CHOICE IN A THIN LINE Read online

CHAPTER SIX

  “Kenya is a lovely place to be. Students, right choice to make!” “Kenya!” it appeared as big surprise when our pilot mentioned our unknown exact destination. “Mr Adewale, your students seems surprised.” “I was warned not to reveal where we are heading to. Paul Collins this is a precious gift I have for you. I promised giving you when I am back from symposium.” “Precious book.” “So... your $15000 is beside your seat corner, Mr Pilot.” “Orube!” “Oh, accept my apology Orube.” “I can see we both negotiated well Mr Adewale.” “Sandra hold my knapsack.” I alerted her. “Okay Paul Collins.” “I taught first time when I came to your class Paul Collins.” “I was told you were appointed college coach.” “Yes. I specialised in teaming up with the management for students to write a short test so as to travel to place they may not have heard or seen before.” “Sir, Is this first time students of our college will travel to Kenya?” “you have said it. First in history. You all are fortunate. I will say gold trophy you won assured our journey.” “Like how?” “The $30000 prize reward helped us to raise $15000 for this journey.” “That means there was no money travelling to Kenya until our college sprang surprise?” “Kenya was not our destination. We were heading to the northern part of our country before.” “Paul Collins thank you very ... much!” my classmates present. “Bravo must unleashed vengeance, to him, he believes he is wrongfully dropped just for his role in the violent protests.” “I did that. Bravo name is swapped for Michael.” “I am fortunate!” Michael vibrates. “Son of a pauper parents would never imagine himself in an helicopter,” I voiced out. Journey air is sweet, kiting birds playing with one another. I checked images through narrow porthole; I became puzzled seeing creatures of earth turning to midget. Mr Adewale brought a folded map from his pocket, spread it widely and show us countries of each continent. “This is Kenya on east African region.” “Which class are they?” our pilot asked Mr Adewale. “Primary four.” “I have a son also in primary school, but he is in primary three.” We enjoyed cool weather on the way. “Retirement soonest!” “I share your gladness,” Mr Adewale said eagerly. The pilot tap control buttons facing him and speed from our helicopter increases. “Good engine. It can never fail me.” This time again, a gear was shift up; our helicopter blades swung more louder. Strong breeze pulled Sandra off her seat. She screamed to survive her gory encounter. When look from far, one might conclude she is of a Rastafarian family. “Fasten your belt!” our pilot ordered. “Two decades of piloting is not a day job. I shall not lose anyone of you.” Mr Adewale took all blames as his while he held Sandra tight. “Your saving grace is your belt you mistakenly ignored.” Jonathan woke up after having a little sleep. “I hope no problem?” “everything is in control,” our pilot gave out. “Brave Maasai cherished their cattle. Don’t for once kill any of their cattle.” “As I am with them they won’t.” Mr Adewale reminiscent us of our reason for coming so far. “Map reading can save anyone in case something wrong is about happening in a strange land. Approach it with calm and it will give all you need.” “Can I land on rock when we get to Kenya?” “O, no change that plan sir.” I remark. “When viewing animals stand on rock to keep off from danger. I tell you this because as a pilot I have seen a lot.” I rest head of mine on back seat where our pilot sat. I think of Bravo how decisive he might be as class monitor. Boss also in my mind; when back from Congo he won’t hesitate seeing me. “Paul Collins sit up.” “Sandra I want to eat some chocolates, do you have any?” “I have one, take it.” I remove the wrap, eat anxiously. I wondered if our helicopter can deliver; 14hours had gone still there is no hope we can get to Kenya before dark. While on air, evening turned into night. “Bring out your torch if you have Paul Collins. I can’t find mine, I may have forgot it.” I flashed to direction of each portholes. I quietly licked lips of mine due to fear. “Map with me is not useful for now. When everywhere is bright I would not hesitate using it.” Mr Adewale declared. “Students, they could prove to be too tired when travelling far. As pilot I must stay awake in case of danger.” No image shows to guide us to the exact location to land. “Landing in a dangerous zone can be dangerous, sir be careful!” “This money is for going and coming. I must get back to lift all of you, be fully ready, any place I land should be that place I want you all to wait for me when I am back.” “We shall wait till your arrival. I told the headmaster in a week time, we must have land back.” “I hope there is enough money for all upkeep?” “more than enough is with me.” “Good luck to you all.” I sang just to make our state lively, sleep slow my music to its barest minimum. Sandra continue as she noticed I am becoming too weak to push on. I resisted sleeping, now focusing on button directing our helicopter. All I needed is becoming familiar with each button so as preventing calamity when something goes wrong. “Almost close!” the stressed helicopter touched down lately. Looking through the porthole, I almost fainted, gloomy atmosphere contributed to my fear. Noisy blade still swinging harder. “Get