DETHRONED
Episode 39
By AMAH’S HEART
I sat dejectedly on a wooden chair outside the compound I once stayed as a Priestess of this Land.
Today is making it a month of being back to staying in this vast compound again. The only difference is that I am here as the mother of the Priestess and not as the Priestess herself.
I’m sitting here merely staring into space as I reminisced on a lot of things since everything around this compound seems to be filled with both pleasant and unpleasant memories.
After the fight with Nene, my daughter Olamma was crowned the Priestess of the three merged communities; The Land of Yada, Gada and Zada.
Nene’s body wasn’t given a proper burial instead it was thrown into the evil forest for her carcass to be fed on by wild animals and birds.
As for me, the fire balls Nene threw at my thighs almost led to the amputation of my leg due to the great damage it caused.
Oh I suffered!
It resulted to a serious swelling which wasn’t responding to any of the medical herbs in the village.
My health kept failing and just when I thought I would not make it, Eze sent a messenger to deliver a special herb to me with a message that it was the antidote which will heal me.
Coming from a man who betrayed me in the past, I didn’t trust his words but then I had nothing to lose since I was already close to dying so I took the drugs regardless of my trust issues.
True to Eze’s words I healed after two days although I still wasn’t so strong, but with my husband and children’s unwavering love, care, support and assistance I was able to recover rapidly.
After I successfully recovered fully, I was widely recognized as Rana the dethroned Priestess who is now the current Priestess mother.
I made use of that authority to ensure that the young boy was set free whilst Jack was sentenced to death by hanging for being an accomplice to Nene in her evīl manipulative schemes.
Afterwards, the villagers took turns in seeking my forgiveness.
It wasn’t easy but with the collective efforts of my family and Great Uba whom I hold in high esteem, I forgave them genuinely and wholeheartedly.
I wanted to go back to the forest but my daughter pleaded with me to stay with her here in the village and with the soft heart of a mother I obliged her request.
Well I’m glad I stayed because from the experience I had in the past, I don’t think it’s actually a good idea leaving my daughter alone without proper mentorship and guidance.
As for Eze, his health had already deteriorated to a reasonable degree so there was no need passing judgement on him. He was a blind man and also shadow of himself when I met with him again after so many years.
I felt sorry to see the man I once loved with my whole heart in such a state. Eze eventually asked for my forgiveness and that of his son Ammon who forgave him readily unlike me who had a really tough time before I finally forgave him.
Three days after Olamma’s crowning ceremony which was coincidentally the eve of the day Ammon marked his 20th birth date, Eze died on his sick bed.
And just like Nene he was thrown into the evīl forest without a burial.
Before Eze’s demise, he had confessed to me how he regretted betraying and treating me the way he did.
He went further to admit that it was when I was gone that he had realized he was in love with me but it was already too late to turn back the hands of time.
Well I’ve forgiven him and I hope that he is resting in peace wherever he is.
I looked sideways and I heaved heavily as I saw a maiden servant passing by.
She reminds me of Amarachi whom I miss greatly. I wish I could see her again!
It’s funny how many people believe that the top is such a great place to be whereas no one truly understands the loneliness that comes along with it.
I hate the fact that it is often filled with many self-centered people with evīl schemes and no genuineness.
I felt a soft tap on my shoulder and I jerked back into reality.
I relaxed when I saw that it is Ammon who is trying to get my attention.
” Mother! mother! You seem lost in thoughts.. are you okay…?” Ammon asked with his voice laced in concern
” I’m fine Ammon. Why are you here..? where is your sister…? I haven’t seen anyone of you since morning” I said as I readjusted well on the seat I was sitting.
” Of recent I don’t know where Olamma keeps sneaking out to because every afternoon she will sneak out and then come back late in the evening. I don’t know why but I have a feeling that she is secretly seeing a man!” Ammon answered and as I heard that I abruptly stood up in trepidation.
” You’re suspecting Olamma of seeing a man…? Since when has this new development been happening without my knowledge…?” I asked already pacing around in anxiety.
” It’s been more than a week mother. There are times I follow her silently and I’ve fortunate to meet her with the man on two instances without her noticing”
Oh no! I just hope the cycle isn’t about repeating itself.
If yes, I need to stop it immediately before it goes beyond control.
” When exactly did you say she usually loves coming back home…?” I asked looking at Ammon fiercely.
” She is usually back towards late dusk. I just feel scared for her mother… I mean what would people say when they see their Priestess with a mortal man..?” Ammon asked rhetorically but I ignored him as I hurriedly walked towards Olamma’s bedroom which is situated at a certain area of the compound.
