by Chuks Gerry
Where have you been to again? Rabiu voice jolted him from behind as he came stealthly into the room, returning from al-far holding his kettle which he’d used for his abulution.
I went for an early walk as usual. But why asking, did anyone come looking for me?
Actually no, just that I have some great news. Sanni made me one of the drill instructors for the new recruits. Isn’t that awesome? A huge promotion, my brother would’ve been so proud,’ Rabiu exclaims beaming with excitement.
That’s good to hear, I’m really proud of you.
Soon I’ll be on my way up the ladder to join those to be revered and feared just like kazeem. Sanni said he will make sure I get there.
Really, but is that all you truly care about not minding how our actions constantly affect the lives of people on a daily basis. Give it a thought.
I knew you will get all sanctimonious on me on this one because you need constant reminder that this is who we are from henceforth and there is nothing anyone can do to change it, deal with it,’ he said handing him the kettle
Oh there are a lot of stuffs I’m dealing with these days but you—-you choose to block it off as if they don’t matter. Have you ever wondered why Sanni chose you, drew you closer as a confidant?
No, why don’t you go ahead and enlighten me. Tell me what is it I don’t know because what I do know is he was close friends to Rasaq my brother and he is doing his best to look after my welfare,‘ he said with a tinge of anger. I know there’s no love lost between you guys so I get your drift.
Aliyu shook his head pondering,’ I pray you do realise who really your friends are,’ he said going out for his prayers.
By noon the entire field was filled to capacity over and beyond. Talib-azziz whom had flown in the previous evening and with the help of kazeem mounted the podium looking pasty and frail. Kazeem stood behind him with other top officers bearing a grim facial expression. Loosing Husseni was like a wedge driven deep into the heart of the sect, its pain indescribable. Al-sahad had lost more than just men, money and resources. They had lost the zeal and that was the purpose of this gathering, to instill in them the need not to relent but remain focus and persevere in this trying times.
With a formidable force on their trail, this was a wake up call for all to be ready to do battle till the end,’ Talib-azziz had proclaimed in his address. He lastly reinstated in a shaky voice that any act of treason will not be condoned in these trying times and will be dealt the capital punishment, before retiring to his seat. Kazeem took to the podium chanting war song which the crowd slowly responded to which soon beef up the lack lustre mood of the populace. The chants continued for almost an hour, growing in strength and vigour, in the process he cheered and exalted his men for their bravery. The crowd was soon energize and relivened, a unique trait Kazeem posses was his ability to move and manipulate people despite his outward crude exterior. An eclectic individual he encase a hollow heart that was both fickle and unpredictable. And when he spoke his rage was palpable, promising fire and brimstone on the federal army, he furthered assured his men not to be scared of being besiege as the entire camp boundary was laced with landmines moreover the mountains will make it difficult for air survelliance to locate them. He promised his next agenda which will be disclosed to his men in due course will crush the opponent in the most efficient possible way. Before he dispelled the crowd he made it known to them his suspicion of a snitch in their midst and what he intends to do to that person when he is finaly discovered. When the meeting was over Aliyu took a little stroll around. He spotted Mariam a few meters away and quickened his step. Since the the death of Rasaq she had become reclusive, uncertain of her safety. Aliyu badly wanted to speak to Nneka and she was the only one capable of making such a meeting feasible. She saw him approaching and rounded up what she was doing and hastened her step making sure he didn’t catch up with her easily. After taking a sharp turn leading to her quarter she slowed down considerably. By the time he closes in on her he was panting heavily.
You have been evading me especially when you know am anxious to see you,’he said between breaths.
And why do you want to see me? She asked curtly not pausing in her steps.
I need to talk to you,’ he blurted seeing her cold reception towards him. Are you angry at me?
Say what you want to quickly before someone comes around,’ she said stopping abruptly. I have chores to attend to,’she continued looking over her shoulders nervously.
I want you to help grant me audience with Nneka.
Not possible,’ she said dimissing him with a wave and walking away.
But I really want to see her.
Sorry it’s beyond me I can’t do it. Sect officials and hostages don’t franternise, camp rules remember?
He stood nonplussed watching her leave.
I was there you know, I saw it happened. Rasaq didn’t die in the hands of the military. His killer is here among us.
She froze in her path battling her eyes in doubt.
What did say? She turned around walking slowingly towards him.
Oh yes and he told me everything before he died,’ he continued. I know all about the child, she aint yours but Rabiu’s. It all makes so much sense right now, he isn’t aware of her existence right? I know everything but what I don’t know is if you’re still interested in getting out of here? He asked facing her squarely,’ because I may have discovered a way out.
And you’re sure of this?
He nodded.
What then do you want?
I want to speak to Nneka; it’s your responsibility to make it possible.
You know it won’t be easy but I’ll see what I can do though I’m not promising anything.
