Wretchedly Rich

Read Story: SEASON 1 EPISODE 12

UNEDITED

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Obiajulum wandered aimlessly, not sure if he would get home. He encountered no one but flowers and trees, lining the lonely grounds like nothing he had ever seen. He was able to find another route, walking tiredly until he came to a place where a single tree stood, with nothing around it. “I wonder if these mangoes will do,” he reached to pluck one, as a voice came like a hideous roar. “What are you doing here?” an angry snort emerged.

“I-I’m sorry,” the shaken boy withdrew.

“Do you not know that these mangoes you crave are forbidden?” the voice came again, Obiajulum replying in a shaken tone. “B-but I-I’m hun-gry.”

The tree swayed with no breeze aiding it, signalling there was a spirit that didn’t want him there.

“Oh, I must be dreaming—” Obiajulum said to himself, as he remeed the stories his mom used to tell. Oh, how nne would tell him about the great tales of Ngagi, the spirit that dwelled in trees. Was it Ngagi speaking now? The boy couldn’t tell. He was sent off by a loud thunder, sobbing heavily as he ran, wishing he had never stopped. If only I could get home right now, the hungry, weary child staggered on. He wished to be home again, back in his mother’s arms—his prayer was soon to be answered—if only the dark forces would let him be.

“You!”

Obiajulum looked up to see a hunchback, witchy woman, pointing at him.

“Who are you?”

The odd looking woman cackled and brought her crooked, chapped finger down. “You are really wise and a true son of the soil.” she smiled, asking him where he was headed.

“What thou seeketh concerneth not.” the voice inside of him took control, and the woman, furious at his answer, growled and wore a sinister face. “Do you not know who I am?” she asked.

“What thou beeth matters not.”

The hunched woman laughed at his silly reply. “Do you not know you stand on dangerous grounds?”

The brave little boy, scared not a bit, snarled at her remarks. “Dangerous grounds… you say?”

The evil witch cackled again. “You are one step to falling, o thou who thinketh not like mortals.”

A smirk eluded tender lips, as the ground cracked open at the earth’s trembling call.

“It is time.” a soft whisper urged the boy on as out came a striking image.

“You have not seen the last of me—” a thunderous noise, followed by a forceful shove, sent Obiajulum back into his body.

TO BE CONTINUED¶