THE CURSED LANTERN Episode 5 By Okafor Erasmus Ugochukwu

THE CURSED LANTERN Episode 5 By Okafor Erasmus Ugochukwu

It was already nightfall and the entire villagers that came to Azummiri River had gone home. It was becoming scary for Amandi because it was rumored that ghosts roam the streams at night. It could be superstition but that never erased the effects it had on him. Having changed to better cloth, Amandi tried putting on the beautiful sandals but realized that it could be attracting so much attention to him. He admired those sandals one more time from the glimpse of light provided by the full moon. “It’s time to locate Ozioma’s house like the voice of the priestess instructed,” he soliloquized and continued moving in the direction that led him away from Azummiri River. Getting into the village, he didn’t even know how to start locating his destination, so he made up his mind to ask questions. People that saw him with a bag knew he was a visitor who just entered Oduma kingdom. The village night guards were already seen patrolling the village and making sure that everything was as it was supposed to be. On sighting Amandi, one of them started coming in his direction. Amandi was assured that he could use some help, so he waited for him to come closer. On getting to Amandi, the guard drew his sword ready for a fight or defense. When others saw him, two more guards joined. “Who are you and what brings you into this village by this time?” The fierce-looking guard queried. Amandi smiled at him but didn’t get any friendly look in return. “Young man,” the second guard hollered, “didn’t you hear him? Are you deaf?” He held his spear firmly; ready for attack, “don’t let me use this spear on you,” Smilingly, Amandi said: “I am Amandi Acharaba, and I’m trying to locate…” “Hey, stop it there,” the third guard growled, “How can you tell us where you’re heading without telling us the village you came from. Ina apu ara (are you nuts)?” Amandi smiled again as if he wasn’t moved by the threat. He was trying to be as friendly as he could to avoid troubles: “I am from Umudike village and I want to locate the house of Ozioma, the widow,” he replied squarely. They continued to look intently at him as if he was lying. One of them went around him to observe him closely. “What do you have in your bag?” he asked sternly, “Or are going to strangle the vulnerable young widow or defile her because of her beauty?” “My fellow man’s property just wasting,” the second guard murmured to himself, “I wish my good friend is still alive to take care of Ozioma,” “Search him,” The third guard instructed the other two. As one of them looked closely, he began to feel as if he’d met Amandi somewhere. He continued to look intently at him as he tried to remember where he met him. “Mazi (Mr.), have we met before?” he asked as he narrowed his gaze thoughtfully. “No, we haven’t,” Amandi answer abruptly, “but I’m just coming from Azummiri stream where I…” “He is the great warrior I was telling you all about,” the guard shouted and embraced him, “this is the young man that defeated the great Imo,” Amandi was surprised to hear that. He was amazed too even though he was reluctant to hug him too. Others were so excited to hear that, so they came closer to know him more. “I am Obiora, the son of Okoro,” the guard said excitedly, “I never knew that you’re from Umudike, my maternal home, “come here again,” he said and pulled him into a hug. Amandi was happy that he met someone whose mother was from Umudike. Amid his excitement for that, he was dysphoric with the feeling that his identity could be revealed because of the proximity of the two villages. “I am Ukwa,” the second guard said and hugged him too. “And I am, Akirika, the best guard in Oduma,” the third guard boasted making others laugh at him. “Don’t mind him,” Obiora said laughingly, “this man you see here is known for his record of being rejected by young maidens,” They all started laughing, even Amandi who couldn’t hold back the laughter. “But he’s a cute man,” Amandi said to praise Akirika. “Hey, don’t even go there,” Ukwa entered, “didn’t you hear his name, Akirika? At least you already know that Akiriika means chaff. What does chaff stand for?” “Something of no value,” Obiora replied and they all started laughing. Amandi was happy that he was welcomed by the guards. He enjoyed how funny they were as they jeered