Journey To The Unknown

Episode 17

Ikemba and Egwuatu were a bit lucky that the
path to the stream was normally lonely.
Nobody passes there always, yet their shame
still covered their face. Due to the fact that
Adanna was the daughter of Onowu Udemba,
she ran home to call her father leaving Amara
and Chimma with the boys.

“You people are not ashamed of yourselves”
Nwadike broke the shameful silence that was
between Egwuatu and Ikemba
“Strong youths who should have gone for
marriage trying to rape girls. Tufiakwa!!”
Egwudike added but neither the girls, Ikemba
nor Egwuatu said anything.

Etewine was already on his way back from
Mama Nkwu’s place. As usual, he sneaked out
because he does not pay for the wine and
drinks he takes. With his wine bottle under his
armpit, he sang a drunk’s song and went
towards the stream path.. On walking few
meters he sighted Ikemba and Egwuatu walking
shamefully at gun point

“Heii!!… I said it!!” He exclaimed from afar
“I said it that this boy is an…” He paused biting
his fingers

“What should I call him now??” He asked
himself walking closer

“Yes, a pimp!! An Idiot, amu ezughi ike
(Unrestful Manhood)!!” Ete said boldly as he
stopped in front of them. The twins and the
girls greeted him which he unwillingly replied
as his mind was with Ikemba

“I told you” Ete said looking into the eyes of
Ikemba and hissed. He then turned to the twins
“There is no need asking what they did because
I know all about him” Ete said

“What are you going to do with them?” Ete later asked

“We want too take them to the Igwe for proper
punishment” Egwudie said and Ete laughed
which made them surprised

“Why are you laughing?” Nwadike asked
“Did I just hear you say Igwe?” Ete replied with
a question

“You are just wasting your time. If you are not
careful, your so called Igwe will punish you
instead of them. But if you insist, you will come
back and testify to my wine” Ete said and left
immediately without them saying anything.

They watched him walk away but later moved
on taking his words as the words of a drunkard..
*
Adanna and her father Onowu Udemba were
already at the Igwe’s Palace with two other
Chief elders Uchendu and Okwandu. Ukadike
was not present as he was with Anochie to
ensure his wellfare.

The twins entered with Ikemba and Egwuatu.
The Igwe angrily stood up immediately Adanna
already explained what happened. Ikemba and
Egwuatu knelt down pleading to the King.

Amara and Chimma went to Adanna. The twins
stood aside saying nothing as they felt that
Adanna has explained everything to the King
“Thank You Great Sons of Umuanyanwu” Igwe
commended the twins

“You have averted a great crime that will come
to our Land” He added

“Thank You Igwe” They replied. The queen and
Azuka were behind watching what was going on
“As for both of you, you know what you
committed” Igwe said

“Aru!! Abomination!” Uchendu exclaimed. The
Onowu swallowed his anger in silence not
trying to do anything silly.

“Now you know what faces you. You know the
consequence of your crime” Igwe added
“Igwe please!! Igwe please forgive Us” Ikemba and Egwuatu pleaded falling on the floor but the Igwe didn’t hearken to their plea. Lolo saw what was happening and walked to the Igwe
dragging him behind the house

“What are you trying to do?” Lolo asked the
Igwe

“What does it seem like I am doing” Igwe asked back

“Igwe, sorry to say but you are foolish!! Infact
you are stupid!!” Lolo insulted the Igwe
“How dare yo…” The Igwe tried to say
“Hold it Igwe. Spare me that authoritative
speech” Lolo said which statled the Igwe
“Ikemba and Egwuatu are the bravest men in
this village who will stand by you in everything”
Lolo said

“Yes, I know but they committed rape.
Abomination Lolo” Igwe defended

“There you get it wrong Igwe, they didn’t
commit rape, they attempted Igwe or did she
say they raped her?” Lolo asked

“No.. She was saved by the twins” Igwe said
“Igwe think!! Reason well” Lolo said hitting the
head of the Igwe with her hand

“Onowu and his crew has been planning to
dethrone you, and now they want you to banish
your strongest men who will fight for you then
so that they can easily do it and you want to
dance to their tone Igwe. You better reason
well” Lolo said and it rang a thought bell in the
Igwe’s head

“He didn’t rape her.. He never did Igwe” Lolo
said

“I have said my own” She concluded and left
and the Igwe bought her idea.. He walked out
to the throne again and stood

“Both of you stand up” Igwe ordered Ikemba
and Egwuatu who were still on the floor
pleading and they stood up

“Dry your tears” Igwe said and they cleaned
their eyes

“I warn you now that you never try such thing
again in this Land” Igwe warned them and the
elders and the twins were surprised
“You can go now, your sins are forgiven” Igwe
concluded and the elders went mad
“Igwe no!! This is not right!!” Uchendu said
“What is not right” Igwe asked sitting on his
throne

“Their punishment is to be Banished from this
land Igwe” Okwanku added
“But according to the Onowu’s daughter, he
didn’t rape her, he was about to do so” Igwe
said

“Igwe Aru!! You have done and said the
Abominable Igwe” Onowu spoke out. The twins
stood frozen as they recalled the words of Ete.
“How sure am I that they did it?” Igwe asked
“So we are lying or the twins are stupid to have
brought them here!!” Onowu asked angrily
“Maybe” The Igwe said disdaining them. The
twins left in disappointment. Ikemba and
Egwuatu happily left thanking the gods. Much
arguments and exchange of words between the
Igwe and the elders the Igwe got furious
“Get out from my Palace!!” Igwe ordered
“Igwe, you are chasing us?” Uchendu asked
“The calamity in this land is not enough for you,
you want to create another one” Okwanku said
“I said out! Guards!” The Igwe called on the
guards and they left in anger
“Adanna, let’s go” Onowu said to his daughter and they left with the guards pushing them out.

“Nonsene!! Idiots” The Igwe exclaimed and Lolo came out

“You did well Igwe” Lolo said and Igwe looked
at her

“Thank the gods I married a woman like you”
Igwe complimented and Lolo smiled but
frowned at the elders who were already
pushed out of the palace and walked out.