Chapter 11 eleven

Night is impenetrable darkness.The moon was coming out later every day, and now she was not visible until dawn.Whenever the moon does not accompany the night, but rises when the rooster crows, the night becomes as black as charcoal. Ekinma and her mother sat on a mat on the ground after eating the cassava paste and bitter leaf soup.Palm oil lamps glowed yellowish.Without this lamp, it is impossible to eat; the night is so dark that people don't even know where their mouths are.In the courtyard of Okonkwo, there is an oil lamp in each of the four thatched huts. Looking from the outside, each hut looks like a soft yellow eye embedded in a thick and boundless night.

Except for the chirping insects that are indispensable at night, and the muffled sound of Enwayeki using wooden pestles and mortars, the land is silent.Enwayeki lived four yards away, and she was notoriously late with dinner.The sounds of Nwayeki's pestle and mortar are familiar to the neighboring women.This is also an indispensable sound at night. Okonkwo finished the meal brought by his wives and was resting with his back against the wall.He took out the snuff bottle from his pocket, put it on his left palm and poured it several times, but no smoke came out.He tapped the snuff-box on his knee to shake the smoke down.This is always the case with Okaka's smoke, which gets damp quickly and has too much nitrate in it.Okonkwo hadn't bought his cigarettes for a long time.Only Idigo can grind a good cigarette, but unfortunately he has been ill lately.

In the main house of Okonkwo's wives, women and children were telling folk tales, the low voices being interrupted by singing.Ekawifi and her daughter Ekinma sit on a mat on the ground.Now it's Ekwifi's turn to tell the story. Once, she began, all the birds were invited to a feast in the sky.They are all happy and preparing for this great festival.They paint their bodies with dyes made of mahogany, and paint some beautiful patterns on their bodies with Uri. The tortoise saw all this preparation, and soon understood what it meant.Nothing that happens in the animal world escapes its notice; it is cunning.Ever since it heard that there will be a big banquet in the sky, every time it thinks about it, its throat itch.There was a famine at that time, and the tortoise had not had a good meal for two months.Its body rattled like a stick in the hollow shell.So it began to figure out how to go to heaven.

But it has no wings.Ekinma said. Don't worry, her mother replied, the story is here.The tortoise had no wings, but he went to the bird and asked permission to go with him. We all know you well, said the birds after hearing what the tortoise said, you are very cunning, you are ungrateful.If we let you go with us, you'll be up to some tricks in no time. You don't know me, said the Turtle, I've changed my mind.I have learned that if a person makes things difficult for others, he is making things difficult for himself. The tortoise's mouth was very sweet, and after a while, the birds all agreed that it had changed its ways, and they set off together.The tortoise flew among the birds, very happy, and kept talking. Because he was good at talking, the birds soon decided to recommend him to speak on behalf of everyone.

One important thing, which we should not forget, was that in the middle of the flight, the Tortoise said that people should take temporary new names when they are invited to such a great feast.Our heavenly Master must expect us to respect this ancient custom. None of the birds had ever heard of this custom, but they knew that the Tortoise, for all his other incompetence, was a world-traveler, and was acquainted with the customs and customs of all peoples.So they each took a new name.Everyone got a new name, and the tortoise took one too, called you all. Finally, they all went to the sky, and the master was very happy to see them.The tortoise, dressed in all kinds of feathers, stood up and thanked his master for his invitation.He talked very well, and all the birds thought it a good thing to bring him.They nodded their heads in agreement with what it said.The owner thought he was the king of the birds, especially since he did look a little different.

After the kola fruit was offered and eaten, the heavenly beings brought before the guests the most delicious and delicious meals, which the tortoise had never seen or dreamed of.The hot soup just served from the stove was filled with meat and fish in the original soup bowl.The tortoise squeezed its nose and sniffed desperately.There is also tapioca flour, and tapioca porridge cooked with palm oil and fresh fish.And jugs and jugs of toddy.After all the food was placed before the guests, a celestial being stepped forward and tasted each bowl.Then it treats the birds to a meal.But the tortoise stood up and asked, "For whom are you preparing this feast?"

For all of you.the man replied. The tortoise turned to the birds and said: You remember that my name is all of you.The custom here is to entertain the speaker first, and then the others.They will come to entertain you after I finish eating. So the tortoise began to eat and drink, and the birds all complained angrily.The people in heaven thought it must be their custom to let their king enjoy all the food.So the tortoise ate the best food, and drank two jugs of palm wine, and filled his belly with food and drink, and filled his body to the full of his shell. The birds flocked to eat the tortoise's scraps and peck at the bones it had thrown on the ground.Some birds were too angry to eat anything.They would rather fly home on an empty stomach.But before they left, they each took back the feathers they lent to the tortoise.The Tortoise stood there with his hard shell full of food and wine, but he had no wings to fly back.The turtle begged the bird to bring a letter to his wife, but they all refused.Later, the angriest parrot suddenly changed his mind and promised to bring it a letter.

