Secrets of the Gods

By Anozie Frank

Saint, who becomes an introvert after kidnappers abducted his twin sister at a tender age of five, turns into a writer even as a student. His low life takes a new turn when he decides to write a story based on a mysterious medallion that is stolen from a monastery; the fictitious story climaxes to the gruesome deaths of the characters therein. However, unknown to this writer, events of this imagined story are occurring in real-time in Abuja. Abuja Inspector James is the officer investigating the sexual abuse of a young girl and the brutal killing of her mother by her father. The news about the mysterious deaths of two men in a brothel attracted Inspector James' interest. Then weirdly, he discovers on a certain blog that a certain stranger is updating stories that bear significance to the case he is investigating. He is soon plunged into a whirlpool of conspiracy and supernatural entities. These strange ideals get the detective to begin asking himself series of questions concerning other unrelated events in the story between an important personality in Abuja and persons unknown. Akwa Ibom State The Medallion has been stolen from the monastery and the Ibibio Monks are worried because Ghaoul, the mischievous and blood thirsty demon, has been released. But the gods have a fall-back plan: the writer. He must be found and be guided to unravel the secrets of the gods.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Publiseer Publishing
• Release date: Aug 23, 2017

Book preview

ANOZIE

Prologue

The shrieks and pleas of the little girl obviously didn’t mean a thing to the three young men. Though she was merely five years old, they were certain she fitted every specification the man had asked of them. They couldn’t wait to get to the ritualist, hand her over and begin to reap the reward of their evil work.

Clifford, the obvious leader of the three had been the brain and power behind the success of this mission. He was a determined young man who believed that life in general was evil and dubious, therefore he didn’t care when he also had to do evil and dubious things to survive. He lived life by the axiom, ‘take before you get taken’, or ‘do before you get done for’, so it didn’t bother him that he was evil.

Showing no sympathy for the child, he roughly dragged her along with him into the thick bush while the others followed behind energized by his dogmatism.

They believed in him, not because he was older than them but because of his trepid nature and determination. They were sure that without him, they were nothing. How could they have succeeded in kidnapping the child if he had not spearheaded the entire mission? Now, despite their young ages, they would be rich, all thanks to him. They just followed behind in fearful hope.

Soon they got to the mysterious looking shrine and the two men stopped. Clifford sensed their hesitance and looked behind.

What? he spat out fiercely.

Nothing, they responded. Should we go inside with you? asked the younger of the two timidly. He was just 18years old.

‘Not now...’ Clifford thought, mentally rolling his eyes. What do you mean by that? Don’t tell me you are developing cold feet again? Do I have to start convincing you all over, once again? he spat out disgustedly. Well, that is your business, he continued.  You can stand there and wait while I go in and ensure that she is used for the ritual. I hope you will also act like this when the money starts flowing.

Without waiting another second, he dragged the crying girl into the shrine.

The two younger men looked at each other and reluctantly followed him.

The chief priest of the shrine was seated on the floor, directly facing a wall covered with a dirty looking piece of black cloth. Older than the earth, he looked up expectantly as they all walked in. His shrunken eyes were too small for his wrinkled face and his entire body was painted in Ibibio traditional materials.

Take off her clothes and place her within this triangle. The fetish old man said as he pointed at the floor close to him where some cowries had been arranged in a triangular shape. 

Clifford quickly stripped the crying girl and forced her to stand in the triangle while the others looked on somberly.

The old man stared at her for what seemed like eternity to the three young men, and then he shook his head in disappointment.

What is the problem, Great one? Clifford asked, not pleased with the look on the wrinkled face.

She won’t do, echoed the croaky voice.

Ehn? gasped the second young man; he was just nineteen years old.

I can go ahead with the ritual if you insist, but I assure you that you will never be any richer than you are now.

Why? What is wrong with her? Clifford asked. He couldn’t believe his ears.

The old man remained in a thoughtful mood for some time and then spoke out, "She has very low spiritual energy. People like her rarely or never experience any spiritual phenomenon in their life time. That is, they almost never witness a ghost experience or get possessed by spirits. They spend their life time hearing about stories of other people’s spiritual experiences and only wonder what they are talking about.