down gradually,” the pilot instructed. “Be all careful since there is no one to speak to. But I suggest there may be somewhere safe to rest until the morning appears.” “No problem in that. I shall handle every situations. You can now go.” The helicopter stopped, started again, lift up and continue its journey as programmed. “Globetrotter hard to find. Paul Collins focus your torch on our route. Snakes can be hiding closer here. Do you hear that? Something hissed.” Unseen crickets chirps around us. “Most animals in safari park are sleeping by now. I don’t know exact location of the safari park, trust friendly Kenyans, they must show us that place.” “I am tired, I need rest,” Sandra pleaded. “Hold your hands like a team!” Mr Adewale never showed tiredness throughout our journey. “Once spotting any good place fit to rest don’t waste time alerting me, Paul Collins.” “I will sir.” “Yes, this should be okay for now!” a grassy area free from poisonous reptiles was our right place for the night. Tall grasses tempted Mr Adewale, he hesitated not in cutting the grasses within his reach. He put it into his small bag. “Your knapsack can’t take all this, Paul Collins.” As we rested, I brought out all the grasses, twisted it and form a local roof to guard our heads. Thick part of it is used as pillow. “Good boy, I cherished your creativity.” We laid closer, distancing ourselves is last thing in our minds. Troublesome mosquitoes flushed themselves to disturb each of us. I refused sleeping. Noise of mosquitoes around Mr Adewale led him slapping himself. “I dislike this noise. Emm... is anyone of you hungry?” “no!” we expressed. “I have pack of biscuits in my box. Paul Collins where is my boxes?” “beside me sir.” “Oh! So close, pardon me is stress.” Sandra pushed herself up, use her warm jacket to cover herself fully as cold in Kenya shifted to our place. I crawled facing Sandra. She was backing me, I pinched her, she screamed. Sandra taught it is snake
that bite her. Mr Adewale watching me while drinking a bottle of water. “Paul Collins why now?” “I want her to be ready for the worst.” Sandra got annoyed with me, pushed me away. “I want you to apologise for your wrongdoing.” I apologised not long, things became normal again. I faced the moon, stars, watched how they moved simultaneously. “Our college is not cool as this place.” Mr Adewale strike the matchstick to its matchbox, flames burnt remnant of idle grasses on ground beside me. I shifted to feel that warmth heat I refuse missing. “Sleep all of you. Snakes hate coming closer to flames. I promise you nothing can come and attack.”

  Hooting push louder at deep end. I panic for our lives, I recalled I had heard brave Maasai tribesmen join hands to save travellers attacked by lions. “Paul Collins try sing for us to sleep.” Pressure seems to be growing on me to act when my service is needed. “I have a song.” “Title first!” “Do you all wish knowing the title?” empty response from my classmates led me to delay singing. I adjusted myself, stand erect in an open posture, my head held high, my chest raised, forehead, lips, and mouth relaxed. After a brief fictitious name of mine; I lunched into a much anticipated tone. “This music I had intend singing is titled—SWEET MOTHER!” “start, I am losing patient.” My saliva running dry as I sang minute by minute. How could I say of my classmates, my teacher who were weeping profusely as they imagined such music still exist. “I can’t cope. This music is reducing my happiness,” Sandra warned. Sandra fold her hands backward, walked down distance, my music refreshed her memory back to what is only known to her. Quickly, Mr Adewale pulled out his sharp-edged knife, to him, he noticed an hidden person calling Sandra. I stopped singing, shout back Sandra to come. Echoes still wallowed in deep end. We ran hastily grabbing Sandra down as she force for freedom. She overpowered us, stood up, flung her hands crying as she confessed my music allowed her remembering her mother. “Sandra we are going to stay not long, your mother shall see you, don’t panic.” Mr Adewale said. Getting back, I sat, refusing a dime of sleep. Rattling noises around each corners is a preparation for any attack. Mr Adewale opened one of his boxes, brought out a light blanket, covered our bodies. I stretched comfortably. “Breath silently!” Mr Adewale advised. “Safari park is closer. Friendly Maasai grazing their cattle must lead me there.” “Sir; can we trust them?” “why not!” at expected, we all slept closer. Our sleep was sliced down by croaking from the frogs. “Water front us? Morning so ... fast? Damn!” “be all ready. Look over there!” gigantic colourful peacock dancing near a grassy field. “It is welcoming us to Kenya!” I announced. “Bamboo is necessary, we shall walk around to cut as many. Local thatched house is good to live in.” It came like an hunting game as I ransacked all tall grasses distracting me from noticing a bamboo tree. “Here! Here!” I traced the tree to its roots. “Start cutting it!” I climbed, cling to the bamboo tree and pushed four trunks down. Work was in progress, I walked barefoot, carried heavy bamboo on head of mine. I pant heavily, as I took each log of bamboos to site of use. Others hit down their bamboos not long I arrived. Quadruple quagmire swallowed heap sands we poured on the specified site good