Tokoloshe: A Sequel To The Fountain Of Saba

By Andy Lang

Only the most powerful witchdoctor can call the evil, but few can send it away.
The Tokoloshe, the un-dead, it will follow forever!
When you stare into the darkness and the chill of fear tingles up your spine, it is me that you sense.When you look into the crazed eyes of the dictator or the murderer, you look into my eyes. When you awake from the nightmare and thank your maker that it was only a bad dream,you have felt my presence. You may not know my name, but I have many.You have never seen me except in the horrors that haunt your subconscious.
But I am real and I exist inside all of you.
For I am the Tokoloshe.
The Tonga people call her Nyami Nyami, the Zambesi River Goddess. Douglas Rutherford sees her in a very different light, a last chance... bait! And it is the lure of Nyami Nyami that draws Ayana and James back into the spotlight to be reunited with South African mercenary Rolf. Action and adventure beckon as they agree to head an expedition into Zimbabwe to prove the existence of the Goddess.
But unbeknown to anyone, the expedition is followed by an ancient evil, a creature from Zulu myth and legend... a creature of nightmare, a creature determined to fulfil its masters deepest desires.

Tokoloshe: An adventure that transports you from the Townships of South Africa to the humidity of the Zambesi valley, to the heart of Mozambique. A tale of superstition,forbidden love, temptation...
and Evil.

• Language: English
• Publisher: PMO Publishing
• Release date: May 9, 2018
• ISBN: 9781514372135

Andy Lang

Andy Lang was born in the north west of England in 1965 and worked in the early years as an engineer in an agricultural manufacturing company. Moving from the United Kingdom in the late 1990's he subsequently spent many years in the entertainment industry in Cataluña, Northern Spain and property sales in Andalucia, Southern Spain. After several years workings as an Independent Financial Advisor in East Africa, he now writes full time. Over the years he has travelled extensively and has lived in Spain, the west of France, Brazil, Kenya and South Africa.He currently lives with his wife and their young sons in Kenya.

Book preview

Lang

Copyright

Second Edition Layout Copyright © 2016 by PMO Publishing. Published 2016 by PMO Publishing. Ebook design by PMO Publishing. Cover art by Andy Lang and Pixabay.com.

Originally published 2015.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the authors imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the authors permission.

Prologue

When you stare into the darkness and the chill of fear tingles up your spine, it is me that you sense. When you look into the crazed eyes of the dictator or the murderer, you look into my eyes. When you awake from the nightmare and thank your maker that it was only a bad dream, you have felt my presence. You may not know my name, but I have many. You have never seen me except in the horrors that haunt your subconscious.

But I am real and I exist inside all of you.

For I am the Tokoloshe.

Chapter 1

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Dr James Preston opened his eyes slowly, just a fraction as he adjusted to the bright morning sunshine that streamed through the open bedroom window. The light, white, and very feminine lace curtains fluttered in a gentle breeze that teased playfully at the frilly net. The curtains were only one of the new features in his life, lace being something he had never considered before in all of his thirty nine years. Yet now he found himself surrounded by subtle hints of femininity.

Her warmth next to him made him smile, Ayana, his beautiful Ethiopian wife, his saviour, his lover, his eternal soul mate. Ayana had brought the gentle and flowery touches into his fiercely masculine world, sporting prints had gradually disappeared from the walls of his apartment in Addis Ababa old town, to be replaced by colourful yet soothing art. The transformation had taken place while they were still officially courting and just beginning to adjust to the earth shattering revelations that their recent expedition together had brought, but he had sighed happily as his bathroom had been filled with powders and potions and lotions and lipstick, she was stamping her ownership on his place and on his soul, and he had never been happier.

Propping himself onto one elbow carefully so that he didn't disturb her slumber he gazed down on her mocha perfection, he knew his opinion had to be biased, but he considered her the most beautiful woman in the whole world, how close he had been to losing her, his English sensibilities had been a straitjacket for his desires and emotions.

