THE NIGHT WITHOUT LAKER IN THE BE
The pain from the blow of the Akwaya gnaws at my nerves. I slipped from the Yat Yaa and nearly fell into the river. Help! I shouted. Okeny and the others only laughed mockingly.
Quickly, I climbed down the tree and hurried home to tend the bleeding. I will never forgive that pain. I must touch Laker if I cannot take her home. How can she hit me with an Akwaya? That is a taboo in the kingdom of Gott Lotti. Still, because of her beauty, I will plan better for her.
That evening, I did not sit at Wang Oo, as it had always been. The pain was too much to bear. Nobody in the family even bothered to ask why I could not join the bonfire that night. I lay on my Amokoding, a fine bed I crafted from raa lagaada when I became a young man. Soon, the night fell into silence.
My mind wandered back to Laker and the drama at the river. No problem—I will push harder. I must win her. In the distance, I could hear the sounds of lyres, harps, and cymbals, with women ululating like crickets under our pumpkin leaves. “Laker must be there,” I thought.
“What if I ignore the pain and brave the chilling cold just to see her? What if she is with Anani or Joknam?” My heart ached and longed for her. 'Laker, listen to my plea,' my spirit whispered. I can sing you beautiful songs—songs our Lotti warriors play when the king grows weary and needs rest.
Her voice floated through the silent night. Even my ancestors could hear it from their world. Wow! 'She is sweet,' exclaimed Abuneri from his forest. I pretended not to listen to him. Son, do not wait. 'Go and meet her,' he urged me. I stayed quiet, though my heart thundered like storm clouds pouring rain over Gott Lotti.
Nyanker! I breathed. Have you not heard the approval of the wise? Give me the chance—just one chance. I can make you queen of our kingdom.
The night deepened until I could hardly see anything. Nevertheless, one thing remained visible—Laker’s bright, shining teeth. Like fireflies dancing at Wang Ayii, they glowed through the small opening in my door and eased my anger. Is Laker truly outside, or am I dreaming of her milky teeth?
Suddenly, the sound of movement echoed across my room like an elephant collapsing. Her beads rattled like stones rolling down Gott Lotti in celebration of a king’s birthday. Laker is a woman worth marrying. Who can help me succeed in marrying her?
Okeny is a mocker. So is Bongomin. I must present this case to the elders of the kingdom. Whatever it costs, I must take Laker home. I cannot allow the idle boys of Magwi to claim her. She is too beautiful to be married in Magwi or Omeo.
Well then—I have a plan. I will challenge those boys in a music competition. Laker loves dancing Larakaraka and Bwola. I am unmatched in both. Even the elders say no dancer in the kingdom has surpassed me.
My friends, who perfected their dance steps for competitions, will join me. We will invite Laker and a team from Magwi to witness. If I do not win the competition, then I will have the chance to elope with her through our warriors. I must touch Laker’s pointed breasts—if I cannot marry her.
As I sharpened the plan in my mind, a knock tapped softly on my door. Could it be Laker? A gentle voice slipped through the small opening like wind and pierced my heart.
“Who are you?” I asked. “I am Laker,” the voice replied softly. “You sent for me… didn’t you?”
I froze. My tongue refused to speak. Should I open the door and confirm? And if it is truly her—what do I tell her? I rebuked my fear.
Finally, I gathered strength and opened the door—only to find our dog scratching and wagging its tail. The disappointment burned deeper than the Akwaya. In anger, I slapped the dog harshly. It fled, leaving me alone—with an aching body and a heavier heart.
To Be Continued (On the Market Day – Nino Cuk)
Gott Lotti
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