to live. Sandra looked at me glassily, I understand she needs water, rill distance from our home had enough water for drinking; I fetched water with a plastic bowl, carried it home so that our strength can increase. I slopped my water on our temporal house. Drained from the plastic bowl. “What do we eat now? Paul Collins have an idea?” “bush animal!” “Yeah good idea. Get set, hunting hour!” I and Mr Adewale hold a sharp mouthed filmy bamboo as a spear for hunting. Home is far reaching as we walked distance. “Nairobi had impressive lands, this is one of it. Over there is two significant African landmarks. To the north lies Mount Kenya, at 5,199 meters the nation highest mountain and second highest in Africa. Slight chance can allow us to south.” “To see what?” I asked. “Mount Kilimanjaro, highest mountain in Africa, of a 5,895 meters. Snow ice on it.” “Sir, the Maasai can take us there.” “Not here for that. Hunting game brought you and I here.” An hungry squirrel hopped from a baobab tree. Mr Adewale caught it by the tail. Thirty-minutes walking home easy since none of us spoke while walking. “Dry wood, Jonathan set it,” Mr Adewale instructed. I pull of the skin of the timid squirrel, roasted it alive. Scent of burnt meats raise our appetite. We ate hungrily leaving behind no traces of bones.*

  “Peg is going to be useful. I must get one.” Mr Adewale smooth a fat bamboo trunk to a size. “Now hang your cloths on it!” the peg went deep into the sand; only top of it faced up. “Brush your teeth one after the other. Wash yourself with that water in that bowl, please look good; today is that day we had been waiting for. Safari park is not far.” I was excited, what I wait hearing is enough to believe I did not come far to a wrong place. I droop all cloths on the standing peg. “Ready sir.” “So quick all of you? Are you sure you all wash yourselves?” “Yes!” we yelled. “That direction is a fast route. Hold this map Sandra!” Mr Adewale focused on a district that will easy our journey. “Move!” marching to safari park is strenuous, four hours of walk weakened me. “River!” sprawling slums beside the river make it hard diving to swim. “I want to swim!” “Paul Collins is everything okay with you?” “yeah.” “You can but be careful.” I dip myself into the nearby slum. Everyone watch as they see how prowess I had with slum. Cool river in Nairobi good swimming. “Paul Collins be careful!” Michael warned. “Something, I can hear violent slashing!” “come out Paul Collins! Come out!” “it is crocodile. I don’t want to die, help me!” “stay where you are, I am coming!” Mr Adewale save me unhurt, I was grateful to him for his quick response. “Many gigantic crocodiles inside there.” “Your fault, lucky enough crocodiles didn’t harm you.” “Hills!” “Jonathan that is exact place I want to feel.” Till now there is not even one person we came in contact with. Cattles feed on dry grasses, some of them running for their dear life as they noticed our appearance. Climbing the hills melt my mind. Sandy holes breaking crunchily. “Careful or else something unpleasant might occur.” “Yes. Yes master.” Distant animals seen easily from the hills, I still search for one single person. No Maasai guiding their cattle. “Can we live here?” “Paul Collins if yes, wrong decision to make.” “This is my second house. I won’t go back to that shanty place.” “Maasai tribesmen rest on hills, if they spotted us they might think we are poachers.” “Paul Collins take, study this map very well. Quick!” map I expect is different from the one I saw. “This is map of Kenya. World map with me can’t help. It is useless for now!” animals running away never knew we are on top of the hills. As I peek towards map of Kenya, something tells me we are far from where we prayed to see. “Sir. Long way going, this is route to Kenya-Tanzania border. Kilimanjaro is not too far.” “O, the pilot land
on wrong place. How do I call for rescue? He won’t even come now.” “You paid him sir. He has all right to come and complete his mission.” “What mission again?” “taking us to safari park with no stress.” “Let me call him!” Mr Adewale dialled hurriedly as he frowned. “No service. I need to get down.” “Keep trying sir.” “Umm, no matter how I persist network can’t be good here.” Mr Adewale about getting down, noticed a man carrying firewood on his head. “First person!” I start imagining how possible it is for me flying down, so that, that man can show us route to safari park. Mr Adewale seems predicting what I intend doing. “It will be a fatal blow if you die this way!” I changed my mind. “He has gone, forget about him, another person can show up.” Mr Adewale encouraged. “That idiot pilot, he must apologise when he come back for us. Safari park is not even around here. Oh my God!” “Paul Collins don’t create panic around your classmates.” “He is speaking angrily because he thinks that pilot betrayed not only himself but we as well.” “That is enough. Let us work towards success, we didn’t come far to trade blames.” Self mistrust rammed into everyone, making our state dolorous. “Bravo may not wished me well. I scored same mark with him; I was selected instead of him on favouritism. I won’t smile until I leave here.” “Is this a blame? I brought you based on your intelligent way of doing things; besides, you have one mark ahead of Bravo. I prefer you instead, anyway!”

