34 - Discovery of self

Chapter 34 (Discovery of self.)

Olkai flies them back down and beyond river Ulewo. They had not returned from the top of the hill close to three days. Makita is so surprised but nothing was new to Tsote. To their dismay, Marakusha was lain to waste and the Yakunko were at war with new comers.

It was coming to midday and the village was in total waste. Bodies were scattered across the homesteads and the fields of Dankwa. Kurotandi boys were dead. The owl swooped through the village to Thalko’s shelter, which was demolished and smoking with dark smoke like so many other homesteads shelters. 

Marakusha homesteads were organized in a twinning movement the likes of a snail’s shell. Following this movement Olkai glided twenty feet above the streets with his wings spread out wide! They could not see anyone moving below! When Olkai finally rose from Thalko’s shelter, Makita glanced northeast along the edges of Marakusha. The sun lightly cut through the fog to light the fields below. Through the light grey of the fog below, she could make out some few warrior movements. There were figures still struggling to survive against several Newcomer warriors.

 The owl rose and swooped for the field of Dankwa located along the edges of the village.

“Who are those…?”

“Chief Commander of the king’s warriors…” Olkai replied as he started to swoop down towards the three figures. One was fighting in defense of a young Kurotandi warriors but his Kurota wounded with spears through his limbs unlike whom he was defending. The enemy had close in around the two but they had not touched the son.

“It’s father…!” Makita spoke while squinting through the fog. “We need to save them…!”

Her father was standing up every now and then to try to stop the men from reaching his son. Nevertheless, his strength was failing. He was shot with two arrows in his side again. He growled at the men painfully. Just them Makita’s voice reached his ears but in a faint way. He stopped fighting and looked up.

They charged down but before they could even reach, Tsote felt his body shift and deform! Several more bones in addition to those he knew were forming throughout his body broadening his structure, his muscles were toughening. His skin too was darkening and growing tortoise crustal shell-like features around the upper back, chest, thighs and lower arms. His Kurota was manifesting without his notice. 

His fingers were growing claws. Much about him was changing but he hardly saw the changes because his gaze was focused down at the Dankwa fields and his anger was a great influence to the manifest of his Kurota. The transformation happened so quickly and so took Makita by surprise. By the time she realized Tsote’s Kurota had manifested, he was diving! The Owl did not freak from what he was becoming because it knew him.

Tsote fell through the fog sixty feet below as though he did not see the danger of the height! His landing was heavy but he got no bruises. Thalko and M‘boguku stumbled back. Thalko fell in his son’s arms as a young Kurota warrior took on the men like no other Kurotandi they’d ever seen. Unfortunately, Tsote landed right on the Captain’s shoulders. The man crumpled under Tsote’s weight. 

Tsote turned the captain’s neck and moving faster than any other Kurota warrior, Tsote charged at two others whom he crushed into a wagon. As arrows shot into his direction, he saw them in slow motion and twisting midair, let them pass. He landed and took up a dead ox from the wagon. 

He could not believe how light the oxen was as he swung it at the men. The rest of the arrows went into the animal as he took up two spears. He swung the four men that were charging towards him. This is when some of the men attacked Chief Thalko, put a chain around his neck and started dragging him forwards. Tsote saw them but before he could go at them, the owl swooped back from the sky like a kite for its prey. 

Olkai took the first man with his clawed foot by his face and crushed him into a large rock in the side. He turned at the second one and grabbed his weapon before the arrow could even leave. He cast it a side. Then looked at him in the eyes. Olkai’s eyes were blazing like a fire. The man turns to run for his life but he grabs him by the clothes and shakes him violently using his beak!

Crows were flying from this to that body already feasting on the Yakunko warriors’ eyes, which they found the most delicious of the carcass. It was such a horrific sight but behold chief Thalko was alive. He was defending his son from the Newcomers commander.

