Paul a boy brought up without his father in an uncertain future. He worked towards his father and mother wish for him becoming a trained seaman with the Nigeria navy. His zeal was to go as far on seas in campaigning against crude oil theft, illegal oil bunkering, pipeline vandalism, sea piracy, fish poaching, sea murder and other illicit sea activities. Somehow, he got his full happiness of his life.
CHAPTER ONE
THE LAIR present in a quadruple figure with an open space littered with grosses of animals voicing out noises. The pall environment was never humane as the air was filled with putrid odour. Sitting in the midst of these animals was a big spat on my face as the smell kept streaming. My indecision was obstructed by conversations as I sat with surprise. I bent my head. “Young man are you okay?” The cold voice cut my anger. Raising my head was another thing entirely as I can clearly see two legs standing right at me with a sling walking stick. “Water!” “Young man it seems you are tired”, he said while nodding his small head. The pant I exhibited due to tiredness was of pseudo. The tall old man with his tall walking stick can be easily identified by his hoary-hair. His scary face present a sour look like a pinched taste of salt. “Do you feel like eating something?” “No. I need water first.” He quickly ordered for a bowl of water from his friend who was quick in response. “Take this I know you will be okay.” “Thank you sir.” The water was chilled as it was finding its way to my dry throat. “I am fully okay sir.” “My son anything again?” “Yes sir. I’m in need of a job.” “Job?” He burst into a thunderous laugh. “Can you really do the job I consider good for you?” “why not sir. I can do any job that comes.” “Hurry up and follow me”, he says. My crack ribs became upright as I am about achieving my aim. We both walk in haste; getting to the cornered hamlet was long from the onset. The old man unfriendly look gradually in a massive sweat due to the journey. He paused and inquired to know my name. “I’m Paul.” He briskly nodded his head. “Now Paul. Can you work in a Pen?” “Pen?” “but you said you can do any job?” “really... sir.” “Well Paul: let us walk faster.” He never care that he is ageing as his legs were faster than expected. “We are almost getting there—Paul.” Staring at the dirty pen; my heart beat massively. “So Paul can you see that pen over there?” “Yes sir.” “That is your place of duty from today.” “Okay sir. Your name sir?” the old man walk straight to his hut. The wood pen was scary indeed with little wood raining on me. “How comes?” The question flowing out of my mind. The nylon on the floor where swine were sleeping was really hurtful as I suggest it must be good for covering the crack wall. The mire floor was porous. I was too tired and lonely in the abode I have not determine. “No father and mother to come to my aid. What do I do to save myself from this dying situation? am really hungry!” Resting without food in my stomach that was rumbling was so challenging. “Who do I run to? Oh God help me from my travails! I am willing to hear from you!” herd-of-swine sniffing their short narrow noses to my discouraging body. I never paid much attention to them since I was too hungry and in need of a good rest. From above the gleam stars signals the day is becoming darker. My palpitating mood was surrounded with screeches noise closer to me. The pen was unpleasant and serving as a transit for any escape from the herd-of-swine. The walls was covered with wet nylon I attached with mud. “Oh!: am I going to die here? May be yes or maybe no. But I can still survive only if this situation will be temporal.” Whirr of wings flying atop the leaking roof slamming everywhere covering me. “I know this will linger for a while. I am ready to fight these to the end. You evil bird go away. Please don’t disturb me!” The birds were approaching the roof with more circuitous manner. Their leisure was disturbing. Suddenly they flew away and calmness came. The quiet seconds was dramatic with a fist and bang. Silently the door was making some noisy vibration minute by minute as the room was eager to know the unknown.*