If you use such a person for this kind of ritual... you will never attract any form of spiritual favor simply because of their low spiritual energy."

Oh God! Are saying that we have wasted our time abducting her? Why didn’t you warn us about getting such persons for the ritual? the eighteen year old asked.

Warning you would have been useless as you wouldn’t have been able to detect this energy with just ordinary eyes. You see, such lack of spiritual energy is mostly found among twins. When two people come into this world together, one of them usually takes up all the spiritual energy while the other is left with little or nothing. That is the only way they can operate as normal humans and complement each other. I can’t go deep into that for now the old man lectured.

Isn’t that a bit too late? Clifford growled, wondering why the man thought they needed the lecture. So what do we do with her? he asked again, looking very disappointed.

Take her back, she is useless to me. Just take her away from here; she could be a bad omen as her presence could neutralize my powers.

Twenty minutes later, the three were already far away from the shrine and were now almost out of the bush with the girl. The disappointed three were too dumbfounded to speak; the only sound that echoed in the forest was the noisy cry the little girl made.

Clifford couldn’t believe that the whole mission had turned out fruitless. He had expected that by now the ritual would be successful and he would have been chilling and waiting for his mega cash just as he had been promised by the old man a few days before.

He hated his life; he hated poverty.

When we get to the road, we will drop her and find our way, and then we must think of what next to do. One thing is for sure, I must make this money, by hook or by crook. He said through clenched teeth and a firm determination.

At least there was still hope of making money just as long as Clifford was determined, the others thought.

They got to the road side, shoved the little girl away from them and disappeared into the bush opposite them while she continued to cry.

She was all alone, surrounded by nothing but silent bushes and was almost choking on her own tears. But for no reason at all, she continued to walk along the road, crying and screaming at intervals, Mummy!!

Then, suddenly, as if in answer to her cries, a sleek Honda Accord came cruising down the road. It ground to a halt beside her and a man stepped out, picked her up, got back into the car and drove off.

Chapter 1

Hey, watch where you are going! Mfon David exclaimed to the student who had almost collided into her.

Saint Offiong was startled by the feminine voice as he quickly turned to face her. He had been so carried away by the sight of pretty Linda and had not been aware that someone else was coming towards his direction.

The girl opposite him could only be described as a perfect angel. Her wide eyes and sweet smile caused ripples in his blood. He almost felt like hugging her as her fleshy bosom pointed invitedly at him. He was quick to notice that her long braided hair was newly made and the colour of her smooth skin was like a light brown chocolate. Saint couldn’t help but wonder if she was sent from heaven.

She had stopped moving and was staring at him. And then she looked towards the direction that seemed to have gotten his whole attention. She made a helpless gesture that was followed by a funny but beautiful smile.

You like her? she asked as she stared from Linda to Saint.

Sorry for colliding into you, he apologized, obviously not intending to answer her question.

She is quite beautiful you know. Mfon added.

Saint wondered why she chose to open up a discussion with him, knowing fully well that they were both strangers to each other. That was very unlike the pretty girls in the University of Uyo. Yet he knew he couldn’t just walk away from the pretty damsel who clearly wasn’t ready to let him go just yet.

He smiled, Do you know her?

I just know that she is one of the hottest girls on campus. Nothing personal.

One of the hottest girls? If you call her hot, what then will you be called? But how come I don’t know you? he finished.

You can’t know everybody on campus.

No, but it is easy to know all the pretty girls on campus, he replied, surprised at himself for being so calm despite the effect her beauty had on him.

You are not serious, she made to walk away even though she thought he was quite an interesting guy. Well, be careful on how you look at pretty girls, next time you might fall into a ditch.

He followed her, I am Saint.

Saint what? Peter or Andrew?

Saint... just Saint. Are you an angel?

She smiled again, causing his heartbeat to stop for a second No, I am Mfon. Is your name really Saint? she inquired as they both walked slowly towards her direction.