Tsote saw M’boguku trying to cut the chains off his father and rushed over to help. He starts after the animals in his Krota form. The riders shot bullets at his chest but they never penetrated as if they did with the others Kurota warriors. There was something different with Tsote. He too one of the men by their leg and pulled him off the horse. Thereafter, he ran sideways into the animal. The animal lost footing and crushed aside into the other. They both stumbled and fell.

M’boguku successfully cut his father free from the chains. This is when Tsote returns to check if his caretaker was okay. M’boguku looks up and sees the strange Kurota that just saved his father taking its human form again. And it was none other than Tsote! M’boguku’s mouth fell as he dragged his father aside. Tsote helped him but he was in such a bad condition.

“You saved us…?”

Tsote was quiet because he knew they were not good friends. He only did what he did because he took Thalko for a father. 

“You got your gift…!”

“Yes he did…” Thalko responded, as he looked Tsote in the eyes. He lifted a hand and touched his face. “I am glad you came back son.”

“I am sorry-I, I disobeyed all your rules…” Tsote began. The commander smiled weakly.

“You don’t need to. We never begin to live ourselves until we break free from the rules others set for us Tsote. But Mama Elsa showed me everything…” 

“Glad breaking my rules has enabled you discover who you are…” Thalko responded. “And thank you for the save…”

“But it’s all over…” Tsote told him.

“You don’t want to waste his last breaths.” Came Olkai from behind them.

“Father…?” Came Makita rushing. She saw her father but he was in such a horrific state. He had two spears sticking out of his body one from his right chest side and the other though his thigh. He was bleeding badly and none of them knew what to do to help.

“You?” came her father. “I last saw you turn your back at me Makita why?”

“I did not meant to father… I only…” She stammered trying to explain but her father’s state overwhelmed her. She just broke into tears.

“I know… and remember always that I love you.”

“I love you father…” Makita replied taking hold of her father’s hand.

“Olkai? Can you heal him…?” Tsote said turning to Olkai, the great owl.

“Well, not completely. My Olko abilities have lessened…” Olkai responded with a golden tone. “However, I can ease his pain and stop the bleeding for the meanwhile even though his internal wounding may not heal.”

“You mean he will die…?” Makita asked quickly.

“Certainly, with time because the Shorango can no longer trust a Yakunko. They have been hurt and won’t bare to look upon you. But…” Came the owl pausing. 

“Please heal him then. Heal him completely…” Makita interrupted while begging.

The owl started forwards as they stepped back. M’boguku stopped them.

“What are you doing…?” 

“He is bleeding out and the wise owl can save him…” Tsote explained simply.

“I don’t trust Olko magic and witchcraft. The enchantments and all that… No! Let him die in peace. Not like King Oladiya!”

“You need to step aside and let him do what he can…” Tsote spoke to M’boguku again.

“No!” M’boguku uttered with a tougher tone. His body was starting to shape shift when Makita stepped up.

“M’boguku?” Came Makita quickly standing straight up to his face and looking up into his eyes. She tried to take hold of his hand slowly. “We are friends with Olkai. And Olko magic isn’t bad. You need to calm down and trust him...”

 He looked like he would understand because his human form was taking form once again. All of a sudden, he took back his hand and fully transformed.

“Get back from my father all of you or else…!”

“Or else what?” Tsote responded angrily stepping forwards with his body slightly transforming to his Kurota form. The owl watched and before he could fully transform, Thalko’s voice was hard. He called for his son with a forced but also angry voice.

“M’boguku…!”

“Father…?”  M’boguku Iteti replied. 

“The war is over…!” Thalko spoke and then coughed blood. He wore pain across his face. M’boguku turned to his father who was struggling with breathe. 

“But…” M’boguku tried to utter but his father shut him.

“I have to live. I must see you grow into a greater warrior… And if Olkai can save me. Let him do so…”

 “You trust them…?”

“Mama Elsa told me everything. The coming of this war, the rise of the Halfling child, the fall of the Yakunko and a lot more… but in the end. She promised there would be hope. She showed me this and how.” He stopped and coughed again.