  “Paul Collins can you have a stroll with me?” “stroll on hill? wild animals can attack us!” Mr Adewale impossible to explain his mind, rather, he deposited a sharp knife with me in case wild animal attack. Strange hills we were seems unpredictable. Eyes from classmates of mine stared on me especially as if I was going to death mission. Careful as we were, I walked down silently, held Sandra closer by her arm. “Be careful Sandra!” she pant, stopped, continue fighting down beside me. Sandra’s sore eyes is a worry to me, I refused to ask her boredom questions that is enough to add injury to her concerned state. “I think of dad, mom and my siblings especially.” “In a moment time, our mission is going to be accomplished, have you ever imagined to see yourself take photograph near series of uncommon animals? Mr Adewale had his personal small camera with him.” “Paul Collins you stand on my way as I have made decision of turning back.” “4500 km is not a day job. Are you planning to trek?” “I only need one horse to accomplished that task of getting back home.” “So, you conclude walking anywhere to find concerned Maasai that will assist you?” “cool water!” “I-I suggest we both go to rest beside it.” Easy climbing hills change its kind nature, turned cruel by denying us down. “This route Sandra.” “No. That route, is easier there, than here.” We rambled down successfully. “Shallow water. Crocodiles can’t hide. Water not deep.” Beneath the hills, entrance to a place where people may be living was seen. “Paul Collins someone helpful may be living inside!” “Brave Maasai, you want to say.” “Hello... is someone in? We need your help!” “Sh-shut up Sandra. Don’t jeopardize our lives!” “As for me, best way to express myself is what I did.” Safari park excursion had placed a mistrust on me within. “What is this Paul Collins?” “billboard!” “Welcome To Nairobi. A place of cool waters!” “O, how delighted I am to see sign of possibility of getting closer.” “Safari park is not situated near this endless field. It can be in the city.” I write on sand to show that visitors came, left a mark showing they were not descendant of Kenyans. “Sing that music Paul Collins!” “you mean sweet mother?” “of course.” I sat in the shallow water, Sandra sat on sand guiding the water. I start singing. I could hear Mr Adewale harsh voice, shouting us back. While catching fun on strange land we met, night descended and spread her gentle dark thickness everywhere. “Are my dreaming? Night?” “here is better than there. Only that Mr Adewale would unleashed his anger upon us.” “Michael, funny boy.” Sandra introduced another discussion, eager to leave behind bunchy sorrows. “Yeah. I recalled he teased me in mood of anger. Believe me, I just laughed.” “Dad saw how funny Michael is, last buck on him went to funny Michael.” “Dad. How do I see him?” “my dad?” “who else?” “on patrol mission as naval officer.” “I shall one day be a navy.” “Intelligent person you are, not brave, your eyeballs had shown that.” “Judge me not by my eyeballs. I am confident I will serve my country!” “by then, I would have been trained pilot flying across Africa.” “Appreciating choice. Work towards it.” “Aviation school is next college I must go to. I enjoyed watching airplane moving on air.” “Roaring lions. Hide beside this place.” Unseen lions roaring not far from where we hid. I set the knife Mr Adewale deposited with me. “Kill it if it comes Paul Collins!” “trust me.” Sandra watched to see how courageous I can be since I lay out my intention of becoming a navy. “First test joining the navy is braveness. Show that braveness of yours.” Chance to survive is little when faced with wild lion, I had not even see how mighty the lions are, full confidence rain on me. Mr Adewale is that person not good to disobey. He won’t stopped me from going anywhere. I took that as an advantage, now, I bear the consequence with Sandra. Minutes action ended, no lions attacked. I breath relief. “It had gone!” “funny Michael he had voice to mislead lions away.” “Whoa!” “but he lies much.”

  “Michael?” “one you know. He argued that Mr Adewale eats three full grown turkeys daily. I didn’t agree that. How can such man having small stomach consumes three full turkeys ?” “trust yourself, don’t speak for others.” Possibility of vision is denied, I flashed another torch I carried along with me. “Dry woods. This matches may disappoint, let me give a trial!” fire spread out, I now hope is easy for Mr Adewale to locate where we are. Hours after fire was set, the flames pushed up, gradually portending danger. “Chocolate girl. Have some chocolates for me?” “I left it behind.” “Where actually?” “bamboo house.” “Eh!” “is true.” “Supposing we can’t find our way so you mean we are dying here of hunger?” “chocolates is not enough to satisfied anyone far away.” “But what of if that is the last option?” “it won’t still satisfy.” “Sandra, I believe you have it in your pocket.” “Check it yourself since you have doubt.” “Trespass, I won’t do that.” “Paul Collins ask me what!” “what Sandra?” “all my packets of chocolates is for you!” “caring girl, very soon, I shall be having mouth pain.” “I can change my mind.” “Change it when I have had consumed it.” “Too many chocolates is harmful. Finish two pieces no matter how long we stay.” “If days past nothing change, definitely chocolates shall be only food I will eat.” “Ask me what again?” “what?” “bleeding gums traced to much consumption of chocolates!” “another new tale. This must come from Sandra TV network in Nairobi.” “Seriously it is true. Much of it is bad. Even me, I eat one piece weekly.” “I learn new things daily. One life I have is prevented from going due to ignorance.” “Wait, Paul Collins. Imagine if where our pil
ot dropped us is abode for cannibals. How do we do?” “moment of landing will tell. Strange creatures will gather to touch the helicopter. That would be beginning of display, rolling blades will slice them quick. Attack can come immediately as the pilot departs.” “Something tells me be prepared Sandra!” “I will stay awake till daylight.” “Tell me something I longed to hear.” “Cassava. I almost eat it daily during the time I was with mom. I chew raw cassava, sometimes, I roast rotten cassava as hungry increases. Mom always warn me of severe consequences of eating rotten cassava.” “Are you farming before?” “why do you ask?” “farmers badly hungry eat rotten cassava on their farm.” “No money to eat desired food. Mom sleep hungry five times weekly.” “And you sleep with roasted rotten or raw cassava in your stomach.” “I cooked cassava during the time our neighbours are through cooking.” “Worst poverty to experienced. Cooking on neighbours fire.” “I had all sorts of names. Some neighbours even send me to wash their dirty plates.” “Such neighbours are callous.” “I get chased with brooms for mistakes.” “Is mom aware of that?” “mom always cry, later, she go pleading with the neighbour I offended.” “Mom had bear pains for you her son.” “Sandra, I discovered mom body so wet, one evening, neighbours did that.” “Pour water on mom’s body?” “for me to refused to heed to instructions.” “Instructions about what?” “carefully handling breakable plates.” “You broke all?” “I broke dozens of it. Working to satisfy twenty-three neighbours led to that.” “Is that a charity work?” “must work if I want remnant food.” “Is mom aware dozens plates were broken?” “I almost told her, but during midnight, she had slept.” “Next day?” “I conclude it is irrelevant.” “Then, did you embarked on vengeance mission?” “Sandra, I refused to work for that neighbour that treated mom so low.” “So Paul Collins, if mom was beaten, that would had been the end?” “Sandra. Our neighbours know how quiet mom was. I caused it. That water could had wet me, but I wasn’t around.” “Any contributions during mom’s illness?” “neighbours that contributed gave me severe beaten if I did an unpleasant job not worthy.” “Mom illness resulted them to do that?” “Yeah! Yeah!” “Shit!” “Sandra I can’t tell more of my past. Mom suffered pains I won’t forget easily. Mom!”

  Disturbing insects kept stinging me. Words were not enough, I had to sleep since I am short of words. “Paul Collins you got me so annoyed. I hate to be troubled. How do I explain this to my boss that you and Sandra went without coming back?” Mr Adewale ready for task ahead, his combat-shorts were rough, dirty, squeezed. “Follow me!” he ordered. “Sandra. Sandra!” as she heard her name been called she ran, sleep were not off her. “Wait. It is me!” Sandra came begging for her role she played. “I have forgiven both of you. To the bamboo house.” Much drama await everyone at bamboo house. Jonathan turned wrestler, tumbling Michael to the ground. “Hey, end this nonsense. I found them!” “Welcome, Paul Collins. Welcome Sandra. I alone went far looking for both of you.” “Thanks Jonathan.” I said. “Michael are you okay?” worried Michael lie speechless, he held his head tightly. “Broken bone. Jonathan had broken the only bone that gives me strength.” “Hold on, I can massage your bone. Turn!” “I can’t. I can’t.” Mr Adewale stretched Michael hands, he shouted painfully, allowing flock of birds to run for safety. “Eat, rest, I don’t think you can follow us along.” Sober mood I put forward really touched Mr Adewale. “I caused it. Michael had never told me he loved wrestling. Idled mind led him to try it.” “Sorry Michael. If I caused a fracture forgive me!” “give me that blanket, we need to keep him away from cold. He is weak.” “How do I get food for him, sir?” “I plucked lots of fruits, before I left to look for you, I told Michael to eat more for enough strength.” Mr Adewale ironically abusing Michael for his sleazy strength. “He shall be fine, I hope so.” “Go inside Paul Collins. Fruits await you and Sandra. Eat. Eat.” In, piled fruits, ripe for eating arranged according to its colour. “Is there fruits tree here? I am baffled.” “Me also.” “Maybe someone brought this.” “Mr Adewale would have told you.” “Why not you Sandra.” “He can’t. Mr Adewale prefer talking to you.” “What I did really touched him. Supposing I was around, me and him could had gone plucking this fruits.” Twelve fruits I ate satisfied me more than eating five plates of rice. “Shift Paul Collins. Michael needs rest.” Mr Adewale carried Michael like a baby, put him down. “Where is Jonathan sir?” “I ordered him to stay alert in case he noticed something strange coming.” “Can I assist Jonathan outside?” “yes.” “Sandra satisfied?” “Okay for now.” “Assist me outside. Me, Jonathan can’t do it alone.” “Come together, let us pray.” As prayer goes on; Michael began turning side by side. “Michael is there something bothering you?” Michael refuse answering Mr Adewale. “Prayer is key to his speedy