at each other. He never understood how famous he became until that night. He was gradually beginning to feel happy for not rejecting the fight when the opportunity came. “Nwanne (brother), come let me show you the house of Ozioma nwanyi oma (the beautiful woman),” Akirika said and tried to drag Amandi to leave but Obiora stopped him. “Don’t follow this one ooo,” Obiora said jestingly, “he’ll lead you into the house of nwanyi mpanaka (the lantern woman). And she’s even a witch, so run as fast as your legs can carry you,” Hearing the name, lantern, made Amandi reminisce on the reoccurring trances and dreams. He was interested to know more about her because that dream had been disturbing him for ages. “Where does she live?” Amandi asked curiously, “I wouldn’t mind paying her a visit,” The three guards looked at each other and hummed with surprise. “Let’s take you to the house of Ozioma,” Ukwa said and led the way while others followed. Amandi didn’t understand why the moods of the guards changed immediately he declared interest to see the lantern woman. It was confusing but he simply followed them. On getting to the widow’s compound, Ozioma was seen eating with Ikem, her son. They seemed happy together as they enjoyed the dinner. “Madu onokwa ya eh (is there anybody home)?” Obiora said and clapped twice to call her attention. Ozioma suddenly got up feeling so surprised, especially seeing Amandi. She was excited that he didn’t die as she thought. She even wanted to show how surprised she was but being that the village guards were there, she disguised her glee. “You’re welcome, ndi nche abali (the night guards)” she greeted with a curtsy, “let me find some kola nuts for you all,” she added and began to enter her hut to get them. “No, you don’t need to do that,” Ukwa said, “we’re on our night duty, and …” “That’s the more reason why you need the kola nut to help me stay awake,” she entered meekly. “Ndi nwem (my lords) isn’t it true?” The guards thought about it and nodded affirmatively because she made some sense. “You are right,” Akirika said and looked at others, “Isn’t she?” “Of course, she is,” Obiora said, “Let’s have the kola nut and head out for duty before Igwe Onwuatuelo gets to know that some of his guards aren’t doing their work well,” Ozioma quickly went into the room and brought out the kola on a wooden plate. When she was about to hand it over to the guards, it was surprising to them all when Ikem came forward and collected it from her. The kid presented it to Obiora, the eldest among them all. “Oji eze di eze n’aka (the king’s kola is in the hands of the king)” Ikem said and went back to his position and continued eating. Everybody present was surprised seeing how shrewd the little man was, to have known that every man according to the tradition has a greater responsibility. In Igbo land, a woman doesn’t pray over the kola nut, so Ikem was acquainted with tradition, that was why he did the needful. Amandi was impressed, so he went straight to the boy and said: “You’re just seven years old. How then did you know what to do?” Looking up at Amandi, Ikem smiled. “Ka arusi aha na, aka abuo ka eji ebu ya (no matter the size of the deity, it must be carried with two hands)” he said and continued eating. They were all perplexed hearing such a strong proverb from Ikem. They were looking at a young boy but seeing an old man in him. “This boy won’t cease to amaze us,” Ukwa said bewilderedly, “You’ll still see the guru in him,” he added. Hearing the name, guru made Amandi remember when the priestess said the same but he didn’t know she was hinting about the young Ikem. The guards took the kola nut and left feeling so happy to have met Amandi. They were happier that they helped him locate the person he came to see. For a while, Amandi stood still and didn’t know what to say or tell Ozioma that he came to see. “Will you just stand there, my good friend?” Ikem asked and smiled at Amandi, “I singlehandedly caught a cricket last night without my mother’s help,” he added smilingly and proudly, “This is the first time I’m doing that,” Amandi smiled and came to the dwarf stool where the boy sat. “How did you catch a cricket without your mother’s help? That’s bravery,” he said and looked at Ozioma who was standing by the corner and watching them, “Your mother must be a good hunter to be able to help you,” “She’s all I’ve got,” Ikem said