Better to love and to lose, he shook his head at the thought. Complete rubbish, he had almost lost, and it had almost destroyed him. Only their dear friend Helen had saved him from himself. But that memory belonged to the past, and he held a fierce determined to never let her go again, they had the whole of eternity together, forever.

Forever. such a small word for something so vast, and a word always used so lightly. Yet for James and Ayana the word held a special significance. He wasn't sure that the word would apply to their love, only time would tell for that dream, but it did apply to their existence, their lives, it had become a word that they were more than qualified to use, for James and Ayana were immortal.

Immortality was a concept that he still struggled to comprehend. Ayana had been lucky, she had been allowed to make her choice.

To drink, or not to drink? That had been her question Horatio, James smiled at his own jest even if the quote was grossly incorrect, Hamlet, his favourite of all the classics, but she had still been able to decide fate for herself.

He had not been afforded that luxury, simply put, he had been very dead at the time.

The Fountain of Eternal Youth had given him back his life, and his future with her so he couldn't complain. Who would complain? he grinned as he remembered the distress that his rescuer Pedro had displayed.

Sorry Jim, you had drowned, but I managed to use a magical fountain to bring you back to life... hope you don't mind too much!

That had been over a year before and so much had happened since. He turned the gold band on his finger, a habit he was developing, the wedding ring was a constant comfort to him. It matched hers except for it being broader, and the inscription on his read Ayana.

My second chance to get it right. he laughed softly.

His first marriage had been over almost before it had begun, I was young and had no sense, he admitted to himself. Secretly he understood that the love had not been deep enough. But looking at the sleeping beauty beside him he understood how love should really feel, the love that he had for her swelled his heart to the point of bursting. She never left his thoughts, and even after six months of marriage she still featured in his dreams every night.

Good morning sweetheart. she murmured with a small smile on her lips as she found him watching her as she opened her eyes.

James returned the smile and kissed her lightly, Morning darling, did you sleep well?

Ayana grinned and stretched, her arms above her head, the action almost feline, that particular way a cat will stretch whilst on its back, long and languorous and sensual.

So well, she sighed, What time is it?

James glanced at the clock that ticked quietly on the bedside table, Almost 8.30.

Jim, why did you let me sleep in so long, she cried as she jumped out of bed and hastily tied a silk robe around her slender body, You know I'm meeting with the Americans at 9.30.

The long arranged meeting had completely slipped his mind. It would be a job offer but he hadn't needed to worry about work since the producers of Time Travellers, his formerly shelved TV show, had come cap in hand and persuaded him to present an hour long special to tell the tale of his adventures, and exactly how a routine investigation into the origins of Makeda, the Queen of Sheba, had led him to untold riches with the discovery of a huge cache of gemstones.

Both of them had laughed as the royalties cheque arrived, he had enthralled the masses with a modern day treasure hunt but omitted to mention the real treasures that they had discovered, those secrets were locked away safely in his heart.

Sorry love, I completely forgot, but it's no big deal is it, I mean, we don't need the work.

I like working. she responded, You may be getting close to retirement but I'm still so young and fresh. she joked.

Hey... I thought you said age was just a number. he called as she slipped into the bathroom and started the shower running.

It is, she grinned as she popped her head back around the door, But your number is bigger than mine.

So what's the meeting about? he pulled on his own robe and settled on the edge of the bidet watching her silhouette through the frosted glass of the shower partition.

Some investigation, or expedition down on the Zambezi, I don't know all the facts yet, she admitted, You do know it's supposed to be both of us?

Seriously? he replied.

I did tell you, she killed the shower and groped for a towel to dry the water from her eyes, I told you two weeks ago, but as you hadn't mentioned it again I just guessed you wanted me to handle it.

I honestly forgot... it must be my old man's fading memory, he chuckled, I'll come if you want.

Ayana dropped the damp towel and smiled, It would be nice if you came.

Kissing her quickly he dived into the still steaming shower, Give me five minutes, and after the meeting I will take you to lunch.

***

Since they had found undisputed proof that Makeda the Queen of Sheba, had been a real historical fact and not just a figure of legend their post box and email accounts had been flooded with offers and invitations, they had become celebrities and the crazies had crawled out of the woodwork in droves.