recovery. Now, I must increase the prayer.” As prayer increased, Michael stood up, forcing himself outside. “Wonders. Michael is perfectly okay. You can see, it works.” I was unable to think clearly, it came as big surprise. Hag-ridden state Michael present is now over. “Paul Collins is this spear preferable?” “God sent it here?” I asked. “Searching for fruits made me to see it. Brave Maasai left it beside that fruits tree.” “My boss brother, Mr Silas had exactly this spear.” “Paul Collins, is your boss brother a hunter?” “skilful hunter.” “Did he taught you how to use it?” “he never. Mr Silas had interest in me, he may not want me hunting.” “Precious spear. Paul Collins I noticed one thing. Royal mark on this spear. Only King had mark on their spear.” “Sir. I can’t argue what you said but I doubt if is true.” “Take a look at this.” Nine letters written in Kenyan language. “Read it out Paul Collins.” “I don’t understand Kenyan language.” “It Says—King Erodo.” “Sir. There is a big problem!” “no problem.” “This spear is for the King of Maasai. He must come to take it any moment.” “Leave that to me. King Erodo should ask himself how comes his spear is beside the tall fruits tree.” “A King spear. This is splendid. King Erodo must be a great King.” “One day Paul Collins. Do you hope of becoming a powerful King with a spear like this?” “No—sir!” “Tie this rope around the edge, hang it when through.” “Sir. It is heavier.” “Maasai warriors pay that price. Months, spear is with them.” “I now share their burdens. I don’t mind since we are both Africans.” “Good of you. I wait to hear that. Up Sandra, come along, location of safari park is our mission.” “But sir, I am inactive.” “Try Sandra. No. To leave you alone here is big risk.” “Sandra please understand. Stand up and follow me.” How delighted I was to see Sandra forcing herself up. I wedge entrance of the bamboo house with a circular stone. Jonathan stood in wait. His eyes focused on dancing trees afar. I checked around to catch a full of Michael. Surprisingly, Michael had engaged himself in an assignment known to him. “Jonathan, is he alright?” Mr Adewale
asked. “He needs clues about this place. Imagine sir, one person, by mistake hadn’t pass. Is this ghost city I had been hearing about? Sir. Let us work out solutions.” “I had concern too. This whistle, take it. As we walk, anything you spot by chance, don’t waste time to blew it. Paul Collins use this spear very well in case something happened to me. Guide everyone safely when I am no more.” “Nothing whatsoever shall forced your life out. I must surrender my life instead of yours.” “Paul Collins fight bravery when I die.” “I came here for one thing, to catch glimpse of tamed animals. Again, not here to see your end. I must fight along for everyone’s victory.” “Got it right. Leader also get injured as battle tensed. So carry on if I fail to act.” “I found something!” Michael brought bow and arrow he removed from a strange hole facing our bamboo house. Arrow Michael hold had ancient inscriptions. “Is this place a forest before?” “mysterious things are still hiding. Calmly it would surfaced.” “Shoo! Shoo! Is this colourful bird sent?” “either the bow or arrow is rare sign.” “It should be good sign. King Erodo may had sent this bird to monitor his ancestral spear.” “Bad sign if that is it.” “Paul Collins lead at the back.” Thick bush gave way as we dipped far. Slithering on marshy soil erupted fear on everyone. “Careful. Traps can be within.” “Hamlets!” I celebrated with my classmates as I saw what humans lived in. Mr Adewale collected bow and arrow from Michael. He set it while moving forward. “Paul Collins get in!” Mr Adewale ordered. Hut I entered was shabby. Eroded mat on ground is an eyesore for any stranger. Elephants ivories drooped helter-skelter. “Inscribed words on wall. Kenyan language. It is a salutation to King Erodo.” “What do we do sir?” “we must avoid touching it. Take a look at it rectilinear.” Mr Adewale removed his small camera from his hip pocket, snapped the ivories, also, he snapped the inscribed words directed to King Erodo. “Back home I shall dwell in money. This images in my camera are worth dollars.” “Someone ran shortly.” “Ready your spear. Michael hold this for me!” Michael collected the camera and watched images just taken. “Is there somebody trying something funny. I can proudly say we here are fully loaded. I would count one to three. After that I would shoot.” Mr Adewale Counted time expired. Prowling owner of hut we temporally dwelled in refused to appeared. “Certain clues can be found. Paul Collins, check next hut. Use your spear if you are attacked.” First hut I entered linked to twenty huts. I was left with my fate. Broken tiny calabashes untidy third hut I entered. “Have you found anything Paul Collins?” “I am still searching earnestly.” Putrid breathtaking odour limit my concentration as I get ready for the unexpected. “Broken calabashes sir!” “come out immediately. Quick. Quick!” I tumbled in a war-like way against any planned attack. “Figure it out yourself Paul Collins. Tell me is this hamlets cursed?” “cursed by who sir?” “the Maasai.” “For what reason sir?” “someone might had stole or killed their cattle. That would prompt them to curse the villagers.” “Are the Maasai fetish?” “they lived a modest life.” “I understand. Villagers dwelling in this hamlets may be hiding.”

