“Okonjo showed me her sister’s child. He looks, walks, and talks like you,” the King-Mother said.
“Are you sure of what you are saying, mother?”
“When Okonjo told me, I wanted to personally castrate him, but I decided to see this man myself. So we dressed like commoners and went to his wedding at Ozuoba. From afar I saw this young man and I had to admit he looked like you from the distance. Then when I stood right in front of him and he asked me, ‘Are you a relative of the bride?’ I could swear he was you when you were younger and I fainted. My blood is in his veins.”
“Okonjo, thank you for your observation. We will get in contact with you.” The King’s hand drummed on his lap. Okonjo bowed and left.
“It is not possible,’’ the King said. “The Ogun priest did the ritual personally.”
“The young man was born at the same period as Aneaton's son. His head is oval like yours, he has the same birthmark underneath his chin like you and his eyes are deep like yours,” the King-Mother added.
“When the Ogun priest took the child, where was the sister?” the Ishu priest asked.
“She was with her sister,” the King replied, rubbing his chin. “He can't possibly be my child. Or are you trying to tell me the women exchanged their children?”
“That can be the only reason for the gods not telling us anything about the future. They did not get their sacrifice,” the Ishu priest said.
“What are you saying?” The King screamed for his messenger. When he came, the King asked, “Where is Arubi? I told you when the day was younger, to tell him to come.”
“The Head-of-Government is on his way, Your Majesty.”
“Who exactly is this boy?”
“His supposed father was an Ikaza with a good reputation and his supposed mother was your former wife's sister,” his mother answered.
“You keep referring to his parents with the term supposed. I find that uncomfortable and I have never heard of an Ikaza with a good reputation.”
Just then, his round-faced, dark-skinned Head-of-Government entered the room, bowing as he got near the King.
“My superlative King, forgive me for making you wait for a man as unworthy as I, but the day was in the hands of evildoers.”
“Forget all that, Arubi. The King-Mother said she saw a young man who walks, talks, and looks exactly like me.”
“So what? It could be coincidental or just a game the gods chose to play.”
“My mother and the Ishu priest are under the impression that the young man is my son. They think he was Aneaton's sister's child and he was born in the same period as the child the Ogun priest killed.”
“If Aneaton's sister was in her palace on the same day her sister was killed and the children were supposed to be of the same age, then something is wrong. No woman who has just given birth to a child would leave the child behind,” the Head-of-Government said.
“Precisely. She did not leave the child behind—they switched both of them. That is why the Ogun priest did not notice,” the Ishu priest surmised.
“Okay, let us imagine he was my son…so...”
“Sire, I don't think you understand the gravity of the situation. With all due respect, the heir is weak and that gives you peace of mind. If the people know this newcomer is your son, a new heir will emerge and that makes him immune to any crime—including assassinating you,’’ the Head-of-Government said, leaning back in his lion-skinned chair. “The boy could be aware that he is your son, which I doubt, or else the whole kingdom would have known by now. If this information leaks, all your enemies will want to make contact with him and form an alliance with him. Not to mention the defiance that will come from your chiefs and elders. Take it from me, they will be fighting from a solid foundation because the people will back him. They want a King who can walk, talk and look like a King.”
“So what are you suggesting?” the King asked.
“Depends on the town he lives in. How come nobody ever noticed he looked like the King?”
“Well, Arubi,” the King-Mother said, calling him by his name to provoke him, “the boy has lived most of his life away from towns because his supposed father was an Ikaza. Since the death of the man, he has been taking care of the land and expanding it. The people he comes across don't notice the similarity because they only see the King from a distance. Although they say he is a very good friend of Gbangba, the reason his friend might never have noticed could probably be their growing up together, so he never noticed any similarities.”
“Sire, I feel we should first eliminate any means of this information getting out publicly and then kill the boy in the most accidental manner possible,” the Head-of-Government suggested.
The King looked at the Ishu priest. “What do you think?”
“I agree. The commoners are ready to make anybody who can walk and talk the next King. Your son lacks the power to invigorate the men of the King’s court to stay together.”
“Mother, what do you think?”
“You have to realize that you killed this young man's mother.”
“I did not tell the Ogun priest to kill her.”
“But he did. If the boy is aware of what happened, his adulation for her will be deep and he will have to avenge her death. The boy grew up without a single pinch of emotion for you; someday he will not hesitate to take your life.”
“Don't you people think you are exaggerating? This boy might not even know, and even if he does, do you think he can even get close to me, not to mention killing me?”
“We can't take chances, Your Majesty,” the Head-of-Government replied.
“Sire, if your mother died the way his mother died, would you not avenge her?” the Ishu priest asked.
“Arubi, do what you have to do, but nobody should know except the people in this room.”
“What about the girl your mother is sitting on?” the Head-of-Government asked.
“You don't have to bother about her—she is deaf and dumb—but you might have to dispose of Okonjo because he is aware of everything.”