$10 million each if you can prove the existence of Atlantis. one letter had promised, Find Shangri la and write your own cheque. offered another. The crazy offers and requests kept arriving, so quite why Ayana had agreed to meet with the Americans was a mystery. Maybe after a whole year of inactivity she craved adventure again? Who knew, maybe she just wanted another cause, a new obsession? All that James knew for sure was that where-ever she went, he would follow.

So you don't know anything except that it's an expedition somewhere on the Zambezi River?

Ayana grinned, "Not much more than that, but when I heard the word Mythological, well you know me, I just couldn't resist."

That's it? just one word and you agree to meet these... James searched for a word that wasn't crack-pots, nut-cases, loonies, in the end he just settled for people.

They might be crazy, but I will have my bodyguard with me, she giggled, "And what's it costing us Jim? An hour of our time, these people have flown all the way from the States for just one meeting, if nothing else it confirms that they must be pretty committed."

Or should be committed. he added quietly.

***

Well we will know soon if they are crazy or not. said Ayana as she pulled into the Sheraton parking, If they are, please don't embarrass me, we just say no politely and make our excuses to leave... OK?

James gave her a grin and a wink.

Please Jim, I'm serious. she begged in exasperation.

Best behaviour. he replied, winking again, I promise, scouts honour.

***

Douglas Rutherford (the third) sat alone, and wasn't what either of them had been expecting. Ayana had been responding to his emails, and from the background he had described she had expected a man in his fifties or sixties. Doug, as he had insisted they call him was an advertisement for American youth, thirty at the most, clean cut, short blonde hair shaped like the Marines Ayana had seen on TV, very short at the sides but shaped and flattened across the top, almost square, she knew there was a name for the style but it escaped her. His shoulders were solid and wide and the tight tee shirt enhanced the bulging biceps and chiselled chest and stomach. James shook hands and forced his expression to remain passive as the grip increased, he realised Doug wasn't posturing or establishing dominance, the grip wasn't a statement, merely a young man who didn't know his own strength.

Quite a grip. he commented as the blood began to return to his fingers.

Doug smiled and nodded, My Pa used to tell me you can always judge a man by his handshake, but I guess I can be a bit too firm sometimes... sorry.

James shook his head and smiled, No worries Doug, so what is it that you want to discuss?

Yeah, he paused for a moment clearing his throat quietly, Have you guys had breakfast? I got in real late last night and over slept some, can we talk in the restaurant?

Of course. smiled Ayana, Take your time Doug, we are in no hurry.

A small look of relief appeared to wash over him before he smiled a broad smile and led the way to the breakfast buffet. Doug dived into his loaded plate as James toyed with a croissant hoping the point would soon be reached.

Look, I'll be straight with you guys, he began around a mouthful of scrambled egg, This friend of mine came over to Africa a few years back, he was working with some charity, or mission or something, I'm not sure what, but the thing is, he got talking to some guys, local guys, about a strange creature that's supposed to live in the Zambezi River, they say it's a River God. he glanced at their faces and saw the distance developing. Well, he ploughed on, I got to talking with him about it and he told me he had done some research and there are all kinds of reports...sightings of this thing.

And how does this involve us? James had heard enough and began searching for a tactful way to wrap up the meeting.

Well, you guys are famous, you find the impossible, I read about you both, your experts.

You want us to find this mythical creature for you? asked Ayana.

"Not for me, he grinned, With me."

I'm sorry you wasted your trip, remarked James as politely as he could, But you have to understand, that's not really what we do, I'm an archaeologist, and Ayana is a historian, it's not really our field.

I can pay you, added Doug quickly, Money isn't an issue.

Honestly Doug, this isn't about money, you would be better talking to a biologist, or even a big game hunter, it's just not our area of expertise.

Doug looked crestfallen as he carefully placed his fork on the plate. From what I've been told there is a link between the creature and Great Zimbabwe, the ruins, that's mainly why I contacted you, that's archaeology right?

What connection? asked Ayana ignoring the gentle kick James gave her under the table, he was looking for a way out yet she was starting to ask questions.

