Ama Read Free Page B

again.
    â€œFather of Tigen, it is me again, Nandzi. It is true that I tasted the antelope soup, but I only took a small sip. I had no evil intent. If I have angered you by my conduct, I implore you to forgive me. I will never repeat the offence. I promise.”
    â€œStop that mumbling,” said Damba, and then, “Oh, oh. Trouble ahead.”
    He secured the leads of the pack horse to his saddle.
    Nandzi noticed the concern in his voice and raised her head. In the distance, ahead and across to the left, a figure approached them on foot along one of the raised pathways. She recognised Itsho's familiar form.
    â€œItsho,” she called, but the light breeze carried her voice away.
    Damba said, “Shut your mouth.”
    He brought his bow from his back and pulled an arrow from his quiver. At the pace they were moving, their path would cross Itsho's. Nandzi raised her head again. Itsho had seen them and halted in his tracks. He, too, had his bow at the ready.
    â€œItsho, Itsho!” she screamed again.
    This time he heard his name called.
    â€œIt is me, Nandzi,” she called. “Run, run for help. The Bedagbam kidnapped me. They are many. On horses. Run, run or this one will shoot you.”
    Itsho hesitated. Then, slowly, uncertainly, he moved back the way he had come, watching them, keeping just out of range.
    â€œNandzi,” he called back. “Is that you?”
    Nandzi repeated her warning.
    Damba shortened her horse's lead, bringing her closer so that he could pummel her on the back with his free fist, crying “Shut up, shut up!”
    Knowing that Damba did not understand their language, she called again to Itsho, who had had second thoughts about fleeing and was again approaching them.
    â€œItsho, keep clear. It is too dangerous. Run. Get help. Follow our trail. Catch us in the night.”
    Damba reached down fiercely and placed his hand over her mouth. Then she remembered Nowu. She sank her teeth into a finger. With a curse he snatched his hand away.
    â€œItsho. Nowu is all alone in the compound. He is feverish. Go for him. Please.”
    Itsho stood at a safe distance and watched them pass.
    â€œNandzi. I have heard you. I will do what you say. Never fear. We will rescue you as soon as darkness falls. The Bedagbam are cowards. We will kill them all. To the last man.”
    Damba watched him uneasily, bow at the ready. When they had passed by, he kept looking over his shoulder.
    Nandzi saw Itsho follow the horses' tracks back towards the compound. Her pain returned. But the encounter had given her comfort and hope. She fell into an exhausted, uneasy sleep.
    * * *
    Nowu was lying under Tabitsha's mango tree, fast asleep. Itsho felt his forehead. He was still warm, but the high fever had passed.
    â€œNowu, wake up. We're going to look for your Mama.”
    â€œWhere’s Sister Nandzi?” asked Nowu.
    â€œNow up on my back,” replied Itsho, not knowing how to reply.
    â€œBad men took Nandzi away,” Nowu said, to no one in particular.
    â€œI know, Nowu,” said Itsho. “And just as soon as I have handed you over to your mother, I am going to chase those bad men and beat them and bring Nandzi back to you. I promise.”
    * * *
    By the time Itsho reached the dead man's compound, the funeral party had left for the burial ground. Itsho handed Nowu into the care of Sekwadzim's wizened elder sister.
    Sekwadzim's clanswomen were carrying his body, wrapped in cloth, to the grave side. As Itsho arrived, the cloths were being unwound. The dead man was laid naked on the ground, his hands over his genitals. Itsho could say nothing until the ceremony was over. One by one the elders addressed the dead man, reciting his virtues and asking him to greet their ancestors at the place where he was going. Impatiently, Itsho shifted his weight from foot to foot. To whom should I tell the bad news ? he wondered. Tigen is always distant when I greet him. Tabitsha, I know,