in a lowered sonorous tone, “I wish I have a father, but having her is like having complete parents. I owe her a lot,” Amandi was proud of Ozioma who was already feeling nostalgic when she remembered her late husband. “It’s okay,” Amandi said, “my name is Amandi, and…” “Yes, nne (mother) told me,” Ikem entered, “she said you may not survive but we are glad you did,” Ikem’s statement got Amandi curious to know what took place when he blacked out. He couldn’t even know how Ozioma knew his name. “Isn’t it time for you to wash your hands after eating?” Ozioma reminded Ikem just to make him stop talking and allow the stranger to rest. “Okay, nne,” the little boy said and ran to the kitchen side. Looking at Amandi, she came closer and said: “May the name of chi-ukwu be praised for bringing you back to life,” Amandi was so grateful and didn’t know how to express his gratitude. “I must say that I’m thankful,” he said and pointed to the stool, “you can sit, please. You’ve been standing for a while now,” “Not yet,” Ozioma declined the offer, “you need to eat first. You must be famished after a long walk from Azummiri. I have extra food for you, so relax as I get it ready, ” Amandi was very hungry, so he didn’t have to pretend to be okay. He simply smiled and then sat. “I’m waiting,” he said with chuckles, “you’re a good woman and I appreciate your help for taking me to the priestess that revived me,” Ozioma didn’t talk but went straight into the kitchen to fix the dinner for the visitor. Ikem suddenly showed with splashes of water all over him. “I’m done washing my hands,” Amandi smiled seeing how bedraggled he was. “You were told to wash your hand and not to have a bath,” The boy looked all over his body and smiled. “I tried to be careful as my mother always warns but the water still splashed all over me,” “It’s okay; at least you’re well-fed,” “Yes, I was. Thanks for the food,” he greeted. “All thanks to your mother,” Amandi said and tapped gently on the seat beside him, “Sit here let’s talk,” Ikem was glad to sit beside Amandi. He put his hand into his pocket and brought out something wrapped in a small piece of cloth, “That’s a cricket,” he announced happily. Amandi collected the stuff and opened it. “The cricket is dying because you wrapped it up. But since you’ll be eating it soon, then let it die,” Ikem frowned as if he wanted to cry. “But the cricked didn’t need to suffer before it dies. Let me give it to nne to roast for me so that the insect wouldn’t go through pains of death,” Amandi blew some air on the insect to make Ikem believe that the insect was doing fine. “Don’t worry; the breeze will help it have some fresh air. But you must have to eat it tonight so that it won’t suffer for long,” “But nne would have put it into the oha soup just as I begged her,” he complained pouting. “But you’re done eating the food, so let the cricket serve as the meat later,” Ozioma came with the food and presented it to Amandi on a stool. “The food is ready,” she said with a bow. Amandi couldn’t understand the kind of meekness being exhibited by the young widow. He was wowed observing her diligence and humanity. “Thanks, nneoma (good woman)” Amandi said and started eating without delay. Ozioma observed how famished her visitor was. Pity was drawn from her but she didn’t have to be there watching him eat. “Let me have the cricket so that this boy wouldn’t dream of eating it,” she said and collected the cricket from him and went away. In an exceedingly short time, she returned with the roasted cricket and handed it over to her son. “Now eat and allow me rest,” she said to him. Ikem was very happy to munch the cricket. “Hmm, it’s very sweet. Thanks ezigbo nnem (my good mother)” Ozioma and Amandi looked at each other and smiled. They admired Ikem’s excitement as he ate the local snack. “So how did you find me, and what happened at the masquerades square?” Amandi asked impatiently as he ate. Ozioma smiled and shook her head. “Well, you need to finish your food first,” “I wish I can,” Amandi cut in, “I am filled with questions and confusions around me,” Ozioma understood how he felt so she smiled. “Well, I wasn’t the one that discovered you but Ikem, ” Hearing his name being mentioned, Ikem smiled proudly but didn’t have to talk because his mother groomed him into keeping his mouth shut when adults are discussing. “Then he’d be in a better position