I'm not sure, that's why I need your help, all I've got is my friends notes, and they mention a link between the ruins and the creature, the River God, I hoped they might make some sense to you.

Have you got the notes with you? Ayana sensed James groan silently, and again he gave her another kick, not quite as gently as before.

Sure, replied Doug with a grin, In my room, hang on, I'll get them.

You cannot be serious. whispered James in disbelief as he watched Doug weave between the breakfast tables as he hurried to his room.

It doesn't hurt to take a look, she grinned, And he's come so far, it doesn't seem fair to just run away without discussing it.

Mythical Creature, River God... come on baby! he groaned.

And what's so farfetched about that?

Seriously, can you even hear yourself?

You thought I was crazy for believing in Makeda, yet look at what we found, the Garden of Eden, the Fountain... No, it's not different Jim. she added forcefully as she pre-empted his next statement, It's not different at all, I see he has conviction, he believes in what he's saying, the least we can do is listen with open minds.

James sighed and gave a small shrug of resignation, OK, let’s listen.

Open mind. she reminded him, And look at it this way, we both have plenty of time... all the time in the world.

James smiled, You want to do this... don't you?

Ayana responded with a coy smile, It sounds like an adventure, and I'm not saying I'm getting bored... because I'm not, she added quickly hoping he wouldn't jump to the wrong conclusion, But since we couldn't tell the world about what we really found, well, I've been dreaming of another wild idea to follow and prove... come on baby, it isn't going to hurt us to take a few weeks off from doing nothing, and it could be quite romantic, a long river cruise, sleeping under the stars again, cosy tent for two? she gave him a cheeky wink and started to giggle.

Damn, he cried in exasperation, I've got to learn how to say no to you.

So you agree? she smiled sweetly.

Do I have a choice? he replied with a chuckle.

Not really. she grinned before kissing him.

***

Mamlambo... that's what the locals call the creature, announced Doug as he flipped through the frayed pages of a small journal, I did some research myself and some say it's just like a dinosaur that was supposed to go extinct millions of years ago.

James choked on his coffee but kept quiet as Ayana shot him a don't you dare laugh look.

Like the Loch Ness Monster, he added, unable to resist having a little poke at the ridiculousness of the situation, but his comment appeared lost on Doug who simply smiled.

Yeah, I guess so, he replied seriously, They could be the same, you never know.

So what is the connection to Great Zimbabwe? James asked attempting to match Doug's seriousness.

There is some inscription there, and the translation mentions Mamlambo... according to the notes. he found the correct page and passed the journal to Ayana.

The notes were messy and disorganised, more jottings of ideas and theories, like the contents of a crowded mind quickly transferred to paper, there seemed no logical linkage to the thoughts, just erratic rambling. Attached to the page with a rusted staple was a faded and water damaged photograph of a solid stone wall, and in the centre an elongated circle had been drawn in red ink, a line joined the circle to another on the blank page, and in the second circle the word Mamlambo had been written in the same hurried and untidy script.

OK, I can't see what's circled on the photo but I presume it must be Mamlambo, so that is the link?

Doug nodded enthusiastically, That's what I guessed too, but I won't know for sure until I get there.

James handed back the journal, What else have you got?

Every page is crammed with information, indicated Doug as he flicked the pages, But I'm not really any good at working out clues, I don't know what's important, and what's just doodles if you know what I mean, that's why I thought of you two, I mean you followed all those clues until you proved the truth about the Queen of Sheba, you'll probably be able to make more sense of it than I ever could.

OK Doug, James looked him in the eye and caught a hint of desperation for a second, This is what we will do, give us the journal, or copies of the pages and let’s us have a few days to take a look. relief washed over the young face, We're not promising anything yet, he added quickly, But let us have a few days to do our own research, then we will give you an answer.

Doug nodded but the haunted look remained, Sure, he replied quietly, Take the journal with you, I'm gonna stick around here until you decide. the look of anguish crystal clear as he passed the notes to Ayana. This is real important to me guys.

Don't worry, it will be safe with us. replied Ayana, but only James grasped the real meaning behind Doug's last statement.

