Good lovers of literature. I want to share my work of fiction (a Romance) with you.

The Rings of Fire: The Renegades

by Samuel Oladimeji Kuye
The Favoured Wordsmith (TFW)
Copyright © 2017 by Samuel O. Kuye
All rights reserved. This book or any portion of it should not be reproduced in any form whatsoever.

WE CAN'T DO THIS
‘‘This nuptial holding off … for how long?’’ the look on Aaron’s face, the vibration of his hand and the loud sound that Bola heard when he slapped his laps palled all hopes and courage that she had in him. But she couldn’t just afford to seem selfish and arrogant.
‘‘Nil desperandum, Aaron!’’ she said. And she moved closer to him. ‘‘I told you we just must wait. That’s how it’s done. This is Sunday night. I’m sure you taught Sunday School in the morning at church. Just wait.”
‘‘Not these days anymore,’’ he said with his eyes wide open. ‘‘Well, that’s how it should be,”said Bola with a voice begging for understanding. “That’s how … for me … for us. Please!’’ She wanted to sit beside him totame the fire of passion in his heart and quell the spell of androgen in his blood. But he just stood up, impatient and now, louder.‘‘You’re right. That’s how it’d be for us. I’ll not trouble you anymore but I’ll relieve myself as necessary while waiting.’’
‘‘What’s wrong with you?Isn’t your name Aaron? That’s a godly priest’s name.’’
‘‘And so what!Bola?’’Tell me! Bola, what has my name got to do with what I want or do.’’
She closed her eyes and was about to cry.She had tried to make him realise how sex before marriage was discouraged in the church. At first Aaron had cooperated with her on the vow. He’s very pious. He’s very meek. He always told her there’s no problem. Then one day, both of them got drunk. Aaron then asked her to give him a chance. He said he just lost about a million naira. His friend used the money for business. The business failed and his friend committed suicide. He’d later confess that he lied about losing someone and losing money. But that day Aaron looked perfectly very dejected. That’s what led them to drinking. And drinking controlled them almost into congress. He grabbed her by the waist and started to kiss her. She’s still. And then she began to twirl. Aaron unbuttoned her shirt and was about to bend low when she pulled away from him. “No! Stop! We can’t do this. It’s very wrong. Aaron, you know we cannot do this. You know.” Aaron nodded though his mind was intense for passion. The following day, he visited her to be sure she’s not angry. She thought Aaron wouldn’t try to do anything with her again. But he tried to. He argued that religion wasn’t an excuse. He’s going to marry her. “In fact we’re already married,” Aaron lectured her that they should not think God’s against their passion. “We had promised to marry each other,” he added. She argued that it’s all wrong. She didn’t know much about church principles but she’s certain that until all vows are completed sex is considered a sin. She begged him to control his emotion. When he refused to reason with her that day she told him there’s another problem. “There’s a family thing that forbids this act. That’s why I can’t. It’s dangerous.” Aaron was shocked. He never believed there’s any family problem with a beautiful girl. “As beautiful as you are? A family thing?” he asked. “Yes, a family rite,” she replied. “My God!” Aaron exclaimed putting his hands on his head. “What have I gotten myself into? I never thought you’re carrying a kind of a spell or cause.” She’s hurt but she didn’t get angry. “Aaron, I’m not cursed. Don’t say that to me. it hurts.”
He needed explanations because he’d become frightened off. She explained everything to him and he promised to stand loyal to her. He’d help her overcome every family restriction and help her get freedom. He thanked her for being sincere with him but noted that it’s too late. “You kept this secret from me, Bola. Thank you for telling me only when it’s late.”
“I’m very sorry darling. I wanted to tell you.”
“But you didn’t. If we continued won’t you need to tell me one day?”
“I am very sorry. I didn’t know how to tell you,” she said, sobbing.
Aaronfelt sorry for her. He pulled her to himself and made promises to her. He told her that it’s the Holy Spirit that probably had made him acted the way he did so that he could know the truth. “I didn’t know what came over me,” he said, shrugging. “I knew it’s wrong. You’re right. Sex without marriage or before or outside marriage is sinful. I just think it’s for the purpose of this truth that I acted that way.”He said the custom’s related to his Christian belief. He felt bad. “I even said God’s not against such a sinful act,” he lamented. He’s confused. He wept for betraying God.She wanted to cry for him. He’s a renegade and a betrayer.She’d never heard of anyone in her clan who’s disrobed before hymeneals and rites are done.And she’d never loved any other man but just one.
Now Aaron, after she’d explained everything to him still came to her on a Sunday night and wanted sexthat could kill him. She denied him sex and heleft. He walked away in annoyance. She didn’t bother to stop him. ‘‘Let him go,’’ Bola said to herself, ‘‘Bola, you’ve tried to keep him. You can’t do that anymore and you love. Just let him go!’’
She believed that Sunday night was the worst day in her life. Her body was demanding, rousing and it’s Aaron that awoken her passion. She wished she allowed him but she loved him too much and she’d not endanger his life. Now that’s he’s gone her mind’s troubled. She hoped that night would be last time she’d feel awful about love.
A week before that night, her Uncle had visited from Ekiti. He’d come to tell her of the Festival of the Rings that’d come up in a month’s time.While she’s talking with her uncle, Aaron called her number.
‘‘Bola, aren’t you going to answer the call?’’
‘‘It’s not important. And you taught us how to treat our elders with respect.’’
‘‘True. You don’t just divert to talking to someone else while you keep an adult waiting in a conversation. You’re a good daughter of my fathers. That’s why success is ever your lot. But you lied when you said it’s not an important matter. I was once twenty five like you and I know how the passion burns with priority of life.’’
She didn’t say anything. And he told her to answer the call if he called again. Gbenro was certain that person would call again. And he’s right. When Aaron called her phone again she knew how Gbenro caught her lies. The caller’s S.H. and she knew Gbenro was really a smart person and a great lover.
‘‘Alright sir, thank you. Just one minute.’’
Then she moved outside because she didn’t want to use love words when her uncle’s there. Elders, as she believed, don’t usually sanction those words they believed are immoral and only fit for base without cultures. ‘‘Hello, Sweet Heart please call me back in the next … or I’ll call you back I’m busy with my uncle. He just came to Lagos to see his son who’s just blessed with a set of twins, both genders. And he decided to see me before going to the village.’’ She didn’t wait for his response. She pressed the red button as she walked back in.