Tsote listened to the chief. He could not believe Thalko knew certain things.

“However, I never believed until I saw what the Halfling Prince really was capable of…”

“What Halfling prince father? Who…?” M’boguku stammered.

“Tsote.” Came Thalko. “You need to stop underestimating him for who he is.”

“What do you mean father?” M’boguku asked his father.

“He is half Yakunko and half Shorango…”

“What!” M’boguku asked glancing back at Tsote. You need to trust him and your sister because, -because they aren’t the enemy we think they are…” His father tried to utter but his breathe was failing.

 M’boguku Iteti was confused but when he saw his father failing to utter his last words, he stepped aside and let Olkai near. Olkai tapped Thalko’s temple and whispered a few words. As they watched, strange insects collected from many holes on the ground. they started up Thalko eating away at the wooden ends of the spear so quickly until only the metal heads were left stuck inside the chief’s body. 

There after the great owl requested them to place him back on a rock in the open. Hundreds of white owls flew about in the air. He waived at them and they swooped down at Thalko. M’boguku thought the birds were pecking at him but they lifted him off the ground flapping in white all around him. Only a few parts of his body were visible every now and then. Nevertheless, by the time they let him back down, he was bandaged wherever he had wounds. 

When Thalko was safely down…, Makita ran to him with her brother.

“Father…?”

“Is he alive…?” Came M’boguku with such distrust. Makita felt for their father’s pulse but during that moment of silence the owl spoke again.

“He has three days to survive…”

“What have you done…?”

“-His wounds are too deep to heal with magic alone. And if you wish to save his life, you will require Vulko medicine…”

“Where do we find that…?” M’boguku rushed to inquire.

“Not you…!” The owl responded as quickly shutting him up.

“He is my father and you cannot part me with him…” M’boguku interrupted them again.

“If you insist, you may not part with him today. But on the third day, you will wish you had behaved…” Olkai replied with a strong gaze. M’boguku looked confused and scared now. He was bound to accept whatever could save his father now.

“Okay, who then will take him there… My sister who cannot even fight.”

Makita quickly shot an arrow at his a crow that was eating an eye out from a dead Yakunko next to M’boguku’s leg. M’boguku jumped! The bird flapped in terror and collapsed dead. She looked at her brother with such a gaze meant to say, don’t you despise me no more!

“Keep the arrows away child…” The owl warned and then started forwards to stand next to Tsote.

“Tsote will take him to the Vulko people…”

“Me?”

“Yes.” Olkai replied calmly adding. “I have put him into hibernation, a state that will reserve and focus the remaining of his strength on keeping his heart pounding and his blood warm for three more days.”

“Meanwhile you-” Olkai spoke to M’boguku. “Marakusha is no longer. So I would advise you headed to North to Sambura, because it is no longer safe out here…”

“And you…?” Makita asked

“The age of healing begins here. it will spread like a wild fire across the dry lands like a molody.”

“What do you mean…?” Tsote asked.

“The melody begins here and you must help the rest adhere to this change…” Olkai said. “Meanwhile, I will fly east to meet an old friend…!” Olkai said adding.

“Why? whats there?”

“To find assistance on how to counter Oladiya’s rise before it’s too late.” Olka said.

Olkai goes on to reveal that Oladiya had the eleven Olko beads, which have granted him ability to roam the realms of men as he wishes as well as possess whoever he wishes as he used to do in the old days.

“So, who is to teach me now?”

“Oladiya has them and so must no longer expect their assistance in any way…” Olkai speaks while rubbing the tips of his wing against Tsote’s cheek to sooth him.

“What now…?”

“You must find allies…” The owl advises.

“I am here… I will help him!” Makita interrupts.

“You will need him too.” Olkai tells Tsote.

“But he is dying and I don’t know how to get to the Vulko people.” Tsote complained looking aside at his caretaker.

“Follow the Shorango elephant foot prints. They will lead you to the great pass. Say your names and Tmako, son of Malji Molai will recognize you.”

“He knows me?”

