Mysterious Depths: An African Adventure

By Mimizz Efemena Agwarota and Andrew Omorojor

When Mamuke undertakes an errand for her pregnant sister, little does she know that her journey would catapult her into a dark world full of secrecy, suspense, and adventure. As she embarks on a pilgrimage of self-discovery with far-reaching consequences, loyalties are tested to the limit.

An intriguing tale based on deep-rooted cultural mysteries, entrenched in a bygone era describing the tug of war between love and power in an ancient African setting.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Feb 7, 2014
• ISBN: 9781483513690

Book preview

Chapter 1: The Voice

Mamuke tossed and turned in bed, listening to the rain pelt above her like a giant pack of pebbles let loose on the zinc rooftop. The wind howled eerily, beating against the thin walls of the poorly-built hut. With each gust of wind, the wooden shutters swung against their loose hinges, banging against the window frames. Rivulets of water poured through open cracks in the wall, forming muddy puddles on the floor.

Flashes of lightning streaked through the charcoal-grey skies, temporarily outlining the dense foliage of Iroko trees silhouetted against the dark horizon, huddled together, swaying in unison against the fierce storm. Somewhere in the distance, amidst the loud claps of thunder, a dog wailed ominously, followed by the relentless hoots from a couple of nearby owls.

She shivered in fright. Droplets of perspiration glistened on her face as she lay cowering in bed. Her mouth felt dry as the unmistakable feel of evil surrounding her devoured her senses.

Then she heard it. It was barely above a whisper, making the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. With her heart pounding, she tried in vain to block it out while burying her head in the crook of her arms.

She heard it again, closer this time. Her name whispered so faintly, almost as though never uttered. No! she screamed inwardly. I must be strong. I won’t let him consume me.

Mamuke … There it was again. Mamuke … don’t fight it. Don’t fight me. You can’t win this. Come with me. You are destined to be with me, in me, that dangerously soft, yet tantalizingly seductive voice whispered. Let me consume you. Come freely to me, Mamuke …

With her hands clutched into tight fists, her nails dug painfully into her palms as she tried without success to recall the secret incantation that would release her from his grip. No matter what happened, she must never look into his eyes, as the native doctor had chillingly warned her. Oh, those compellingly handsome eyes! Those eyes with hidden depths of mystery and unfulfilled promises! Those same eyes that got her into the situation she now found herself in.

Keeping her eyes tightly shut, she turned her face away from the sound of his voice. Please, Uwami, let me go, she begged in desperation, knowing it was a futile plea.

Open your eyes, Mamuke, he countered. Look into mine. Let go of your fears and feel my fire. Let me consume you, my Mamuke.

She had been warned that in the very darkness of the room, Uwami would come to her, pretending to be what he was not. To begin with, he was almost no longer one of the living, and what really stood … no … floated alarmingly behind her was not a person, but two fiery disembodied eyes, now full of anger and evil — those same eyes she had unknowingly fallen for at the cursed junction four days ago.

She tried to recollect the events of the last few days when her frightful journey began.

Chapter 2: Love

Mamuke had risen early that morning, long before the cocks crowed, signalling the arrival of dawn. There was much to be done that day, and she knew she had to make an early start. Sisim, her beloved older sister, was pregnant and counted heavily on her help.

At three moons into her pregnancy, Sisim woefully complained that she wanted some salted fish to ease the never ending metallic taste in her mouth brought upon by her condition. She also craved native chalk, the rarest form only to be found deep within the century-old caves at the bank of the Great River. This was more than half a day’s walk from home.

I just feel like licking the ground, she cried, or rubbing my tongue against the walls to get that dry taste!

With smooth flawless skin the colour of honey, Mamuke had been playfully called a goddess of the Great River many times. Tall and slender, her pretty oval face was graced with large almond eyes, a small but perfectly-shaped pert nose, and full lips which smiled wistfully. She was the embodiment of pure unadulterated beauty. She was the exact replica of her older sister, Sisim, and could easily pass off as her twin. It took a discerning eye, on closer observation, to tell that one was older. The heads of both young and old men turned whenever the sisters were out and about while women’s tongues wagged with jealousy and envy.