Yes he assured her, Offiong is my surname and honestly, it is really a pleasure to talk to a pretty girl like you. Losers like me don’t get such an opportunity every day.

You just stare at them? Why don’t you just approach her? she said.

Hey, that is not fair. Anyway, I used to know her. he quickly replied, not feeling offended.

Weren’t you going somewhere? she asked.

Oh, good looking girls like you always make me lose focus, he teased. Alright, I’ll go but how can I see you again? Can I have your number?

Just tell me your department and I will check on you. she replied.

Ahh, you won’t do that, he was sure she was trying to do away with him.

I will, she insisted. Just tell me your department and I will come once I’m through with my lectures for the day.

Are you serious? he looked at her, trying to study her face.

Try me... will 3pm be okay for you?

Yes... the department is Psychology.

3pm then, I’ll see you. With that she began to walk faster away from him.

He stopped following her and watched her sway her pretty figure. He just hoped that she would make it as promised. He didn’t know how possible that would be since he didn’t even have her number.

Somehow, he suspected that she was smiling even as the distance between them increased.

************

Saint Offiong was a 24 year old Final year student at the University of Uyo. Despite his good looks, intelligence and knowledge of Human Psychology, he had a very low self-esteem though he lived in denial of this fact. He was a little bit taller than average with broad shoulders and very well structured facial features. At his age, side beards had refused to shoot out, leaving him with long, straight chin hairs and a light, soft mustache. His complexion was such that, some people described him as fair whilst others as dark, but he was of the opinion that he was mid-way between both tones.

The young man had spent most of his adult life wondering why he had such low self-esteem despite his obvious good looks. He figured that the main cause was his very poor background. Saint felt he wasn’t man enough to rule his world- though he never admitted it- hence he always needed the encouragement of people around him to achieve the little he did achieve.

While he waited for Mfon after his lectures, he decided to pen down some thoughts in the new story he had been trying to write for some weeks now, but he found himself thinking about Linda instead. Linda was another reason why Saint hadn’t been feeling good about himself recently. She was a 300 level Economics student who had accepted to date him a year ago. Despite loving her with all his heart, Saint had the worse period of his life all through the time they were together.

She had openly shown disdain towards his inability to provide for her needs as a young woman. Linda had made it obvious that being a Prince Charming wasn’t enough to make her respect her man, money was also a key factor.

He had eagerly tolerated her rudeness because of an unconscious belief that she was doing him a favour by dating him. He didn’t believe he would get any girl as pretty as her if she left him.

Just at the beginning of the semester, she had dropped a bomb; the relationship was over! He would never forget her words.

You know I like you Saint, but this relationship obviously cannot work she had started gently.

You can’t do this to me Linda, you know I love you, he’d whined in return.

Love is not my problem Saint. There is not much I can do with it right now.

If you know how much I cherish you, you will never dream of letting me go, he had then proclaimed.

She scoffed. Seriously, I have managed to put up with you all these while and I think I have done you enough favours. Do you know what it feels like putting up with a loser like you? You might be good looking but that is not what a girl needs right now...

‘Had she just called him a loser?’ Saint was thinking. He couldn’t believe his ears. Had the girl he loved so much just called him a loser?

It was so embarrassing, because her friends were giggling close by in delight.

He had told himself that he wouldn’t allow the incident weigh him down; neither would it stop him from being the gregarious fellow that he was, yet deep down he knew that his insecurities had increased and his self esteem had been dampened.

Now he had no woman in his life but his one and only poor mother.

He stopped thinking and continued his writing. After a few minutes, he paused and looked at his wrist watch.

20 minutes past 3pm. Looking out the window, he thought to himself, ‘She won’t come’. He suddenly felt foolish. How had he expected that such a pretty girl would waste her time with someone like him? Why was he still thinking about girls after what Linda had done to him?

What are you thinking?

Saint was brought back to reality by the sonorous female voice. He looked up and there she stood! He couldn’t believe both his ears and eyes. She had actually come just as promised!

Forgive me for coming this late; I didn’t even think you will still be here. I only took a chance, he continued.

You came, was the only thing the surprised Saint could say.

