The Origin
(Episode 19)
She gave instructions to one of the two warriors that were with her. He bowed and disappeared into the darkness.
She led the way, and we followed. She walked like a seasoned warrior and wore a calculative look all the time. For us, our strength had suddenly returned. She knew the forest like the back of her hands and assured us of leading us out of the jungle before Hayakramah, and his soldiers found us.
We soon came across Michael’s rucksack that had dropped off when we were attacked earlier. After that, we turned into a path Hayakharet explained was not known to many but her and her regiment. She assured us that Hayakramah and his men would not find us. I soon realised why the path was so unpopular. The track was rough and challenging to navigate. We continued trekking far into the night. The full moon illuminated our pathway. Michael and I took turns in carrying Amitabh while Ubong lent support to Sister Elizabeth and Lilian as much as he could. At this time, I had lost all sense of time. All of our phones that served as our clocks were all gone. We eventually arrived at a place that served as a secret hide-out for Hayakharet’s regiment.
Hayakharet lifted a lid that opened into an underground store where the regiment kept extra supplies. She informed us that we would pass the night here and brought out animal skin mats and covers for each of us. The other warrior made a fire in the middle of the camp, and we gathered around it for warmth. Soon, the warrior that Hayakharet had given instructions earlier when we were leaving the settlement joined us now in the company of five other warriors.
They all bowed and knelt before Hayakharet. “Hahutaka, komitunga mi prinzeka,” they hailed. Greetings, commander, my princess.
“Hahutaka.” She motioned to them to rise.
They gathered around her and watched as she drew several plans on the ground with a twig. Their attention was rapt, and they nodded from time to time. She asked for their inputs at intervals, and they were generous with their contributions. They were her trusted and loyal generals. They deliberated at length after which they joined us around the fire. The aroma of the dear that they were roasting over the fire made my stomach rumble. I looked at Ubong, and he was already licking his lips. I smiled.
Before long, the meal was ready, and we all ate to our full. One of the warriors served us drinks. I didn’t know what kind of drink it was, but it tasted delicious, and my throat longed for more. It must be their local drink. I knew my friends too enjoyed the meal because I saw the way they were licking their lips and fingers. Ubong further confirmed that with the way he belched like someone who had constipation.
As we sat eating around the fire, we became relaxed and shared our stories. I watched Hayakharet from where I sat. The flickering flame illuminated her face and features. Examining her at such proximity made me appreciate her beauty. Without her nose mask, I could see her facial features now. God! She was savagely beautiful. Her hair was long thick braids that were styled to one side of her face. Her b*****s, though covered by her animal skin armour, were round and firm. When coolvalstories she stood up and walked towards the store, the moonlight bounced off her curves, and I saw her behind. Chai! My thing grew hard between my legs. The way she looked at me before she stood up, only God could tell what was running in her mind. She soon returned and rejoined the group.
“My princess, please tell us about Hayakunnah,” Lilian asked.
Hayakharet explained that Hayakunnah was the annual celebration of the birth of their principal deity, Hayak, the Great Hunter—the god of fertility and games. The festival was usually celebrated in the tenth month of each year and marked by great merrymaking, eating, drinking, dancing, and gifting. The hallmark of the festival was the offering of human sacrifice during the full moon. Whenever it was time for the celebration, Hayak usually provided the sacrifice. Someone would always wander into the forest and get lost.
“Ewwwww!” we all echoed at once.
“And that was what we were supposed to be tonight?” Sister Elizabeth asked.
The princess nodded.
“Blood of Jesus!!!” Sister Elizabeth screamed.
The generals looked at each other and laughed as if they understood what she said.
The princess continued her explanation. This year was different because it marked another fifty years of the celebration. And every fifty years, five human sacrifices would be required instead of one. She then narrated the origin of the Hayakites.
“Many, many, many years ago, the outside people—your people—chase my great, great grandfather enter this forest. He very very rich man and many servants have. The outside people not like him …”
To be continued … Watch Out for the Next Episode!