I entered Olamma’s bedroom and sat on her well dressed bamboo bed still feeling so scared for my daughter. I will be here waiting for her to come back so I will confirm from the horse’s mouth!
I couldn’t tell for how long I sat there and then I saw her swiftly sneaking in and gently closing her door behind her. She exhaled in relief as she turned and there was a huge shock on her face when she saw me sitting on the bed.
” Mo.. moth.. mother why are you here..? Is there something you would like me to help you with…?” Olamma quizzed trying to feign a smile.
I shook my head as I looked at Olamma pitifully which I’m sure made her somewhat uncomfortable.
” Where are you coming from Olamma..? Okay, let me rephrase that question… is there any man you are secretly seeing that I and your family do not know about..?” I asked going straight to the point.
” Ah! Of course not mother.. I’m not..not..not seeing any man” Olamma replied stammering and I could see the fear and struggle in her eyes.
From the way she was fidgeting with her fingers and kept trying to avoid my eyes, I didn’t need any further confirmation to know that Ammon was right. My Olamma is secretly seeing a man!
I beckoned Olamma to come closer and I patted the empty space beside me for her to sit down.
She nodded in obedience as she slowly walked over and sat down beside me.
I sighed sadly and I emotionally braced myself for the past story I was about divulging. I know it would mean baring my heart, my scars and my wounds.
Yet to ensure that my daughter doesn’t make the same mistakes I made in time past, I am more than willing to do anything to avert such ugly fate for her.
” Olamma I suppose it’s about time I tell you about my past. You see I was once a young maiden like you; full of dreams and I always wanted to experience love and life outside my crown and destiny… I..I..I.. ” I begun my story but along the way, I momentarily broke down in tears.
DETHRONED
Episode 40 (Semi final)
By AMAH’S HEART
” That is how I went into the forest pregnant with Ammon.. it’s over there that I met your father and married him” I concluded my story and heaved sadly
” Oh, mother.. it must have been so hard for you. Now I understand why you are so tensed about me seeing a man” Olamma said feeling pity for me because of what I had to go through.
I could see tears cascading down my daughter’s eyes as she continued with a cracky voice mixed with sad emotions
“…I have grown to love Ejike.. mother. I was thinking his love for me is true but after hearing your story.. I don’t know if it’s actually true as he portrays. I’m scared for my safety and that of the people. I won’t want to make the same mistake you made by risking it all. It’s hard mother but I am willing to let go!”
I watched as my daughter broke down in tears afterwards.
She was practically choking in her tears such that it stung my heart and I had to pull her into a warm hug whilst patting her back soothingly.
” It’s okay Olamma. I have been there so I know how hard this must be for you… but trust me when I say that this is the best decision you will ever make” I said these words close to her left ear
” I know mother but then I’m wondering how I’m going to cope since he is here in this village. I will be seeing him no matter how I will try to avoid him. It will be truly hard to let go and move on” Olamma expressed her worries and I nodded in agreement to what she said
Her words also brought back memories of when I tried avoiding and letting go of Eze yet he kept coming back until I fell for his love tactics over again.
” You’re right Olamma. In a place of power it is necessary to recognize our weaknesses and discard of them hence I suggest you banish him tomorrow. Send him away from this village and use your powers to place a spiritual covering at the border. That way he will never be able to sneak back here no matter how he tries… it’s the best remedy I can think of which will guard you from mistakes” I uttered as I continued patting Olamma who was still crying heavily. If only I could take all her pains away then I will.
” Will I be able to do this mother..? Somehow I’m beginning to have doubts about this crown. I’m scared of failing in my assignment and many other things” Olamma said doubtfully.
I sighed sadly as I disengaged from the hug. I touched Olamma’s cheeks lovingly wiping her tears away with my hands.
” I told you that the crown isn’t so easy as it seems. You’ll have to compromise a lot for the sake of the people you are leading. I believe in you Olamma and I know you will be the greatest Priestess of all times…far better than I ever did as your mother. So be strong Olamma!” I answered smiling at Olamma who smiled back before nodding vigorously
” I believe so too mother. Thank you for your kind words, massive support and encouragement. You are my backbone and I will constantly thank the gods for making you my mother” Olamma said hugging me for the second time. My smile widened and I felt genuinely glad that my young daughter is happy again.
The following day, Olamma banished Ejike from the village and set a seal at the village entrance as I had suggested.
She further surprised me by lifting I and Nonso’s banishment decree making us freeborn bona fide villagers again.
