Afro-Scot Mkpu: Afro-Scot

By Michael Uzoramaka Jonathan

The book tells the story of a Kingdom in the West of Africa that holds a dark past involving the maltreatment of its people, shady deals with foreigners, and injustice. The people pray for a saviour and meet an unlikely individual who makes a decision that turns the tides of the land's history.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Michael Uzoramaka Jonathan
• Release date: Sep 29, 2022
• ISBN: 9781399922326

Book preview

© 2022 AFROSCOT LTD Published by AFROSCOT LTD United Kingdom

Baltic Chambers, 2nd Floor, 50 Wellington Street, Glasgow, G2 6HJ afroscot.org

Printed in the United Kingdom

ISBN is 978-1-3999-2232-6

All rights reserved. No part of  this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—for example, electronic, photocopy, recording—without the publisher's prior written permission. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.

Scripture quotations identified KJV are from the King James Version of the Bible.

Contents

Acknowledgments……….. 7  Introduction……….. 9  Act I……….. 11 - 130  Act II……….. 131 - 210  Act III……….. 211 - 250  Artwork……….. 260

Acknowledgments

Afro-Scot: Mkpu could not have finished without the encouragement of my family members, who always encour- aged my fanciful ideas. My mother and sister, especially as they gave me advice that sharpened my writing style for this book. My father always pushed my creative side, and it helped draw me closer to the Lord Jesus Christ. My little brother is a source of inspiration for the behaviour of the younger characters in the book. I also want to thank a special lady in my life for not being afraid to point out my weak points, which helped me write with a new sense of freedom. The freedom that comes from knowing and accepting your imperfections. I learned the importance of  listening to feedback from people who may not be experts in the field as they usually have a more sober look at your work. I thank everyone who encouraged me with my last book, as it gave me the courage to write another. Finally, I thank the Lord Jesus Christ for the confidence he instills in his children. I dedicate this book to Jesus Christ for his glory.

Introduction

After a harrowing experience at a church, I decided to write a book detailing the troubles of the modern  church. I wrote a few thousand-word drafts, looked at it, and found its ranting and deep style distasteful. I knew nobody would be interest- ed in such a book with no familiar themes, and the genre was non-fiction. I turned to fiction to find a way to express this problem. I wanted to write a book about Scottish landscapes as I spent my late University years living within the Scottish borders. I also wanted to tell a story based on the 1 Samuel - 2 Chronicles epic in the Bible. I watched many Japanese samurai films and engrossed myself  in Hebrew, Germanic and African history. I struggled to develop the right setting and theme for the story until it flooded into my mind one night in January 2022. I wrote the summary of  the book and began writing. The adventure led me to write a story involv- ing slavery, royalty, favouritism, despair, hope, courage, and the importance of  grace only found in the Gospels. I chose the title Mkpu because the Igbo word means ‘mask,’ but it can also mean termite, alarm, exclamation, etc. Masks hide one's identity, so the title was most fitting. I am sure after reading this book; you will understand what I mean.

ACT I

1

Proclamation of A King

The days before Africa’s colonial oppression, September 1600, stood a kingdom famed for its kings that conquered half of the west of Africa. The ruling  King, Man Nek, was a man of great wisdom and might. He led the kingdom with the panache of its former successors. On the first day of  the month, before him stood two British Monarchs. The golden interior accentuated the King’s vesture as his arms rested on the throne’s armrest. On his right side, crouched down a leopard. Around its neck was a collar fitted to a chain that a guard held firmly. His wife sat on her throne beside him; her large masks resembled the masks of the paganists when they danced for their gods. Her garments glistened and reflected off the  gold-plated floor that covered the whole room. On either side of the room were seven pillars that held the roof; each stood in a row till it stopped before the room’s entrance.

Afro-Scot Mkpu Act I

Behind the pillars was the court. Each court member adorned themselves with their royal regalia. Every colour of  the rainbow marked their garments and dazzled anyone who looked upon them. Around them stood a multitude, small and great. Their eyes flickered as the fire sticks illuminated the room. At the middle was a rich, soft lavender carpet that ran from the entrance, up the throne steps, and finished under the two thrones of the royals. Behind the throne and beside the Queen were twin males, both about the same height, with their own firmly fitted masks. The one behind stood with his nose pointed to the air, and his back was erect while the other gripped his mother’s garments. His legs noticeable shook, and his face averted from the crowd.