Mfon found herself smiling at his genuine astonishment, Of course I did, I don’t make promises that I can’t keep... So, what are you doing? She asked as she settled into a seat beside him.

He felt his breath stop for a while. There was something decent and easy about her personality that he truly liked. But he wasn’t sure if she was for real. He found himself really desiring to be her good friend and even something more.

‘Stop that!’ he quickly cautioned himself. ‘Don’t get your hopes up.’

It’s nice seeing you, he said softly and his heart stopped for a moment when she looked into his eyes.

Mfon suddenly felt a strong attachment towards the young man. She knew that those words came from a deep emptiness inside him. She liked him.

I was just doing some writing while waiting for you, he continued.

Your assignment? she asked.

No, I am just trying to write a story...

Wow. That is interesting, can I read? she asked, looking up playfully at him.

Yes, but I am yet to go far into the story. Maybe I will let you read once I am through.

So what is the story all about? she asked.

‘Who is this girl?’ he thought. How could she be so free with him? If I tell you it will kill the suspense, wouldn’t it? Well the title is...Secrets of the Gods. It is about a golden medallion that was stolen from a strange group of monks in Ibibio land.

Her eyes opened wide in wonder, Interesting, that is creative of you. I can’t wait to read it.

He began to fold up and pack up the books on the table.

Why do you write them on papers? she asked.

He looked at her with surprise written all over his face, Where should I write them?

In a computer... Don’t you have a laptop or something?

He stood up, Nope, I don’t have one. Let’s go and hang out somewhere interesting. He began to lead her out of the classroom.

She followed him, thinking that it would have been best if he simply typed his story into a computer instead of writing it on pieces of paper.

************

The Ibibio monks gathered together. They all stood in silence watching their leader and expecting him to speak up at any moment. They knew the situation was dicey and the fact was that none of them had expected this would happen in their life time.

They had dedicated not only their life, but their soul to protecting the golden medallion. Now that it had been stolen, their souls would never find rest. The fear they felt was not just for the fate of the world, but also for the fate of their souls.

We have failed. We don’t even deserve to live. But our deaths cannot atone for the loss of the medallion, the master monk finally spoke. Like every other monk in the territory, he was bald headed, wearing nothing but a red robe. We have to try our best before giving up. For now everyone should go into his chambers. We will eat no food or speak any word for the next three days. Remain in your chambers these three days and meditate. It is our responsibility to rescue the world; it is our responsibility to find the medallion and save not just our souls, but that of the entire world. We must have faith... the medallion must be recovered before it is too late.

Chapter 2

As far as academics were concerned, Saturday mornings were less hectic for Saint but as far as house chores went, they were very busy indeed. This particular Saturday was one of such days. Though it was a bit gloomy and it seemed like the sun wasn’t going to shine bright enough to dry up all the clothes he had painstakingly washed and hung outside, Saint’s jolly mood was not affected at all.

He was actually singing out loud while fetching water from the borehole station nearby. Saint always took it upon himself to ensure that every empty water can or drum in the house was filled to the brim during the weekend. Udobio Street was one of the many streets in Uyo that didn’t have access to pipe borne water.

His mother ran a small bukka just opposite their three bedroom flat. Attached to this three bedroom building were four one-room apartments that were rented out to tenants. This was the only landed property the poor woman inherited after the death of her husband a long time ago. This and the bukka were what had helped in paying off her son’s education bills and catering for all their needs. She was glad that he was now in his final year and would soon graduate, get a job and become a man of his own.

She was really happy to see him so full of life this morning. Nothing made her heart merrier than to see her only son, her only hope, wake up on the right side of the bed. Mrs. Offiong knew her son had not had the best life had to offer and always felt it was this situation that had taken a negative toll on the boy’s emotions. True, life had not been fair to both of them but she knew her son could be happier if only he could focus on the positive like he was doing this morning.

On the other hand, Saint was in such a good mood because he was expecting Mfon in his home today. In fact, he was walking on cloud nine. He was sure that she was going to make it because she never failed to keep to her promises. He had become a happier student since the day he met her, she had lit up his heart and given him reason to smile every morning.