‘‘One thing I liked about my brother is that he’s faithful with time. Two minutes and that’s it, my brother’s daughter. You’re the best of all of our daughters. I’ve told Omolola, she’d spend holidays here, with you except you don’t want her to. And I assured her already that you won’t refuse to let her stay. Of course, my daughter knew I was right. Bola, will you allow my daughter to stay with you for two weeks just to learn some of your good behaviours?’’
‘‘Why won’t I? I don’t even like how you come tell me that. She’s free to come and you know that.’’
‘‘Yes, I do! My daughter, I know that. I said it. You’re wise.’’
‘‘Sir, you flattered me.’’
She knew he’d still say something about S.H and she’d not prepared good lies to win the smart uncle. The man also kept quiet and kept her waiting. ‘‘Get me amala,’’ he said. He’d told her to let him rest before giving him food. Now he wanted amala dudu with efo riro.’’ She served him in two big white plates. ‘‘You know I eat a lot. That’s good, let’s see if this six wraps of amala will be enough for my hungry stomach.’’ He asked for water. And since there’s a bottle of water on the table she knew he’s asking for some kind of sweet wine. And she gave him that and everything he asked for. ‘‘Uncle always asked for more,’’ she said. ‘‘Yes, and you’ve always been a good girl, taking care of uncle, your only available father.’’
After the food, he’s still watching the television. She then had to ask him. ‘‘Sir, about the person who called, he’s my friend that I just think is good for me.’’
‘‘The best of them all; I knew you’re the best! I was expecting you to say something. These days some children don’t believe that adults had brains when adults were young or they thought that elders exhausted their wisdom at their prime. And you know … I like to remain honourable except with foods,’’ he laughed and continued. ‘‘Your friend? That shows that you’re very close. You’d studied him and you’re satisfied with him. Hmmm! And then that thing you can’t explain dropped in your heart and his heart knotted the feelings. But, Bola … I need to know something. Do you really love him?’’
‘‘Very much sir. I do.’’
He didn’t say anything. She’s missing something. Uncle liked answers to be specific.
‘‘Sir, I really do love him.’’
‘‘Good, then don’t beg him to stay if he misbehaved. Just let him go.’’
Now, he’s gone. She couldn’t sleep that night. He couldn’t sleep too. Just as she struggled and controlled herself from calling him, he called her. She’s confused, crying and she covered her face and eyes with a pillow. She couldn’t see the S.H. on the screen nor hear the phone vibrating sound but she could felt the vibration on the mattress. And she cried, ‘‘I’m sorry, Aaron. I’m sorry. I’ve to let you go.’’
Aaron’s angry with himself. “I’m very stupid,” he whispered. “How could I be so foolish and unbridled?” He got up from the bed and walked about in the room. He dialled Bola’s number again. “Please, baby pick it, answer this call please,” he prayed. But Bola wouldn’t answer the call. Aaron hissed. “She’s strange. What’s wrong? Bola’s never been this angry.” He looked at a picture of himself hung on the wall and clenched his left fist with a hideous grimace. Suddenly he hurled the phone at the photo on the wall. It’s broken; it’s fallen just as Aaron was broken and down on the floor, weeping. “I’m sorry God! I’m sorry Bola. God please give me back my love!”

Nice story. But I hope u won't stop it halfway or update once in six months?

Thank you. No, I will do neither.

BUSY HEARTS
The following day was feverish for Bola. She went to the Head of Department and submitted an application for a transfer to another branch. She didn’t want to be around Aaron anymore. Aaron was her partner. Both of them shared one big office. Coming in through the door and looking to the right one would see Bola settled at a right angle and Aaron at the other angle opposite Bola. That morning Aaron as Aaron entered into the office he saw Bola on her seat and he moved slowly to Bola and stretched forth his hand for a handshake but she ignored it.He was embarrassed but he smiled. “Good morning,” he said. He tried to apologise to her, ‘‘Well, I’m sorry for …’’
‘‘Save it,” she shut him up.“I don’t just want to hear it,” she said with a wave of anger struggling for freedom in her mind. She wanted to fight him harder. Another part of her wanted to draw him closer. As she glowered at him she began to shed tears of mixed feelings. She’s angry for what she did. But she wished she could tell him that she still loved him. She wanted to get up from her chair to hug him. But she’s afraid for him. ‘‘Look, I’m very sorry,” he pleaded. “Please, stop crying… I didn’t want to hurt you. I didn’t … know what to say to let you know that it’s like there’s a kind of spell that always make me misbehave at times. I always cried after such foolish acts.” Aaron was right. She knew it. There’s something beyond his understanding –a force that wanted her to pay some price at that time of her life when she’d fallen in love. She wept more because she understood he’s right and disciplined.
‘‘You left without a bye,” she finally said, wiping her face with a white hanky. “You left me like I’m nothing of worth.”
‘‘Yeah, I was angry and it wasn’t me. I was angry with myself for what I did. It’s very aching for me and I called to let you know how grateful I was that you stood your ground. That won’t happen again,’’ Aaron promised, reaching for her shoulder. She waved and he pulled back his hand.
‘‘Of course it won’t.’’
‘‘Thank you,” he said, “for giving me another chance of trust.’’
‘‘Trust? Please! Please don’t make this office uncomfortable for me today. Let’s just focus on business. There won’t just be a time for any recurrence. We’re done!’’
Aaron stood still. He’s speechless. He continued to look at her and she pretended not to notice. She’s working on a computer. Aaron made a right turn, dragged himself backward and leaned on the wall with his head raised up. He prayed in his mind. “God, please help me. What’s happening to me? I am sorry God. Save me from whatever is making me to misbehave. I don’t want to lose my love.” She pitied him. Suddenly, tears dropped on the keyboard from her face. She’s surprised at that. “Was I crying?” She said and quickly took a hanky and wiped her face. Aaron saw her. “I’m sorry, Bola,” he said. “You are still crying. It really pained you too much. How can I hope you’ll ever forgive me?” He slowly turned right and dragged his weakened legs to his seat. He dropped himself on his chair like a lifeless figure. He now realised that he had dropped his case on Bola’s table. She also just noticed and both of them met at a glance. Then he rested his back on the chair and lifted his eyes up. He suspired sadly and closed his eyes. Bola looked at him for a while. She decided to get a transfer to another office or branch so that she could gradually forget him or stop to pity him.
He didn’t know that any uncle visited. The connection was bad when he called her that day and since he just wanted to call her to know how she’s doing they didn’t readdress the issue. She wouldn’t even talk about her family. And he’s been very hopeful that he’d meet them one day.
Becky now came in just without a knock. She’d brought some files to him. Aaron opened his eyes. ‘‘Becky, just open that door and get out.’’
‘‘Sir, I brought …’’
‘‘I said get the hell out!’’ he shouted and hit the table. ‘‘You don’t just know that you’re supposed to knock on the door before you come in?’’
‘‘Sir, I’m … I don’t understand sir,’’ she said and genuflected.
‘‘Just come and drop the files and walk out. What a …’’
Becky knew something’s wrong with him and she’s sure it had to do with Bola. She moved to Aaron’s side and dropped the files. She looked at him carefully. She wished she knew the best words to say to him but she didn’t and so she left.
Becky also loved Aaron and had tried all signalling but failed to get his second gaze for a second. For a queen and a sex bomb as most men had described her to herself she’d always worried over being ignored. It hurts her mind. Being unnoticed, to her mind, was a sin to her beauty. But the case now didn’t only hurt her pride but also her heart. And she’s hopeful that Bola would not be able to keep a cool guy like Aaron.‘‘If Aaron’s truly a freak as he’s famed to be’’ Becky had assured Chioma, ‘‘Bola, with her virtue campaign won’t last with him.’’ Chioma’s another wannabe who had gone wild with open letters to Aaron. And Bola’s always been the one to read those letters. And she never let Aaron know that she checked his case and read some letters.
‘‘It’s unfair to let it out against her. She did nothing wrong. You’re the one who allowed Bola and Chioma to enter into this office without knocking. You wanted to show that you have nothing to hide.She should knock. But it’s you who said they don’t need to worry. Of course CCTV is in every office and everyone is aware that there’s someone in one room monitoring all activities. So we’d never lose it. We’re friends and we’d always be.’’
Aaron said nothing. He checked the documents and put them in an envelope. He then walked out to apologise to Becky. She told him she’s not angry. She’s ready to bear with him. ‘‘Sir, that’s not you I saw in there. You don’t need to apologise. You’re not like that.’’
‘‘Thank you for being understanding.”
‘‘But sir, I just want you to know that whatever it is … you can always count on me … to help … not just as my boss but as … I’m always here for you sir. Anything. I can help.’’
‘‘Thank you, Becky.’’
‘‘Sir, I think right now you need to talk to someone, you need to share with someone. You can talk to me or … may be any friend of yours.’’
‘‘I said thank you very much. Okay? Thank you!’’
Aaron went back into his office to begin to work on the files sent to him.
In Aaron’s residence, around 6 o’clock in the evening someone knocked on the door and Aaron opened it. He’s not surprised that it’s Becky because he’d wished for her appearance. He let her in. She’d come just to talk to him.
‘‘Are you sure you just came here to talk with me. There’s nothing more?’’ he asked. ‘‘Sir, I am telling you. I care about you and I knew there’s something wrong with you. So, I just…’’
He was now standing in front of her. Looking down at her cleavage. She looked up and saw the passion in her eyes. But she must resist him. Before, she’d wanted him just for the fun but now her heart’s making the calls not just her body. And she’d not let him touch her and use her as a spare doll. But suddenly he grabbed her arms and pulled her close. He looked at her face, it’s vague. He then kissed her. She closed her eyes and let him. After a while his hand had reached her chest and finished some probing. His hands had reached her midriff and was probing, probing softly and heading for inguinal soft skin. Then her heart finally broke the spell of the body and came to power once more.
‘‘No, stop it!’’ She said, pushing him away. But he wouldn’t listen.
‘‘I said stop!’’ this time, he knew she’s serious. And he stopped.
‘‘I’m sorry. I taught you liked it.’’
‘‘I’m not a LovePeddler. And I won’t be your sparring duct. Your heart is what I want and then you’d have the entire of me.’’
‘‘My heart? Come on, that’s simple. You already have it now.’’ He pulled her to himself once again but she resisted him and pulled her away from him.‘‘You think I’m Bola or why did you say I have it already? Look at you! You gave me your heart that’s busy following Bola even into dungeons of sorrow? That easily? You think this is a game? You think I’m a LovePeddler? I’m sure you know some verses of the Bible very well. And you know the story about Esau and Jacob. One needed porridge and easily avowed his birth right away. And when he’d eaten to his fill he tried to retrieve that birth right even with tears. But Jacob was a divine usurper, smart in what he did. Look I’m not going to take advantage of your burning and force you into an oath. No! I want your heart by your heart’s choice not by your body’s lust and entrapment.’’
He didn’t say any word until she reached the door, opened it and was getting out. She turned back, her face expressed love and sincerity. She’s almost crying. And he said, ‘‘Thank you very much, Becky.’’
After she left he began to cry again for failing God again. “God, again, it has happened. How long will I continue to do this? I’m afraid one day it’ll be one who will not say no until it’s done.” He cried and prayed.
Before he left office, Bola had told him that Becky, Chioma, Amina and Funmi were always dreaming of him. They all wanted him, some for fun and some for home. Bola advised him that of all of them she’d be glad if he chose Becky. ‘‘She mayn’t be a saint before. I mean she’s got a past. But she’s a now good person and saintly and good for you. Forget about me or regret in your entire life even in your grave!’’ Those words were ringing in his mind and he wished Becky would come in. And she did.He sat on the sofa now, lonely, deprived, hungry and angry that he almost did something bad again.He’d finished praying. ‘‘Becky wants my heart,’’ he said, weeping with his palms joined together at the middle of his face and he closed his pouring eyes as if he wanted to pray. ‘‘But Bola, it’s unfair to me and to Becky, you have my heart and you’re breaking it,’’he lamented. He dialled Bola’s number. He knew she wouldn’t pick it.But he’d predicted that Becky would answer. That guess was amiss. He’s torn apart. He recalled, “My God, Becky’s lips were like dates. They were like flesh soaked in honey. She’s wonderfully made and her heart’s busy spying on me. But I’ve loved Bola. I’m sorry Becky. I know Bola will forgive me. I can’t just trade my heart just a day after a break up, no, it’s just a little fight. Love’s not wayward. Tomorrow, I’ll beg my love and she’d accept my apology. Even her family rituals cannot stop us. We’re made for each… for each…” he stopped talking and sighed. Then suddenly he burst into tears. “God, please save my soul from wandering and my body from the bondage of lust.” He cried.

BATTLE LOOMS
The following morning Aaron drove to Bola’s place. She’s was not on duty but he was. He called her on phone that morning and she answered him.He told her he would visit her. And he didn’t wait for her response before hanging up. He drove from Agege where he lived to Alakuko, farther away from the way to Ikeja where they worked. When he reached the front of her house he redialled her number to thank her and to be sure she’s not angry.
‘‘Hello, Bola, thank you for picking my call. I … I’m … are you at home?’’
‘‘Yes, I am. Why do you ask me that?’’ she’s curious. Perhaps there’s a problem in the office.
‘‘It’s just to know,’’ he said.
Aaron looked up and saw her through the window. She had raised the blinds. He saw her getting up from bed. Perhaps his call had woken her. He saw her red bandeau and he imagined pink bloomers would be on her too but suddenly the blinds dropped and he couldn’t see all his eyes had wanted. She’s standing with one arm across her flat belly. His thyroid cartilage moved up and down in brief delight. “Bola’s wonderfully made.”
‘‘I’m at home and where are you?” she asked. When she noticed he wouldn’t answer she asked him,“Any problem?’’
‘‘Nothing!’’ he answered. He was nervous and at the same time happy. Bola sounded mild and welcoming. He took the phone away from his mouth. “I am afraid of myself now!” he said. “What should I do?” he asked himself and took a deep breath as he returned the phone to his cheek.
‘‘Aaron? What’s happening? I just asked where you are. You’re not talking.’’
‘‘Okay. I … am in front of … MrBiggs. I’m at Ikeja right now, I’m close to office.’’
‘‘Okay. It seems you’re late already. This is 8:44. Call me when you reached office. Okay?’’ she spoke to him affectionately. He recorded their conversation and would listen to it several times that day. “She’s mild like the mother of our Lord. She still cares. I’m sure.”
Aaron drove away from Alakuko wondering if he should just skip work and return to Bola. But she’d be mad at him for driving for morethan two hours from Agege to Alakuko just to see her instead of going to Ikeja.He left Agege around 6:00 a.m. Now, it’s almost 9 O’clock. And he’d not likely reach Ikeja until it’s past eleven or twelve. When he checked his phone he’d missed Bola’s calls. And he got a text message from her: it’s like I saw your car. Aaron, this morning in front of my house, I saw someone like you. You lied to me. He sent her a reply and read what he was typing, “Yea, I did. I had to. Baby I’m sorry. I was confused. I didn’t know what was happening to me and I didn’t trust myself these days.” She called immediately she received the message. He knew she was going to rebuke her and ask her questions he wasn’t prepared to answer. She sent him different text messages asking her to call her back and asking her what was going on in office. He’s certain she’s worried about him.
He’s lucky that Mr James had to travel that morning without checking whether staff were all present and busy.He asked about Aaron and Becky lied to him that Aaron just visited the lav. She prayed Mr James would not talk about that again. Becky had the privilege of working near Aaron that morning.They must provide some data that Bola failed to sort the previous day. Then he thanked her for covering for him. ‘‘Whatever it is, I won’t ask you to tell me,’’ Becky said. ‘‘Just make sure it doesn’t happen again,’’ Becky said.
‘‘Okay. Thank you. It won’t,’’ Aaron promised.
‘‘Today, you got lucky. Mr ‘‘no brotherhood in this office’’ isn’t around.’’
‘‘Yeah. I know I’m lucky. But that luck was protected by you.’’
‘‘You need to know that only one person can commit errors without needing to worry about questioning. Do you know?’’ Becky asked.
‘‘Yeah, I do. And actually, she’s good at what she does. Of course, she’s not common with errors but when she made them others must pray not to get punish for her error because the management is divine in taking her side. Readily!”
‘‘Good that you know. So, next time, don’t let her issue put me in a dilemma like this.’’
It surprised Aaron that Becky knew it was Bola’s issue that made him late for work that day. He smiled and asked her if she’d have time to drink with him when they finished work in the evening. She had a party to attend. So she’d not be available. Instead, he’d attend the party with her. ‘‘If you won’t let me go there with you I’ll believe you’re lying to me just to avoid me.’’ She didn’t care about what he liked to believe. She said she would not allow him to go with her.
After a great day at work with Becky getting exclusive closeness to stare at Aaron all through, she told him she changed her mind. ‘‘What do you mean change your mind, the party or the restaurant?’’ he asked. ‘‘That depends on you. The party is as sure as death. But if you still want us to get some … wait a minute, sir, you know I don’t drink and I supposed you don’t.’’
‘‘It’s a lie,”Aaron playfully poked her forehead. “At least you drink water. Don’t you? Now I get it. There’s an easy meaning for drinking.’’
Aaron later thought the party would be better in case he needed to explain himself to someone who mattered to him. So he went to the party with her.
At Bariga,the party was attended by several kinds of people. Different people set different canopies for their distinguished club members. The Royals were in one corner enjoying themselves with wines. The Golden Boys next to them. There were Glory Makers Club and there were The Fearless Progress Youths. That was an independent association of youths in that community. The club is notorious and dreaded. It’s different from the general community association of Youths. Many street boys in that club got besotted and aflame. They began to walk around looking for a girl to convince or manipulate. And many girls usually succumb to their demand because of fear. One of them came to Aaron and Becky who were enjoying intimate discussion that was going the way Becky wanted it.But the lady’s hope got dashed when the guy came and whispered to her ears, ‘‘baby, you deserve better than this frigid gentle man. I got what you wanted. I’m generous and God almighty blessed me.’’
Aaron’s looking at him. He’s patient for a while. Becky didn’t want trouble but she’s boiling. ‘‘No, thanks. I’m okay. Thank you,’’ she said.But the guy wouldn’t go. ‘‘baby, don’t waste the moment,’’ he said, aloud. ‘‘Please, Becky begged. “Leave me be.” She looked at Aaron. His eyes were scary like that of a hungry lioness. But he’s a gentle boy and she never wanted to cause him any trouble.
The guy was insisting. “Lady, I’m not joking. There’s nowhere else to pour this thing that is already at the tip. You don’t know me?I get what I want.” He beat his chest proudly and pointed at Aaron,“I am Egungun aye.Maa pa idan fun e lorita meta nisale. Do you get me? What am I trying to say, will perform magic for you on that oritain between her thighs and she’d beg for more.’’ At that time two guys had joined them. They were just standing arms akimbo. And one hailed, ‘‘Eegun o’’
‘‘Waa seere, alaye mi,’’ Egungun Aye replied. “You will prosper my boy.”
Becky, scared and confused, grabbed her bag. ‘‘Aaron, it’s time to live,’’ she said and made attempt to get up. But Aaron was sitting as Jet Li studying a gang to be beaten. He motioned his hand, “Becky, sit down,” he said, imperatively. He had told Bola and other ladies in the office about his past. He told them the stories of how he wrestled with five boys and won when he was five.He fought six boys when he was in secondary school. No one could stop him from entering into the senior classrooms that were ‘out of bounds’ to junior students. And when he became a senior he told them that he became a gang leader. When his school fought with any other school he was the one who led his boys to victory. He was suspended for one session. His mates finished before him. He became the god of thugs. He usually led others boys to a place in the school garden which they called ‘school two’and he often told them that it’s a miracle that he’s no more irascible. Becky was panicking as she watched the guys lighted cigarettes, smoking desperately.She’s unsure of what was going to happen or what Aaron was going to do. Aaron adjusted himself and rested his back on the chair and began to use his right thumb and index fingers to play with his moustache, looking at the guys who intended to signal dread to him. His confidence was remarkable. Becky would tell Chioma about it. Aaron watched Egungun and his boys and he smiled. ‘‘Becky,’’ he said, aloud, ‘‘just, sit, down, don’t be afraid.’’ His eyeballs were red. ‘‘That’s the way he described himself in rage,’’ Becky said to herself, “I remember his stories.”And as he told them of his wild state,he began to stammer. ‘‘This is trouble. This heavy guy!’’ she cried. She looked at their bodies. They had tattoos of scorpions all around them. They’d smoked cigarette and ganja. No doubt. And they’re very drunk. And now they’re smoking dangerously. It’s bad that no one seemed to notice that a fight might begin in that corner. They were all engrossed in music, dancing, eating and drinking. ‘‘Aaron, please,’’ she begged, crying, ‘‘please, let’s just get out of here. Please.’’
Aaron wouldn’t listen.He placed his hand on his chest to assure her that there’s no need to worry. Now three other guys had joined them in that corner.Eegun now had five thugs on his side. “Is this history repeating itself,” Becky asked herself. They mocked Aaron’s tiny stature. ‘‘This fish?’’ one said and laughed. And he had a dagger with him. Becky wanted to move to Aaron’s side but one of the six guys stopped her. Aaron still did nothing. She remembered that he told them that he never attacked anyone first. ‘‘Ejo la maa n ko ka to ko ija,’’ Aaron would tell them. He meant that he liked to wait for justification before fighting. And now whether he’s waiting for them to drag her, ravish her, stab her, beat her, and kill her or just for them to attack him Becky did not know. She just watched him take his wrist watch off his wrist into his pocket. And he placed his two hands on the table for a while. Then he’d stood up slowly and folded the long sleeves of his shirt up to the elbow.

DYING
It’s Becky who called Bola on phone that night. ‘‘Hello, Aaron’s dying,’’ she cried.‘‘He’s stabbed. He’s dying.’’Bola advised Becky to control her emotion. “Calm down, okay; just calm down,” Bola said on the phone. There’s nothing like fear or worry in Bola’s voice. She spoke as the one in control of the key of Hades gate. “When I was an undergraduate in the university and heard that my boyfriend was involved in a protest and he’d joined others in vandalisation I became worried. My heart almost jumped out of me,” Becky narrated to Bola. “Thank you. I understand,” Bolasaid. Bola became uninterested in the conversation. She’s sleepy. “Becky, I’ll come very tomorrow. Okay, I’ll hang up now.”
How could she be calm when her lover was dying? Becky never believed that Bola’s serious about not visiting the hospital that night. Bola said she couldn’t leave Alakuko that evening when it’s already 8p.m. because she’d probably get to Bariga by 12 midnight if she got trapped in traffic. She’s sure no one could escape traffic on Lagos roads. ‘‘But the way she spoke, the way she said he’d not die, the way she told me not to fear and advised me to sleep well … the way … what’s wrong with her?’’Becky wanted to tell Aaron what Bola said and how she’d reacted as if Aaron was lesser in value than an ant. But the nurses had warned her never to come into the emergency room.The doctor gave that order. And all Becky could do was pray to God. Life’s going to be tough for her if Aaron died. She feared people would blame her for his death. They’d ask her questions she would never be able to answer. Many would conclude on several things and Aaron would not be there to defend her with truth. “Aaron you must not die o,” she cried.
Aaron’s stabbed with dagger twice in his left thigh and once in his right thigh. He has deep cut in three places on his back. He’s stabbed in the chest with a broken bottle. Becky continued to wonder how she could tell Bola that Aaron, Bola’s lover was dying and there’s no show of concern in her voice. Bola’s not shaken. And she’d not visit the hospital until she’d reached office and got permission the next day. That will never be very early in the morning. It’s certain Bola must tell Mr James that only two people should be sent to check Aaron in the hospital. Bola would like to ask many questions. She’d be jealous too. “But true true, this guy strong well well o. He suppose don die diesef. See as dem stab am puchapucha for chest, for im leg, for back, for stomach, for hand, for everywhere and he still dey breath. That’s not even the matter. See as he beat those guys. Chai! He commotone from ground; smash am for ground pucha. One run go meet am he give am blow puchapucha. He beat them like seydem be sumallpikin. Aaron even kicked them with his legs. If not because of me he’d have beaten them tire.” Becky started to cry. She’s waiting for the doctor or any nurse to come out of the room and give her news about Aaron. She slept there that night.