“The Vulko people have heard about your birth. And they will be seeing you for the very first time.” Olkai explains. “But they are intelligent and peaceful people. Tmako will help treat the chief and also introduce you to the ancient horn of kings.”

“What’s that again…?”

“It the most important regalia that united the past chiefdoms of men. It’s the horn of the kings of men through which you can alter the winds of change across the dry lands…”

Tsote looked puzzled but if this could save his godfather, then he was going to do it.

“Can I go with him?” Makita asked.

“He is your father…” Olkai replied. “Besides, you two are better off together…”

Thereafter, the wise owl takes to flight. The three found an ox and loaded Thalko on a litter. They started through Marakusha, across the bridge and up North towards Sambura. When they crossed the bridge, M’boguku managed to utter what was bothering him.

“Tsote?”

Tsote glanced a side at him from the other side of the Ox.

“I just want to say Thank you…”

“For…?”

“For letting the crazy owl bewitch my father….”

Tsote looked puzzled. He turned to Makita.

“He means to say he appreciates what you did back there…?”

“Oh… does he?” Came Tsote. “Finally…”

“Tsote…?” Makita spoke.

“What?” came Tsote.

“That’s rude…”

Tsote did not mind. They came to where they had to part ways.

“I guess we must part from here…”

M’boguku would go on alone to Sambura. Makita walked up to him and gave him a hug. M’boguku held his sister tight.

“May Klode grant you a safe journey? But don’t let them take his eyes from him.” M’boguku whispered the conclusion into her ears.

“They won’t...!” Tsote replied in place of Makita.

“You…!” came M’boguku in surprise. “You heard me? All the way from there…?”

“Yes. I did…” Tsote replied coming up to him. They looked at each other. For the very first time Tsote stood up too Thalko’s older son with confidence.

“How…? That’s impossible!” Makita said. 

“Strange I know, maybe, it’s the other Shorango bit of me.”

“I see…”  M’boguku Iteti replied but this moment felt a lot awkward to him. many times when the two stood face to face like this, someone walked away hurt. and this was Tsote on the daily. Today, when M’boguku looked into Tsote’s eyes, he saw something different. He could not describe it but it required him respect for the once K’unko boy.

Tsote faked a smile as he lifted his right hand to touch M’boguku’s shoulder. He felt a great deal of confidence as he did so. M’boguku did not react as he expected of him because all he needed to tell him was.

“Take care…”

Thereafter, Tsote steps back takes the ox rope and leads it off the roads. As he turns to leave, M’boguku calls to him. Tsote and Makita turn. M’boguku looked uneasy and embarrassed right from what he had in his mind.

“I am sorry for all those times I…” he stammered.

Tsote could not believe what he was hearing but Thalko’s son was apologizing. The rest of the words could not come easily but for the first time, Makita saw honesty in her brother’s face. “I, I am sorry…”

Tsote felt a great burden lift from his soul. He could not explain it but he felt lighter than ever before. Moreover, for the very first time, he gave M’boguku a simple smile; he nodded to mean he would accept his apology. 

He lifted his eyes and looked back at Marakusha through the trees. The village was deserted and empty for the very first time. All life that once filled the streets with children yelling, chasing each other and playing, herdsmen leading hundreds of cattle and oxen this and that way, trade days where by traders came from different tribes to exchange their goods here before they headed to Sambura were gone.

 All the great and fun trade and harvest festival that usually went for weeks with dance, singing and drumming would end in Marakusha. The nights of the full moons when children collected around homestead night fires to listen to marvelous stories, would cease to become memories.

Even though Tsote was a very sensitive young man, he loved Marakusha, as a village and its people were great. He could not believe he was leaving Marakusha today on his own with his best friend Makita. They were leaving but he personally had no reason to return. But who knows better than the gods of our lands!

All I can say, Tsote and Makita would grow up to care for each other more than ever before! After all her presence made Tsote feel better, loved, complete and special as Olkai the great owl said he was.

THE END