I trust you will make it happen. You loved him and the pains of loosing him reels from your eyes. Everything that happened was for a reason. For our own benefit sort of, trust me.
She huffed, when she looked up again her eyes were red and teary and she spoke with a broken voice.
Oh he was good to me, he shielded and protected me. He loved me dearly and I started to appreciate him for his niceties. Loving him was another thing, he was fully aware of my disposition towards the sect, my feeling and indignation. I missed having him around,’ she sighed heavily,’right now I’m deeply hurt, empty and vulnerable like every other female hostage. He was my fortress,’ she mourned biting her lips, wiping the tears with a hanky.
Come to the warehouse tomorrow by seven thirty pm, Nneka will be there,’ she mumbled after getting a grip of herself.
But that building is usually locked up by six pm.
Do as I say for godsake,’ she groaned. One last thing though, she is pregnant with your child, so I hope whatever plans you’ve got work out for all of us including your unborn child,’ she said swaying away leaving him behind stupefied mouth agape.
One thing that remains constant is the viccisitude of life. In a very short time Sanni rose in ranks and was elevated to second general, a position once held by Husseni and revered by all and sundry. Rabiu was giving the duty of a drill master, trainer and supervisor, a position bequested to him by Sanni while Aliyu was grossly neglected and relegated to oddities. The following days that ensued Aliyu went about his chores as a watch guard and did minial labour. Sanni on his part wasn’t suffering fools gladly towards him or anyone he disdains dishing out chores upon chores to break and force them to react, a trap that would cost that person his life given the precarious atmosphere of the camp. Aliyu took all that was dealt to him in humble strides not willing to risk anything especially now that he sees a light at the end of the tunnel, he most tread softly if he is to achieve his aim. Each passing day as he went about his chores, his mind subtly delve to Nneka and everything they’d discussed the last time they met. She looked pale and sickly, and had cried a lot blaming him for everything even threatening suicide, a threat she needn’t not carry out if the news of her pregnancy becomes public knowledge because she will promptly be executed by the auth
ority which Sanni is now a part of.
He removed his uniform, tied a towel round his waist took his bucket and went out to get some water to shower. The day as usual was gruesome and he felt all sticky with sweat. His duty today included parading the entire north end boundary all day, the blinding sun rays pierced his eyes bitting deep into his flesh drawing every moisture from underneath it. A cold refreshing shower is what he needed badly to return his body to its default state he concluded scooping several bowls of water on himself letting out a refreshing gasp. These days everyone seems to blame or hates him for something which was certainly beyond him despite only being a victim of circumstance. They were all pleased to point at him accusingly, expecting the best or worst from him. Nneka indignation at him, Sanni’s spite for him, Rabiu indifference towards him and Mariam’s expectations of him all got him wired up. Even though his heart was heavy he promise to cry no more but instead remain focus on the path he’d chosen not regarding the cost, the path that leads to freedom. Getting himself and those he loved out of here through that path was something he was willing to risk everything for. Dabbing himself dry, he put on his undergarments and took a stroll to his lounge. There was a shift and he noticed someone was inside, sitted by his bunk.
Ah Rabiu you returned earlier than usual today, wasn’t expecting you—-,’ he cut mid sentence upon seeing it wasn’t Rabiu when he stepped inside.
Hassan how is you?
I am fine master Aliyu.
Are you here to deliver a message from Mariam for me?
No I’m here on the behest of Rabiu, he instructed me to drop this for him,’ he said holding a nylon bag. Please were can I leave it Sir?
You can drop it overthere,’he said pointing to a stool at Rabiu bunkside, just then Rabiu sauntered into the room.
Ah Hassan you already here.
Yes sir, I was wondering were to drop it.
Oh give it to me,’ he took the nylon bag and peered into it closely checking to make sure its content were intact.
Thanks see you tomorrow by six, don’t be late,’ he said dimisively.
Wait a minute correct me if I’m wrong, is Hassan among the recruits? Inquired Aliyu astonished while struggling to put on his jalabiya.
And what if he is?
He is barely ten years old, Rabiu he’s still a child,’ he pointed out in a raise tone.
And he won’t be the first of his kind either. For heaven’s sake haven’t you heard of child soldiers in West Africa, Asia and South America, young boys and girls’ commiting their lives for the course they believe? You’ve got to chill.
But that dosen’t makes it right, you of all people should know that.
And you of all people should know that the purpose of the sect superceed every other. It’s a crime to deny anyone from serving especially when that person chooses to on his own freewill. Your boy chose this path, who am I to deny him. Just imagine if words of it get to the authorities in a time like this, its implications,’ he shivered shooking his head as he went about taking of his clothes to hit the bathroom.
But—but you could have done something, something to discourage him. That kid won’t last a second in battle, you know it’s true.
Offcourse I tried, honestly I put him through hell the first day hoping to break his spirit and get him to quit but Sanni intervened. He seems amused by the kid’s zeal,’ he said tying a towel round his waist, carrying his bucket.
