CHAPTER 11
ACT 51
In the forest...
She called out to Collet.
Reolita - Collet! Collet! Where are you? Please answer.
She heard noises and instead seeing Collet in the bushes she was grabbed by two figures.
Figure 1 - What do you know about us.
Figure 2 - How does she know Collet?
She tried to free herself from their grip.
Reolita - Arrgh. Leave me alone... Mnnn...
One of them covered her mouth.
Figure 1 - What should we do with her? She could blow our cover.
Figure 2 - I say we get rid of her.
Figure 1 - I'm not going to kill a child. Killing and stealing are two different things.
Reolita was scared. She struggled to get free.
Reolita - Mmnnnhhh!
Figure 1 - Quick before any one sees us.
One of the figures brought out a knife and wanted to harm her when someone shouted.
Collet - Stop! Leave her alone!
It was Collet.
Collet - Let her go. Mother, Uncle let her go.
They let go of Reolita and she ran behind Collet.
Mother - Do you know her?
Collet - Yes she's my friend. She's the one I told you about.
Reolita - Collet why did you steal from my Village. Stealing is bad.
Collet - Look Reo. Listen I'm only saying this once. I'm a thief and you can't stay near someone like me. It's what my family does for a living. You could get in trouble because of me. I have to go. I'm sorry. Take care of yourself. Bye!
Collet and the others ran off with all the stolen money and goods leaving Reolita to her thoughts.
Reolita - Collet is a thief. How could he do such a thing? I need to go back before Papa notices I'm gone.
ACT 52
She managed to get back just in time before her Father entered.
Ricktin - Reolita watch Diablo OK. Stay inside. I'm joining the others to look for those thieves.
He carried his cutlass and went out the door.
Reolita - Oh Collet. Look what you've done to yourself. Please goddess please help him. He is a good person I know it. If they catch him he is done for. He will be flogged at least 50 lashes and go to prison. Please goddess save him.
Meanwhile...
At the Village square around 40 Village men and women were standing holding weapons. The King of Khana village, King Kafo and his guards were also present.
King Kafo - Everyone search for those thieves and bring them to me. Those fools took my gold Sceptre. Anyone who finds them will be greatly rewarded. We do not tolerate thieves in this Village. Now go.
The Villagers searched for the thieves all day and night but they were long gone.
ACT 53
The next day...
Ricktin, Diablo and Reolita were working on the farm. Ricktin was hoeing the ground to plant yam when he noticed Reolita looked distracted. She was supposed to be clearing the weeds.
Ricktin - Reolita, what is the matter?
Reolita - Oh nothing Papa. I was just wondering if the performers were caught.
Ricktin - You mean those thieves. They escaped unfortunately.
Reolita - (Collet escaped. Thank the goddess.)
Ricktin - Now let's get back to work. Be fast with those weeds.
Reolita - Yes Papa.
Ricktin - I have good news. I managed to save up enough money to buy a small goat so we can start having milk.
Reolita - That is great news Papa. Thank the goddess.
ACT 54
3 days later...
Reolita woke up that morning feeling a little weak and had a slight headache. She managed to shake it off.
She fetched water, bathed her Brother, the both of them went to fetch firewood and swept the compound. Her Father had gone to the farm since morning.
Her Brother was feeding the new goat with fresh leaves. He liked doing that a lot lately. As if it was his pet. Suddenly his stomach rumbled loudly.
Diablo - Sister I'm hungry. Where is Papa?
Reolita - He's gone to the farm to harvest cassava. He'll be back OK?
Diablo - OK.
She started sweating and shaking. She entered her room and went to her mat. She was feeling very cold. Her Brother looked at her with worry.
Diablo - Sister what is it. Why are you shaking?
Reolita - I feel a little tired. I'll just lie down a little.
Diablo - OK. I'll wait for Papa.
Her Father came back home with two baskets filled with foodstuffs like potatoes, plantains and Palm oil.