I didn’t want it to seem like I’m always controlling or influencing my daughter’s decisions, so I stepped back and allowed Olamma rule in her own way without any more intervention from me.
A year down the line, I am glad for that decision I made because Olamma indeed makes me proud.
My daughter rules so well and it gladdens my heart that she is finally over her forbidden love history.
Afterwards, my son Ammon found a beautiful maiden in the village of Zada whom he took a liking to and the maiden goes by the name Ijeoma.
Ijeoma is a nice and well trained maiden so it was easy for everyone to approve of her.
We had immediately asked for her hand in marriage from her parents and after getting their approval, the marriage preparation begun in earnest.
As the groom’s mother it is the tradition that I chose the marriage date.
I picked this weekend and I made sure the date is the exact date with Olamma’s eighteen birthday celebration.
I had intentionally fixed it on that day so that it would be a double celebration for everyone in the family.
But despite all this endless celebrations, I am still weary and there’s something really bothering me.
It’s about my husband Nonso, he is yet to divulge his origin or who his family are.
Yes! I am aware that he is from the Land of Gada but till date I don’t know who his family members are nor do I know why he was banished or any tangible information about his kindred.
When we newly got married, I constantly queried Nonso about it on a daily basis but the only answer he gave me was that he is from the Land of Gada and that was it! From his body language, I knew he didn’t want to divulge further.
Since we were both banished, I felt it wasn’t important so I allowed it slide back then. But now we are back to the village with our banishment barge lifted, it has become essential that I at least know my husband’s origin before people would begining asking me of it.
I’ve been asking him for about a year since we returned to this village yet each and every time I raise the topic, Nonso will find a way of avoiding the questions until I eventually stopped asking him about it.
I’m feeling so worried again!
It’s our son’s traditional marriage by weekend and it will be absurd if no person from my husband’s family is present on that special day.
Either ways, I am planning to talk to him again today and at least for our son’s sake I believe Nonso will say something different from his usual monosyllabic responses.
” You’re here. I’ve been searching everywhere for you Obim. Wait! don’t tell me you’re thinking again..? I’m usually wondering what exactly you are always thinking about Obim”
Nonso words disrupted my thoughts as he caught me spacing out in our bedroom hut for the third time today.
” I’m fine my husband. I see you’re back from hunting… I hope it went well…?” I asked smiling at Nonso who shrugged nonchalantly
” I couldn’t catch anything Obim. It seems the animals went on a break today but I will try again by evening. I’m just so tired!” Nonso said laying tiredly on the bed and I laughed sarcastically
” You’re being dramatic my husband.. anyways I prepared Akpu and Oha soup for you. Should I bring it here…?” I said to Nonso and at the same time climbing his back to give him a soft massage
” I’m hungry but it’s not for solid handmade food. It’s for a different and special kind of food which is solely in my Obim’s possession” Nonso said in an attempt to play naughty games with me.
I beamed as I got the cue and I decided to play along since he is my husband.
” Really..? So tell me my husband.. what is stopping you from taking the ‘special’ food when it’s right behind you..? Oh! if only you know how the food craves for you as well then you’ll do the needful” I said with a naughty grin on my face
” Naughty wife. My Obim! come here let me eat you!!” Nonso said as he swiftly turned me around and laid on top of me
We continued laying in silence staring at each other for a while before we eventually clamped our lips in a passionate kiss and the rest of what we did is better imagined than said.
After our love making session, I laid on Nonso’s chest sexually satisfied. I was listening to his heartbeat with my mind focused on how to come up with a better way to raise the topic about his origin.
I won’t want to get him upset hence my mind was debating if it should stay quiet and just savor the beautiful sensual moment. Or if it should go ahead and talk to him about him regardless.
Nonso sighed heavily which made me lift my head to look at his face. I could see the conflicting emotions in his eyes which got me wondering what is wrong
” Are you okay my husband..? You look worried. Is something on your mind..?” I asked worriedly and Nonso nodded in affirmation and then he begun talking
” I know you too well Obim so I’m aware that I’m part of the reason you’ve been worried lately. I was reluctant to tell you anything about my family and our son’s marriage is coming…so it’s only natural that as a mother you are anxious!” Nonso said and exhaled as he continued after seeing the curious glint in my eyes
” Obim can I tell you a story…?” Nonso asked touching my cheeks tenderly and I nodded affirmatively whilst smiling in other to encourage him to go on.
” Please go on with your story my husband. You know I’m always ready to listen to you!”
Tbc