The following morning, the story at the office was maddening.Some said Hercules was beaten like he’s Hector’s brother.” Some guys in the office jested that Achilles was wounded in the chest. “Fable was his talent,” one of the colleagues said. Aaron had told everyone in the office his story of beating many boys at once. Becky witnessed it. She was the one who cause him to fail this time. But she kept quiet. They said that if he had handled ten big guys in a dangerous “school II” he’s supposed to handle six boys in a party. It’s fun and funny how Aaron’s colleagues laughed at his agony. Becky couldn’t stop them and she couldn’t explain how it happened though she witnessed it all. And it’s her fault.
She thanked God no one was asking her why she was with Aaron that night instead of Liza, her colleague and friend.
Mr James chose Chioma and Benson to go to Bariga and find out how Aaron was doing. ‘‘It’s a wonder he’s not dead. But we need to know what happened,’’ Mr James said. And the Bola who had said nothing since she came to office that day now suggested that Mr James should send her with Bola to see Aaron instead. Everyone knew the decision was already made by then.They often murmured, “Mr James never said no to Bola’s suggestions –imperative suggestions.”
On the way, Bola and Becky trusted the reckless driver, they just kept discussing. And they had started the discussion slowly and first unfriendly‘‘Stop staring at me,” Bola said,“Just say it as it is in your mind or ask it as it is bothering you.And if you can’t, please, just go to the front so that you may stare at the driver.’’
‘‘I thought you love …’’ Becky said before she’s interrupted. ‘‘I know you love him. And I’m sure no one asked you good questions about last night,’’ That annoyed Becky. But she feared Bola the master of their boss.
‘‘You should ask. You care about him. Isn’t that why you made us chosen for this journey?’’
Bola chuckled. She then looked at Becky fixedly, saying nothing.She brought out some cubes of chocolate from her bag and offered them to Becky. ‘‘Do you care for some?’’
‘‘Thank you,’’ Becky said after she’d collected some.She’s surprised they shared chocolate cubes as friends. ‘‘I don’t understand you. You spoke as though death is your roommate and as if death was busy with you or distracted by you while I told you about Aaron. I worried throughout the night but thank God he’s just … alive.’’
Bola didn’t say any other word till she’d finished eating the cubes of chocolate in her hands. Then she told her that she’s very sure that Aaron cannot die the same way she’s sure Mr James would not be sacked when he was in trouble some months ago. ‘‘I love Aaron. I care so much about him that I could fast for him for forty days. It’s faith in my prayers to God that always gave me assurance.’’
‘‘Really? I never knew you have really gotten that far with Jesus. Is it not last month you started to attend fellowship with Aaron?’’
Bola had been talking about faith recently just to give people some topics to discuss apart from her enigmatic source of power. Almost all her colleagues believe in God’s power. They like the topic, ‘faith’ and always like to give credit to God. People would love her, perhaps enviously if they believed that her source was God Almighty. But if they believed she had some anti-Christ source of power they’d fear and hate her. In prayers they’s call her enemies. She’s chosen to use faith as a distraction rather than a culture.
‘‘Faith isn’t about temple or denomination,’’ she replied Becky.‘‘You seem to have a gift of prophecy and faith.” Becky said, winking and smiling.“And please, I have prayer reque--” She was yet to complete her statement before Bola cut in, sharply, seriously and fearsomely.
‘‘Why were you with him? He had no business or friend in Bariga. What happened?” Bola’s voice had lost friendly connotation. Her face had lost the smiles. And she’d turned her face away from Becky, setting her straight at the driver. Becky was perplexed. She felt uneasy.“How could this weird girl treat me like a fool,” she thought as smiles slowly disappeared from her face. “How could she make me feel relax and suddenly intensify the atmosphere? This girl—na mad girl o.” Bola turned her face to Becky and looked her straight in the eyes with bold face. “Becky, didn’t you hear my question?” she asked.
‘‘I’m sure you had a problem with him and he came to me just as a replace … just as a … person who needed someone to talk to. He wanted us to go for drinks and I had a party to attend.’’
‘‘What happened?’’
‘‘There’s a fight and he’s stabbed.’’
‘‘Aaron doesn’t fight. He doesn’t … just fight!’’
Becky didn’t know what to say. Bola knew Aaron well.And though she’s angry with Aaron she couldn’t easily erase love in her heart. Becky tried to control her answers. She knew that it’s hard to lie to Bola. One would have talked and later regretted talking.‘‘This girl, praying? She’s a witch!’’ Becky thought within herself and vowed to find out everything about Bola. “Well, you’re right. Your boyfriend is a cool handsome guy. He’s gentle and doesn’t like trouble.” Bola smiled.‘‘Mr Bada,’’Bola called from the back seat, ignoring Becky’s response. ‘‘Yes madam,’’ Mr Bada answered. ‘‘Please stop for one minute.’’ The driver had disobeyed her in the past and there’s an accident. Now he just stopped.‘‘Why do we have to stop?’’ Becky asked.‘‘No, we didn’t stop,” Bola answered, “We only paused. Now, let’s go.’’They were driving into a four cardinal points junction.
They had not moved a minute further before a trailer, from the east side, crossing to the west side of the junction, hit one vehicle infront of them.The taxi had just moved a bit upon the green light but the trailer wanted to cross before the red light could stop his lane. Two passengers and the driver got arrested by death in a twinkle.“Oh my God,” Becky Cried. “Ogbelegbele o!” Mr Bada exclaimed. Bola didn’t say anything. He’s not moved and that didn’t surprise Mr Bada or Becky.
‘‘Is this why you told him to stop? How did you know?’’ Becky asked.
‘‘Holy Ghost in me is more active than you’ve ever experienced or imagined, I guess. Let’s not forget to discuss how Aaron got stabbed.’’
