CHAPTER 26

The cry was distant at first. But then it came again. This time on the roof of the forest, a strident cry that was ear piercing. It sounded like the cry of an eagle, wounded by the arrow of a hunter. All creatures stood still and the forest bowed with fear when the huge beast soared pass. It was a smooth flight, that could go unnoticed, only that the wind on its wing, threatened to uproot the buttress root of trees.

Ada could feel the bones in her body vibrating. The hair on her skin was already on their feet, hoping to jump out of her body and run to safety. The shrill cry came again, but this time, it was drowned by the gentle harmattan breeze.

“So the legends are true?” Ada whispered. So soft were her words that she doubts Ikedi would hear.

“Yes. They are” Ikedi said. He held hands with Ada or rather, she held him, afraid that letting go would expose her to the ancient beast.