  “No. Paul Collins; villagers dwelling in this hamlets had days meeting holds. Meetings might be holding somewhere unknown to first-timers.” “Sir, can’t we just leave here and continue searching around for safari park we had been looking for?” “Sandra. Villagers is useful, to ignore them is worst mistake to try. Whether is Maasai or not, one person I need would be our saving grace.” “Ho!” “boys check around gradually; be careful, some villagers might hide in midst of trash. Paul Collins, be on the lead!” “consider it done sir.” We splay, as that is best way of achieving success when on a mission. On my own, I saw first clue that signified human existence in that hamlets. Fresh cows skins spread on dozens of clay pot. Firewood kept at a corner makes me again to believe my guess is good as right. Luckily, I found confirmation of human inscription written in English hailing King Erodo dynasty. I bowed, begging forward to see the King. “Paul Collins have anything in your possession?” Mr Adewale question farer is wanton. “Not even a sand. I am eagerly ransacking wherever I can.” Alone brings full concentration. Fresh animals skins I found tells more. Someone spread the skins not quite long before we arrived. Dry bones in wooden box scared me. Opening it, I discovered cattle bones were the bones inside wooden box I found. Jonathan walked by my side; unnoticed to him, I hid to prevent distractions. Sheets of notes on a small bench I found in clandestine room also tells more, it says: “celebration for our Maasai King is held annually. As demanded by my King, I must leave a note down when celebration is going on somewhere. This note I write is an honour to my King. Great King ruling over the Maasai, may you live long!” the letter on the bench create deep fear in me. Insults it might be when the King is briefed that a stranger first touch the letter that he should have touched. Convincing Mr Adewale to change his mind and stop us from going further would be irrelevant since his mind is already fixed to the strange hamlets. King Erodo golden spear is sign of respect to his kingdom. I hold it carefully. I could hear people yodelling happily in deep end on broad daylight. Codices in brown clay pot near a semi- small room. “Paul Collins be inquisitive; clues is whatever you might come across!” Jonathan cross-checking rooms I had entered. Sticky cobwebs glued my body as quest continued. I was out on a store field. Fresh milks lined up as if it is displayed for sale. “Where are this locals?” Mr Adewale asked. “Sir. Happy you came before me.” “Voices in moods of dramatic celebration encouraged me to sniff around. Field, only what I see.” “But sir, I can disguise and trace this voices I had heard also?” “I like your uncommon courage. Paul Collins I refuse to concur to your request.” “Where is Sandra?” Mr Adewale compelled me to direct Sandra to where we were. Jonathan accompanied me; while Michael is left with Mr Adewale. Before I had checked two huts, Sandra appeared from nowhere, scaring me by clasping her fist. “Come quickly, this is dangerous game Sandra. Full grown lions may attack if you stay here alone. Follow me.” “Is there something I needed to see?” “Mr Adewale instructed that, I should lead you to the field.” “An old Maasai woman gave me milk in a clay pot. She said, Maasai called it Kule!” “Sandra O, it might be poison. Tell me, where is her?” “I can’t say here, nor there.” Tensions were pretty high. Mr Adewale delighted to see Sandra. “Stupid joke Sandra. Did someone lured you?” “old Maasai woman entertained me. This fresh milk I had drank had gotten me satisfied. I promised her I would come back.” “Paul Collins is it true?” “she also told me. I never saw that old Maasai woman.” “Celebrations going on would soon stop. The locals shall come to their huts.” “Their milks should be left intact. Otherwise, we can be incarcerated.” “I support encouraging decisions so embracing.” “She first called me a poacher. I convinced her I am a good student.”

  “How about we, Sandra?” “trust me
sir, I refused even though I was forced to mention names of people with me.” “Good girl.” “One suggestion sir. As it is now, let us abandon this hamlets and continue our mission.” “Paul Collins, yes, right immediately!” hurriedly, there is noticeable wooden bridge facing a canal; Mr Adewale pointed the easiest direction of climbing the bridge. Gradually on it, I pant alongside my classmates. “Easy boys. Sandra be careful.” Dead end faced us. Water below flows violently, smashing itself angrily. “Am scared. I can’t continue moving!” “Sandra continue!” Mr Adewale shouted. Premonition surfaced around everyone. Current is a good watch. Suppose the water needed single person, it won’t hesitate selecting me as right person. “Look elsewhere. It is dangerous, Paul Collins!” long road ahead shortened, continued walking makes journey easier. “Boy washing his cloths in river!” “how happy it is to me, first Kenyan boy!” “Paul Collins fix this over there. Hinge, they called it.” I did as instructed. We swing down. “Hey boy, shake me.” Our presence scared him; still, he continued as planned. “Mr Adewale my name. This are all my students back home.” “Kibai. Kibai. Your way straight,” he said. “I know Kibai. All I need from you is assurance. Is those voices farer from a human?” “Maasai day. Join them before it end.” “Umm.. is safari park closer?” “Maasai can show you that. Check that community over there. Maasai lives there.” “Did they have guns?” “against poachers.” “Strangers about to visit them.” “from far community?” “from far Kenya.” “Great day; King Erodo must be informed. I am coming. Wait for me.” Kibai ran calling for the King. “Danger sir. Maasai celebrating mustn’t have us as prisoners.” “He is part to their kingdom.” Vanishing is next thing doing. Mr Adewale didn’t delay that. Overcoming all sums of fears is possible; achievement escaping death, Mr Adewale knows waiting for Kibai is highest form of stupidity. “Communities.” Different women cooking evening food laugh near a sleeping dog. “Sir, approach that tall woman sitting on bench.” “Wait here. In case bad happens run for your lives. That with you is useful.” “Bow and arrow? Not this place. Hold it Paul Collins.” Spear, bow, arrow, short knife in my pocket is a big assurance that I alone may win when attacked. “Jonathan follow master quietly.” “He said we should wait here.” “I lead for now. Do as I say.” “Two captains don’t run a ship. Mr Adewale is our leader not you.” “I said do what I want.” “Is this your ship? Besides, if this is your ship, Mr Captain I won’t obey one of that your shit word!” “cooperation please. Disagreement would cause big setback. Jonathan obey him now!” Mr Adewale talking as if lecturing in a classroom. It seems most women he spoke to never understand his language. Mr Adewale faced me, signalling me all is well. “Best opportunity, Jonathan, we wait for this moment. Go!” Mr Adewale sat talking with the women refusing to understand his motives. “Michael hold it. Be ready to free it if Jonathan signals.” “Yes. Acting master I must do as you instructed.” “Sandra your knife. Anything may sprung up.” “Paul Collins I recognise your temporal leadership. I must act eagerly if you ordered.” I held a stick firmly. “Weakest weapon Paul Collins. Use mine instead of yours.” “Locals melt when they are attacked with dry stick.” “Locals fear guns than any weapon. It kills faster.” “This gun can kill ten people at a shot.” “Stick gun. Where do bullet hide?” “It does not use bullets. It brings silent sound.” “Mr Adewale eating food from locals? Stop him Paul Collins.” “Beyond my power. He said if something goes wrong we should run. I must fight to the end.” “Act fast Paul Collins. Master is eating locals poison.” “Master is wiser than you. Leave him alone.” Jonathan also joined eating hungrily. “Locals food can be delicious. Sandra go, have your share also.” “Poison share, never.” Sandra rejection a welcome appreciation. Michael had even joined them before I noticed.