“Who might this be?” lurking footsteps was waiting for the door to be flung open in a murky atmosphere. “I demand to know your name?” “Jerry.” “Who is Jerry?” “Don’t be scared. It’s your master.” “Oh! Am sorry.” The rush was quick. Opening the door was tedious as it was locked from outside. “The key master?” “Paul look around and you will find a spare key hung on one of the swine body.” “Which one actually? Okay! Okay! I can see it. Come my friend. I need that which is hanging around your neck. Easy am here. Yes I have done it! Master are you still there?” “Yes I am still waiting for you.” “Hold on, master! I am doing everything I can sir! The lock is stiffed.” “Paul I will unlock the door from outside!” “You mean?” in a jiffy, the small doorway was welcoming with rags thrown to the direction of the mud floor. “Thanks master. A thousand blessing must await him I know that!” Crying wind forcing the door to close. Normal thick night was ever busy with its shiny stars. “I still need some food how do I get it now?” A grating voice maximizing in the dark as I became motionless. Sharp bright li
ght radiating from the moon was really helpful as it pierced the holes of the old roof. This was quite helpful in locating the little food in the room. The herd-of-swine really enjoying the slum near the mud. It shows they were hungry by the way they are rushing to tear the torn nylon on the floor. The food we were struggling for was in a plate which was stale. Inside the plate there lay hot faeces which was interesting to eat since there was no option of any food to eat. From far hooting of the owl deterred me from sleeping as if presentiment. “This new abode will be manage pro tempore.” Footstep of a prowler was zooming as the storm utter a howl. Fast slim lightning above the earth as presage to an heavy rain. Cold enough to shatter the spine was within the vicinity. No blanket to cover my body from cold. The grunting from the swine was disturbing as they were sleeping. It rained heavily in a fountain way. Still the wind was never hush as the hoarse voice was heard in the dark. The rain waggled. My digested food was satisfactory as I wink due to tiredness. Fruitful sleep was on its course as it led to a dream. Two muscular men burgled into where I was and held me tight as they chastised me. Any help that might occurred will be prevented by the rain. Their ambidextrous seems they were wrestlers who want to test how prowess I am. I forced out resistance to the kidnappers who kept trying to overcome me. Finally I was lifted to the huge waiting van. Yet again, the heavy downpour was horrendous. “HELP!” No one was in the mood to come out. Sitting inside the open space of the van was pleasant as there were a lot to see. “Mama!” “Are you out of your senses? don’t you see we are held ... captive?” “Is just that everyone is cruel—around me!” “So you mean it?” “Yes of course.” “Like how?” “I remember when I was working as a carpenter: my master always make money out of me due to my talent but still I receive pittance every day.” “Your case is not as bad like mine. So ... what is your name?” “Okoh.” “How on earth will someone with such a wonderful name refuse to be smart? Nevertheless, Paul is by your side.” “So that is your name?”
“Yes.” “So how did you end up being here Paul?” “It’s really a long story but I can give you a glimpse of the whole story. I was employed as a worker in a remote area.” “Like?” “I mean in the slum.” “To do what?” “To feed the herd-of-swine.” “What?” “Really Okoh! Mother always advice me to be a man if circumstances arise with no help.” “How about your father?” “He is in the horn of Africa doing what he likes doing—searching for job for the sake of his family.” “Which country is he?” “Somalia.” “I hope he doesn’t find it difficult there.” “Is just that I haven’t heard from him since.” “You mean?” “I am saying that we lost contact then I was a kid.” “So you must have been working towards meeting him.” “Like you say.” “Paul where is our captors taking us to?” “I should be asking you—Okoh.” “I guess we are heading for doom. We should better plan how to escape from this place now.” “Quiet!” The moving van suddenly stops as everybody was scared to their feet. Grisly look on the kidnappers was strange as they were fully ready for business. “Who goes first?” His wide mouth bursting out massive saliva like a bulldog. His wrinkle body was enticing to flies. Guns stashed to break any plan of