Chapter 19

A tingling sensation enveloped Obiageri as a rush of heat coursed through her body. Gasping, she sensed the world shift. They were no longer beneath the crows' assault but hurtling through a dark tunnel. Weightless and free, she heard the wind singing in her ears, a blur of colors and light swirling around them.

Suddenly, they were ejected from the tunnel and spat out onto the bark of another tree, landing in an unfamiliar place. They sprawled on the ground, dust and scratches clinging to their skin.

Obiageri gasped as she sat up, a throbbing pain echoing in her head, beating like Iwe drums at a festival. She tried to move her fingers, but every cell and bone in her body groaned in agony. Quickly, she checked her body; when she found nothing missing, she strained to stand, barely balancing on her wobbly legs.

Chinua groaned beside her, his face pale. “Where... are we?” he asked weakly, wincing in pain, while struggling to push himself up. His eyes darted around, searching for anything familiar.

“Amaghim! I... I have no idea,” Obiageri admitted, realizing she had been so focused on escaping that she hadn’t considered their destination. The good news? They were in a dry crater surrounded by rocks and a few scraggly trees—not molten lava. The bad news? She had no clue where they were or what to do next. 

“I thought you would!” Chinua cried, breathing heavily.

“Well, I don’t!” she refuted, her throat dry. But when she noticed his labored breaths, and the sweating from his face down to his chest, she softened. “Hey, are you okay?” 

Chinua nodded, clutching her torso. Obiageri forced herself to stand, ignoring the ache in her body as she crouched beside him. “You’re not okay. Look at me, biko,” she urged, cupping his face with her hands. His skin was cold and clammy beneath her palms. “There you go, breathe slowly. You’re fine. Just breathe.” 

He finally inhaled deeply, dragging air into his lungs. “Thank you!” he muttered under his breath, his cheeks reddening. “It’s… the dust.” 

A smile danced on Obiageri’s lips as her eyes scanned their surroundings. He was so fragile, like a clay vase on the head of a dancing masquerade—he could break at any moment, and she would have to put him back together. That was the role of a guardian, wasn’t it?

But other than Chinua’s wheezing, something seemed off—like unseen eyes were watching them. Spinning around, she saw only Chinua’s pale face. Where could they be? She asked herself, dusting herself off. Her mouth had turned dry. There was a ringing in her ears that refused to still. She took in deep breaths, trying to calm her nerves.

Then, she heard a screech. Was it the crows? Obiageri’s mouth quivered, and her chest tightened. Her palms grew slick with sweat as she stared at the treetops for any sign of danger. She gestured for Chinua to hide behind her as her muscles tensed. What would she do if the birds had followed them here?

The screeching grew louder, transforming into something more like a roar. Obiageri’s eyes traced the sound upward, over the green and grey weeds on the ground, the tall towering trees, and the swirling branches reaching toward the sky.

There, perched on the branches, were not ordinary black birds but giant eagles. They watched her intently, their eyes glinting like lanterns, adorned in shining bronze armor. These didn’t look like enemies, but why were they here?

The largest eagle, with coral beads and piercing yellow eyes, chirped in a commanding voice. “I am Nze-Ozo, lord of the sky and guardian of Obodo-osise, the Village of Trees. You trespass on sacred ground. State your purpose, or face judgment.” 

Obiageri’s pulse quickened. This couldn’t be happening now. They were in no position to fight; the sudden teleportation had left them weak and aching. She wondered what the giant eagles would do to them. Were they loyal to the one who sat on the throne of bones? If the truth didn’t work, they’d have to run—and fast. 

She flinched as the eagle’s glare bore into her. The wind around them swirled, carrying the scent of damp earth and storm clouds.

“Ndewonu!” she finally managed to say, her voice steadier than she felt. “We’re being hunted by the one who sits on the throne of bones. We mean no harm to your people.” 

“I offer no reverence to the coward on the throne,” the eagle hissed, its voice dripping with contempt.

A chill ran down her spine. The hatred in the eagle’s voice made her heart flinch. She had barely said anything, and yet the bird was upset. She drew back, hoping to soothe its mind.

“Then have no grievance with us seeking refuge,” Obiageri pleaded, her voice shaking. She searched the eagle’s face for any sign of mercy, she found none. She needed a backup plan—now. 

The lord of the sky tilted his head, his eyes narrowing. “Who sent you?” Before she could answer, a guttural growl rumbled from his throat. “Mmadus are not welcome in this sacred place!” 

The other eagles screeched in annoyance, their wings spread wide, creating a gust of wind. Sharp talons and beaks glimmered menacingly. Obiageri had to think fast. Twirling the beads around her neck, she racked her mind.

It had to be the goddess from her dreams. After she’d drawn the Nsibidi symbols on the tree’s bark and whispered her prayers, the symbols had lit up. That couldn’t be a coincidence. Maybe this was part of the goddess’s plan, her way of leading them to safety. Was it safe to assume that the goddess wanted her here, at this exact place? A half-smirk crept across her lips. This was the key, wasn’t it?

“A goddess appeared to me in a dream,” Obiageri began, her voice certain. “She spoke of a place where the trees sway and the Iroko reigns. That’s why we’re here.” 

The eagle’s eyes narrowed. “Do you dare lie to me, mmadu?”

Obiageri shook her head, steeling her face and voice. She traced the beads on her neck, counting them delicately. Each bead she touched steadied her nerves. “I’m telling the truth. I swear it!” 

The giant eagle scoffed, his beak clicking. “Human promises are empty words, nwanne. Every creature knows that.” There was a way the eagle glared, no—pierced—through her, that seemed to strip every bit of confidence she had stored. It was a numbing experience.

“Please, okenye,” Obiageri gulped. “How can I prove my sincerity?” Her words felt weak in her mouth.

The lord of the sky pondered her words, staring at her. “Very well. But know this—if you’re lying, you’ll regret it. Your bones will scatter to the winds, and you will be food for carrion.” He paused before adding, “You may go. The village lies ahead.”  

“Eseh!” Obiageri replied, letting out a shaky breath. Her shoulders relaxed as she closed her eyes for a moment. They had a place to stay, but what choice did they have but to trust strangers? Her eyes flung open, her lips quivering. What if this was all part of the goddess’s game? What if they were walking straight into another trap?