Something more than gold

Chapter 1Omalicha pushed him over, her eyes unfocused and glazed, staring into space. Her feet were light and she walked in a daze, not conscious of their importance.Her whole body still felt the obscure mist of his sweat. She banged her head against the fancy pole stationed at the center of the master's room. This made her whirl round and crash to the floor and like a capsized puppet reaching the end of its line, she spun in pain. A long broken pieces of mug which she had dropped initially, penetrated her skin thanks to the fall. She held the bit that stuck out, gnashed her teeth and bit her lower lip, ready to absorb the pain that would accompany pulling it out. She tossed the object to the floor and continued with leaving the room. She collided with the door, jerked away from the wood, with so much force that pushing her out the passage where she stumbled and fell. Still lying on the cold tiles, she opened her locket,

Okoroafor Nwankwo was a wealthy, local chief. He was a great wrestler, and was glib and gifted with wise words. Every speech from him was highly spiced into thoughtful proverbs and moulded into antidotes for those who sought it. He was taller than most people and, since it was a time where physical strength determined rulership, he was made a ruler amongst his peers, and people naturally selected him as leader. Like most handsome man who were aware of their charismatic image, he had many women in his time.Whenever they raided a neighboring village or during war, Nwankwo was sure to come back with the best-looking woman.In his young days, a woman would give in to a man without arguing. It was pointless because her honour was disrespected. To regard a woman who was quite as timid and desirable was something that came after his time.With the rise of Christianity, and other development, most of the women Nwankwo took to be his wives were thos

She chose not to inform anyone that he had regained consciousness. She watched hopefully, yet with the fear of further signs of recovery. That evening while she was trying to ease the baboon splints that guided his wound, she found herself saying, "you are a very strong man, yes you have borne your pain like a man and this wound will heal in no time."Nwankwo's eyes flew open immediately upon hearing those words. This time they were clear with mockery. "What else could you have done without your lover? The strongest of men." He chuckled wickedly."If you don't stop talking that way, I'll spill this hot medicine on your cut and then we can measure what bravery you've got." She felt a sense of frustration and got up from Nwankwo's goatskin rug, making her way out of the compound. 

The undertakers were commanded and a very large grave was dug, large enough to contain the apparels and equipment, and all the things that assumed she would be needing in her after life. Then her personal slave was traditionally called in by the loud voice of the chief priest. According to the custom ruling old times, a good slave would consider it an Honour to accompany her mistress, but this young and beautiful one was full of fright and pleading that she did not wish to die yet.  She kept begging for her life. She begged furiously to the annoyance of the many who were formal procedure driven. As for the women, they took far off finding this repulsive, the older kids understood the sign languages form their various mothers and shut their younger ones in, so as not to witness such horrendous practice. Finally the poor slave was pushed into the tomb but she kept on struggling and weeping for another chance notwithstanding her naked state. She kept on ple

A year after the birth of omalicha, Obi Ekeh died, and Aku wept for days refusing to be consoled. Nwankwo heard this news and rushed back to her.“You are no longer bound to your father’s rule. He is dead. But you are still living. Why don’t you come stay with me, please?”“You know my father would not have liked this.” She protested. “Please Aku, don’t let us waste our lives longing for each other.”“Stop talking like this Nwankwo. Honour is meant to be respected, no matter what happens. I refuse to be enticed buy your wealth and your position.”His returning plea still proved unfruitful, but love is undying. Nwankwo went on visiting his Aku and his daughter.Omalicha, was treated the best a child could be, she was the apple of her parents eyes. She grew in size and health not lacking whatever she needed. She was a beautiful child that had a skin like that of a ripe lemon. Of all he features was the large birth mark stationed right on her f