 Suddenly, the two British Monarchs bowed before the King with their crowns decorated with rubies and diamonds. Their backs bent with an exceptional gracefulness. Silence permeated the air as they turned, and the multitude bit their tongue as they awaited the movement of their King. The King’s laps were stretched from each other as he shook them. With its intricate gold stitching, it shined as it swayed. His right hand moved, each adorned with a ring of  many colours, all signifying his authority. He lifted his right hand ever so slightly from his armrest. The leopard's eyes opened, and it showed its fangs. The British Mon- archs lifted their heads, and a sudden burst of noise filled the room: banging, thumping and the sound of musical instruments like drums and percussions buzzed the ears. A loud cheer sang out their mouths again as a joyful spirit possessed them to an uncon- trollable frenzy.

‘Blessed is he who’s name bears the spirit of the King –

Blessed is King Man Nek! Blessed is the Kingdom of Mkpu!’

14

Afro-Scot Mkpu Act I

The multitude gyrated themselves around the Throne Room as the musicians increased their flurry of  chords. Children started clap- ping their hands and feet against each other, dancing to the luscious instrumentals. The King pressed his palms upon the armrest and lifted his large body from the throne. He stepped down towards the British Monarch. His feet barely made a noise as he took his time. Man Nek moved both his hands forward. As his rings shimmered around, the subtle moonlight rays from the ceiling window pierced them, leading to a rainbow of hues circling his garment. King James bowed his head as he grabbed the hands of the King in obeisance. The British Queen turned  the same as she picked the side of her dress. The people cheered once  more, energizing the room; each cell of their bodies screamed with joy. The Mkpu Queen also lifted herself from the throne and walked down to meet her husband. The children would follow. One swaggered down the stairs, and the other wobbled. King Man Nek gestured to a guard with his finger. One ran towards him. He was a tall man, and his muscular build gave him a powerful presence. His name was Oju Uzoeze. The King had put him in charge of  his children, especially Ja Nek. Although shy, Ja Nek was mischievous. Now at the age of thirteen,  his antics had heightened. Oju’s eyes had to always be upon him.

 The King led the way forward with the British Monarchs and his Queen beside him. Members of the royal court  packed behind them, uncles’, aunties and friends. The Throne Room entrance pushed forward as two military guards opened it. Several guards, all fitted with leather battle armour made from the skin of rhinoceroses, followed behind him. The British King erupted into a conversation.

15

Afro-Scot Mkpu Act I

 ‘My Kingdom boasts of the finest textiles and artilleries which I believe would be of great  interest to you, Sir Man Nek. Perhaps my Emissary can negotiate a deal.’

 Man Nek nodded his head as King James spoke. King Man Nek learned to be silent from a young age.

Words can know a fool, thought Man Nek.

They went outside the Throne Room, and on either side of  them stood several statues placed in the stretched Royal Hall. Artisans sculpted the figures of former  Mkpu Kings. Man Nek walked by the sculpture of his father, King Go Nek. He remembered that one day he would be included in the heritage collection. A glint of pride pervaded his heart, and he walked with a more assertive swagger. Windows from both sides of  the hall shone light from the night sky, giving the room a hazel blue look that calms the tempo of the soul. The door at the end of the hall seemed like it was under a microscope. However, as they continued to walk, the door enlarged until they stood before its profound size. Two unnamed military guards ran to the front and pushed the door forward. A creaking noise swam through the ears of the royals as they witnessed a bright light peek between the wickets. The light illuminated the moonlit hall and dominated it with the colour of orange and red. The waiters set a large dining table before them, arranged with the aroma of  fish, meats, soups, slices of bread, and rice. Each royal took their seats; the warmth eased their backs to a loll. The members of the court  sat also. The former empty room now was full of chatter, clangs, and clinks of the plates and cutlery.  ‘Make sure this Palm Wine goes to King Man Nek! Do not allow him to ask. I repeat, do not allow him to ask!’ Said the head waiter to a female peasant.