Mamuke’s love for her sister was immeasurable. This stemmed from not having a mother, and she knew, deep within her soul, that she would always do whatever was humanly possible to help her. Their father had passed away before Mamuke was born, and Sisim had brought her up as her very own child. Sisim rarely spoke about their mother. As a child, Mamuke once asked about her whereabouts, but Sisim merely replied that she had gone away. From that point on, Mamuke, with childlike innocence, had assumed their mother had gone to meet their father. Later on, when Sisim got married to Otobo, Mamuke felt they had at last a complete family unit — one where Otobo looked out for and protected both sisters. He was both the father figure and older brother she never had.

Unfortunately, this was not to last. Ever since Otobo’s strange disappearance three moons ago, Sisim had not been herself. Otobo was the very essence of strength. He stood heads taller than the average man and, coupled with his powerful build, was a force to reckon with. Bulging muscles on his torso and forearms rippling with his every movement, as though begging to be let loose, belied his lithe graceful movements and had, on several occasions, taken his opponents by surprise. His face, although not overtly handsome, had strong defined features that left a lasting impression of solemn thoughtfulness. He was the ultimate catch, and many a maiden had lain awake at night, fantasizing about him.

The young couple had been married for nearly three rainy seasons, and when Sisim announced her pregnancy to her husband’s delight, his joy knew no bounds. According to Sisim, that evening while they lay together by the fireside, he teasingly told her that she would bear him a strong son, a warrior like him. To show his appreciation, he promised that on his way back from the farm, he would buy her some rare cowries and native beads. Although a deviation from his path home, the slight delay meant little to him.

But he never returned home. The entire village went in search of him with their hunting dogs, but to no avail. They retraced his footsteps, or so they thought, found no clues, and definitely no signs of a struggle. Being a member of the elite warriors, coupled with the fact that he was one of the finest wrestlers who had won many wrestling matches, representing his village, his bizarre departure was indeed a mystery.

Mamuke unhappily recalled how, after one week’s futile search for Otobo, the village’s head decided to call off the search party. Sisim’s wails of sorrow rang out far and wide, reaching all corners of the village that night when the elders delivered the news to her. Her normally boisterous sister became a mere shadow of her former self. Withdrawn, painfully thin and gaunt, she had stopped eating because it seemed life held no meaning for her anymore. Mamuke feared for the life of her only sister and that of her unborn child. It was, therefore, an unbelievable sense of relief she felt when one morning Sisim announced to her that she wanted some salted fish and native chalk. At least her appetite was slowly returning, and even though the request would prove to be an arduous task, it was nevertheless a welcome one.

Mamuke felt compelled to go in search of what her sister craved.

Umamiki, her sister had called her by her pet name, but that journey is more than half a day’s walk from here! You’ve only been there once with me, and that was many seasons ago! You’re not familiar with the route and you might get lost.

Uneni Sisim, Mamuke responded, using the term for fondness, please don’t worry. I’ll be fine, and even if I do get lost, which shall not happen, I’ll ask for directions. I’m just so happy that you’re gradually finding your appetite and coming back to your old self.

But —

It’s what Uneni Otobo would have wanted, she hastily interjected, interrupting her sister from trying to dissuade her. That was all she needed to convince her, and Sisim grudgingly conceded.

Chapter 3: Mamuke’s Journey

Mamuke balanced the weight of her load tentatively on her head. Sisim had packed more than enough food to last her the entire journey.

The morning air was crisp and cool to her skin, and the nearby bushes glistened with droplets of dew. A couple of birds on nearby trees chirruped happily to each other as the fog slowly lifted. The smell of fresh earth filled the air, and Mamuke’s spirits lifted. This is going to be a good day.

Walking towards the village exit, she followed the well-worn path that would lead her to the Great River. She decided that to save time, it would be better to stop over at the riverside first before going to the ancient caves.

With a spring to her step, she edged towards the forest. There were a few people about as she made her way along the path. She smiled in acknowledgement as they greeted her. She recalled that she would have to walk northwards till high noon; thereafter, she would follow the eastward path at the crossroad junction.

The journey was uneventful as she walked at a steady pace. She had been walking for a couple of hours, and although it was not yet noonday, the sun was already bearing down on her. The dense growth of the forest trees with their wide, overhanging, umbrella-shaped leaves did little to provide some respite from the intense heat.

Her back felt hot and sticky while sweat poured from her underarms. With her arms and neck aching from the load she was carrying, she decided to take a short rest and have something to eat while ridding herself of the excess load.

