reunion

Chapter 10

As the sun rose in the once beautiful canvass of the sky of Dukawa village, there was nobody to bask and glorify the power of the solar energy. Everywhere was in complete disarray. Dead bodies of both mothers and children littered the ground. Scorched food still on the stove with fire ebbing away. It was obvious time had run out on them before their dinner came down from the fire.

At the village square, somewhat close to Ibrahim's makeshift laboratory, a giant vortex opened; Zillah and Ibrahim stepped out of it. Almost at once, a sudden dread came upon them. Ibrahim knew the Tamarisk had carried out their threat, but what he feared was the extent to which their fury went. As they walked, their eyes almost popped out; the entire village laid waste before him. Ibrahim trembled. It can't be! He said to himself. At that point, all he wanted was to find his mother. He understood the deep-seated hatred that Mubarak felt towards her, and definitely, his mother would be on his killing list.

Quickly, Ibrahim and Zillah doubled back to Alhaji Kabiru's compound. Their eyes widened in sheer horror__ All over the place was Tamarisk rounding up the village people. Hajia Shadia and the middle-aged folks were tied separately, and the children too. It saddened the villagers to see him because they knew the sudden death would consume him and his friend. For they were right, to be afraid. No sooner had the Tamarisks seen them than they opened fire. But Ibrahim and Zillah shielded themselves with their flaming sword, cutting up the bullets. Then Ibrahim bent his sword and released it, and fire darted out of the sword and consumed a few of the Tamarisk. Fear overwhelmed the remaining Tamarisks, and they abandoned their weapons and fled. Ambivalent emotions settled over the villagers, they couldn't believe what just happened.

Quickly, Ibrahim and Zillah freed the villagers, and peace returned to the village. Once freed, Hajia Shadia hugged and kissed her son, shedding joyful tears. For a moment, she thought she had lost her husband and son in one day, only for him to show up heroically.

"What happened to you?" she asked sniveling.

Ibrahim smiled and wiped her tears.

"I found the star that leads home, I found who I am,"

She smiled, not sure of what he meant, but she was glad to have him back, and she clung on to him as if he might disappear any minute.

By the time the sun receded, Ibrahim and the entire villagers gave their loved ones a quick mass burial, in the far region of the village.

"So what are your plans great, Isah?"

Ibrahim looked at Zillah and smiled.

"I am the great Isah, and the great Isah always has a plan, which is to bring peace wherever I go!" he replied.

Their eyes met, and Zillah smiled.