by Chuks Gerry
You know what kid; you’re truly a braveman quite unlike that limpwristed father of yours. You will do great things,’he nodded saying.
Aliyu flew into a rage and attacked him before he could continue, but for timely intervention of people who heard screaming, he would have been strangled to death.
That’s for insulting my father bastard. Stay away from me motherfucker,’ he yelled at the badly bruised Alhaji as he was being pulled away by some gaurds. He shrugged off from their grip and off he went. He didn’t know where to go or where he was going but anywhere from here will be perfect. The fresh evening breeze outside was generously welcoming him to take a stroll and so he did. He parambulated aimlessly about from the deserted arena, warehouse, the lounges behind them and so forth, being a comfirmed member of the sect now gave him undisputed acess to anywhere within the camp except as stated otherwise. As he roved his mind seek to speak with only one person and there she was helping out with some chores around the kitchen precinct. Amina tapped her to notify her of his presence but she ignored him, continuing with the dishes in a huge basin.
Nneka I wish to speak to you.
What for,’she snapped, can’t you see I’m busy.
Could you please excuse us brieftly,’he said directing to Amina
Don’t go anywhere,’she cautioned with a temper. Whatever he has to say and cant say in your presence is inconsequential. Amina knowing her friend have a lot of anger pent up inside thought it wise she gave these two some privacy to sort out their issues. She called out to one of the women to assist her carry the rinse bowl of dishes into the store room.
Were do you think you’re going with that, please call another person to assist her take it in,’Nneka squealed, I told you no——-
Will you just listen to what I’ve to say,’Aliyu cutted in.
And why should I when I watched you kill your father,’she lashed out. You’ve got nothing to say to me murderer. Gosh I’d never imagine the devil had his prototype in human form, a rapist, liar and soon to be genocidal murderer. Very soon when you die, I hope you burn in the recently refurbished hell along with your maker for all eternity,’she hissed and spat.
I know you’re mad at me but if only you can spare me few minutes and hear me out——-
Nothing you’ll say can make me change my mind. Ima —imagine to think I was or rather almost fell in love with you a terrorist and serial cold blooded killer. You betrayed me, your entire family, everyone. You’re a colossal disgrace headed for doom along with the rest of your kind.
Nneka stop this,’he charged enraged, grasping her wrist pulling her over to him.
Everything I did, everything I’ve ever done I did for you, for the sake of my love towards you——-and———my love ones.
Let go of me,’she screamed repeatedly at him.
Someday you’ll see,’he said letting go her as she pulled away from him falling to the floor, he bounced off. If he’s going to pillage some village tonight, he sure not doing it in this state, he thought as he went to join in the celebration with every intention of getting inebriated.
Nneka got to her feet slowly in tears with Amina by her side consoling her.
You should have listened to the voice of reason, it would have saved you from this entire unnecessary emotional trauma,’Mariam said coming over with a napkin which she gave to her to wipe herself clean.
And what makes you think you have the right to meddle in my business.
Hmm, asides from the occasional hellos’ and hi’s, I don’t think I’ve properly introduced myself. My name is Mariam Aminu, lieutenant colonel with the red battalion of the Nigerian army.
Wow you’re a soldier? They asked both bewildered.
Hmm yea, but about my being here is a story for another day. For now call me Mariam, a mutual friend and mascot to Aliyu one of the finest men around.
Well I think you’re delusional from all the gunshots and killing you’ve witnessed for you to have made such a statement,’Nneka grunted.
Watch your tone with me young lady,’her voice becoming steely. That young man gave himself up to the sect because he was privy to their discussions held outside your compound. They were planning to raid and murder everyone in your family thinking he was taking refuge in your household after searching for him all over town. He took a careless risk yesterday to fight for the lady he loved without giving much thought of the repercussion. His sleeping with you was the only way of ensuring both your survival, something you should start learning how to do yourself. As for his father, he had to go for him to live. Failure at accomplishing these rites spells death for them both. Now young lady that man confided in me how much he loves you and have proved it by the extra length he’s willing to go while you stand there incriminating his every decision not for a second considering his disposition.
As she spoke Nneka went was lost for a while in retrospect.
Oh oh oh I remember seeing some people outside my bedroom window several weeks ago. It gave me goosebumps all night.
Offcourse,’Amina concurred,’ and you told us about it the next day at school. It was quite frightening indeed.