A short distance away, she spotted an open clearing. As she approached it, she could hear the gentle rustle of water from a nearby stream and immediately felt thirsty. Placing her load at the foot of a nearby tree, she quickly walked towards the stream. She looked to see if there was anyone about and seeing no one, made up her mind to have a quick dip to wash the sweat from her body. Taking off her outer clothes, she waded into the clear, knee-deep stream in just her wrapper. Cupping her hands, she bent forward and scooped up some water. It felt cool and refreshing. She could feel the tension easing from her body as she lay contentedly in the slow moving stream. I could remain like this for ages, she mused as she looked up into the cloudless blue sky.

With a regretful little sigh, she stood up from the stream and headed back towards the tree. Sitting down, she carefully unwrapped her meal and thought about what lay ahead of her as she slowly munched on her food. She knew it would be a very busy day at the bank of the Great River, as it was a market day for the entire region. Market days were always a beehive of activity. Different assortments of fish would be on display at hastily built stalls by fishermen who had hauled in their catch while prospective buyers would be haggling ceaselessly for the best deals. Farmers would also have their produce on display, as villagers from the entire region would be present.

Sighing, she lay back against the tree, as the combined effects of the refreshing bath and hefty meal began to take their toll on her tired senses, making her drowsy …

*****

Mamuke awoke with a start. The sun was setting in the sky as the cool breeze flowed around her. Oh no! Jumping up in panic, she hurriedly packed up her things. The market! How on earth will I get there on time, buy Sisim’s fish, and get the native chalk from the ancient caves?

In her confused state of mind, she tried to gather her belongings, but all she could think of now was how to get to the last traders before they left for the day.

With tears in her eyes, she blindly ran through the forest. Oh Sisim! She had so much wanted to do this for her sister, and prove to her that she was capable of undertaking this journey on her own. Now this would only serve to prove that Sisim’s fears for her were well grounded. Wiping the tears off her face, she pushed on, ignoring the thorns that pricked against her skin as she pressed on through the forest.

She had been running for ages, and yet there was no sign of the crossroads that would lead her to the Great River. Stopping briefly to take stock of her bearings, she looked around for any familiar markings. Everything looked unfamiliar to her. She decided to keep moving. After what seemed like an eternity, she found herself back at the exact spot from where she had started, marked by a dent in the grass where she had lain. With a frustrated cry, she threw herself to the ground, but jumped right up again, yelping in terror as she narrowly missed a hidden bush trap.

WHO’S THERE? an angry voice bellowed. Looking up, she saw a hunter pulling along the carcass of a recently killed antelope.

Young girl, what are you doing in the forest at this time of the day? he quizzed.

Please, I’m on my way to the Great River, but I’ve lost my direction. I need to get to the junction at the crossroads.

Ah! You’re going to the market? It’s a bit late in the day for that. But if you move in that direction, you’ll come to a field of palm trees ripe with fruits, he added, pointing westwards. Follow the line of palm trees, and when you get to the last one, go northwards in a straight line. You won’t be able to miss the crossroads.

Thank you, Geggie, she said, using the respectful term for addressing elders.

Go well, my daughter, he replied with a strange glint in his eyes.

Following the hunter’s direction, Mamuke felt she had been walking for an agonizingly long time. Her feet started to blister, and she watched in despair as the sun began to lower too far in the horizon, making her realise once again that she may never reach the market on time to get Sisim’s dried fish or native chalk from the ancient caves.

She had almost given up hope when she came to the open field of palm trees. With a sigh of relief, she quickened her pace and followed the line of trees as directed by the hunter till she got to the last one. Turning northwards, she kept on moving, hoping to get to the crossroads. There was no one about. The air stood still and heavy and was oppressively thick. For some strange reason, she felt she was being watched. She looked over her shoulder. Not even a single animal or bird was in sight.

With her heart thumping in her chest, she continued moving. The footpath was now thinning and looking less used. Eventually, she came across a lone farmer ploughing away in a desolate patch of land.

Please, I’m trying to get to the junction at the crossroads. Could you show me how to get there? she asked.

Still remaining with his back to her, the farmer continued ploughing, as though he hadn’t heard her.

"I am so sorry to disturb you, Geggie, but if you could show me the way, I would leave you in peace. Still ploughing, he continued to ignore her. Moving in a half circle, Mamuke confronted the bent-over farmer face to face. Please help me if you can," she pressed.

