Chapter Seven

Having crossed paths with Agbai Ikenga's men on their way back, the group felt a cautious optimism brewing. The dense jungle around them seemed to breathe with a renewed sense of purpose. The men's rugged faces lit up with recognition as they confirmed that the head in Egwuatu's possession was indeed Gustavo's. With this confirmation, they agreed to lead the group back to Agbai Ikenga. However, when they inquired about the head of Ogwo, a tense silence fell upon Egwuatụ and his men, their eyes hardening as they withheld any response. Agbai Ikenga's men quickly disarmed Egwuatu and matched them towards Awom.

Okoro Egbe and Uko followed closely behind Egwuatụ, Ularị and Agbai Ikenga's men as they forged a path through the thick foliage. The jungle seemed alive with the sound of rustling leaves and distant animal calls, the air heavy with the scent of damp earth and blooming flowers. Sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor, creating an almost mystical atmosphere as they made their way to the palace. The anticipation of the meeting ahead hung in the air, adding a palpable tension to their determined strides.

On entering the village, word came to the great dibia, Nwa Akpuda, that Egwuatu was back and heading to Eze Ikenga's palace escorted by a band of headhunters. Nwa Akpuda quickly ran ahead of them to meet Agbai Ikenga.

The men arrived at the palace and stood before an angry Agbai Ikenga. Nwa Akpuda made a cold entrance and told Egwuatu to empty the contents of the sack. Agbai Ikenga identified the heads of the three Aro soldiers and softly kicked them to the corner, fixing his gaze on the gory-looking head of Gustavo and said, "Ishi nwa bekee."

He turned to face Egwuatu, "Where is Ogwo's head?"

Before Egwuatu could utter a word,

Nwa Akpuda cleared his throat and began a solemn speech.

 "We have brought the head of Gustavo and his men in atonement for the lives of Ogwo and his daughter Ulari." 

Egwuatu and Ulari exchanged furtive glances, knowing that Nwa Akpuda knew nothing about the true circumstances of Ogwo's death.

Agbai Ikenga cut in, his voice trembling with fury. "Who gave you the right to make such decisions? You spent your life challenging my father's policies, and now you dare to challenge me? Do you think I cannot have your head on a stake this very minute?"

"You will do no such thing," Egwuatu replied firmly.

Agbai's eyes narrowed as he spat, "How dare you challenge my authority?"

"Ogwo is dead," Egwuatu continued. "The white man shot him at the banks of the Itu River. I and my men buried him there."

Agbai's face contorted with rage. "Why did you not bring me his head if he was dead?"

"I did not find him guilty of any charge," Egwuatu said with defiance. "So, I gave him a burial fit for a blacksmith."

"Then I will have your head for it," Agbai roared. He drew his knife and rushed at Egwuatu, who had already been disarmed by Agbai's men.

At that instant, Nwa Akpuda dipped his hand into his raffia bag and pulled out the Offor, an object that looked like a piece of old wood, shriveled and adorned with eagle feathers. He stood between Agbai Ikenga and Egwuatu, ready to strike the ground with the Offor, and pointed it at Agbai, shouting indecipherable incantations.

Consumed with rage, Agbai lunged forward and with a clean swipe of his blade, severed Nwa Akpuda's hand from just above the wrist. The hand fell to the floor with a thud, still gripping the Offor.

The palace fell into an eerie silence, the calm before the storm. Suddenly, a brilliant flash of lightning illuminated the room, casting long, jagged shadows on the walls. A deafening roar of thunder followed, shaking the very foundations of the palace and shattering the stillness. The force of the explosion sent Agbai flying from his position, hurling him through the open doorway. His men scattered in terror, some of them dropping to the floor, lying face down in fear and submission.

Egwuatu sprinted to Nwa Akpuda, who was still on the ground, writhing in agony, clutching his side where the pain was most intense. The flickering torchlight revealed the grim determination on Egwuatu's face as Nwa Akpuda, with a pained voice, gasped, "Go after Agbai, finish it once and for all."

Determined, Egwuatu dashed out into the stormy night, his men close on his heels. The rain poured down, drenching them as they raced through the fields. They found Agbai lying in the mud, his body half-burnt, his mind lost to madness, howling like a tormented beast. Without hesitation, Egwuatu took a knife from Ụkọ and, with a swift and clean motion, severed Agbai's head from his body.

With the threat vanquished, Egwuatu and his men returned to the palace, their footsteps heavy but triumphant. The heroes gather around Nwa Akpuda who was still visibly in pains and receiving treatment. Egwuatu showered him with praises while the flickering flames of a burning torch cast a warm glow on their faces. Ulari clung to Egwuatu's side, tears streaming down her face, her body trembling with relief and gratitude.

Egwuatu with solemn expression, celebrated his men Uko Kamalu and Okoro Egbe, acknowledging their bravery and sacrifice. He raised his voice to honor those who had given their lives, urging everyone to honor their memory by working towards a greater future for the Awom people.

The promise of a new dawn filled the hearts of all, united in their resolve and strengthened by their shared victory.

The night echoed their renewed hope with each rumble of a distant thunder.

The End.

Obi Ogbuehi©