4

Three days passed smoothly and the chief priest appeared in the palace. He met Ikenna sitting lazily, as always, on the throne.

He grunted and said in a very solemn and deep voice, "Greetings, your majesty. About the issue concerning Adanna's death, the gods were a bit angry. They said the dancer spoke against them so they took revenge." i hope he believes, because this is the only story i can think about, he thought.

Ikenna eyed the chief priest and said, "well, since its like that then its okay. Who can question the authority of the gods? Are you sure thats all, chief priest?"

"yes, that is all", he replied.

"then you may leave". Ikenna watched the chief priest leave with wary eyes, he knew something was up but didn't know what. He just shook his head and walked inside to gist with his brother.

<>

"Olanma, wake up!"

"Olanma!"

"Olan-"

"Oooooh, who is that na? I am tired!"

"Olanma, come... it's me Obinna"

"Ehn, what are you doing here?"

"Olan, open the door for me na... I'm getting cold out here"

ehen, Obinna is here... Let me make this wrapper a little bit shorter just in case.. Nobody can snatch him away from me, hahaha.... its okay like this, my small breast is looking big sha, she muttered to herself as she adjusted her wrapper.

"I'm coming"

Olanma opened the door and a heavy wind rushed in with screeching bats, she didn't have any opportunity to scream for help. The bats chewed through her and as the blood dripped, the wind blew it to the walls of the room.

The bats flew out with the wind as if nothing happened, all that was left were the bones and the writing in fresh blood on the wall: JIKERE EJIKERE!¹

1. JIKERE EJIKERE: be prepared