“May the gods forbid,’’ his mother said. “Why do you want to touch my sister's son? That boy has been more of a son to me than you have ever attempted to be.”
“I send my sympathy. He has to die. This regards the security of the King…your son.” There was bitterness in the Head-of-Government's response.
“I understand, but if you feel he has to die, then you also have to consider me a means of insecurity and I should be dealt with in the same order as Okonjo.”
“That won't be a problem. We would lay the two of you side by side after your execution,” the Head-of-Government said indifferently.
“Mother, you were strong on emphasizing your grandson should die, even though the boy doesn’t know a thing about me. But Okonjo, who is not trustworthy…you are ready to die for him to live.”
“So you want to replace his good deed of giving you this information with punishment.”
“If he ever whispers anything concerning this issue to anyone—”
The King was cut off by the Head-of-Government.
“But Sire.”
“I am still talking,” the King snapped. “I will wipe out his generation. You all know what you have to do. Now leave me, I want to see my art.”
He left them and told the messengers to inform the men waiting for him to come the next day. He entered the Art Room and admired the crafts of men of talent. He ran his hands across the bronze lion that was staring him in the face. Then he went to the area of the room with sculptures of the heads of kings and stopped at his grandfather's head…King Anawanti. Then he saw his father's sculpture, King Burobee, and his past haunted him.
All to remain in power, I killed my father and now I am going to let them kill my son again. It would have been nice to have a strong fit son to teach the way of a King, but that I can't risk at the expense of a knife at my back. They all rejoice at my handicapped heir. They want someone they can tell what to do. I ha
ve to admit it feels good to sleep at night without thinking of my son planning to kill me like I did to my father. If these men succeed in getting rid of this boy, the kingdom would definitely be divided at my death. That would be a pity.
*
Obi and his wife had been in their home for three weeks and happiness was within. He lived everyday not wanting it to pass. He never wanted her to follow him to the farm, but she had a stubborn spirit and chose to help him any way she could. The emptiness that used to consume him disappeared; the pain of life had found its way into a distant world. He started singing folk songs with her and acting in plays like a child with her. Every time he held her, his grasp was tight because he did not want to lose her. He never ever wanted to lose her. On the few occasions they went to town, he was cautious of any man who made contact with his wife.
One night while he was sleeping with his wife, he opened his eyes and saw leaves whirling around. He got up and the leaves seemed to be leading him to the bushes. He followed, curious yet cautious of everything. The leaves stopped in front of a blind man who was sitting with his legs crossed.
“Who are you?” Obi inquired.
The skinny blind man with a long stick rose and bowed.
“Your Majesty, forgive me for obstructing your dreams, but what I have to say is urgent.”
“Are you a madman? Why are you referring to me by that title? Or has your blindness taken you in the wrong direction? The King’s palace is at Didasu.”
“My two eyes might be blind, but I see better with my third eye over here,” he said, pointing to forehead.
“I am impressed you have a third eye and you can do a little magic. I’d like to continue this conversation, but I have to go back to bed,” Obi said, then started walking back home.
“Are you not Aneaton's son?”
Obi stopped. “My mother was Nneka and my father was Ifeanyi the Ikaza.”
“You can lie to me, but to yourself is simply unforgivable.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“Did I not tell you I see better with my third eye? Do not try to pretend ignorance with me. Your lies are sieving through every word you say. Both the Ikaza and his wife told you who your mother was.”
“How would I put this to you, blind man? I really do not care if my father is a god. I cared for the mother and father that watched and taught me how to grow and I have a deep affection for the life I am living now, so leave me alone.”
“I understand and I see how your heart has brightened since you had your bride, but I would like to let you understand a picture. Yes, the Ikaza's wife had pure feelings for you, but your mother’s feelings were also genuine. The only reason you are alive and she is dead is because she sacrificed her life for you.”
“I have heard this story before,” he said with his back still to the blind man. ”She let me live so I could grow up a man and not a King.”
“It is no longer about what you want; it is now about her honor. She was buried like a criminal. Even under torture she never let you go and the man who let this happen is living in the bosom of indifference,’’ said the blind man, putting his hand on Obi’s shoulder.
“How long have you known I was the son of the King?”
“From the first day I saw you.”
“How can you see me? You are blind.”
“I was not always blind. I chose this destiny the day I saw you during your mother's funeral. I used to be the protégé to the former Ifa priest.”
“So!” Obi exclaimed.
“I succeeded him.”
“That is not possible. The worshippers of the Ifa god would not let you be their highest priest. You are too young.”
“That is why I had to offer my eyes to the shrine to prove I was worthy. There are some other things I had to do, but I am sure you don't want to hear them.”
“Why are you here?” Obi asked.
“The King is aware that you are alive. They are coming for you, so you and your wife should go and hide somewhere.”
“How do you know this?”