The tortoise said, tell my wife to move all the soft things out of my house and spread them in my yard, then I can jump from the sky without too much danger. The parrot agreed to deliver the message, and flew away.But when it came to the tortoise's house, it told the tortoise's wife to move out all the hard things in the house.So the turtle's wife brought out her husband's shovel, knife, spear, gun, and even the cannon.The tortoise looked down from the sky and saw his wife moving out some things, but because it was too far away, he couldn't see what it was.It seemed that everything was ready, so it jumped down.It kept falling, falling, falling, and when it was worried that it would fall endlessly, suddenly, like the roar of a cannon, it fell into its own yard with a crash.

Did it fall to death?Ekinma asked. No, replied Ekwafi, its shell shattered piece by piece.But there lived a very capable doctor near his house.The tortoise's wife brought him in and gathered the broken shells together and glued them together.So the turtle's shell is always uneven. There is no song in this story.Ekinma pointed out. No, said Ekwafi, let me think of a story with a song.But now it's your turn. At one point, Ekinma started saying that both the tortoise and the cat were going to wrestle the cassava. No, that's not how it started.Once, in the animal world, there was a great famine.All the animals were thin except the cat, only the cat was fat and shiny all over, as if it had been rubbed with oil

Just then, a loud and shrill cry cut through the silence of the night outside, interrupting her story.This is Chiero, the priestess of Agbara, shouting the prophecy.This is nothing new.Every once in a while, Chiero's spirit would come to possess her, and at this time she would shout a prophecy.But this evening, she called Okonkwo's name in honor of him, so the family listened carefully.The folk tales will not go on. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!Agbala Ekano ah ah ah ah ah ah ah, this voice is like a sharp knife cutting through the night sky, Okonkwo!Agbala Ekano ah ah ah ah ah!Agbala Chuluyef Ada Ya Ekinma ah ah ah ah ah!

