Kuana village, once a haven of peace, now lies in ruin. Its once-abundant resources have vanished, and joy has given way to calamity, leaving the villagers weary and distraught. The burning question echoes through their minds: How could Kuana village have fallen so far?
"Yesterday, the floods ravaged the Dondan market, leaving nothing in its wake. The market, once vibrant, now lies in ruins, the villagers are angry, they yearn for answers." Rondu said struggling to restrain his emotions.
"It cannot be," Odama, one of the elders, erupted furiously. "Dondan market was a pillar of our community."
"Enough!" interjected Adanu, another elder, his anger palpable. "Not only have our wells run dry, but our crops are withering as well. Kalis discovered his farm parched just today, and he is not the only one."
"If we are suffering from a drought, how could the market have flooded? Yesterday, it was submerged, and now it has completely dried up. This makes no sense," Odama questioned, his tone filled with confusion.
"I don't know, I can't comprehend it. I have sought answers from the chief priest," Adanu said, his voice interrupted by a sneeze and a cough, drawing pitiful gazes from Odama and Rondu.
Adanu, a noble and respected figure, battled not only with the village's troubles but also with his own failing health. Despite his condition, he remained an honorable and courageous man, dedicated to the betterment of the community.
"What did the gods reveal?" Adanu inquired as soon as he spotted the chief priest emerging from the sacred hut, adorned in white with a black door—a dwelling reserved solely for the priest.
"We have been cursed," the chief priest declared, finding a seat before continuing. "The gods are enraged, for our people have forsaken their laws. The youth commit sins of immorality, stubbornness, while the adults are not exempt," he paused, meeting the elders' gaze. "We have strayed from the path of the gods," he roared.
"We have identified the problem. What steps can we take to rectify it?" Rondu implored impatiently.
"We must conduct a cleansing and freedom ritual—a sacrifice," the chief priest declared, drawing a deep breath. "We will require a seagull, two virgins, and two innocent children," he concluded, his voice resolute.
The king was renowned for his strict demeanor, but the loss of his wife had only intensified his severity. His family had ruled the kingdom for over 150 years, victorious in numerous wars and elevating the village to a position of high status. Despite his skinny stature, he possessed a hidden strength that even the mightiest men would struggle to match. People marveled at his power, questioning its source.
"Nonsense!" the king thundered in anger as the elders delivered their message. "Summon the chief priest immediately," he commanded.
Within half an hour, the chief priest stood before the king.
"Speak," the king ordered.
"As the elders have stated, so it is. The sacrifice must be made, and the sooner, the better, my king," the chief priest said, bowing respectfully.
"But how are we to find a seagull?" the king questioned, but silence followed. "We all know there are no seagulls in our village, nor in Staoni village. Where does the gods expect us to find a seagull? Seek an alternative solution," the king commanded.
"There is no other way. We must find a seagull to save the village. The gods have spoken!!" With those words, the chief priest turned and left the palace, leaving the king and the elders in awe.
"My king, Yomi village is abundant with seagulls. They have ample water sources. We could acquire a seagull from there," Adanu suggested, catching the king's attention.
"But we are enemies. Our people and theirs hold animosity towards each other. It is not a viable option, they have strong walls and mens, we can’t risk it." Odama quickly objected.
"Do you propose a better solution, then?" Adanu fired back, silencing Odama.
"He speaks the truth. Yomi village is the closest place where we can find seagulls," Rondu supported.
"Let us appoint three men to journey to Yomi village, not as enemies, but as ambassadors. They shall bear gifts for their king—something precious from our treasures. We must do whatever it takes to save our village," Adanu suggested.
"But..." Odama began.
"So it shall be. The men shall be sent." the king interrupted, cutting off Odama.
"The king has spoken. Long live the king," they all exclaimed, bowing before departing.
Three strong men were chosen for the journey to Yomi village: Kola, renowned for his unmatched strength and fearlessness, earning him the nickname 'the lion'; Toma, a skilled fighter and hunter; and Segu, a wise and experienced man.
The three men set out on their perilous journey to Yomi village, their hearts filled with determination and their minds wary of the potential dangers that awaited them. As they traversed the rugged terrain, their steps faltered under the weight of uncertainty.
The path to Yomi village was treacherous, winding through dense forests and across rushing rivers. They encountered steep cliffs, forcing them to navigate narrow ledges and slippery slopes but they clung together.
They stumbled upon a pack of fierce Yomi warriors, concealed within the foliage. The warriors, vigilant and protective of their village, saw the approaching men as potential threats. Arrows whistled through the air, as it hit Segu in the arm. Segu crumpled to the floor and struggled to pull out the arrow.
Kola and Toma immediately stood their ground with adrenaline pumping through their veins, the men fought back, brandishing their weapons and utilizing their wit to fend off the attackers. The clash of steel against steel echoed through the forest as the travelers defended themselves with unwavering determination. The battle was fierce, it seemed as though they would be overwhelmed by the superior number and skill of the Yomi warriors.
Segu, struggling to breathe and staunch his bleeding, knew they were outnumbered. He spoke urgently, "We come in peace, bearing gifts for the king."
The leader of the watchmen ordered his men to stand down, allowing Kola and Toma to catch their breath. Reluctantly, Kola sheathed his sword as the men's weapons were taken away.
"Follow me," the leader commanded, leading them to the village. When Goni, the leader of warriors saw them, he stood up furiously as the warriors exchanged glances, suspicion etched on their faces, weapons at the ready, testing their resolve. The air crackled with anticipation, and the tension was intense.
"They claim to bear gifts for the king," the leader of the watchmen explained, presenting the men to Goni.
"Lies!" Goni roared, pointing his sword at Kola. "They are spies from Kiana village. I recognize him!"
"We are not spies. We come in peace. Accept our gifts and spare bloodshed," Segu declared.
"Nonsense!" Goni bellowed, ready to strike. But one of the elders of Yomi village intervened, calling for calm.
After explanations and a flicker of acceptance from an elder, they were granted an audience with the Yomi king. Presenting an ancient artifact of immeasurable value, impressed by their bravery and determination, the Yomi king recognized the sincerity of their mission and ordered his men to capture them a seagull.
In that moment, an unspoken truce was established. They exchanged stories and cultural insights, bridging the gap between their kingdoms.
Finally, the men returned home to Kuana village, where the desperate villagers awaited hope.
"The sacrifice must be made now," the chief priest proclaimed upon sighting them.
They prepared the virgins and children. Placing the seagull in a black sacred box, he made incantations and sprinkled ashes and salt water. The virgins and children placed their hands on the box's edges as the chief priest commanded, and the sky darkened with lightning. The moment came for the virgins and children to leave the box.
"The sacrifice has been made," the chief priest announced. "If the bird comes out alive, our offerings have been accepted. If it comes out dead, I fear it has not."
The villagers and nobles anxiously awaited, hearts racing with fear and hope. The chief priest, after a moment, opened the box. Fortunately, the seagull emerged alive, flying freely. The villagers rejoiced.
"The bird symbolizes freedom. Now we are free!" the chief priest proclaimed.
The next day, the village was restored, and the market miraculously flourished. Happiness returned to the villagers. The king of Kuana village sent a message of gratitude to the king of Yomi, and the two villages lived in harmony.
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Images are sourced.
𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈...