BEAUTY IN EXILE

||CHAPTER 2

In the chiefdom, things were far from normal. It was in chaos. Every villager was scared to death at the news of the return of the man-eaters. They relied on the warriors who practised their craft day and night for protection. Warriors who on the other hand despite their renowned bravery were more scared than they could admit. In fact, the mere mention of the man-eaters tribe made them feel like peeing.

What worsened the situation was the chief's state of health. He was ailing. He couldn't govern the chiefdom normally. A situation that forced his two sons to take over. They worked day and night to ensure the safety of the chiefdom. However, the eldest son, Gitahi knew that no matter how hard they worked to protect it, eventually, they would be defeated and would be left with nothing but one option. To surrender to the will of the enemy. Just like the neighbouring chiefdoms had done as no one would stand against the tribe. Something he was not going to allow. Not in his lifetime. And he knew what he needed to do to secure it. Something strongly forbidden in the chiefdom but he had a dark desire to learn; witchery.

Witchcraft was not a commonality among his people, but his neighbouring community--the Kamba--on the other side of the forest practised the art. That was why he was going to set out as soon as he could to go look for a witch as per Njeru's instructions. His best friend gave them to him before he succumbed to the poison induced to his body.

"My friend, when the man-eaters return, run to the Kamba village, speak of Mwende Musangi, tell them you're the son. That you dearly need their help protecting the chiefdom from the man-eaters. They will gladly help you."

The boys were but seven when it all happened. Njeru had forecasted it and warned his friend early before his impending doom. Gitahi didn't understand it at first but now that he was all grown, he understood it better. His friend had seen it all and gave him the key to secure the chiefdom that was to become his but was taken away from him before he could even be a warrior in practice. Gitahi dreaded that fact. He even dreaded it more that he was the one in line to sit in his place.

He made his way through the garden. He was going to see his newfound prisoner for a friend; Ndegwa. The man was imprisoned for getting involved with a witch and then helping her run before her execution was carried out. He had traded his freedom to save that which was considered an abomination. Something that intrigued Gitahi. He felt that they both had a similar desire for what was forbidden. They could understand their rebellious selves better. Thus making them fit to be friends.

Gitahi approached the cave where Ndegwa was imprisoned. The guards eyed him sceptically. They hated it when he went against his father's orders of not getting involved with prisoners. If they were asked, they would tell on him. But that would mean an enmity formation between them and the son who had happily promised them death by the spear if they didn't shut their mouths. Upon reaching it, they moved aside, respectfully bowed and opened the cave. He walked in and they closed it for concealment.

"My chief," Ndegwa bowed in respect.

Gitahi had told him severally to quit bowing but he seemed to always forget.

"How have you been?" he asked in concern as he sat next to him. He placed his spear beside him.

"I have been okay. Though my mind keeps thinking of her," he confessed solemnly.

He missed his love more than he admitted. It was slowly killing him. But what killed him more was the curiosity of knowing whether she has survived or not.

"I am terribly sorry," Gitahi apologised heartily.

Ndegwa smiled weakly at his concern. He was growing to like the chief's son. He also felt that they had a lot in common. Something he would use to get by his days in the dark cave.