to tell me what happened,” Amandi said and looked at Ikem, “Nna (boy), any details of what happened at the square?” Ikem looked at his mother just seeking her approval and permission to talk to the stranger. Ozioma nodded in affirmation. “Go on and tell him what you know, ” she encouraged, “but avoid many details because soon you’ll start telling the visitor how you knew he was the one in the masquerade’s costume ,” Amandi was wowed to hear that. He didn’t know how the little boy discovered his identity even when he never let anyone see him when he dropped the costume in the bush. “How did he know that?” Amandi asked looking so confused. “I knew that you weren’t our clan’s masquerade but no other person knew,” Ikem revealed, “but there was something about you that made me lie for you,” he added heightening Amandi curiosity. Amandi rushed the food and finished without delay. He got up to take the plates to the kitchen but Ozioma collected them from him. “It’s okay,” she said and started walking out to the kitchen, “I hope it’s tasty at all,” “Hmmm, it’s very yummy and delicious. Thank you” Amandi complimented, “why don’t you open a food vendor. You’re a great cook. Thanks for the food. May Ibini Ukpabi always be with you,” Ozioma shyly left to the kitchen feeling happy that the visitor liked the food. “Why did you sneak into this kingdom and what are you running away from?” Ikem asked sounding more like an adult. Amandi didn’t even know how to start explaining or narrating his ordeal to the kid because he may not understand. He was even dispirited talking about the entire issue of his growing up in misery. “I don’t know how to start,” Amandi finally voiced. Ozioma joined them came back and joined them. “You must not go into the details,” Ozioma said to Amandi to discourage Ikem from asking too many questions like always. “Allow him to flow freely,” Amandi said with the preparedness to engage in some chitchat with the guru. “Ikem, I was accused of killing a python that I knew nothing about,” The little boy got up with fear and went closer to his mother to take refuge. “Nne, the python may come to our hut this night when we’re asleep. Let’s run away now, ” Ozioma smiled and patted Ikem back. “It’s not coming to us,” she assured him, “The visitor may have more to tell us, but for now, let’s allow him to res, ,” Ikem gradually stopped being afraid. After a while of gazing frightfully at Amandi, he went closer to him and hugged him. “I’m sorry for making you feel embarrassed. But I heard that someone who kills a python must suffer until the python gets a proper burial,” Amandi felt happy, so he pulled the kid closer and made him sit on his lap. “How did you find me before taking me to Azummiri village?” he asked with utmost humility. After clearing his throat, he started: “I was in the bush hunting Abuzu (cricket) when I saw you entering the village. I noticed that your costume was exactly like that of our clan’s masquerade. I became confused but something in me told me to help you out. I rushed back to the masquerade’s square and stole the aju (charm) that he uses to protect himself against the water of the spirits when the chief priest sprinkles it on him. Being that our masquerade couldn’t find his charms, he went into the bush to look for it,” Ozioma was shocked to hear that part. She was just hearing that part for the first time. She was expecting her son to simply tell the story of how he met Amandi when he was unconscious. “Why didn’t you tell me this?” Ozioma asked looking confused and a bit angered, “when did you start keeping secrets from me?” Ikem narrowed his gaze feeling sorry. When her mom noticed that he was feeling bad, she touched his chin and said: “You’re always the smart boy. I know you must have your reason for not telling me. But I’m proud of you, ” Those words from his mom were so soothing to Ikem making him smile with satisfaction. He nodded showing that her mother was right about his reason for his decision. “So, can you go on, my smart little friend?” Amandi encouraged, “so, what time did you have to hide the aju (charm) because, from my observation, there was no time lag between the times I wore the costume and when I entered Oduma village. I am surprised about how fast you were, even as a little boy,” Ikem stood and knelt before the mother. He suddenly began to act as if he wanted to say something or