“I have been following you everywhere you step since I became the Ifa priest. During your wedding, a woman fainted when she confronted you. She was the King-Mother. I followed her back to her home and it took awhile before she confronted her son. Probably she wanted to make sure she was in her right senses.”
“Wait. Am I to understand that you followed us all of this time and we did not notice the presence of a blind man behind us?”
“I was not in the form of a man when I followed you. When I followed the King-Mother, I did not want to attempt to transfigure and enter the palace because I knew the Ishu priest would detect my presence in any form I took. Luckily for me they let the King-Mother's servant enter with her, so I used her because she was deaf and dumb and got to listen to what they said.”
“You are saying that you changed into some form of a creature or an animal and followed me all over the place and then you entered the body of a deaf and dumb girl and listened to everything they said in the palace.”
“Yes.”
“I am not going to ask how that was possible but I want to know, why are you helping me?”
“Because it is your birthright and, like any other human, I am moved to do what is right.”
“Your lies are sieving through every word you say.”
The Ifa priest smiled.
“The height of every Tikpapa's ladder ends at him becoming the Headman to the Oracle. To become the Ifa priest I had to give away my source of vision to everything around me and now I see only through darkness. I killed everyone in my family line, then I begin to wonder what I have to give up again to reach the top of the ladder. Did I not mention that I am also too young? You have to be old with your hair totally white before you are deemed worthy.”
“What are you trying to say?” Obi asked in a soft tone.
“I would like to serve as your High Chief, the Headman to the Oracle, if you would let me,’’ the Ifa priest said, now flat on the ground to give maximum respect.
Obi chuckled.
“Honestly, this King thing is not for me, but if I ever make it there alive, I will not have anyone else by my side as my Tikpapa. But are you sure you can match with a man like the Ishu priest?”
“Till then, Sire. As of now, I suggest you head toward the river. When you cross to the other side, go straight. I will join you at Utagba when I can. Make sure you don't take horses, or they will trace you,’’ the Ifa priest said before he vanished into the darkness.
“Obiani, Obiani,” Amina shouted as she entered the bushes.
“I am over here.”
“What are you doing here at this time of night?”
“Pack some food and a few things for yourself, we are leaving here now.”
She never argued with him when he was serious so she ran back to the house to do as she was told. Obi gathered his sword, knife, bow and arrow. When she came out, he took the bag from her and gave her a knife, but she refused it. She raised her wrapper to show him her own scabbard tied at her waist. He smiled and knew that if anything touched her skin, death would be the only redemption.
“Are we not taking the horses?” she asked.
“No.” He released the horses and smacked them, making them run in the opposite direction. “We are walking.”
*
The Head-of-Government watched his general come toward him with his head very low and he knew something was wrong.
“I sent you on a mission over three days ago, why are you coming now?” the Head-of-Government said in a very harsh tone.
“There was nobody in his home.”
“Did they travel on a leisure trip?”
“I doubt it. They left everything behind except the horses. We traced the horse path on a fruitless adventure. Their horses were purposely released to mislead us.”
Arubi got up and left his home with the general behind him. He sent two messengers on errands, the first to the King to announ
ce his arrival and the other to the King’s envoy. By the time he got to the palace, his presence was already announced, so it did not take him long to appear face to face with the King.
“Talk to me,” the King said, clearly agitated.
The Head-of-Government signaled to the general to speak.
“We did not meet them in their home. They seemed to have fled—”
The King’s servant interrupted the general in announcing the arrival of the King’s envoy.
“You may leave and get the best pathfinder around,’’ Arubi told the general. “He will probably be heading toward his mother’s people in Utagba.”
Arubi then asked the King’s envoy to explain the status of the relationship between the King and the provinces.
“We are all aware that we have only nine provinces because the Utagba people have still refused to merge with our kingdom and they are growing stronger under total allegiance to their Okpala. They still don’t have a chief,’’ the envoy responded.
“Okpala? Who is an Okpala?”
“An Okpala is the oldest retired chief in a province, My King.”
“I know what an Okpala is you fool.” The King sighed and put his left hand on his waist. “Forget about them. We will talk about them another time. Continue.”
“We have Ihua of Ahoda. As long as you can give him the power to do what he wants, he is for us. The Ezeonisha of Abogima is indifferent to the King, but he is strict with the customs of the land. Atani of Ozuoba has an unshakeable loyalty to you. Okon of Ndemili still despises you since Arubi became the Head-of-Government. He still feels the position was taken from him. Akuna of Ogwashi is loyal to you because he has not gotten a better offer. We can’t say what Gbangba of Alloida is capable of doing. Ike of Ogbe will give you his honor till his death. Otiotio of Suyema is a man that you can rely on, but I don't know if his allegiance to you is till his death. Last of all is the Head-of-Government, who is by your side.”
“Thank you, Envoy, for your explicit dialogue. That will be all for now.”
The Head-of-Government discharged the King's envoy, who was disappointed that they did not let him share the other information he had to give.
When Gods Bleed Page 5
