CHAPTER 5

Returning from Edeh's hut, the duo walked back in long strides to retire into their hut before their father smelled their absence.

"Markus, Kim is that you??" Mrs. Ortom whispered, startling them before they could proceed into their hut.

"Yes, Mother" they both chorused.

"Where are you both coming from by this wicked hour of the night?" She inquired as the two of them stared at each other intermittently seeking a way to cover themselves up.

"We went to supply palm wine to one of our buyers outskirts of the village" Kim replied, gaining Markus's support instantly.

"I know as young men, you are not to be questioned about wherever you go or wish to go. I was just curious to know where my boys went after searching your huts"

"You can see that we are fine, Mother. Please go back to rest before this little act of ours wakes up Father."

She nodded, retreating into her hut while the duo quickly scurried into Ramsey's hut in a swift movement.

"Brothers, you startled me. What kept you both for long?" Ramsey asked the wink the duo graced his chamber with their presence.

"The important thing here is that we made it back even at this hour." Markus released.

"So what did the man you went to see, say about Lucas?" He asked.

"He cleared all our doubts, Ramsey"

***************

The sunlight kissed the land of Zamunda calling for every native of the village to begin their chores for the day.

Ortom's compound was not an exception as Lucas headed for the farm after greeting his father, sister, and mother who ignored him as usual.

Stepping a foot outside his hut, he gazed at his compound before heading towards his first son's hut knowing fully well that he was around and seeing that the tools he uses for his work are still kept where he left them the previous night.

"Markus!" He called softly but got no response. He called continuously until the attention of his wife was drawn.

"My lord! I greet you. What brings you here this early when you are supposed to rest more inside your hut?" Mrs. Ortom inquired, coming for his rescue.

"I came in search of Markus. I want to have a word with him and his brothers. I know the trio didn't head out today."

"Do not trouble yourself, my lord. I will send them to your chamber. I want you to go rest now" She coaxed, leading him back to his hut.

"Thanks, my woman. I must commend your care" He appreciated as soon as he sat on his bed.

"I must serve you, my lord. No need for the appreciation." She replied.

"The King requests my presence in the noon."

"Okay my lord and what about Lucas?" She inserted quickly with a frown.

"You know they won't like to sit with him. I will call for a general treat later, my wife"

"I will make sure the boys report to you this instant."

"Thanks."

A few moments later, the trio stepped in, prostrating following tradition once they wanted to greet their elders.

"Good morning, Father." They chorused, grudging.

Ortom stared at the reluctant attitude of his sons but let it slide as he ordered them to sit around him.

"Good morning sons. It's been a long we had time together so I thought since you are at home, I decided we converse away today." He dropped but only got a cold expression from them.

"There is nothing to talk about, Father. You hate us your sons but prefer a loafer to us. We can't and will not sit here to talk with an irresponsible father like you" Kim released angrily.

"Kim, your anger will consume you in no time if you don't take care. You speak like one whose mouth stings with hot food. You lack the virtue to respect your elders and that will consume you in no time" He exposed.

"This is it, Father. All you do is pronounce evil words on your blood but bless the one you picked up from the forest" Markus defended.

"Your envy will not add any cubit to you. I smell the rottenness of your hearts. You've gone far to seek vengeance which was never orchestrated from the onset. I, your father have always loved you all as my sons. The gods bear me witness" He swore.

"You've been a ruthless father who values the ant over the lion. I beg to take my leave this instant" Kim retorted, departing the hut.

"Kim is right, Father. I beg to leave also because all these have no use" Markus dropped, following after Kim.

Ortom's heart bled the instant his two elder sons left his presence. 'Oh how far they've gone' he thought to himself.

Ramsey sat still. He stared at his father while the latter kept on lamenting his sons' actions.

"Father, you have lost your real sons. I pray you get them back due to your carelessness" Ramsey said, taking his leave too.

"My lord, Is something wrong? Our sons left in anger" Mrs. Ortom inquired, rushing into his hut.

"Your sons are no more in the realm of mortals. They've sold their hearts to the evil spirits and you know that would ruin them in no time"

"Your hurtful words bear evil fruits always, my lord. You speak wrongful words about our children but bless the outcast with so many good words. Why so?"

"I am a seer. I see things beyond the eyes of mortals. I see how far their feet have gone toward destruction. They will be consumed soon"

"I forbid your wicked words. Stop all these because you continuously create hatred in the hearts of the children towards you. I wonder what you saw in Lucas that made you neglect your family for"

"I'm disappointed in you. I thought you would see things from my view instead, you are incorporating yourself with them. You should be a mother." He chimed softly.

"And you should also be a father. You should shower your love on your children too. I hate this one-sided love of yours. Show it to your children"

"Lucas is also part of this family. You should see him as one"

"From the beginning, I have never for once accepted him into this house. You brought him. Your family rejected him and you refused to take him back to the same spot you picked him from. We can never see him as one of us. Never!" She thundered angrily, exiting his chamber.