The farmer slowly stood up to his full height, and Mamuke drew in a shocked breath as the most hideous face confronted her. Ugly could not describe what stared at her unblinkingly.

A wide flared nose, which seemed to come alive with each breath he took, sat on a hideously marked squarish face. A face which bore an unbelievable amount of deep, crisscrossed, blackened scars — as though he had had several unfortunate encounters with wild cats. Never had she seen such a pair of small, beady, bloodshot eyes. Eyes which stared unwaveringly at her, and although revolted, hers were inexplicably drawn to his. Somewhere in the depth of that redness was an unnatural glint — the same as the one she saw in the hunter’s eyes.

With huge, black lips curled over horse buck teeth, the farmer asked her mockingly, "Peace? Do you know the meaning of peace, girl? he sneered. The crossroads you seek, he snarled, pointing a rough gnarled hand over her, is in the direction of the setting sun. Keep walking till you come to three anthills. Follow the middle one and keep moving northwards."

Thank you, Geggie.

Go well, my daughter, he replied, his eyes glinting madly.

Something was definitely strange about both the hunter and the ugly farmer, she thought to herself, shivering, as she hastened her footsteps away from him.

Chapter 4: The Living Dead

Three anthills … three anthills … three anthills … Mamuke silently repeated. It was the only sane thing she could think of doing to keep her mounting fear at bay. The sun had dipped far into the horizon, emitting the last bit of bright orange glow, and in a short while, utter darkness would set in.

Suddenly, she noticed a curious shape lying on the ground, barely visible above the thick undergrowth. Bending down to take a closer look, she saw the nearly lifeless form of a puppy probably just a few days old. Without thinking, she reached out to scoop it up, but, for some reason, her hands stalled in mid-air. She tried again, but her hands, as though held by an invisible force, stalled again. Strange.

Mamuke was taken aback as she noticed its belly was moving in short, quick breaths. The animal seemed to swell with each breath it took. Almost at once, the seemingly lifeless animal turned over on its back and stared straight into her eyes. Mamuke hastily took a step backwards as she recognised the familiar glint in its eyes — similar to what she had seen in both the hunter’s and farmer’s eyes. Another form of evil, she thought as she jumped away from it, shuddering in fright.

The thinning path had almost disappeared, and sensing real danger, she peered ahead. The jagged shapes of three mounds were barely visible against the darkening skyline.

The anthills! With butterflies in her stomach, she covered the remaining distance, fearful of what lurked there. Approaching the middle one, as instructed by the farmer, she saw in a flash two dark outlines quickly dash from it in opposite directions to the left and right anthills. Mamuke stopped dead in her tracks, not wanting to believe what she had just seen. Am I going mad? she asked herself, heart thumping wildly in her chest as she slowly approached the middle anthill with trepidation.

Her footsteps echoed loudly as she closed in on it. Stopping for the second time, she listened intently for any sounds, but heard none. The air hung thick with anticipation. She felt her every movement was being watched and could almost feel those eyes poring into the small of her back. She spun to see if there was anything behind her, but saw nothing.

Standing at arm’s length from the middle mound, she asked in a voice barely above a whisper, Who’s there?

Silence. Utter deafening silence in response to her question.

Picking up a nearby rock, she asked again in a slightly louder voice, I said who’s there?

Mamuke’s eyes widened in horror as the two shadows re-emerged from the nearby anthills, slowly … slowly gliding towards her, appearing to stretch in length as they approached her. A scream welled up in her, but no sound escaped from her lips. With her feet rooted to the ground, another pair of shadows emerged from the middle mound, fearlessly gliding towards her too. Gazing at them, she tried to discern who or what they were, but the more she looked, the less she seemed to see of them. Nothing, just eerily, gliding shadows of darkness. But one thing she did see; something they all seemed to share in common which stared unwaveringly back at her were luminescent glints flaming madly. The same maddening glints she had seen earlier in the eyes of the hunter, the farmer, and the puppy.

Turning wildly to flee, she saw yet another pair of the strange shadows right behind her. She was surrounded! Her arms felt heavy and the rock she had picked up dropped to the ground.

Noooo! she screamed as she found her voice.

Noooo! Nooooooo! Noooooooooooooooooooo! the eerie beings mockingly cackled back as they closed in on her.