apologize to her. Ozioma was so curious because it seemed that Amandi’s arrival was unlocking a lot that she never knew about the child. “Why are you kneeling, nwam (my son)?” Ozioma asked looking confused as if Ikem wasn’t the son she used to know. “You can talk to your mother,” Amandi exhorted as he craved knowing what the young boy wanted to talk about. “let’s give him time because he’s just a child,” He said to Ozioma, “besides, it’s already late and you can choose to tell us tomorrow after having a sound sleep tonight,” Ozioma concurred. They waited for a while to give him ample time to talk. After a while of silence, Ikem muttered: “I can stop time but no one knows about it. But this started many years back,” Ozioma and Amandi were confused. They didn’t understand what he meant by that. “Stopping time, how?” Amandi asked even though he had a clue of what he was talking about. “I can freeze the time, do whatever I want, and allow it flow again,” he said making her mom numb to words. Ozioma couldn’t understand what she heard because it was obvious that the boy could be saying the truth. “Was that how you did it and still had the time to hide the charm of your clan’s masquerade?” Amandi asked looking so interested in hearing more. “Yes,” he replied looking pitifully at his mother, “Nne, I’m sorry,” “I still don’t understand anything,” Ozioma said saying looking wowed. “What he’s trying to say is that he has a special gift from Chi-ukwu Abiama,” Amandi said to her, “he’s very fast and can cover a big task within little time. It makes it seem as if he paused the time. That’s what he was trying to explain,” The explanation sounded convincing to Ozioma, so she smiled and pulled her son up. She embraced him and nibbled his ears making the kid start laughing aloud. Even though Amandi used that explanation to make Ozioma understand what Ikem was clueing, he felt it was the perfect explanation. To him, he never heard anything like time-stopping. He couldn’t fathom what the little boy meant by that but he began to see that there was something about the child that no one could explain. “So how did you know I was the one that broke the silence when the chief priest was narrating the story of our ancestor?” Amandi asked feeling happy for being admitted into such a wonderful family. Ikem smiled and said: “I was behind you to protect you, so I knew it was you, ” ‘Protecting me?’ Amandi thought. “Protecting me from who or what?” he asked with all sense of seriousness. “He says the same to me most times,” Ozioma revealed, “I have been wondering how I never knew he has other gifts from the gods,” “When the princess stood for us and defended us,” Ikem divulged, “I was the one that made her do that. She has a good heart, so it was easy using her to achieve such a goal. I couldn’t see my mother suffer for my sake, so I influenced the princess to step in,” There was absolute silence because Ozioma and Amandi couldn’t believe what they heard. Ozioma felt she was dreaming, so she pulled her son closer, looked into his eyes, and shrugged in dismay. “Who are you, my son?” she asked absently as she sank into the limbo of confusion and numbness. Amandi pulled the boy away from the mother and made him sit. “Good woman,” he said indistinctly, “you have a great son but never knew anything about him. The reason why he chose to conceal those revelations until now is what I can’t explain, ” Ikem didn’t clear the air but simply smiled as if he was enjoying the vagueness. Looking at his mother, he stood and said: “Nne, brother Amandi has been appearing to me in dreams, so I knew him even before I met him. He has a mission but the gods are asleep. That’s why I stopped seeing their beautiful faces in my dream. I know things but I don’t know how I know them,” Ozioma was lost in thoughts and began to be afraid around her son. She felt that she may be standing next to a deity, so she summoned courage, held him firmly by the arms, and yelled: “Where is my son? What have you done with him?” The firm grip was hurting the boy. He was afraid too because the strangeness of her mom’s behavior got him terrified and shaky. Amandi knew that Ozioma was already going nuts and having her mind blown, so he rushed to her and pulled the boy out of her grip. “You’re hurting him and making him scared. Can’t you see it?” he blurted, “your boy is a blessing but there must be a reason