escaping. “So?” blotch teeth was passing us from the kidnapper. Still perplexed over the experience our instinct couldn’t foretold us of this predicament. We are all faced with death or anything that might come short of our memory. Hunting for a decent job has speak volume of itself. “You two follow me.” My heart faint as our partners whose names were unknown to us alight the van and all we could heard was gunshot. “Okoh can you here that?” “Yes. Lucky to be alive Paul.” The van press on sluggishly. “I feel relief Okoh.” “I too Paul. Let us get set Paul. Can you see?” “What? Opening door! It must be that dangerous man; He must be planning evil against us.” “Silent! don’t talk. Be quiet.” “So you idiot boys has the right to speak! I will show you the other side of me!” “No ... We are only chatting.” The gigantic club on his hand was shaking with speed. “You what is your name?” “Okoh.” “Follow me Okoh.” “Have mercy on him!” “Paul please don’t leave me alone!” Stylish door of the van shut. Inside the van a gloomy state ran over me. “HELP! I don’t want to die! My mother needs me more! Consider me! Open the door I have something to tell you! Just believe me!” My knuckle was hitting the van. I was crying. The van was setting to stop. Suddenly the van door opens. “Get down!” The harsh word flushed. Getting down was difficult as the entire environment was strange. My eyes tied and my direction was unknown. All I could feel was that I am in a dungeon. Above me was noisy. Smelling urine spreading faster on my head. My feet move restless faster. I untied my eyes. Redolent blood was on the body of a dead creature. “HELLO!” No response from anyone. Rough night changing to morning. In the dungeon I could see what I was standing on. “It is a skeleton. HELP!! Is someone there to carry me out from this place? Whoa! It was a dream. How can I be dreaming such? This is so serious. Imagine that.” Heavy litres of water was poured on my body as my master has given his boys authority. “I was too tired sir!” mopping my brow was difficult as my master’s boys gathered me. Each of them were giving me hurling blows. They look adept by their scud punches. “You people are callous!” “Paul your stupidity is so much! Sleeping till this time.” Everyone are merciless merely looking at them. Walking forward with
pains in his eyes was the master himself— Jerry. He will decline to trade his herd-of-swine for anything else. “Forgive me sir.” “I thought you are bold enough to take care of my swine. You are finished, hence, I will deal with you. I will show you who I am! open your ears very well and listen to me. Hmmm. One step and after that death is certain if I can’t see my beloved swine I cherished more than you. I employed you barbarian to feed all my precious swine. You slept, now they have escaped. Where are my swine?” “Oh, they have escaped! I will check everywhere I can.” “Foolish boy!” Interesting vicinity was in total still. My partners of concern ready to help me. “Master we’ll join him to search for the swine.” “Listen to me boys it must be good news.” “Yes master!” “Master Jerry has a waspish way of handling issues.” “Really?” The person speaking to me was someone I never knew his name. “I am David. Don’t worry we’ll assist you. Guys we need to save our pal!” David was more open than the rest. “That is Atinko, Barak, they will also assist us Paul.” “How did you knew my name?” “Master Jerry told me. We need to divest for us to be successful in catching all the swine.” David dumpy height can be obstacle; I was baffled on how fast would he to make a catch. We move steadily round the swamp closer to the pen. Weed-out reeds on the surface of water was smelling. We move ditto as a way of laying an ambush. The wet bare ground was difficult to walk on. All the swine were directed back to the pen. Our team-work and perseverance was a success. “Thank you everyone! I appreciate your kind concern,” I expressed. Lilting and jubilation was heard everywhere, even the bushy environs can feel the ecstasy. “Paul let’s go and sit at that cement bench over there so as to acquaint you of our way of life in these place. We usually go and harvest some potatoes on the farm. That’s the only food to eat here.” “Who planted it?” I asked. “Me of course!” “David you mean it?” “never doubt me Paul; I know Paul: this specific point in time you shall also join our team. Glad being with you.” “Eating only potatoes every day! Is there no other way we can eat another food?” “No other way.” “I can’t still believe this. Imagine?” “that is how we have been surviving Paul.” David was fast to rescue his concealed sorrow. “What of if I decide not going to the farm?” “then I can say you are preparing to die of hunger. Paul start deciding for yourself before is too late. So ... Paul be careful with the master’s boy—Atinko.” My mind cut-off as the information was passed to my ear. “Thanks David for that,” I said. Barak who was tired as a result of hectic work sat speechless, wept as he could not remember when last he had seen his parents. He walk straight to us and inform us of how sad he was since his uncle took him away from his parents and maltreated him. “My uncle,” said Barak, “had caused many harm to people all because of a plot of land he has been battling from the village clan. Wicked as he is; he only trust himself and no one else that is the reason of his wickedness.” “But Barak: why would a human being presume to do evil in his mind?” “Really unfortunate as it is. Now we have to think of how to escape before we die of stress. A mission,” said Barak, “You can see Atinko coming like a mad man. I am sure Master Jerry has sent him to the forest to get some firewood for him.” “How did you know?” “we all know the way a man going to the forest looks. You can see his pouch hung to his shoulder.” “Paul!” screamed Atinko. “Let us go to the forest!” Atinko ordered. “Forest?” “Yes.” “Atinko give me more time ... please!” “hasten up as you can see we are short of time.” “Just now?” “yes Paul! We will be on a donkey soonest.” To me this was the best chance of vanishing. Only David and Barak would understand my plan. “Climb the donkey Paul and let us go!” I climb and sat. The ride to the forest was enjoyable. I blew out my cheeks as the air welcome us to the route I can’t stop gazing at. I was hungry deep in me. My eyeballs were weak to see further. First timers if not careful will lost their way home. hunters is not seen parading themselves everywhere. “Mother! You can save me.” “You are scaring me Paul.” “Okay I promise to be quiet.” “That will be good of you if you can.” Donkey we sat on running speedily. I calmed down fear that almost led to a determination to stop. “Hurray! We have escaped. Jerry would faint if he noticed it. We’re not slaves anymore!”
Riding on the unsmooth road of the forest which is rife with an afro-haircut was an herculean task. “I know this might be the first time of you been on a donkey.” “You got that right, Atinko.” “Different colours of birds flying; nice to see the wonders of the glade!” “I can’t remember if my father has brought me to the forest to see animals.” “It seems animals are something you love seeing—Paul!” “My father was an hunter; he inherited his rifle from his father when he was young.” “Good to hear that, Paul.” Soggy ground fizz as the donkey was walking. “Parrot!” “where Atinko?” “on the baobab tree.” “I can see it!” “monkeys also hopping on tree! Paul can we get down?” “I should be the first if you delay.” “Wait for me Paul!” “very soon the parrot will hide; I hate climbing trees besides my mother has warn me never to come closer to trees. an opportunity I can’t just let slip by. Atinko come quickly!” “at your back already.” “I almost think it was a ploy from someone.” “If not only me and you I don’t think a stranger is here.” “Call me a stranger Atinko.” “That parrot is too beautiful.” “You also admire it?” I asked. “Yes Paul! I saw it first you knew that.” “Well I can’t argue that.” “Assist me in climbing this tree.” “Difficult to accomplish; Atinko you won’t understand my word.” “That is jealousy, Paul.” “time is going.” “Paul I’m good at climbing tall tree. I’ll capture the parrot for you.” “O, such a nice person you are... Atinko!” I fidget. Atinko began to climb the tree. It was evening and the sun was dim. I sat on the grass and watch in case any assistance is needed. “Can you see me Atinko?” I screamed. “Yellow and blue, that is the colour of your shirt Paul!” I chuckled. As fast as he was; the parrot couldn’t believe Atinko is good in disguise. “In my hand! In my hand!” “be careful Atinko, don??