Is this the end of me? Is this how I’m going to die? The sun had finally set, and darkness surrounded her and the unearthly beings. Then, as though in slow motion, the surrounding shadows parted, forming a semicircle around her. Somewhere in her frightened state of mind, she tried to recall happier events, happier memories, to allude the welling fear which threatened to overcome her. Sisim’s face came to play in her mind’s eye, and she wished fervently that her sister had the powers to watch over her.

Go, they whispered. Go. Go. Go, they chanted in unison as they parted a way for her in the northward direction.

Mamuke fled.

As she ran for dear life, she could feel the ground descending underneath her. She felt as though she was running into the core of the earth, and as the blackened, moonless sky receded, she stumbled and lost her footing. The world flowed like a whirlwind as she descended into an abyss.

With arms flailing wildly about her, trying to grasp at anything to stop her from falling any further, she felt her body slam against a sharp object. Crying out in pain, she sat up, looked around, and found herself in an open area with several paths seemingly crossing over each other. She was at the crossroads!

Panting heavily, she could make out the Great River at the edge of the eastward path and the ancient caves at the edge of the westward path. She had to try to make it to the caves where she might, at the very least, get some cover from the evil that lurked about her in the open.

She screamed in terror as a white-clothed figure emerged from the depths of the Great River. Wincing in pain, she struggled to get up and head for the caves as fast as she could. It was a futile effort. The creature reached her before she had taken more than a couple of steps.

Mamuke.

She spun around on hearing her name. A stranger in his prime stood before her, dressed only in an ankle length white cloth tied around his waist and a red band of cowries on his right arm. On his left arm was a tattooed mark of a lion in flames. Looking up, she found herself gazing into an unbelievably handsome face with mysterious eyes that gazed deep into her very soul.

My Mamuke, you’re finally here.

Chapter 5: Prince Uwami

Who are you? she asked, mesmerised by this stranger’s gaze. And how do you know my name?

Still watching her intently, he stretched out his left arm to her. Come.

Unable to tear her eyes away from his gaze, she felt herself drawn to him. Placing her hand in his, she let him pull her towards him. With his right hand holding her gently around her waist, he drew her closer to him. She could feel the unleashed strength of him as he held her against his warm, bare chest, felt his steady heartbeat against her racing heart and the soft hairs on his chest which seemed to spring to life underneath her palms.

The more she looked into his eyes, the more she felt her strength slowly being sapped away. She half-heartedly tried to struggle loose from his grasp, but he only held her closer to him. No one had ever held her like this before, not in this protective, almost possessive manner. In her dazed state, she tried to focus on what was happening to her, willing her mind to stay alert, but her body seemed to have a mind of its own, heeding to his every wish as her defences seemed to come crashing down around her. She felt that for some inexplicable reason, he had the powers to break through each barrier of resistance she put up against him.

As he placed his chin on the top of her head, Mamuke could feel his warm breath on her. None of this felt real.

I don’t know who you are, or how you came to know my name …

You’re hurt. Let me take care of you. Come with me. It was the most seductive voice she had ever heard — a voice laced with rich timbre tones which seemed to resonate from his body to hers. There was something about the way he carried himself that set him aside from ordinary people, something almost royal about him.

I don’t even know your name, she countered tiredly, as he lifted her up in his arms and headed for the caves.

I’m Prince Uwami, and in a low, almost inaudible tone, added quietly, and you, my Mamuke, have been well chosen.

But —

Shhhh. With time, all will be revealed to you. For now just come with me, my Mamuke, where you’ll be safe, he interrupted.

*****

Mamuke awoke to the sound of steady heartbeats. For a moment, she could not recall where she was or how she got there. She felt at peace with herself and everything seemed all right. But why wouldn’t it be? Life was getting back to normal now that Sisim was getting better and …

Sisim! Remembering her sister, jolted her back to reality with a bang. Where was she? How did she get here? Looking frantically about, she saw that she was lying on a bed covered with the rich, thick fur of lion skins. At the foot of the bed were two life-like adult lions, one male and the other female, who stared back at her. She tried to recall the sequence of events that led to her being here, wherever this place was, but it was still a blur to her.

The frown on her face deepened as she slowly recalled the events of the previous evening, and the more she remembered, the more her body tensed up. She hazily remembered the handsome and strangely possessive stranger who had made her heart flip crazily, yet hadn’t said much about himself.

She had to get out of here. Moving off the bed, away from the unblinking gaze