  “Clear images. I must snap again.” “Sandra you have the camera. Give it to me.” “Mr Adewale left it with me. I am in custody of it.” “Sandra it is still same you. Hand it unconditionally to me.” “Promise me Mr Adewale won’t know I had negative.” “Which negative?” “any snap I take, negative of it is with me.” “Yes. keep snapping as you can. Trust me Sandra this is a secret between I and you.” “Snap yours also.” “Yeah. Yeah. Our leader in midst of locals. Best picture of the week.” “Mine should be best picture for the week.” “Yours is all about trees, flowers, and distant images.” “Wrong. It is about Mr Adewale sitting near a big cooking pot while he laughed.” “Mean it?” “of course.” “I need another one instead. Record breaking is good.” “Forget Paul Collins I won. To snap something like that may take two hours.” “I shall delete yours, replaced it with mine.” “Return Mr Adewale camera to me.” “I won. I can’t give this to you.” Sandra forced it away from me, camera we argued for fell down. “It has broke Sandra.” “That is what you desired. You have it.” “We both desired it. We both have it.” “Carry it. Mr Adewale can know you broke his precious camera.” “Set up Sandra. You lose. Mr Adewale camera had been in your care. I won again.” “In my care, you forced it off me. I again won.” “50. 50. Draw game! Blames is on both of us. How do we do now?” “good question Paul Collins. Mr Adewale must definitely asked of his camera. Back me up Paul Collins, we shall lied that wild animals attacked.” “Attacked only his camera?” “okay, let me put it this way. Wild animals chased us, his camera fell from my pocket. He would believe if yes came from you.” “I won’t lie Sandra.” “No choice Paul Collins. Lying only possible option.” “Camera how could you break yourself?” “broken camera can’t hear. Do as I say, that is all.” “Sandra, proofs had vanished. Dollars Mr Adewale could had made had gone.” “Your fault Paul Collins.” “Why blaming me Sandra?” “you did not act maturely.” “That is enough Sandra. Our faults, our puerile manners is to blame.” “Paul Collins master is not there!” “where would he had gone?” “I can’t figure out where exactly.” “In that hut, I can hear his voice.” “Michael signalled.” “Danger or safe?” “Signalled safe.” “Maasai women may think Mr Adewale lost his route in Nairobi. A way of assisting him together with others.” “Maasai is nice being with. This alone had prove beyond doubt.” “Safari park we earnestly search for, Maasai knows where exactly the park is.” “Not all can have full description of there. Maasai women may think is all about forest.” “Learned ones can understand what that park is all about. Yeah! Schools students go on an excursion to view tamed animals. So, the learned ones may had gone compulsorily.” “How did you know?” quick discussions had distract me from watching over Mr Adewale safety especially. I was nervous of Mr Adewale’s broken camera. He won’t take it likely with Sandra if he knew about his broken camera. Mr Adewale had rare images he snapped, if presented for auctioning he would be richest college coach, and tourist to have such rare images, images of rare inscriptions. I forced myself to smile. Difficult to smile when in terrible situation, I finally smiled all is well.
“Answer me Paul Collins!” “safari park is well known by learners in schools.” “Paul Collins, don’t tell me you were in Kenya before.” “Whether before or not; I am standing on Kenyan soil.” “Is the soil good to that of your country?” “excellent with that of our country.” “Supposing King of Maasai promised making you his son to succeed him so as to forget your country would you hesitate?” “Home is home. I love my country in West Africa.” “Paul Collins, King governing Maasai people would feel unhappy.” “I can accept his juicy kingship only when I am in my country.” “Money, lands, donkeys, horses, houses, cattle, lots of body-guards would be given to you. If it is real so you mean all would be rejected?” “on my country soil I need it but not on Kenyan soil.”