?t attempt jumping down.” I flatter Atinko; he crawled down. “This is it, have a look at it.” Beam was on Atinko’s face. “Keep it on the grass temporary since it is feeble to run.” I said. “That is weird Paul!” the single step of the parrot on the grass was funny. “Let us go after it Atinko.” We were smiling to us it was like a game. Our ecstasy was denied when we saw an enormous cobra by our side. We ran for safety. Fear supervened. “Where are we running to Atinko?” I asked. “Any direction Paul.” The sun was soft with its red glow. We wander about to the deepest end of the forest. “You could have knew that cobra was around—Paul!” “don’t say that because I have never see a cobra before.” “Let us rest here Paul.” “Bring out the parrot.” “From where?” “your pouch.” “I threw it away to the cobra!” “I love the colour of the feather.” “Forget about that Paul and let us get set to go to anywhere we can live.” “How do we explain this to Master Jerry?” “Paul we have escaped from the idiot.” “Why would you?” “Yes of course; the old bastard is a fool. I have worked with him as a slave for almost ten years without achievement. Often he flow out curses to my families and generations.” “How could he?” I questioned. “Just because the old bastard has no family. He lost everything he has when his families were set ablaze in the building they reside.” “How did it happen?” “a long time ago as he told me, he was a young man every ladies admire due to his promising future. Good in wrestling in the village; opposing forces are brought down by Jerry’s prowess. He arouse the king and his daughters, chamberlains with his tactic. All the maids of the king admire him with gladness and they always wish to wash his feet. Master Jerry was pugnacious. Attractive apparel tied to his waist as an honour. His fight were prolific; not even a defeat in the bout. Master Jerry was known in every places he goes to. People in the village sees him as king to come.” “How can such a wicked man be known? Okay maybe he is known for his evils!” “Paul it seems you hate that man. He may be nice far from his pen!” “Atinko he left me to eat swine faeces which he purposely did to show who he is.
Atinko a car is coming right at us. Help us, Help us!” “Paul that car could have been our haven. Now we lost it.” “Hello boys!” “Atinko the voice is from the tree.” “I’m an hunter!” “Paul be alert. Unearth yourself Hunter!” My aim of being an hunter was immediately felt as I stand face-to-face to the unknown hunter. Remembering the only picture I have; Image of my father and I right in the picture. Rifle of double mouth clutched to his hands. Our cold steps varied as we sway. Luck can be against us if we decide to run away. “Come forward boys!” The hunter ordered us to be courageous. We move closer to him as he came down from the tree spreading his hands to us for warmth embracement. I dipped into millions of thought while shivering. Surprisingly the hunter called me by my name. I was praying for the ground to swallow me. Atinko who was afraid from the onset ran to my back and whispered. “Don’t go Paul!” boldness in me overcame my palpitating belief. Atinko tapped me all through. “Put away your fear,” said the hunter. “Atinko let’s come closer to him.” “Are you out of your mind Paul? You have not met him before then why are you in a hurry to meet him? Be very careful. This man must be a serial killer. Come to think of it Paul: how did he knew your name?” “What did you mean by that Atinko?” “Please reason. This man is sent by God to help us.” “Are you mad?” Atinko so bold with his confrontations against me. The old pygmy smiling with his missing teeth as his hands were still laying forward. “You are lost I can see it in your eyes. Paul I am your father’s friend.” Running to him from his word seems joyous to me; my happiness was been found. “From the day you were born I can’t forget you. You have the zeal of your father. Tell your friend to come forward also.” “Atinko come closer we don’t have much time.” “Earth sky is fading and I want the two of you to follow me home.” I crashed into an avalanche of thoughts. How the hunter knew my name baffled me. As we walk quietly to his house my eyes was numbering our footprint. “This is the road to your home my children so be happy. Paul your father is like a brother to me. My name is Silas.” “What? So you are the kind person my mother is always talking about? Life is so strange. Mr Silas my mother told me how nice you can be.” “Is okay my son. So Paul where is your mother?” “She is so sick and the doctor diagnosed her of leukaemia.” “How comes?” “Am still confused Mr Silas. My mother situation is retrogressive. Am trying to raise money for her upkeep.” Atinko shook his head, join us in the conversation. “Mr Silas: Paul is too good as a friend. We met at the pen-house when we were working for our Master, named Jerry. Our job there is to feed the swine.” I pinched Atinko to be careful of revealing where we were working before escaping but it was too late. Mr Silas calmly yodelling an African music that was interesting as myself and Atinko engaged to sing the blissful music. To me I never knew Mr Silas was fast enough to hear what Atinko was telling him. “Strange things happens on this earth,” Mr Silas said. We finally got to his home which lays beside the road opposite the town. Mr Silas house suave, green and white colour of shapes trimming the environment in form of castle. Atinko never shy away from feeling the air of the house. “My first time Paul,” he says. “Good to see an hammock twisted around the three branches.” Fear ran from us as the air of the atmosphere increases. “Halima!” Mr Silas called his wife. Something beneficial communicated to Mrs Halima ear from her husband. Mr Silas brought out a wooden chair for us to sit. “Be comfortable with this,” Mr Silas pleaded. His hospitable really appreciable as he was prepared to make us happy in his house. I enjoyed every full treatment Mr Silas gave us despite he never knew us very well. I feel the cool air moving about undisturbed. “Thank you sir, this place is great, I like the cool atmospheric condition of here.”