‘‘Six guys almost killed him okay. I owe you no explanation.’’
‘‘Sure. You just need to tell me why Aaron allowed himself to be beaten.’’
Becky looked at Bola. “You’re crazy,” she said fearlessly.But she knew that it’s not just that Bola believed fables about Aaron’s strength and skill in fighting.“Bola’s not a witness of Aaron’s fighting stories, was she? How could sure be sure of Aaron’s stunts?” Becky asked herself.
As they were getting closer to Bariga, Becky wanted to ask Bola if Aaron would have gotten better but she’s afraid. Bola wanted to tell her too that she’s from a family protected and empowered by the rings of fire but she preferred to seem a prayerful prophetess.The only thing she wanted to know was the reason why Aaron didn’t fight or why he allowed himself to be stabbed.And the culprits who escaped,she wished to know them if they’re still alive. “They would be dead,” Bola said.
“Ma, who are you talking about?” Mr Bada asked, concernedly and Becky raised her brow, askance. “No one that you should worry about,” Becky said. There’s no way they could understand that anyone who hurt her beloved friend or lover would become an enemy of the spirits of the rings. They’d not be able to confirm that those men who escaped really died. And it’s better for them not to know about the strange spirits of her clan. Becky was also scared. She’s feeling guilty. She was the one who invited Aaron to that party and she’s the reason why he’s beaten like that –like he’s a weakling. Her guilt was mixed with love. “God, please save Aaron o,” Becky prayed. “Amen, God will do that. Aaron will not die. He won’t,” Bola assured them and brought out more chocolate cubes from her bag.

TROUBLE RUINING FESTIVAL
In Ina Village the family of Ayantade were the chief drummers at Odun Oruka, the Festival of the Rings. The people of Ina Olooka, the ménage of the worshippers of the rings were respected for their popular entertaining seven-day festival. Strangers were free to watch some performers during the first six day. But the seventh day is exclusive to the natives. There were magical performances and contests that made the festival a kind of theatre.
It’s another Festival of the Rings. Everyone wore red attire. Dancing is first according to households. The family leader would then make prayers on behalf of the whole family members. The last dance was general and it’s the clan leader, Baale that would say the prayers that time. That would happen on the seventh day of the festival, called, asekagba.
Each of the women of different households tied around their waists chains of thin ropes of red cloth, knotted at intervals to hold some lace of rings which jangled as they danced. As they clapped, bangles on their wrists also jangled. At some point, all of them danced with uniform steps. They took the right leg forward and rightward and when they returned it they carried the left leg forward and leftward, jumping and clapping twice, rhythmically. And then they danced differently, competitively. They men and children hailed the women with noise whenever they stopped a song, preparing to switch to another song. The bata drummer beat bata with gathered muscular will. Omele, gangan, benbe, iyailu were all drummed at the festival. When the drum beats became very intoxicatingly arousing men joined in the dance. Happiness flowed over everyone.
They all sang the village song:
‘‘Ooruka ina o; oruka ina o; oruka ina o; oruka ina
Igba meta ajila, oruka ina o’’
That is a chant. Rings of fire, rings of fire, rings of fire
Three periods of prospering, rings of fire.
After they sang each of their songs the drummers beat rhythms that invoke the spirits of the rings of fire. A spirit would arrest the soul of a leader of a family and that’s when he’d vaticinate as well as bless every member of his household.
‘‘As our women had sung, ours is the ring of fire that suffice to take us through the three stages of life,’’ Uncle Gbenro, the head of Inalafa household said. And he prayed that the aged who were in the last stage should be granted peace and days to tell stories to their grandchildren and great grandchildren. People used to live very long in the town of the rings. Uncle Gbenro also prayed for the adult that were married and those that were unmarried.
He prayed that the sacrificial fowl of each bachelor and spinster be protected and blest. And that their hymeneals should be glorious when it would happen. It was that time Uncle Gbenro was praying for the unmarried that Bola arrived. She came in a black Toyota jeep too spectacular to be unnoticed. And everything became silent. No one had noticed that she’d been absent. It’s never expected that anyone from the clan apart from the renegades would miss any part of the festival throughout seven days for any reason.
Each household had an earthen pot of fire submitted at the village square with different identification marks painted on it. They arranged the pots to form a circle around one big earthen pot of fire which is for the whole clan. The fire from the earthen pots burned up with hiss sound and rose tall. And the village’s big earthen pot of the rings of fire burned as tall as rain in the sky. The rings that floated on top the pots, flying up and down in the noisy fire, clanging upon collision, were colourful. But as Bola arrived, the hissing sound stopped and everything became still and silent.
That’s terrible! That’s not the spirits’ complaint against coming late. It’s terrific. And when Tundun saw her daughter came out of the jeep, she burst into violent cries. ‘‘What have I done?’’ she cried. ‘‘My only child! Why should the spirits be mute when she arrived? Have they not watched over her and her fowl till now?’’
Her arrival had triggered questions. The people, most of who were jealous of Bola’s city fortune murmured and soon began to talk aloud. “What is the meaning of this,” an old woman asked Baale, “how can we say that we have respected the rings when our children have refused to participate? Won’t the gods go into oblivion if our children are strange to our rituals?”
Another man also asked questions. “How can we trust the young ones to uphold our culture when they have begun to disrespect principles even before we join our ancestors; is there any hope left in the young generation now…who can explain what bad omen it is when the rings stop to fly up and down and when fire stops burning up from our pots?”
Baale who had been on a chiefly seat now stood on his feet. He interrupted the jealous man whose children were all successful trouble makers in the neighbouring villages. He wondered why the man and the woman have talked about Bola rather than about the fact that the fire suddenly stopped burning. “When evil is chasing somebody will that person stop a moment to remove thorn from his feet until he’s finally escaped from evil? Maybe. When there’s invasion, and we’re running to survive, if we fall, are we going to waste time minding the pain or we’ll first reach a safety land? If we’ve sensed a violation of our culture, if we’ve noticed evil or whatever it is, shall we commit more errors upon errors by halting the Festival? Are we not going to incur the wrath of the spirits of the rings if we do that? Please, let’s continue for now. Anilati le akata lo na ki a to fabo waa ba adiye. That’s it; we will chase away the tiger first before we come to treat the insolence of the fowl.” Everyone agreed with Baale. He’s a wise man whose persuasive words never fail to achieve a peace mission. He motivated the people and caused them to ignore Bola and they continued the rites of the Festival.
