After two market days, I travelled home since I had recovered from the injury I had incurred. The intention was to inform my clanmates about Laker, the only girl everyone craved in Magwi. Luckily, my arrival coincided with an organised Kal Kwaro Day. Kal Kwaro Day was when the king blessed all the princes in the kingdom. Among others, I was the lead prince.
When evening came, we gathered at the palace around the
bonfire. My father asked how my stay in Magwi had been. I told him and all the
members everything that had happened and how Laker had hooked me. Yes, she had
hooked me, and I could not do without her. The bright, shiny teeth, the breasts
that looked like our beautiful mountain’s peak, and the dance steps she made
were unbeatable. Who else could make the whole kingdom shake when Laker
appeared on the stage?
It was as if the gathering had heard sad news from Ajwaka,
the chief spirit. Nobody said anything. I became scared. What is wrong?
I wondered. Of course, my father normally took a long time to decide. I
silenced my tongue and waited expectantly. In the circle, a maid provided some
kwete to entertain the elders who accompanied Baa every evening. On the other
hand, the children played their Arumruma macke, laughing in the bright
moonlight that brought them peace.
Shortly after, Akena, my uncle, cleared his throat, drank a
cup of kwete, and motioned for silence from the women nearby. “My son,” he
started, “we are grateful for your finding, and that shows your preparation for
manhood. We always say, ‘A grown-up man earns greater respect when he is
married.’ We do not object to your request.” He concluded. My emotions
were invested and energised. One thing was clear: I did not see any positivity
from Baa. Would he second his
brother’s acceptance? Well, that was what I was yet to hear.
The children’s joy grew louder as they embraced the beauty of
the night. I moved closer to Baa and whispered to him, asking his opinion about
my request. Dad had already arranged for me to marry the girl in the next
chieftaincy, and therefore, he seemed hesitant about my move. Could that have
been the reason he did not want to respond? Even the elders around were waiting
for his remarks. I pressed him with another question. He groaned deeply. I
withdrew.
Baa called for attention and began to speak to me in the
presence of the elders. “What is the name of the girl you have fallen for?”
“Laker,” I answered. “She is a girl boys are fighting to take
home. During my stay in Magwi, I learned a lot about her. She could dance, and
her Nede made every sane man
tremble.”
“Stop there!” Dad exclaimed. “I asked for her name, not rants
about her. Our custom does not allow a young man to decide alone when he is
ready to get married.” He warned me. I did not respond.
After a five-minute silence, Dad dismissed us and urged us to
wait for his decision. “I will let you know after consulting with the Gott
Lotti lions. We cannot make an important decision in the kingdom without
hearing from them.”
I left the meeting frustrated and broken. Laker was the woman I was ready to lay down my life for. If I could not marry her, I would not marry any woman. I could not let Joknam, Anani, or Acelam pride themselves in Laker’s beauty in my sight. I would deal with them strategically.
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