“My wife Halima will soon prepare some food for you my children!” “Thank you sir,” I said. Atinko was about making a statement again I signal him with my eyeball. “Okay.” He snapped. “Atinko I thought you said something?” “No sir!” “well boys excuse me.” Our heavenly abode seems to silence me to a great surprise. “My children the food is
ready!” Mrs Halima was really fast in preparing the evening food for us and her husband. Her hands with a tray of food. “Please manage the little food and enjoy yourself!” Mrs Halima soft-hearted from her appeal. “Thank you ma. We’re grateful to you.” Myself and Atinko present our appreciation to Mrs Halima. Mrs Halima accepted our gratitude and walked away. The food was delicious indeed as Atinko rushed. After eating the food it began to rain. “My children: hurry up and come inside! Halima lead them to their room I showed you before the rain soaked them!” Mr Silas ordered his wife, Halima. Mrs Halima preventing us with an umbrella. Running to the room was not easy as everybody hasty to avoid striking of lightning. Cool air spread across four corner of our room, radio blasting with passion. Large fine hologram good to view. Image of Mr Silas and his wife smiling. “Mr Silas is humane, don’t you think so Atinko?” “um ... too early to conclude. He might be exactly what you think of him.” The pillow on our mattress ease tiredness out of us. Kipping, yawning, laughing in the room for me gladness is materializing. No disturbance of feeding the herd-of-swine. Memories of harsh treatment against me from my master now ended. Making friends with swine; eating their faeces, pretending to my master Jerry I love his herd-of swine had stopped. Loud snoring from Atinko really increasing bit by bit. Tired as Atinko was sweat on him ransacked the bed-sheet of our mattress. I stood sternly. Open window flashed. I peeked. “Bring it!” A scary voice of an hag whipping about in earnest, her hair half scrape. Street calmed. Dogs beaten heavily. Wetness of skins showing on both human and animals. I scowled. Immediately there was a power cut bringing the room to darkness. Huge desk beside the bed having all kind of torches to brighten the room. My hand was fast. I switched it on to look outside. Night overcame busy atmosphere. “In this rain?” another woman was having a large time chasing a lad. Broom were on her hand to reduce strength, agility, excitement from the lad. “Woman leave him alone!” My voice not thick enough in passing message of anger to her. “Leave him!!” every window danced, downbeat can’t correct any atrocities committed aright. “How do I save him from this wicked woman? Whoa! I need to come up with an idea. What of if something attack me?” murk, murmur, screams, screech, within each vicinity. I flick Atinko. Eddies pull anything easier inside our room. Massive drop of water finding its way into the room. Ceiling shaking like machines grinding granite. Mr Silas knew danger is lurking, empty bucket, blankets, raincoat to be used. “Paul jacket or raincoat?” “jacket sir.” “Give Atinko this blanket.” Atinko awoke from his long sleep. “Shift Atinko, thunder so easy penetrating here. Halima bring it! don’t waste time, please!” I was jaded. I need heat. Mrs Halima brought local stove, fire blowing cold away. The flames lambent. Thick blanket on Atinko. Mr Silas left us. Minute later Atinko continued his odyssey sleep. I ignore thinking, slept off. Yet another strange and dreadful dream. Mr Silas gently brought a steel box containing ropes and amulet. “My sons bend your heads, protection is important for two of you!” Bantus spoken, Mr Silas chew two cola-nut, knelt, rub the sand. “Your neck my sons!” Atinko’s neck wore an amulet followed by my neck. Mr Silas tap our back, clean his hands on his coloured singlet. “Animals, scorpions, spirit shall never hurt you my sons. Fear not; thick sun and rain can’t meet each other, hence you have both conquer any obstacles on your way.” As