But there must be something you could have done, anything to change his mind,’ Aliyu persisted,’ or don’t you care?
Frankly I don’t, it’s his choice so therefore he’d have to live with it,’ he said leaving for the bathroom.
Aliyu stormed out in search for Mariam at the officer quarters where she continued living even after the death of Rasaq. Her fate was yet to be decided alongside many others but it will be when the dust finally settled. Being tagged a prostitute and mistress to Rasaq by most of her detractors; they will stop at nothing now to make sure her fate will be nothing short of miserable.
Aliyu stood by the window for a while watching her feed and play with the child, albeit sensing her soul was distracted. She soon left the child on the floor to play by itself while she watches on with sadness in her eyes. He made to walk away when his feet made a clickering sound on the wooden platform,
Who’s there? She asked her voice vicious and fully alert,’ I said who’s there,’ she repeated picking a wooden stool on the floor.
Relax it’s just me,’ Aliyu voiced out opening the door softly and stepping inside.
What the hell are you doing here? You are never supposed to come here,’ she said tersely.
I needed to speak-—we have to talk.
Not now, whatever you want to talk about can be fix for another time. Right now you’ve got to leave,’ she said opening the door and shutting it back abruptly.
Crap,’ she exclaimed
Hey——what is it?
Some people are coming and Sanni is among them. Imagine what they will do to you—us if he sees you here. Hurry, go to the bedroom, hide under the bed and keep mute. He went into the room and did as was told. She picked up the little child from the floor and sat on one of the cushion cuddling her.
Who is here? Hello beautiful I’d thought you will welcome me with a kiss or a warm embrace,’ Sanni quipped barging into the apartment.
Then you must be sick or high on crap,’ she spat out clicking her tongue.
He let out a deep throaty laughter,’ you should better start treating me with some respect seeing that I’m the big guy around here now.
Good for you but still I’ll pass,’ she said lying the sleeping child on the chair while she stood up to pour herself a cup of water.
Don’t you know I can give you anything even much more than Rasaq could ever do for you? My only request is that you love me the same way you loved him.
She burst into a loud cynical jeering laughter.
That is were you are wrong, I’d never loved Rasaq for convinence sake. I loved him for the man he is granted he wasn’t perfect but still I loved him anyway. But as for you, even if you promise me freedom which I value most I’ll still choose a dead Rasaq over your sorry ass, murderer.
Sanni eyes went dim revealing a frisson of emotions,’what did you say I am?
A murderer, offcourse I know you did it, you demented envious pric——,’he landed her a resounding slap mid sentence which threw her several feet back. She quickly regained her balance and went after him griping his neck in a bearlike embrace, fastening and choking him to the wall. As he struggled to entangle himself from her grip, she sent her knee into his gut; he yelled buckling to the floor. Several of his men barge into the room upon hearing screams and restrained her. After she was properly constrained he walked up to her and gave her several punches until she bleeds from both sides of her lip. The little child now awake as a result of the loud shuffling was crying at the top of her lungs. He ordered his men to release her; she fell heavily on the floor. He kicked her several more times, bending down he clenched her face tightly in his grip,
I really underestimated you but it won’t happen again,’ he grinned mirthlessly. After the initiation rites and ceremony ten days from today your time here is up unless you do my bidding,’ he said smacking her face, laughing sardonically as he and his goons exited the apartment.
Satisfied they were finally gone; he came out from underneath where he hid to assist her to her feet. She was feeble and badly shaken, he took a napkin and a small bowl with some water in it to dab her injuries. She yanked the cloth from him and proceeded to do it herself.
I think you should leave now,’ she said solemnly
Will you be okay?
That should be none of your business,’she replied curtly.
Alright but before I leave I need your assistance with certain items required for me to progress with my plan.
Whatever items you need make a list and pass it to me through Hassan.
I am sorry b
ut that is unlikely to happen. I don’t think Hassan can be trusted anymore since he is now close buddies with Sanni and his involvement with the recruit training exercise.
Involve in what? She asked bewildered.
So you aren’t even aware of what your boy have been up to behind your back, he is now a mujahedeen and can no longer be trusted.
No wonder I hardly see him all week, he has been avoiding me. Leave Hassan to me, I’ll take care of him,’she sigh.
Goodnight,’ she said getting up to her feet and carrying the child with her into the bedroom.
Goodnight,’ he replied watching her gestures as she walks away slightly limping. Obviously she was in a lot of pains but being the hardcore lady that she is, expressing weakness wasn’t her forte. Leaving that outer crustiness and bluntness aside, Mariam was actually pretty and sexual in a peculiar way and will hold her own anytime and day when it comes to what men desires in a woman.
I’ll leave you now to rest,’ he nodded walking towards the door when he heard her voice calling his name softly. He stopped and turned.
This plan of yours, how effective is it? She asked squeamishly from inside the dark bedroom.