Good, I ‘m happy you’re not as daft as I would have hated to imagine. On another note if you do as I say, maybe just maybe someday we will live alive. Aliyu loves you very much so being on the same page with him will make this vision a reality sooner than later aside from the fact that he is the only one capable of guaranting your safety from those pack of wolves,’she said acquiescing at a group of loutish young men leering at them lustfully.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Gunshots exploded in the air, thick fumes from burning houses enshrouded the evening sky even as panic gripped its residence. The rampage had been ongoing for hours; dead bodies littered the floor, children running helter skelter crying for their mothers, mothers clinged to their suckling infants hide in crevices. Some fathers stood in courage to defend their honour and pride while others flee to the bushes to seek refuge. And then there was the catechist, his bludgeoned blood body threw out from his home to the porch, while his wife was made to kneel in the sitting room with a gun to her head, his gun. He was ordered to blow off her brains in the presence of her crying children. A toddler held to one end of her wrapper crying to be fed. Oh no, he can’t do it he tells himself yet again and so he made the ultimate decision to walk away amid threats to euthanize him if he back out. So it came, a loud rattling bang followed by several second of silence thereafter a loud shrill from the children. With both eyes shot, he thought he was gone but then the cries brought him from oblivion into consciousness and he realized otherwise. He turned around to see the children crowding the lame body of their mother and his heart melted. Then he felt a gentle tingling scuff at the helm of his trouser, it was the toddler drench in her mother’s blood, beckoning to be carried. He withdrewed staggering several feet backward, turned around and fled. Running out into the darkness, further into the wilderness he went despite calls from his colleagues. He ran away from the guilt that consumes him, he ran away from the mounting pressure exerted on his conscience, he ran away from the encompassing pains he felt all around, so he kept running. The louder they called the further he went, and then suddenly darkness overwhelmed everywhere. With out stretched arms and raging heartbeats he called out this time in search of the way, for the right path when he saw a glimpse of light unknowingly he was at the edge of a cliff. He keeled over and was gone forever in the darkness. He awoke with a start, heaving and sweating profusely. Someone was by his side tapping him.
You’re having one of those goddamn nightmares again,’grunted Rabiu sleepily. You’ve to find a way to let go, it’s over.
He lay still on his mattress for several seconds pondering afterwhich decided it was useless going back to sleep. He put on a slipper and went outside, drawing in a breath of fresh air. It’s been three days now, still the memory of the village raid haunts him every day and night. Sometimes it was so overwhelming he thought he was about to suffer a nervou
s breakdown. Dawn was still hours to come but he knew better than to return to bed choosing instead to engage in an early morning stroll. He changed into something loose fitting, a track short, took his trainers and hit the field. After completion of three cycles, yearning for something more rigorious he precede forth into the plains. With heavy pants, he went further in an effort to clear his head until he came to the foot of mount Histar. He blew several beads of sweat from his forehead, panting and grasping for breath. Great another place that brings back sad memory he said to himself remembering the friend he lost on their way up, which was the first and only time he’d been here. Then it happened, a quavering rushing movement its effect mildly vibrating the ground on which he stood. He remembered the legend being told about the mountain having a hearbeat and being the life force of the plain. Mount Histar is an important monumental icon to the sect, its dwelling point regarded sacred. He took a stroll round its breadth, his eyes was already accustomed to the darkness took caution not to step on any creepy dangerous creature as he explored till he came across where the river seems to disappear underneath the mountain only to reemerged the farther end. Wow this is breathtaking he deduced, amidst the mysterious vibes it emanate. Locating a nice boulder of rock nearby, he settled in to enjoy the serenity before heading back at the first glimpse of dawn. He must have dose off a little because when he came to be the sky was a pale shade of blue. As he walked back the path he came, the ground quakes this time more intensely it almost felt like a minor earth tremor, even a huge piece of rock he held onto for support trembled. And it happened again and again, each more ferocious. Then it occurred to him there was something more unique about this place than meets the eye, something hollow like an opening. Acting on this intuition, he pulled and shifted one boulder of rock after another working at a fast pace he sprinted in time from the crashing of smaller pieces of ruble and there it was, a dark opening glaring at him from above the rubles. He took stealth steps towards it peering into the emptiness amazed, a bat fluttered skirting close to his face. Shuddering he slide several shaking steps backward, keeling over a piece of rock. He sprang to his feet dashing off his mind wandering.
The previous day an order was issued on base instructing everyone in the army to assemble at the field for a very important announcement was to be made. When Aliyu approached the field there was already a small crowd of people gathering. Rarely was there such an assembly unless its agenda is of utmost importance. He was exhausted and looked around for somewhere to sit. He saw a large piece of tree trunk with some people seated on it, he joined them all the while his mind pondering on his latest discovery and what to make of it. Rabiu tiptoed from behind with a straw of grass which he used to tickle his ears. His response was spontaneous, inadventently leaping to his feet and slapping his ear repeatedly to kill the pesky insect only to discover Rabiu crumbling in laughter. He let out a crude hiss, shook his head and was about taking his sit when his peevish friend jumped and sat on it leaving him stranded in search of somewhere else.
Hey you, why the gloomy expression this morning? He asked throwing a twig at him in an effort to cheer him up.
This gesture went unnoticed by Aliyu who just wanted to be left alone, all day if possible with his thoughts. But Rabiu was persistent, his best pal was sinking and he couldn’t sit by and let him drown without atleast throwing him a lifeline.
Brother I know how you feeling because we have all felt that way. For me I’m trying to move on. Dwelling on it makes no sense, the pains gets worst especially since this is how it’s going to be from now on, till death or perhaps something eventually happens.
What if I don’t want to live like this? I don’t want to kill no more. What if i——he paused,’we chose to be the anomalies?
Then we are veering towards the path of inevitability.
That is if the authority gets to find out,’ Aliyu said after another brief pause.