we were listening to Mr Silas as he encourage us; Mrs Halima shouted to her husband and pointed a long wand at us turning everybody to an animal. I was the smallest, hairy and brown. Mrs Halima remove a knife from her pocket of the gown she wore and started chanting slow incantations. “Tonight you animals will be eaten raw!” A bearded man with red caftan; pool of blood in his open mouth was coming to confirm how we will be used for and offering. “They are smelling good,” while looking up he whistled. Rain of fire came from above and turn into an iron cage locking us immediately. Mighty lions and tigers were just perambulating to pounce us. “Mrs Halima!” I shouted. “Come and unlock the cage, we need your help, hurry up! We are innocent and we deserve a better life!” “Quiet Paul!” sooner our bodies began to change back to the one of a human being. Mr Silas shrunk his fingers under his buttocks, remove a key and insert it through the padlock. “It works, walk out quietly, the lions, tigers have slept; but how do we understand this place?” “very easy Mr Silas, I can perceive it is that direction!” “Mr Silas, what of if we are incarcerated again,” Atinko asked? “Then get ready, be determine to face the last. Remember tonight is the sacrifice, it is must to be hasty. Hold my hands, say after me: Our blood is bitter. Our blood is sour to the witches and wizard! don’t give up for your lives! Wait!” Mr Silas wander to see if Mrs Halima and the bearded man is coming. Up, the firmament was twisting, turning earth round into blood. “Look!” “What? ... red sky? Can you hear that? The sound of bell, sacrifice intended shall commence soon. Close your eyes and say after me: I must overcome. God is with me!” “How comes another evil dream? Atinko wake up!” “O, While are you disturbing me from sleeping!” “I am not, is just that I have something to tell you.” “What?” “Quiet. Is Mr Silas still in his room?” “I can’t really tell Paul!” “Mrs Halima is a witch!” “don’t be silly, how can you ..?” “I mean it. In the dream I saw it. Tonight, something might go wrong!” “So what is the way out?” “We must escape from this strange place!” “Are you crazy? Don’t you see it is dark?” “Well … I am leaving right now!” “Now?” “Is everything alright with you my sons? I heard both of you quarrelling in the room?” “Not so Ma!” “Halima excuse us. I want to talk to them in privacy. Don’t forget shutting the door.” Mrs Halima left our room. “So let us be open to ourselves. Paul you have a bad dream!” “Yes sir.” “What’s it all about?” “A witchcraft.” “In my house?” “Yes.” “Take this amulet and wear it to prevent danger. There is still another one. I think Atinko will also make use of it. Take my son and do the same.” “An uncountable thanks to you sir,” I said. “My brother Collins lives in Lagos. In the morning you shall both go to meet him. He is better positioned to provide job for both of you. This is an envelope; hold it, later tear it, an address is inside, again there is ₦10,000 which is enough. A long bus shall take you to your destination. So we see tomorrow morning.” Mr Silas close our room door. I tried to sleep. The sleep unable to come as a confirmation of the dream. It was 6:00 a. m. When I manage to force myself to a short sleep. “Wake up! It is time for the journey.” Myself and Atinko were ready after bathing. “So let us go to the park my sons.” “Goodbye Mrs Halima!” “Bye my children.” We got to the park. Board a bus. Our journey was 450km to Lagos. I removed the envelope from my pocket and read through: No. 10 American road, Ikeja Lagos. We arrived successfully in Lagos. “Come down!” the driver of the bus shout
ed. We all alighted. Atinko was sharp to see an old time friend who took him to his house. I was alone to the house of Mr Collins with nobody to accompany me. Crossing over the pavement was difficult as this is my first time of coming to a large city like this. “I hope my luck will shine here in a favourable way.”