Diablo - Welcome back Papa.
Ricktin - Good morning my boy. Where is Reolita? We should start cooking so we can go back to the farm.
Diablo - Papa Reolita isn't feeling well. She's in her room.
Ricktin went into the room to check on Reolita. She was on her mat and covered in her blanket.
Ricktin - My dear how are you?
Reolita - I'm not feeling alright Papa. I'm feeling very hot.
Ricktin - Let me see.
He checked her temperature and noticed she was shaking.
He became very worried.
Ricktin - I'm taking you to the midwives hut.
He carried her to the hut and Diablo followed closely. Along the way Reolita went unconscious. She wasn't responding to her name. Soon they reached the hut.
Ricktin - Is anyone here! My daughter is sick! I need help.
An elderly woman and two teenage girls came out. He ran to them.
Midwife - Quick you bring a mat. You bring my herbs bag and bowls. Also bring the herb equipments.
They ran in and brought all the requested items. They laid the mat under a canopy. He put her down on the mat. The midwives checked her body. She mixed some herbs into a small bowl and added water. She sprinkled some water on Reolita face. She mumbled and scrunched up her face.
Midwife - Here little one drink up.
Reolita tasted the concoction. It tasted terrible.
Midwife - Come on drink up now.
Reolita managed to drink up. She wanted to vomit but she swallowed it back. She soon slept back.
Ricktin - Will she be OK?
Midwife - She will be fine. Its just a little malaria. And she looks very tired. Please prepare some food for her.
Ricktin - Of course. Come Diablo.
He carried him on his waist. On there way a man brought in his pregnant wife. The 2 women went to attend to her. He remembered when his wife was pregnant with Reolita. They had already lost a baby before her. So naturally he was very worried. He was so over joyed when he heard a baby cry and both Mother and baby were all right. When he carried her that day he was so overjoyed. She looked a lot like him. They did a small ceremony. They soon reached their hut.
Ricktin - Hurry Diablo. Let's put food on the fire.
ACT 55
A few hours later...
Reolita woke up. She looked around but couldn't remember where she was and how she got there. She rubbed her eyes and saw her Father at a corner knelling and praying. An elderly woman walked in and saw her.
Midwife - Good your awake. How are you feeling?
Reolita - I'm feeling OK but I have a headache. And I'm hungry.
Midwife - Good. The medicine is working. Sir, you can give her the food. I'll get more herbs ready. I'll send someone to bring them. I have to attend to other people.
Diablo - Of course. Thank you very much. Reolita here is your food let me feed you.
Diablo - Sister, Papa cooked your favourite. Yam porridge. I helped.
Reolita - Thank you Papa and you too Diablo.
Reolita ate hungrily. She hadn't felt that good in a while. A young woman walked in. Reolita was fascinated. She looked a lot like her Mama.
Lady - Good day Sir. My name is Deebia.
She knelt beside Reolita and checked her temperature.
Deebia - How are you feeling?
Reolita - I'm OK thank you Auntie Deebia.
Deebia - Good. Sir, she's responding to the herbs. This is the remaining one she needs. She should take one mouth full every night before she sleeps for the next one week. And she should eat plenty of fruits like bananas.
Ricktin - Thank you very much I'm very grateful. How can I repay you?
Deebia - By the White hut you have to pay 7 cowries for the medicine and 4 for mat space. I don't collect payment.
Ricktin - I will but take this 2 cowries. I know its not much but as a thank you.
Deebia - Thank you Sir.
Reolita Thanked the lady and soon they left to go home. They branched the White hut and paid the fees to a young man in the hut. Reolita felt she recognized the man's face but couldn't remember where. They reached home.
Deebia - Reolita lie down on your mat. Don't stress yourself. Diablo let me quickly go to the farm. Stay and watch your Sister.
Diablo - Yes Papa.
AUTHOR'S NOTE
Please, I would really appreciate reviews and criticism.