Dude what are you talking about? He asked giving him a searching look. Anyway what ever you’ve got I don’t want to hear or be a part of it either. This is now my home, the last thing i desire is to act subversive and be accused of treason again.
Aliyu made to say something but decided not to, this was neither the right time nor place for it.
Alright, do you have any idea what this meeting is about? He inquired changing the subject.
Thinking about it now several ideas comes————
The biggle was sounded signaling the arrival of Talib-azziz and his entourage into the arena. This was rare too as Talib-azziz rarely addresses his subjects as he rather leave those function to his general Kazeem and Husseni. Immediately he ascended the podium, his speech was concise, straight to the point reading outloud in his usual arid tone the latest objectives of the sect starting from the forthcoming week. The major objective in his blueprint was expansion. Plans have been concluded to shift the head quarters of Al-sahad with immediate effect from Histar valley to Tamooa, a remote settlement just off the outskirt Chad. The executive arm of the sect will henceforth operate from there, though histar valley still retains its administrative control. He also read out the names of the several cities which are on the map for complete takeover amongst them was Garuba. To accomplish this great feat it’d require major sacrifices from the sect mainly manpower and finance. The former may require the output of almost eighty-five percent of the sect eight thousand strong troop. It will be a huge operation; one if successful will be a major milestone for the sect. He went on and on with the occasional cheers and applause from his subjects. Aliyu stood watching and listening intently, his mind deflecting to his family hoping they would have gotten the impulse to leave Garuba before the sect launches their dynamite assault. His father have a duplex in the state capital, they will be better off there safe from the mayhem that is about to befall. But then what if they had chosen to remain in Garuba instead, the thought of this possibility screwed his taste bud filling it with bile making him lost interest in the rest of the speech. His mood went sour, slipping through the crowd to get away from it all. As he left he wandered around several places before deciding to go pay Mariam a visit at the warehouse. The entire vicinity was interperse with few people going about their business as most gaurds were in the field. It’s been four days he last saw Nneka and his heart longed for her. If he wishes to see her that won’t be much of a problem but they are rules which he have to adhere to. He stopped halfway contemplating whether to proceed or return to his quarters instead or worse return back to the field when he heard footsteps approaching from behind.
You shouldn’t be parambulating when an important message is being convened. You know the rules, don’t you?
He turned and saw Sanni approaching wagging a stick recklessly at him.
Are you daft, stop gawking at me like an imbecile?
Offcourse I do, but I’m not feeling too well. Stomach upset.
Hmm really? He said not at all convinced. But I saw you earlier jogging in the fields and you looked pretty fine to me. Or was it because of the latest pronouncement. He let out a guttural laughter upon seeing the expression changes in his face.
But I’ve told you severally that we are your family now. It’s an irreversible vicissitude which you’d better start acknowledging.
I know Sanni but they are still my family, blood relative-—people I love to the bone are in that city. It will be devastating if any harm befalls them. Sanni I know you can help me,’he said placatingly,’ to forwarn them, please.
You think I will if I could,’ he sneered at him. You think I give a damn about your family more than this piece of stick I’m holding right now, offcourse no,’he shook his head letting out a gleeful sigh,’ dude think again. Afterall the girl of your dream is right here in this camp and you know what must be done to make her all yours. Just twenty meagre souls, you kill twenty souls and she is all yours. This is the right opportuinity for it and you’re there talking gibberish. If you keep dilly dallying and one of these recruits do so and lay claims to h
er before you, than it is over. She will be gone forever.
You’re one heartless son of a bitch,’Aliyu began icily, making an effort to contain his temper. You will pay for all of this, I promise you.
Watch your tone with me bro, I brought you here and can easily dispose of your rebellious ass but for now I’ll allow that foolish remak slide, presuming your running stomach has affected your sense of reason. Now run along, don’t want to perceive any foul odour defying this ethereal breezy morning.
Aliyu swallowed hard changing direction, his head ached. He can use a rest rightnow.
Oh, least I forget is Ahmed is dead. He died protecting his sister your fiancée during our last operation in the city. Just thought I should let you know before it slipped my mind again, though frankly I wished it was Val. That pompous pigheaded friend of ours was always a pain in my ass, so long.
Aliyu paused in his track in awe of what he just heard, turning around Sanni was whistling, walking away in full strides toward the assembly in the field. He thought it futile going after him for further queries without risking physical confrontation. His thoughts began overwhelming him with each step he took that everything soon felt blurry. He found himself in a dilemma of some sort comprising of anxiety, depression, sadness, fear and pain. Soon he found it difficult breathing and walking. He crumbled at first to his knees as he felt the weight crushing him menacingly, his hand clenching his chest before blanking out completely.
Waking up to find himself on a bed, how he got there he didn’t know but he felt more relaxed even in his subconscious state drifting off again. He was back at the river bank where the boat was loaded to capacity. A voice called out to him from the fog, with that familiarity stoping him in his track. Despite the pleas from its passenger, he knew his destiny lies behind. In his dilemma, a voice spoke to him drowning the rest, it was the warmth reflective voice of his mother and it was kind reaching out to him reassuringly.