CHAPTER 15

“So, tell me,” Nnamdi said as he forced the words amid the bolus of the pounded yam going down his gullet. His guest watched him and gulped, grateful that his stomach had not growled to disclose how the hunger of the past days had affected him.

“How long have you stayed in Dota? I mean, how long since your training?”

Mbakwe scowled at the habit of the man. Parents sprung their children for talking while eating, but an elderly man…the people of Alaocha abhors such. It shows signs of irresponsibility and ungratefulness to Ala (the god of the soil), for providing the food. The man had not cared to invite him to share in his meal—he had only offered Mbakwe water. Another ill-behavior, which the people of Alaocha frowns at. If the entire people of Dota behave like this, it means that their uncultured nature blends with the words of the village storytellers.

“Two moons ago.”