Everyone was as curious as Tundun, Bola’s mother, was. The Festival was already altered. The legs of dancers were no more willing to dance and neither were mouths of singers ready to sing any longer. The drummers lost their skill. And there was no way they could continue that way. Baale then sent for the priest. It’s hard for them to continue if the priest had neither consulted Ifa oracle nor spoken Ifa’s words. They all waited for the priest. The men were just looking, the women could only murmur as they watched Tundun cried. Bola was also shocked. She didn’t understand what was happening but she hastened to stop her mother from rolling on the ground in tears. As she moved closer to the centre, suddenly, the spirits’ humming sound started. That was what had expected at the peak of dancing, at the time Bola arrived. The sound of the fire –the hissing sound also started again; the rings also started to clang, swinging up and low, faster. Everyone was amazed. No one talked. No one danced. They all gaped with wonder. Their heads were swinging up and down since their eyes followed the rings up, very high and then down as the rings returned.
The priest also arrived at this time. He joined the people in swinging of the heads. The fire had never burned up as high as it now did neither have the rings flown higher as they now did.
But something else happened. The amazement soon turned into dread. All the rings dropped inside the pots and then the hissing stopped and banging started. Nothing like that had ever happened. On every face, Bola could read portents. Uncle Gbenro’s face was bold. He mustn’t show fear. But his tongue was too weak for prayers.
The priest, Abore Oruka then addressed the people. ‘‘Let no one cry for today is a … a … day of … joy. I think I am right! We all know that this Festival is ever the first of joys we had. Other Joys must follow it till we gather next Festival. So let us continue. Now, the Inalafa family are going to hand over the gong of prayers to the family of Inalipa. But before that let’s see what performers have for us.” The performers forced their passion into orature and wrestling. But everything happened rather fast. And the Festival was concluded.
After the event on that seventh day of the Festival, the last day, everyone became suspicious of Bola. Many feared that she’d done something sacrilegious. “Perhaps she’d been defiled without the … procedures,” some argued. They wanted to know if the omen concerned the whole village or just Inalafa family. And neither was acceptable. The village must rejoice or mourn as one.
Later at night when Uncle Gbenro joined Bola and Tundun in his late brother’s house he spoke gently. He loved Bola and respected her more than his own children. That’s because Bola’s father was very good to him when he was alive and because his own son had been a renegade.
‘‘You missed six days and didn’t perform in anything. Your lace of rings, your rope of red; your bangles and other things were not worn. They are there in your father’s room. I hope you even kept your rings very well.’’
Tundun interrupted Gbenro. ‘‘Baba, what are you telling your daughter? The matter is grave and …’’
‘‘Tundun, you think I’ve lost my mind? You don’t rage against a raging storm on the sea. Can you achieve height when you follow in digging abyss instead of mounting a hill? You don’t sail with anger if the sea is angry. You must sail to the ground first before you serve yourself a dish of delicacy.’’
‘‘Maami, I don’t understand what’s going on. Uncle what’s happening? It’s like you all believe I’m in some danger?’’
‘‘No, you aren’t,” Uncle Gbenro responded.“It’s the other way. Danger is in you, may be for us, for the village or for yourself. Whatever stopped you from coming the first day, whatever caused you not to talk of marriage is the danger that’s close to you. And you must … let it go in peace. I mean you must get rid of it.’’
‘‘Uncle, it’s work!’’
‘‘The children of the rings of fire never beg for wealth or fortune. Fire does not beg to be employed. Fire and water, who fights them? Look, it’s … not work. How’s S.H. doing?’’
Uncle Gbenro’s demanding eyes caused shame to Bola. She wanted to rise up to vomit. But because it’s been long since she sat with her legs crossed, on a mat, she slapped her right leg with her right palm. ‘‘What’s it?’’ Tundun asked, ‘‘Bola, what’s that?’’
‘‘Will you just rest your mind? ’Uncle Gbenro said. ‘‘It’s pajapaja.’’
‘‘Bola?’’ Tundun called curiously. She curious something bad might have begun to happen to her daughter. ‘‘Maami, it’s nothing. It’s truly just pins and needles. Eebi n gbemi! I want to vomit’’
Tundun was very scared. After Bola had gone to the backyard to vomit Tundun asked Baba what or who S.H. is. She wondered why her daughter could just become sick in a sudden like that. ‘‘Is it really because of the lace of rings or rope of red or the bangles or the halt of the festival or everything together? Isn’t just one ram sufficient for such case and is my daughter the only one who didn’t perform through all seven days?’’
She wasn’t talking about Gbenro’s renegade son but he felt ashamed. His son had been successful without the rings and had been blessed with a set of twins. Nothing bad happened to him in the city. Gbenro had his fears though. Uncle Gbenro told Tundun that everything was alright. He told her that the spirits seem impatient that Tundun hasn’t brought her fowl for sacrifice. I think it’s time you talk to her about marriage. She’s twenty five. No, not twenty five. Omolola is twenty two now. And I remember she was five when Omolola was born. Talk to her. Remember I always warned against secret.’’ Uncle Gbenro had always said that secret should not be kept at all from children and if kept it should not be kept for long. He always said that if the children found out on their own the parent would lose respect and control of the situation. And if situations made a parent to disclose a secret when it’s too late the parent may lose a child’s allegiance and control of the situation.
‘‘What should I tell her?’’ Tundun asked.
‘‘Tell her the truth. Everything! Everything! Tell her and make her understand everything. The spirits of the rings of fire do not care whether a person is ignorant or not. It’s time for her to bring a fowl. Bola knows that but you must still discuss it with her.’’
Uncle Gbenro looked towards the door and knew that Bola had entered while he’s talking. She heard everything. He’s sure! The curiosity in her face betrayed her confusion and fear.
‘‘I’d come back tomorrow morning after I meet with Abore Oruka.’’ Uncle Gbenro said and left. He had to leave before Bola asked whatever questions were gathering within her.