Chapter 2

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

He's not telling us everything he knows. James thumbed through the journal as Ayana battled with the heavy traffic, There is something else, something hidden, I'm sure of it.

He's just worried we'll lose his book. she replied as she turned onto a side street seeking a route around the jam that had brought the long line of cars ahead of them down to a snail’s pace.

No, I think it's more than that, admitted James, But I can't quite put my finger on it.

OK, let’s just say he's nervous that we won't take him seriously, probably lots of people have laughed at him because of his beliefs and ideas, some have probably been very rude... does any of this sound at all familiar to you Jim? she glanced across at him, Do you know anyone else who ever felt like that?

Yeah, you're right, he sighed, It's probably nerves, but I still want to do a bit of research before we agree to this.

OK baby. she smiled, but her thoughts were clearly miles away.

Probably on the Zambezi, he thought with resignation.

***

Well, for someone who has done his research, there are certainly lots of errors in his story, announced James as he turned his laptop screen to face Ayana across the table, Mamlambo is from South Africa, famous in the Mzintlava River to be precise, where they call it The Brain Sucker, the beastie that allegedly lives in the Zambezi is called Nyami Nyami? James paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts. Now it strikes me as strange that this guy claims to be obsessed with finding the creature, yet... he doesn't even know it's proper name? And what is even stranger, there don't appear to be any records of inscriptions on any of the stonework’s of Great Zimbabwe.

Ayana studied the screen but her expression remained neutral.

I had a feeling in my gut that he wasn't telling us everything, now we have two choices, either we give him his book back and walk away, or we get the true story out of him.

Let’s give him a chance to explain, she replied after a moment of thought, I have to admit I've been getting quite excited about the expedition, maybe he has a good excuse for the deception?

It better be good, exclaimed James, Lies are not a good start.

***

Doug stared nervously at the table top as James probed him with searching questions and it soon became crystal clear that he knew nothing about his quest.

You'd better start talking soon, warned James as he finally caught the young man's eye, Or I promise you, we will walk away from this.

Instantly a flash of fear registered, Please don't do that, he whispered, You're my last hope.

Hope for what? asked Ayana.

He had expected anger, yet her voice remained calm and in a strange way, comforting. To find my father. he admitted as he folded a paper napkin and laid it just so beside his coffee cup, not satisfied he straightened its position slightly all the time avoiding their searching looks.

Doug, why don't you start from the beginning, and tell us the whole truth this time?

He glanced up and saw a sympathetic understanding in her deep brown eyes, OK, he nodded, Sorry I lied, I just wanted to make sure you would help me.

Just give us the whole story, replied James, And then we will see if we can help.

Doug began his story hesitantly but was soon pouring out the nightmare that he had lived through for three long years. Grandpa Douglas loved Africa, he began, Well, that's what I have been told because I never met him, but my Pa, sorry, my dad, I keep forgetting you're British, he used to tell me stories about how Grandpa Douglas worked all over Africa, he was a civil engineer, he worked on roads and bridges, dams, that kinda thing, well he would write, real regular but suddenly his letters stopped.

Doug paused deep in thought, That was about thirty years ago, his letters just stopped, well dad waited for a couple of years then he started to get worried, Grandpa worked in some really remote places so sometimes it would be months between letters, then he would get six or seven all together. To cut a long story short, as soon as he could afford it my dad came out to Africa to look for him. He did it every couple of years, he would just fly out to places Grandpa had worked, he asked around to see if he could pick up the trail. It wasn't like Grandpa not to write, so he feared the worst, I guess he just wanted to put his mind at rest. Well, three years ago dad came out to Zimbabwe, somewhere up by the Kariba Dam, Grandpa had worked there in the 50's, he told me it was a long shot but he was getting desperate. I mean, fifteen or more trips out here and nothing to show for it.

Doug swallowed hard and sipped his coffee, I talked to dad on the phone, I remember it so well, he was excited, he said he had found a local guy who knew of Grandpa, he told me he planned to go into the bush the next day to meet him, but that's three years ago, and the last time I spoke to him.

