Shadow War

by Chuks Gerry

  The trembling at constant intervals gave it its peculiarity and name, the heartbeat mountain,’ she enlightened.

  Everyone please tread carefully as we proceed, the rocks are slippery when wet and the entire place crawls with creapy creatures,’ he cautioned.

  They went on until they got to the waterfall.

  Ironically this is it, the sea where the choosen ones have to cross to get out of Egypt into the promise land according to christian’s mythology,’ Aliyu said handing his torch to the young lad with them while he set out to inflat the bouncing bag with the air machine.

  Since we can’t wait for a divine being to magically freeze the river for us, I’ve devise a means to get us down this slope and cross to the otherside before the tide rises which begins in about forty minutes time, exactly twelve dawn.

  Pumping the bag proofed to be quite strenuous than he’d hoped, regretting why he hadn’t done it earlier being that they had limited time. He handed it over to the lad to continue while he rest a little.

  Where is Hassan? Rattled Mariam all of a sudden, darting the torchlight in several directions.

  I saw him a while ago over there,’ replied the pregnant lady pointing towards the direction they’d come from. Aliyu and Mariam went in search of him while the rest stayed put. The torchlight caught his tiny silheoute close to the entrance of the cave. They called out to him as they hurried over bringing him to a halt. As they came closer panting, wondering what’s wrong with the kid only to come in contact with a pistol pointed at them.

  Ho hey,’ screamed Aliyu screeching to a stop with Mariam,’ take it easy boy.

  Are you out of your mind,’ Mariam snapped at him,’ handover that weapon to me immediately,’she commanded hoping her tone will pacifier the kid.

  I won’t,’ he said curtly not bulging, taking slow backward steps.

  And where do you think you’re going boy? Aliyu asked.

  Back to base to inform Sanni and everyone else of your escape. They will come get you traitors, infidels,’ he spat.

  Do you even know the meaning of those words you tiny peevish speck.

  Enough,’ Mariam interjected. Let me handle this,’ she whispered to Aliyu.

  Do something before he does something stupid,’ he replied taking several steps back.

  Mariam dropped all she was holding and approached him with caution speaking placatingly for him to relent.

  Hassy,’ she began, a name she fondly calls him,’ please give me the weapon and come with us. You’re all that’s left of your family’s legacy. If you come with us I’ll help you locate any surviving relatives and make a reconnection. That was the promise I made to your dying mother, to be your custodian, to love and protect you. Drop the gun and come with us,’ she spoke earnestly moving forward until she was just inches away from him. He was silence contemplating for several minutes with Mariam acknowledging the impact of her words, waited patiently for him to surrender.

  No.

  What?

  I said no,’ he yelled tightening his fist around the weapon,’ the brotherhood are my family now, here is my home where I belong.

  With that he fled with lightening speed into the darkness. Aliyu was enraged at her for allowing him go. They hurried back to where the others were, they work quickly bearing in mind this mission and their lives were now hanging on a thread once that kid reports to the authority. With the bouncing bag fully inflated he threw it down the slope, the lad was the first to slide down the slope using the rope. When he reaches the base of the waterfall he positioned the bouncing bag properly as instructed. Next to go was Amina, followed by Nneka who though scared followed Aliyu’s directive and landed safely. Mariam went next with the woman six year old daughter clutched firmly on her back. When it got to the pregnant lady turn she looked down at the height and immediately panicked refusing to go ahead with the plan. Aliyu noticing the water level beginning to rise intensified his efforts in encouraging her how to go about it. She held on to the rope in fright not looking down, after much persuasion slide down slowly while Aliyu hastily strapped the child firmly to himself before covering up partially with a water resistant fabric in preparation to follow suit when he heard someone squeal. Looking down he saw the others helping the lady up, she must have slip and fell on the spring bag. After inquiring if she was alright he immediately held onto the rope, letting himself ease downward even as the waterfall increased in momentum. He landed safely, and immediately checked on the child. She was sleeping soundly with tiny particles of water on her follicles, and then he beckoned on everyone to follow his lead stepping on the rocks crisscrossing the stream to the bank on the otherside just before the wave rises and cover their path.

