The Tales of my Grandfather I (Part II)
|
Please Ajala, you can't just turn your back on us at such a crucial time. People are dying as we speak, you can't let more people die before you act. Irrespective of our wrongdoings, our land remains your father's Land, please look on us with pity.
"Okay, I agree. You can now go, I'll join you." but we refuse, Ajala, said the village head in response to Ajala. Then, it means you're ready to wait for me to properly prepare for the task you're giving me.
So, he went in, prepared his bags and wore his war clothes. It took him nothing less than 30 minutes to prepare according to my grandfather. He came out and they were ready for the journey.
Everything felt alright until they got to their village ilú Ògèrè. He couldn't control the tears rolling down his eyes. It was as quiet as a graveyard, a direct opposite of what it used to be - a community of happy people living together in unity.
Ajala was provoked from within but he had to be patient in this case as he wasn't standing against humans. It was an issue with the gods of the land.
They got to the central part of the community, where the palace is. The chiefs had to go to their various houses while Ajala is left with the village head. It was already in the evening so, Ajala went into the palace with village head because he no longer has a house in the village.
It was a special night for Ajala, as he had a warm welcome in the palace. He had a nice bed, special meal, and a lady to help him pass the night (funny my grandfather told me this rai??).
On the morrow, Ajala got up and went to the shrine to appease the gods of the land. The gods of the land told him that the problem was caused by the warlord of the next village. The warlord knew he couldn't defeat Ajala so, he forced citizens of Ajala's village to commit an abominable offence and when the gods of the land started striking, Ajala might also be one of the people that'll lose his life but unfortunately, Ajala was banished a day before...
From this, Ajala knew a war was going to come into play. He knew only the death of the warlord would bring back the peace and happiness that was once around. So, he sent a message from the palace to his village for his warriors to come join him in ilú Ògèrè
In preparation, Ajala went to pray before a tree. The tree is believed to grant wishes. He asked for a favour - victory in this war he was about to fight. He promised to bring gold for the tree after he wins the war.
The next day, Ajala's warriors arrived and they headed straight for the next village where the culprit was. Entering the next village with anger, war clothes and a gunshot to the air was a bad signal that made the villagers scatter, each and every one of them running for their lives which seemed precious to them.
Soon Ajala and his warriors got to the other warlord's house. He ordered four in, 2 through the right and the other 2 through the left. Soon, there were several gunshots and it so happened Ajala lost all four men to the warlord and his warriors and then, the warlord and his warriors came out and the fight began.
Ajala lost 2 more warriors but the warlord died along with his warriors because he refused to be taken alive...
Well, as you'd expect, they were not truly happy as victors because they lost 6 warriors in the fight. But anyway, they won, that's a good news for the community but the families of the dead??? The opposite!
So, it was time to return home after the victory. They were on the way when Ajala remembered his promise to the tree but thank God he had about three nuggets and he was willing to give two of them to the tree.
On getting to the tree, he thanked the tree for the victory, and said he brought what he promised, "gold". He was about turning around when the tree said "this was not what you promised, the village head daughter's name is gold. It's her I want" On hearing this, Ajala fainted...
A very loud knock on the door woke Ajala up from his sleep.... Phew! It was all a dream! He peeped to see who was at the door, it was the village head and his chiefs. Oh no!!!! Ajala quickly took the back door and absconded.
The End....
Thanks for coming!!
That little boy,
@pearlumie
@pearlumie You have earned a random upvote from @botreporter & @bycoleman because this post did not use any bidbots.
Great little story. Thanks for using eSteem app to share this with us! ;)
Thanks for coming around...