16

Afro-Scot Mkpu Act I

‘Yes, ma.’ She replied.

 The most satisfying entertainment was the musicians that strummed their instruments, whistling a soothing ecstasy-inducing sound through everyone’s ears.

 ‘To imagine these British Royals would enjoy our music! We’re are not playing classical, after all.’ Said a musician to another as he watched King James bob his head to the tune.

 The hall's elaborate diamond chandelier on the ceiling spun around, glistening on the gold-plated four walls. King Man Nek lifted his cup, and a peasant girl immediately approached him. She refused to look upon the mask of the King. The peasants  in the Royal Palace were adequately adorned with the best garments as they represented the King. The thing that separated them was their tattooed cheek that held the royal insignia. The insignia was King Man Nek’s name written in the Mkpu language. King Man Nek whispered into her ear:

‘Get me my palm wine this instant.’

 She quickly remembered the waiter's words and hurried to pick up the palm wine held within a vase. The head waiter averted her gaze from the peasant and acted like she had not witnessed the embarrassing scene.

‘I told you.’ She muttered.

 The peasant bowed her head as she poured the wine into the King’s golden cup. The British Monarchs also took palm wine, swirling the cup and sniffing the aroma twice.

‘This is true African cuisine.’ Said the British Queen. King Man Nek cleared his throat and halted the room’s

discussion. He maintained the silence for several seconds before lifting his cup to the sky. The court did the same, and the British

17

Afro-Scot Mkpu Act I

Monarchs copied. Man Nek swallowed with an audible gulp and

said:

 ‘I would like to toast our British friends here… And to the throne.’

18

2

A Child’s Dream

The court continued to lift their chalices in the air as they gazed at the King, who slightly pushed his leather mask above his lips and drank the palm wine.

 ‘To our British friends and to the throne.’ Said the court. The sound of slurping  wine surrounded the room. The musicians returned to their playing. The volume of  chatter and the chomping of food complimented the melody of the instruments. Prince Li Nek ate with a gracious slowness that contrasted with the rushing impoliteness of Prince Ja Nek - his brother. Ja Nek was not afraid to burp out loud to his mother's dismay.

 ‘Ja Nek! You eat with your mouth closed. Look at your brother. You should copy him!’ She said.

Afro-Scot Mkpu Act I

 After relishing the food, Ja Nek vigorously shook his legs and tapped his finger. He took off from the seat;  snuck around the guards and court as their attention geared to their food and conversation. Ja Nek made sure he wasn’t seen and ducked his head out of the dining room when the guards began  to eat. The military guards, enjoying their meal, also stopped guarding the door. Ja Nek saw this as a chance to escape. The guards left the side door open on the left side of the room. He snuck out of it and checked his back multiple times until he knew Oju or a guard didn’t follow him. The corridor he had just entered led him to the roof. It was a corridor he traversed on the regular before bedtime. He enjoyed the view of the night sky, and his impatient curiosity led him to execute it during the royal meeting. The darkness of  the corridor made it difficult for him to move forward with speed. Cracks of moonlight shone through the fragile distressed walls on either side, giving the Prince an ambient light for his path. He followed the rays and reached the end of the corridor.  He then walked up rough rocky steps. Ja Nek took his time, counting them till he stopped at the eighth one. He pushed the door forward and felt the soft caress of the wind under his mask, striking his youth- ful face. The roof was flat  and on its floor was a pattern design of identical squares. The lines on the courts were black and filled in was white. He walked closer to the edge of the roof. His eyes absorbed the night stars as they flickered, disappeared, and returned. A satisfying sigh emitted from the Prince’s mouth. He looked down at the kingdom’s landscape. The Palace roof  was the highest point in the domain, allowing the Prince to see the view of the entire land. He felt the urge to remove his mask because his fastened fixture hindered his peripheral vision.

20

Afro-Scot Mkpu Act I

However, Ja Nek knew never to cross that line; removing a royal’s masks was forbidden. Instead, he bent his head down to see the giant golden Royal Square below with its Princely architecture. There were no trees in the square or wildlife. It was mostly a city of gold.  The