Initially, he was skeptical about inviting Mfon to his home, but she had insisted that if their relationship were to be taken seriously, he must allow her visit his home. Left to Saint, he would have preferred taking her to one of his friend’s apartments where the environment was more affluent than his. He just hoped the wretched old house and poor environment wouldn’t make her reconsider the blooming relationship.

It was almost noon by the time he was done with his house chores. He decided he was going to continue writing his story once he was through with having his bath. That way he would be less impatient waiting for Mfon.

Saint was still in the bathroom when Mfon came visiting. She wasn’t surprised to see his mother in a small space outside the building attending to a customer. Mfon could see the unmistakable resemblance between mother and son. She found herself speculating how much of an attractive woman Saint’s mum must have been during her youth.

Talking about attraction, Mfon was yet to understand why she had been so strongly attracted to Saint. But she was certain his good looks alone were not the sole reason she always wanted to be around him since they met two weeks ago. He was funny and easy to talk to. These two factors had made being around him so natural.

Good afternoon ma, I will like to see Saint please. She politely greeted the older woman. Saint had asked her to approach his mother for his whereabouts when she got to his home.

Welcome, my daughter. Saint is in the house. Mrs. Offiong tapped the little girl that helped her with her business chores, Eka, go and tell Saint that he has a visitor, then to Mfon, Have a seat, my daughter.

Thank you Ma. Mfon made herself comfortable on a nearby stool. How is business?

We thank God, my daughter. Are you my son’s classmate?

No, I am his friend, Mfon replied. Talking to Saint’s mother was like talking to a female Saint. She was a likeable woman.

You don’t know how happy I am to see you. My son hardly brings his friends home. I sometimes feel he is as lonely in school as he is at home. Even as she spoke these words, Mfon could glimpse the sadness in her soul.

Perhaps the loneliness she saw in her son was actually a reflection of how she felt inside, Mfon thought.

Saint is not as lonely as you think, Ma. He has his school work and friends to occupy his time; you just have to stop worrying about him she advised.

Mrs Offiong smiled, Yes, he is lonely and unhappy. He has been like that since he lost his sister.

His sister? I only knew he lost his dad. Mfon said wonderingly.

His dad was bedridden for a very long time before he died five years ago. When he finally died, my son and I knew it was the best for the three of us. We took his death in good faith and thanked God for his life, but it was the loss of his twin sister that made my son a lonely and depressed person.

Mfon sharply looked up at the older woman. Twin sister? she echoed.

Mrs. Offiong smiled. It was a weak smile but it made her look prettier and younger. Yes, his twin sister. Saint lost her to kidnappers when they were both five. She was his best half... they were so close to each other... so when she was taken away... he kind of lost part of himself.

Mfon had no idea what to say in response, but she was glad the older woman looked like she could handle telling the story.

You can’t imagine how the whole family felt when my daughter was taken from us. I think that was the day my husband started dying and my son lost his strength. She looked at Mfon, it was a serious look. He has been very happy since morning and in past few days; I want to guess it is all because of you. You bring out a new him. I just want you to be there for him and take care of my lonely son.

Mfon could just nod her head in acceptance of the older woman’s request. She had succeeded in making her see Saint from a different point of view.

Madam, food dey? a customer interrupted them in an uncouth tone.

Coincidentally, Saint opened the building’s main entrance door and signaled to her.

Mfon stood up, Alright ma, I will be inside.

Okay, my daughter. Mrs. Offiong replied without looking up.

************

Mfon walked into his room. It was typically under furnished yet neat student’s room. A ten inch Mouka foam lay on the floor at the opposite left, very close to the window. Opposite the mattress was an artificial wardrobe with two pairs of shoes and a pair of sandals on the floor beside it.

The right side of the room had a reading table and a modern CD deck at opposite ends. The deck was the only expensive looking item in the room. There were so many books beside the reading table and on top of it.

Mfon made herself comfortable on the wooden chair near the table. The neatness of the room really appealed to her.

"What were you discussing with my