Somewhere around the Kariba Dam area? asked James, and saw Doug nod.

Have you been looking for him yourself? asked Ayana quietly.

Again he nodded, Yeah, but I'm no good at it, all that ever happens is I meet these guys who tell me they know something, then they just get me alone and rob me.

Honestly Doug, I don't know what we can do to help you, James felt sympathy, the young man was clearly in distress but he really didn't know what use either he or Ayana could be.

The note book is real, he opened the journal at the photograph, All I did was add the circle and write Mamlambo, dad told me he was following some clues that he hoped would lead to Grandpa.

How did you get the journal? asked Ayana.

The guys from the hotel gave it to me, he hadn't checked out, and when he didn't come back they kept his notes, just in case he returned or someone came looking for him. The book is real, it was my Grandpa's, then my Pa got hold of it, he insisted, That's why I thought of you two, if anyone can make sense of what they wrote... he trailed off, I'm sorry I lied to you, but the picture of Great Zimbabwe, and the Mamlambo thing are genuine, I just can't work it out.

In the Zambezi it's called Nyami Nyami. replied James after a moment of thought.

Doug shrugged, I don't know, all I do know is that I need help, and I can't think of anyone else better qualified than you.

Give us a minute please, replied Ayana as she tugged James to his feet, I just need a moment with my husband.

I say yes, she stated as they stood in the wide reception, I want to help him, and I believe him when he says the journal is genuine, who knows Jim, Nyami Nyami might be real too, are we going to dismiss this simply because he bent the truth?

"He lied Ayana, he didn't bend the truth, he twisted it and tied it in knots."

So you're saying no? she gave him her special look, the look that made his knees weak.

I didn't say that did I, he grinned, I just pointed out to you that he lied. I also say yes, because I'm ready for a new adventure as well.

Have I ever told you that you're wonderful? she giggled and rose onto her tip toes to kiss him.

We're going to need some help if we intend to explore in the bush, someone we can trust, someone with plenty of experience! added James.

Ayana gave him a broad smile and nodded, Will you call him, or shall I?

***

The look of relief that washed over Douglas the Third was almost pitiful when James announced they were in.

Seriously guys? You're not playing with my head?

No games, replied Ayana seriously, We don't guarantee we can find him, but we will do everything we can.

So how much do you guys want?

James shook his head, We don't want your money Doug, just cover the expenses, nothing more, now, when do you want to start?

Right now. grinned Doug with enthusiasm.

James smiled, I phrased that incorrectly, what I should have asked is when will you be ready to start... but I think you already answered my question. Doug, there are lots of things that we need to arrange and organise before a trip like this, we need to put logistics in place. Doug's expression flushed with confusion, Do you have 4x4s arranged? Tents? Provisions? Permissions? Visas?" prompted James.

Doug shook his head and returned his gaze back to the table top, I told you I wasn't very good at this, I just sorta turn up and start asking questions in bars... guess that's why I keep getting robbed!

It could be, smiled Ayana, But that ends now, just have patience while we put everything in place.

How long do you think before we start?

She saw the appeal in his eyes, begging her not to delay.

What do you think love? she turned to James, A month?

I think it's safe to say we will be ready in a month, he nodded, Why don't you go home and relax for a few weeks Doug, there's nothing here that you can help with, just leave it with us, and leave the note book with us also, we need a plan of action, and the notes are vital.

With a smile of resignation he nodded, they were the experts and his own attempts in the past had been frustrating and pointless, he had to trust their judgement. Just keep me up to speed guys, and the second you're ready call me, I'll be on the next flight out here.

James chuckled, Unless I'm very wrong, I think your next flight will be to Harare, so you better get your visas in order.

***

It's not fair that so many people have taken advantage of him, sighed Ayana as Doug finally disappeared through passport control on his way back to Chicago, despite his initial dishonesty Ayana liked the vibrant young man, he bubbled with enthusiasm and energy, maybe a little too loud, but she felt sure a few weeks in the bush would temper him, peace and solitude had a way of curbing the enthusiasm that was so accepted in the city, the bush spoke to the heart, tranquillity reigned when surrounded by the quiet and gentle sounds of nature, he would adjust and eventually slow down to a more sedate pace and demeanour.