why the gods chose to let loose his tongue with my arrival. This is a puzzle to me too but I’m now beginning to understand that my entrance into the Oduma kingdom wasn’t by a coincidence. Free the boy because if he’s scared, he wouldn’t be able to use his gifts efficiently,” Ozioma saw the grave fears in the eyes of her son, so she quickly grabbed him and started crying. Ikem snuggled in his mother’s arms and sobbed. “The child that I always see in my dreams pointed at brother Amandi while he was passing. She is young too; about my age or two years older. She warned me not to tell anybody anything until I find him. I had wanted to tell you but have been afraid. Please, forgive me, nne,” Ozioma understood perfectly well, how her child felt, so she brushed his hair with her hands and kissed his forehead. “I will go out this night and catch lots of crickets for you. That’s a promise I’m making, and it must be done before I go to bed,” Ikem was so happy that he couldn’t help but jump around jubilating. He even rolled on the sand out of happiness. “But you haven’t said how you knew I was unconscious and called your mother to my rescue,” Amandi said in a bid to bring him back to the discussion table. “I promise to tell you,” he yelled happily, “since nne has promised me some crickets, I will tell you,” The contagiousness of Ikem’s happiness got Ozioma and Amandi laughing out loud. After a while, the boy came and sat in between his mother and Amandi. The two adults patiently waited until the happiness that spun the boy around allows him to talk. “Can you now talk?” Ozioma asked smilingly. “Yes mother,” Ikem replied, “As we were going back home after the dance festival, I decided to check on brother Amandi. But before then, I noticed something. When brother Amandi saw the masquerade representing our clan, he sneaked out to remove his costume. No one saw him but I did. He came back and joined us in the celebration. When we wear heading home, I knew he had no place to sleep, so I had to tell you that I forgot the ego ayoro (money) that you gave me. I went back and saw him twirling on the ground and muttering. I tried to wake him but he suddenly remained cold. That was when I was shocked and went to call you. I cannot explain what happened to him but the gods are silent. They haven’t visited me in my dream for long. I wish to see them and play with them one more time,” “But if the gods are sleeping,” Ozioma asked, “how then did you have the feeling that Amandi needed help when he passed out at the masquerades square?” Amandi nodded at hearing that intelligent question. “Can you explain to us please?” “Brother Amandi, I don’t have the explanation because I’m still a child,” he replied innocently but astutely. Amandi began to think about what Ikem said concerning seeing a girl child in his dreams. It began to dawn on him that the same child could be the one he sees in his dreams carrying the brighter lantern and crying. “This boy is not just a child of prodigy but richly endowed with wisdom,” Amandi said observantly, “I’m glad that I met him, ” “Thanks for the compliment,” Ozioma said on her son’s behalf and pulled Ikem closer to her bosom, “He’s an amazing child, no wonder my younger sister addresses him as the guru,” Amandi didn’t understand it when Ozioma mentioned her younger sister. “Who is she? Who is your younger sister?” he asked seeking an explanation. “Mmirimaraugo is my younger sister,” Ozioma revealed making Amandi be so surprised. As the great surprise struck Amandi he began to understand why the priestess was the one that Ozioma took him to. Many questions hung over Amandi’s lips but he didn’t know how to start to he kept calm and continued to think. As solitude stole the moment, Ozioma and Amandi were swept off their feet when the little boy stood up and began to display the difficult steps of Ikwaada dance. It was at this point that Amandi was assured that Ikem was the one that protected him from being destroyed by the ana-ama-aka spiritual water. The boy danced so well as they watched with awe. He didn’t make mistakes and didn’t fall.

#OpraDre THE CURSED LANTERN THE CURSED LANTERN THE CURSED LANTERN THE CURSED LANTERN THE CURSED LANTERN THE CURSED LANTERN THE CURSED LANTERN THE CURSED LANTERN THE CURSED LANTERN THE CURSED LANTERN THE CURSED LANTERN

To be continued…

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