The Slave

Read Story: SEASON 1 EPISODE 5

Nma knew there was no stopping Ukeh from whatever he decides. And she knew whatever his decision was it wasn’t a good one. And so she set to talk to Ola. Ola and Ukeh are like brothers, His two sister were also taken months back right before his eyes as he hid under a big stone watching but could do nothing, his moment of weakness saw the white boys taking his siblings away, he was downcasted and heartbroken for a long time and it was Ukeh that helped him live again. Since then they have lived as brothers and Ukeh listens to him. Nma felt if she speaks to Oka to help her convince Ukeh on this death journey he plans on making Ukeh night just change his mind but unfortunately she was not fast enough. For before she could step out of the house she saw Ola approaching. She wanted to quickly take him aside and talk to him but Ukeh was already out.

“Ola my brother, what brings you here?” He asked.

“Ukeh, come with me quickly, I saw one of the white boys raping one of our girls under a tree in the bush. I have been observing him for sometime now and that is his spot. He brings them there and rapes them”.

Nma became scared. She was too late. The person whom she thought would discourage Ukeh is the same person taking him to battle. She knew she has to do something to stop Ukeh from going. She has to say something.

“But why will the white boy take a girl inside the bush when he can have her anywhere, it’s not like anyone will stop them” Nma quickly said.

“I really don’t know why. Maybe so that his fellow white brothers will not know what he is doing or something. I really don’t know. (He turns to Ukeh) Quickly Ukeh you have to come with me now. I know he will be there already. And this is our only chance to get back at them. If we can get a hold of him maybe he can tell us where they took my sisters and yours.

Anger rose in Ukeh’s eyes, he quickly hid his small knife in his undies and carried a bigger Cutlass. As they made to leave Nma blocked his way.

“Ukeh please think carefully before you do this. Have you forgotten the white man’s stick? One shot from it and you are gone.

Then I just have to make sure they don’t use it on me. Said Ukeh.

“Besides if we are able to lay our hands on one, just one of those thier sticks then never again will they take anyone from this village.” Nma was very angry hearing Ola talk like that. She tried once more to stop Ukeh

“My love please listen to me. Please don’t go please. I can’t stand it if anything happens to you, please listen to me and don’t go please.” Cried Nma

Ukeh holds her hand and looked deeply into her eyes. “Listen my love, I can never be happy if I don’t do this. I will forever live in wishes and regrets. Please let me do this, let me bring Nti home please. If one day you are taken by those animals would you want me to come for you?

Nma nods her head sadly

“Then allow me go. Do not worry, I will be back with Nti. Just pray to the gods of our lands to keep me safe.”

With that Nma relaxed and allowed him. She knew there was no need of talking for his mind was already made up. She watched as they both run off inside the bush. She quickly runs inside the hut and brings out her Calabash and chalk. She places it in the middle of the compound and kneels before it raising her hands to the sky. She wanted to talk and call in the gods to protect him, but she lost her voice and didn’t know the right words to say. Tears flowed from her eyes and she just allowed them flow.

“Please come back to me my love, come back to me”

Those were the only words that came out from her lips.