Yeah, agreed James, But these things happen, and don't forget, everyone here still tries to charge me double when you're not around to protect me, so it's not just him that gets ripped off all the time.

Ayana sighed, it was true, as in most of Africa a white face signalled a perceived gullibility and capacious wallet, Old habits die hard. she grinned.

So, how do we plan this? he asked out loud as they strolled hand in hand back to the parking, We know we're trying to find his father, but there is also Nyami Nyami to consider. You know, it goes against every instinct and rational bone in my body but... he paused as he straightened out the story he had read recently in his mind, When the Kariba Dam was being built back in the 50's, they laid the foundations on a spur of rock that jutted out into the river. The Tonga people believed the rock was where Nyami Nyami lived, well, according to the Tonga elders, he got pissed off and they forecast he would bring a great flood to stop the work that was damaging his home, suddenly the worst flood in years washed away the access roads and most of the machinery, so work was stalled.

They arrived at the car and James continued his tale as Ayana eased out into the heavy traffic.

Anyway, he continued, "After the flood work started again, the construction company were assured that the chances of a similar flood happening the next year were one in a thousand, so they got back to building. The Tonga warned them again that Nyami Nyami was still very angry and if they didn't stop working he would bring an even greater flood, well, the next year against all predictions an even bigger flood did happen, it took out the coffer dams and part of the main wall.

Doesn't it seem strange to you that the Tonga predicted a one in a thousand flood?"

Coincidence, Ayana replied, Bizarre I agree, but still coincidence.

OK, he replied, Well try this little piece of coincidence for size. During the second flood seven white workers were washed away, presumed drowned. For three days the search for their bodies continued without success, and with grieving relatives en-route to collect their loved ones remains the big bosses turned to the Tonga elders for help, they guessed they knew the river better than anyone alive, maybe they could suggest where to look. The Tonga shaman or witch doctors, I don't know what they're called there, declared that Nyami Nyami had taken the bodies and demanded a sacrifice for their return. Eventually the bosses got so desperate they played along with the Tonga, the theory being that it couldn't make matters any worse, so a black calf was slaughtered and floated in Nyami Nyami's pool, the next day the calf was gone.

That's easy to explain, she chuckled, Crocodiles, no great mystery there.

James patted her knee, Agreed, but they found in their place the bodies of all the drowned white workers... now tell me that's coincidence, because I find that just a little difficult to brush under the carpet as primitive superstition.

OK, she admitted, That is a little spooky, and difficult to explain rationally.

The Tonga also say that Nyami Nyami has vowed to destroy the dam, it's cut him off from his wife by all accounts, now what I find strange is the fact that all the surveys done before the project started indicated that Nyami Nyami's rock was the optimum location for the dam, solid bedrock being stable enough to stand the test of time... yet, from what I have read the dam is almost on the point of collapse, the Tonga are sure that Nyami Nyami is slowly undermining it, and when it's gone he will be reunited with his mate, and the Tonga can return to their ancestral homes.

Even the best surveys can get it wrong, she laughed, But I like the story behind the legend, it's romantic that he's trying so hard to get back to her.

When we started looking for Makeda we only had a legend and a hoax letter... I'm just saying, I would like to believe there is some truth behind the superstition, at the very worst we can find proof to the contrary, replied James. The documented report of the construction workers bodies being returned had fired his imagination, it was an intrigue, an enigma, a mystery begging to be solved.

So, if we start this project assuming that Nyami Nyami may actually exist, what's our next step? Honestly Jim, I don't know the first thing about dinosaurs, extinct or living!

I don't either, he admitted, The stone age is about as far back as my knowledge stretches, a few thousand years, not millions, that's why I've been doing a bit of digging, we need an expert with us.

A look of scepticism crossed her face, I can't see many qualified experts wanting to disappear into the bush with us looking for a creature they all know has been dead for millions of years, sorry Jim, the only interest we're going to get is from the crazies.

With a small sense of regret