued, “when I saw that Adadimma was dead, I saw the babies beside her while the wild animals monitored. I took the babies to Agbogidi. Being that the healer had no son, I handed over the baby boy to him. I would have gone to my new kingdom with the twins but I didn’t. Being that I already made up my mind that men would be slaves to me, I decided not to subject my nephew to such humiliation. That was why I left the baby with the great healer. Nna anyi Agbogidi felt so happy to be blessed with a child he never had. That was why he named him Chielotam (god has remembered me). Agbogidi, I hope I’m right,” she asked looking at the aged man.

Agbogidi nodded with tears in his eyes. As his voiced quaked, he said: “It’s not easy allowing Chielotam to go but it’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make. I need to make Amachara great again but it was easy at all. Amarchara kwenu! (I greet)”

“Yahhh,” The people responded the way they do to such a greeting and began to clap for the old man.

“My father,” Chielotam said looking happily at the king, “In the palace, you can address me as Chielotam,” Pointing into the atmosphere he said; “but in the bush, you address me as Ogwokannia (a healer like his father),”

“Owu ya, nwam (that’s it, my son)” Agbogidi said tearfully.

“In the bush, Agbogidi is still your father,” The king said to the hearing of everyone, “but in the palace, you’re my son,” he added leading to hearty cheers and applause from the audience.

“I hope when Chielotam, my son becomes the king,” Ugoeze added with smiles and happiness, “He won’t leave the palace and be staying in the bush to heal his people,”

The people laughed at that statement because it seemed so true.

”A child that grew up in the bush may hardly be seen dwelling in the palace,” Utaba added and chuckled.

“Well, I must have gone to the afterlife by then,” Azuamailo added laughingly, “if he wants to become the bush king, so be it,”

Chielotam laughed so hard at this and pinched his twin sister’s cheek.

”Sister, always call me to order when that time reaches. If I must remain the healer, let it be in the palace and not the bush,”

“Trust me, brother,” Akwaobi responded cheerfully, “But I have an important question,” she added making everyone listen, “who among us was delivered first? I need to know if I’m your elder?” she added making everyone laugh to the humorous statement.

“I think we should ask the wild dogs for answers,” Akwaugo replied swiftly making the laughter to be prolonged.

“One of the animals is here with me,” Akwaobi said making Akwaugo surprised.

“Oh, my pets in Onumajuru,” she said thinking fondly about the wild dogs, “They’ve all disappeared into the wild where they belong,” she added nostalgically.

The people were happy as the joyous moment thrived and overtook them all.

Onodugo already got the full details from Achikolo. Without being hesitant, he and his pregnant wife rushed to the obi to meet them. He was so happy that the reason for his pains finally vanished. Even though he wanted to go to Umuabani to meet his father; he’d been sad concerning king Azuamailo’s wellbeing. It was a moment of bliss for him, so he welcomed them all with a warm embrace.

The princess went to Uremma and admired her baby bumps. “You look prettier and happier now,” she said observantly making Uremma shy.

“Thanks to you for taking good care of me,” Uremma replied happily, “I’m glad that you’re heading to Amachara with me,”

The great hilarious moment was accompanied by thunderous praises, cheers, and merriment.

The news spread like wildfire, making the villagers throng the palace to celebrate the new heir to the throne.

As the celebration went on, Akwaugo rushed straight to the great Ikoro and began to beat the drum while everyone danced.

Akwaugo was so energized as if she was still a young maiden.

Agbogidi was surprised that his shivering hands and legs suddenly stopped. He felt young again even though he was already an old man.

To everyone’s greatest surprise, Ojadili brought out the cowries and placed two of them on the princess’s feet, and then one on her head. He bowed before her and shouted: “My princess, can I be your man, your husband, and the father of your children?”

Without hesitation, the princess nodded in affirmation. She went to her parents, and presented the cowry to them.

The king gave this approval with just a nod making the merriment be spiced up with untold joy, dance, and celebration.

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