At the mention of Ekinma's name, Ekwafi threw his head back abruptly, like a beast that smells death in the air.Her heart beat painfully. By this time the priestess had come to Okonkwo's courtyard and was standing outside his main house talking to him.She said over and over that Agbala wanted to see his daughter Ekinma.Okonkwo begged her to come back the next morning because Ekinma was asleep now.But Chiero didn't pay any attention to what he wanted to say, and kept yelling that Agbala wanted to see his daughter.Her voice was so clear and loud that the women and children of Okonkwo heard her every word in their huts.Okonkwo was still pleading that the girl had been sick for the past few days and had just fallen asleep.Ekawifi hastily moved her to the bedroom and put her on a high bamboo couch. Suddenly the priestess screamed, Beware, Okonkwo!Beware of talking to Agbala, she warns.When God speaks, can man interrupt?Be careful! She walked through Okonkwo's main house, into the circular courtyard, and went straight to Ekwefi's hut.Okonkwo followed. Ekwifi, she called, Agbara salutes you.Where is my daughter Ekinma?Agbala wants to see her. Ekwafi came out of the room with the oil lamp in his left hand.There was a breeze, so she folded her right hand to shield the lamp.Nwoye's mother also emerged from her hut with an oil lamp.Her children stood in the dark outside the house, watching the extraordinary happenings.Okonkwo's youngest wife also stepped out to join the others. Where was Agbala going to meet her?Ekawifi asked. Where else but in his own home in the cave?replied the priestess. I will go with you.Ekawifi said firmly. Dufia!The priestess cursed in a dry voice, like angry thunder in the dry season, woman, you are so bold, you dare to ask to go before Almighty Agbala!Women, be careful when he loses his temper and hits you.Bring me my daughter. Ekwafi went into the hut and came out with Ekinma. Come, my daughter, said the priestess, I will carry you behind my back.The child will not feel the long journey on the mother's back. Ekinma burst into tears.She was very familiar with Chiero, who often called her my daughter.But now, what she saw in the yellowish twilight, was a different Chiero. Don't cry, my daughter, said the priestess, or Agbala will be angry with you. Don't cry, said Ekwafi, she will bring you back in a moment.I'll give you some fish to eat.She went back to the hut and fetched a basket, blackened by smoke, containing dried fish and bits and pieces for soup.She took out a piece of fish, broke it in half, and handed it to Ekinma, who was holding her tight. Don't be afraid, Ekawifi said, stroking her head.Ekinma's hair was shaved in places, and she wore a regular cut.They come out again.The priestess knelt down on one knee, and Ekinma climbed onto her back, holding the fish in her left hand, her eyes sparkling with tears. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!Agbala Econo ah ah ah ah!Chiero began to sing homage to her god again.She turned nimbly and walked across Okonkwo's hut, bending low to avoid the eaves.At this time, Ekinma was crying loudly, calling her mother repeatedly.The two voices gradually disappeared into the dense darkness. Ekawifi stood there, staring in the direction where the sound had gone.Like a hen whose only chick has been taken by an eagle, she suddenly felt strangely weak.Soon, Ekinma's voice was lost, only Chiero walking away. Why do you keep standing there?She wasn't snatched away.Okonkwo said, and went back to his hut. She will bring her back soon.Nwoye's mother said. But Ekawifi did not listen to these words of comfort.She stood for a while, then suddenly made up her mind and hurried outside through Okonkwo's hut. where are you going?he asks. I'll go with Chiero.She replied and disappeared into the darkness.Okonkwo cleared his throat and took out a snuff bottle from the sheepskin pouch on his waist. The voice of the priestess has gradually faded in the distance.Ekwifi hurried out onto the road, turned to the left in the direction of the sound.In the dark, her eyes are useless.But the gravel path was lined with twigs and wet leaves, and she had no trouble walking.She started running, putting her hands on her chest to keep her teats from slapping her.Her left foot touched a protruding tree root, and she was suddenly frightened.This is a bad omen.She runs faster.But Chiero's voice was far away.Is she running too?How could she walk so fast with Ekinma on her back?Although the night was cold, Ekawifi started to feel a little hot from running.She was repeatedly entangled in the lush weeds and vines that blocked the road.Once she tripped and fell to the ground.Then she suddenly found that Chiero had stopped singing.Her heart was pounding.She stands for a while.Then Chiero began to sing again, a few paces ahead.But Ekawifi still couldn't see her.She closed her eyes for a moment, opened them again, and looked hard.But it didn't work.She still couldn't see beyond her nose. There are clouds in the sky, but the stars cannot be seen.Fireflies flashed tiny green lights and danced around, making the night darker.During the interval of Chiero's singing, the shrill chirping of insects full of life in the woods came from the darkness. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!Agbala Econo ah ah ah ah!Ekwifi followed wearily, not too close nor too far behind.She thought they must be walking towards the sacred cave.Now that she was walking slowly, she had time to think about it.When she got to the cave, what was she going to do?She dared not follow in.I had to wait at the mouth of the cave, alone in that terrible place.She thought of all kinds of scary things at night.She remembered a night long ago when she saw Ogbu|Ajali|Odu.It is an evil spirit, a powerful witchcraft used by the ancestors of the clan in the distant past.This kind of witchcraft was originally used to deal with the enemy, but now even they themselves don't know how to control it.On a dark night like this one too, Ekawifi and her mother were returning from the creek, and saw the red light of the elf flying towards them.They threw away the jug and crouched by the roadside, thinking that the ominous light must fall on them and kill them.Ekawifi only saw Ogbu｜Ajali｜Odu once.Although this happened a long time ago, every time she thinks about that night, her blood runs cold. Now the priestess yelled only at fairly long intervals, but with no less force.It was cold and humid because of the dew.Ekinma sneezed.Ekawifi murmured wishing you a long life.At the same time the priestess also said, I wish you a long life, my daughter.Ekinma's voice in the dark warmed her mother's heart.She walked wearily slowly. Suddenly the priestess screamed, someone was following me!she says. Ghost or man, may Agbala cut off your head with a blunt razor!If only he could turn your neck around so you could see your heels! Ekawifi stood still, motionless.Invisibly, someone seemed to say to her: Woman, go home, before Agbala hurts you!But she can't.She stood still, and when Chiero was gone, she followed him again.She had been walking for a long time and felt a little numb in her limbs and head.Only then did she realize that they couldn't be heading towards the cave.They must have passed through the cave long ago, and they must have been on their way to Umm Aziz, the clan's furthest village.Now, it was a long time before Chiero's cry was heard. Ekawife felt that the night sky seemed a little brighter than before.The dark clouds parted and sparse stars appeared.The moon must have ceased to be angry and was about to rise.Sometimes the moon rises very late, and people say it is because it refuses to eat, like a husband who quarrels with his wife and refuses to eat what she cooks when he is angry. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!Umm Aziz!Agbala Ekano Ulu ah ah ah ah!As Ekwifi expected, the priestess was paying homage to the village of Umm Azi at this time.It's hard to believe they've come this far.When they came out of the narrow path through the forest into the empty village, the darkness became lighter and the trees could be seen as vague outlines.She squinted her eyes, trying to see the priestess and her daughter, but whenever she thought she saw their silhouettes, they disappeared into the darkness like a mass that would melt.She walked numbly. Now Chiero cried out in succession, as she had done when she first started.Ekwafi felt that there was a lot of space around her, and she guessed that they must be in the village square.Suddenly, with a start in her heart, she realized that Chiero had stopped moving forward.In fact, she was already walking back.Ekwifi hurried out of the way she was going.Chiero walked past her and they began to walk back the way they had come. It was a long and tiring journey, and Ekwifi felt like a sleepwalker all the while.The moon must have been rising, and though it had not yet made its appearance in the sky, its radiance was already melting away the darkness.Ekwafi could now see the silhouette of the child on the witch's back.She slowed down to keep herself and Chiero away from each other.She was terrified, wondering what would happen if Chiero suddenly turned his head and saw her. She used to pray for the moon to rise.But now she found the twilight of the rising moon more terrifying than the darkness.The world is full of vague and strange shapes, which disappear under her gaze, but some new ones take shape.Once she seemed to see a man crawling up a palm tree with his head on the ground and his feet in the air, and Ekavefi was so frightened that he almost called to Chiero to ask her to be his companion, hoping to be comforted.At this moment, Chiero sang again like a maniac, which made Ekavefi afraid to make a sound, because the singing was not a human singing.It was not the original Chiero who sat with her in the market, sometimes bought bean cakes for Ekinma, and called Ekinma her daughter, but another woman, Agbala, the god of hills and caves. priestess.Ekwifi walked wearily in this double dread.Her numb footsteps seemed to be the footsteps of someone else following her.Her arms were folded across her bare chest.The dew was heavy and the weather was cold.She could think of nothing, not even the horrors of the night.She just shuffled along half asleep.She was only fully awake when Chiero sang. At last they turned a corner and started walking towards the cave.Since then, Chiero has been singing non-stop.She homage to her god by a whole host of names, the Master of the Future, the Messenger of the Earth, the God who kills man at the moment when life is most lovable.Ekwafi woke up too, her paralyzed fear revived. Now that the moon was up, she could see Chiero and Ezinma clearly.It's a wonder how a woman can easily carry such a big child on her back for such a long time.But Ekawifi didn't think about it either.Chiero was not a woman that night. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!Agbala Econo ah ah ah ah!Qinagbumadu Ubo Siendu Ya Nato Ya Utoda Road ah ah ah ah! Ekawife could already see the hills in that area, faintly appearing in the moonlight.They form a circle, with a gap at one point, and the path follows this gap to the center of the circle. As soon as the priestess entered the circle formed by the hill, her voice not only redoubled its loudness, but echoed from all directions.This is truly an amazing temple.Ekwifi carefully and silently picks out flat places to walk.She began to wonder if she hadn't been wise enough to follow.Nothing would happen to Ekinma, she thought.Even if something happened to her, how could she stop it?She didn't dare to go into the underground cave.It was utterly useless for her to come here, she thought. She was so absorbed in these thoughts that she did not notice how close they were to the entrance of the cave.So when the priestess suddenly disappeared into a small hole where only one hen could walk through, Ekiwifi rushed a few steps, as if to stop them.She stared at the darkness that engulfed them all around, and stood there, tears welling up.She swore in her heart that if she heard Ekinma cry, she would rush into the hole and defend her against all the gods of the world, and she would die with her. After taking this vow, she sat on a ledge and waited.Her fear was gone.She could hear the voice of the priestess coming from the empty cave, not so loud anymore.She buried her face in her knees and waited. She didn't know how long she had been waiting.Must have been a long time.She turned her back to the road leading into the mountains.She heard a sound behind her, and turned her head abruptly.A man stood there with a machete in his hand.Ekawifi yelled and jumped up. Don't be confused, it's Okonkwo's voice, I thought you would follow Chiero into the temple.he said mockingly. Ekawifi didn't answer.Tears of gratitude filled the eyes.She understands her daughter is safe. Go home and sleep, Okonkwo said, I'll wait here. I also wait.It was almost daylight.The rooster has crowed for the first time.The two of them stood together like this, and Ekwifi thought of their young days, when Okonkwo was too poor to marry, and she married Aneri.After two years of marriage to Aneri, she could bear it no longer and fled to Okonkwo.It was very early in the morning.The moonlight shines on the earth.She went to the river to fetch water.Okonkwo's house is on the way to the creek.She went there, knocked on his door, and he came out.Nor was he a talkative man in those days.He just took her to the bed and, in the dark, stroked her waist, looking for the lower edge of the loincloth.