  Will she be alright? He inquired breathlessly from Mariam who was administering first aid therapy to the pregnant lady who was obviously in pains from a sprained ankle.

  She will be,’ she replied reassuringly.

  Good, because we have a long journey ahead.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  Put me down I’m tired, please put me down I can’t go any further,’ the pregnant lady squealed in pains but Aliyu kept on still until he got so exhausted he felt like fainting before he finally paused and dropped her on the floor to catch his breath. Mariam soon caught up with him panting, the child on her back screaming at the top of its lungs pierced through the calm stillness of the night. She tried pacifying the child as she and Aliyu debated at loss on what next to do. Soon the rest members of the team gathered around all worn out from running, the gunshots getting even louder signfying they weren’t far behind.

  We have less than half a kilometre left before we reached the tarred road, but I doubt we can make it now given our present situation,’ he said after noticing how tired they were from running.

  If we surrender, we die. Our only option is to face them head on,’ he said tentatively, directing to Mariam.

  No way,’ she shook her head,’ are you out of your mind? That is tantamount to suicide. They are more than us in number and better armed.

  I concurred they are armed but their number something isn’t. I surveyed them in the bush, they aren’t more than five or six of them trust me,’ he said rushing to Nneka side who let out several shrill as a result of the bruises she’d sustained in her feet from running. He took out something from his bag and sprayed on the swollen region; it cooled the spot and relaxed the pain. Feeling a little relief she shrugged off him mumbling, crying at the possibility of an inevitable death and pouring all the blames on him.

  Having had enough Aliyu step away from her in a fit, filled with disappointment for endangering their lives.

  Anyone with a better idea is welcome,’ he said afterward in a give up tone. He sat on tree stump, looking downtrodden.

  Aliyu, take it easy on yourself,’ Amina said putting a hand on his shoulder,’ Nneka is feeling a bit flustered right now. We have a crying child, a young girl, two pregnant ladies, this teenage boy and Mariam. She pulled out her gun continuing in a raise voice,’ I’ve been battered, raped and enslaved for almost three months. There’s nothing left to lose other than my life and I’m prepared to die fighting than return back to that camp. We either die fighting or die not fighting so what’s it gonna be?

  Good, and like Aliyu had said earlier we don’t have much of a choice. If we keep forging ahead they will surely catch up with us, its better we face them head on. If we survive it’s a miracle, if we don’t then so be it. Everyone falls into position,’ Mariam ordered in significant military fashion.

  Take this Nneka, for your protection,’ Aliyu said giving her a sharp dagger which she refused as she sobs siliently. He paused watching her sniff severally.

  I want to apologise for the way I sounded earlier, I’ll rather give up my life than watch any harm befall you,’ he said drawing her closer in a tight embrace, her tears flow freely upon his shoulders.

  Aliyu, I’m so scared.

  I know, we all are,’

  Sir this footprint is very fr
esh

  Good, they can’t be that far, searched the perimeter,’he ordered. They combed the area and discovered the pregnant lady and her daughter.

  Sir, we found someone,’ they yelled dragging her along as she screams.

  Where are the rest of them? Sanni yelled giving her dirty slaps. She yelled for him to leave her alone which he did butting her on the floor around. She cried loudly when his feet landed on her tummy, her agonizing screams teared through the night veil. He pause pull out his gun and pointed it at her.

  Now this shot will go straight into that bastard womb of yours if you don’t start talking. For the last time where are your fellow traitors? He screamed.

  I’m right here,’a voice responded. They turned around to the lone image of Aliyu emerging from the surrounding bush.

  Good, this is just one from the lot, arrest him. Two of his men spranged forward to do his bidding.

  Touch him and I’ll blow off your brains,’ a menacing tone emerge from the shadows as Sanni felt the cold touch of steel behind his head. His heart sanked upon recognising the voice, that bitch he bit his lips.

  Drop the weapon whore,’ Jafar commanded from behind, a surge of relieve was released by Sanni. You think you were smart he laugh heartily at her,

  Not so fast motherfucker, he heard again just as he was about feeling elated. Jafar looked beside him to see a frail looking kid pointing a gun at him. Rabiu drew out his weapon and pointing and ordering the kid to drop his gun, else he will blow his brains off.

  I dare you to,’ Amina yelled from behind him holding onto her gun nervously. And with that they were locked down in a Mexican standoff. Sanni clapped his hands in an effort to elicit humor, laughing sarcastically. He cleared his throat as he thought of what to say,

  Okay, I see that you and your fellow infidels are readily prepared.

  Let them go, it’s me you want.

  No one is leaving here alive unless you all obliged to follow me to base.

  That is impossible; if we die then we die with honour. Besides we won’t go alone because I can assure, you and most of your men will come with us,’ Mariam replied

  Do you think the authorithies care; their order was to bring you guys back dead or alive.

  But I know you do care,’ Aliyu countered. You won’t want to die now, least of all not like this, not when you’ve gotten all you ever desire. Here’s the deal, I challenged you to a fight, if I die, we surrunder otherwise your men returned to base with news of our escape.

  I see you haven’t loss your appetite for video games but if that is how you want it then so be it,’ Sanni replied elatedly. This has been a long time coming and there is nothing more I’d longed for than to put an end to your miserable life,’ he continued removing his shirt, walking towards his assailant who followed suit.

  They stood facing each other with tightened fist, feet geared towards action. Soon punches followed from both sides with each finding convenient strategies to fend off and even the other blows. Sanni threw an unexpected foot forward which landed heavily on Aliyu’s jaw knocking him to the floor. He fall flat faced downward, struggling with the impact as he tried getting back on his feet. Sanni move fast on to him, landing several jabs on his back, face and sides leaving him on the floor fazed out. He then went down on one knee, raised his head up, locking his neck between both hands exerting enough pressure, stifling his breath as he struggled feebly to break free. Watching his struggling grew weaker by the minutes; Nneka beckoned on Mariam to do something after her pleas to Sanni fell on deft ears. She made to act but was stopped by Jafar pointing a gun at her threatening to shoot. Sanni got up from Aliyu’s limped body laughing wholeheartedly.

  What is the point of all these, choosing to die for infidels instead of staying true to our faith,’ he said walking towards his men. Aliyu lay on the floor gasping for air, making imperceptible movements which entails he wasn’t dead yet.

  Now you will go the same way as your father,’ he yelled pulling a dagger from his men holster, coming at him. He smiled wryly raising the knife up to strike much to the alarm of everyone watching. He didn’t see it coming when Aliyu swiftly shifted his leg between his feet clearing him to the ground. Immediately he landed on the floor, he got on top of him delivering several punches in quick successions. Sanni responded with a butt to his groin which sent him back on the floor reeling in pains. He quickly got back on his feet, spat a bloody spit on the floor and wiping his mouth with the back of his palm. He picked up the dagger and came after Aliyu again who saw him coming and staggered hurriedly to his feet just as he felt the blade graze his shoulder, choping off bits of clothings and skin. Sighting the blade coming at him again, he moved quickly grabbing his wrist, hitting it on his knees knocking the dagger off his grip. Still holding onto Sanni’s fist he twisted it bringing him to the floor writhing in pains, throwing a punch at his face. He heaved around, felt the wound on his shoulder, it was dripping soaked in blood. Overcome with rage, he ran towards Sanni and entangles his neck in a tight embrace which he struggled to unleash from. Feeling his life force seeping away under the unrelenting grip of Aliyu, he frantically called out to his men for help. Jafar reaction was swift and immediate, knocking the weapon off Amina and delivering several punches at Mariam and the lad, knocking them to the floor. Her rifle was within feets of her so she went for it but a hand picked it up just inches way, she looked up to see Jafar grinning. He was now in possession of all their weapons.

  Enough of this charade, time to go home,’ he spoke contemptously pointing a gun at her and another at the wrestling men on the floor.

  This ain’t fair,’ she yelled between clenched teeth.

  Life ain’t fair whore,’ he responded, his hands to the trigger as he approached both men. There was a gunshot and Mariam closed her eyes. She opened it in bewilderment to see Jafar on the floor dead, looking ahead to see who fired the shot, it was Rabiu.

  But no one has the right to screw it up for another,’ he rejoinded as both bleading men stared at him astonished.

  This is a fight to the finished, anyone who tries to put a stop to it answers to me. Carried away by Rabui’s antics, Sanni used the diversion to deliver several elbows to Aliyu’s stomach which made him loosen his grip around his neck considerably. He shifted his head backward forcifully hitting his lips and nose knocking Aliyu totally off him. He went straight to pick up the dagger before coming after him. He swung it at him, slicing at his ankle. Aliyu shifted quickly but Sanni’s feet knocked him down again, afterwhich he jumped on top of him directing the dagger at his throat.

  You know what brother, with your imminent death your entire supercillous family will be totally obliterated,’ he said driving the dagger downwards.

  Aliyu threw his knee in a last second effort hitting him hard on the groin destabilising his hold. Using the opportunity, he twisted Sanni’s wrist, clipping firmly to his grip on the dagger, reversed. The sharp edge move closer as both men struggled for control,

  Brother, please stop,’ Sanni pleaded frantically as as he felt the sharp tip pricked his skin, bringing him face to face with mortality.

  I’m sorry to say but tonight Azarael comes for your soul.

  With those words he exerted enough pressure driving it into his heart. Breathing heavily he pushed the laden corpse aside struggling to his feet, everyone watching was comfounded. Nneka ran towards him, gently embracing him realising he was in so much pain. Loud claps ensued from Rabiu from where he stood after inspecting Sanni’s corpse, consciously drawing everyone’s attention.

  Now that I’ve your attention, I will first and foremost congratulate you for the successful murder of your friend, enemy, rival, boss and senior commadant of the Al-sahad sect. Secondly thanks for avenging my brother’s death, I truly appreciate but the nitty gritty right now is to return you guys back to base where the entire camp awaits.

  That wasn’t the agreement, Aliyu won,’ Mariam pointed out cutting in sharply.

  Whatever condition Sanni agre
ed upon was purely his own discretion and cannot supercede that of the authorithies.

  Rabiu my brother this is your chance to come with us, this guys ruined your life and————

  No they didn’t,’ he interjected,’ they didn’t, my brother did. He was to me exactly what Sanni was to you, a frenemy. He virtually destroyed my entire life by betraying the love and trust I’d for him, leaving me vain and empty.

  Not entirely, he may have destroyed all you think you loved but,’ Mariam paused walking into a corner in the bush and came back carrying a child.

  This is your legacy, Hadiza died preserving it.

  What are you saying?

  She’s your child, the same one Rasaq lied to you was dead,’ she said bringing the child closer to him.

  Won’t you love to hold her?

  He was perplexed and a little hesistant, slowly he stretched forth his hands and accomodated the sleeping child who was now partially awake. She brought out a torch and directed its light at an angle so he can get a better view of her face.

  She looked just like her mother but those eyes are mine,’ he said huskily after a while of tender cuddling.

  Yes she does, Hadiza named her Aseba after your mother, knowing how much you love and cherished her memories.

  Yes Aseba it is,’ he gushed, tears trickled down his cheek. Do you know how much this mean to me?

  Yeah I do. Your brother promised Hadiza she will been taken care off. Even though he did what he did, it was under the the imperative of the sect. Though a lame excuse, he doesn’t deserve the entire blame.

  And you guys choose not to tell me about her, gosh just shut the fuck up. Everyone was silient watching him bond with his daughter, soaking up her aura. He cuddled, cried, laughed, spoke and kissed her over and over again, drooling all over.