Chapter 7: The Heart Of Igbo land.

Akunna's curiosity lingered, and she sought answers to the mysteries that still swirled in her mind. Ozurumba, sensing her thirst for knowledge, nodded graciously, willing to share more of the river's secrets.

"What do you mean by the river swallowing its own messengers?" Akunna asked, her brow furrowed in concern.

Ozurumba's expression turned solemn. "The Imo River has a way of testing those who serve it. It demands absolute loyalty and dedication. Sometimes, even those who have been chosen to carry its messages are consumed by its power. It's as if the river is purging itself of any imperfections, ensuring that only the strongest and most worthy remain."

Akunna's eyes widened in awe. "That's both fascinating and terrifying. What about Okwu, my great-grandmother? You mentioned she was a powerful messenger. What happened to her?"

Ozurumba's gaze drifted into the distance, as if recalling a distant memory. "Okwu, your great-grandmother, was a remarkable individual, chosen by the river for her unwavering courage and wisdom. She served the river faithfully, carrying its messages to the villagers and guiding them in times of need. However, as time passed, Okwu began to question the river's motives and the true nature of its power. The river, sensing her doubts, saw her as a threat and consumed her, taking her knowledge and wisdom into its depths."

Akunna felt a shiver run down her spine, realizing that her great-grandmother's fate was tied to the river's secrets. "What about the villagers who were swallowed by the river? Were they also messengers or servants of the river?"

Ozurumba's expression turned somber. "No, they were innocent villagers who had unknowingly crossed the river's path. The Imo River has a way of sensing those who possess a certain... spark within them, a spark that resonates with its own power. Sometimes, it mistakes this spark for a challenge or a threat, and it reacts accordingly."

Akunna's mind raced with questions and connections. "So, the river is not just a simple body of water but a sentient being with its own consciousness and motivations?"

Ozurumba nodded. "Exactly, Akunna. The Imo River is an ancient entity, older than our village and our people. It has its own agenda, its own way of maintaining balance and order in the world. We are but mere mortals, trying to understand its secrets and live in harmony with its power."

As the sun began to set, casting a warm orange glow over the village, Akunna felt a sense of pride and connection to her great-grandmother, Okwu, who had bravely served the river and paid the ultimate price. She realized that her journey with the Imo River was far from over, and she was determined to honor her great-grandmother's legacy and uncover the truth about the river's secrets.

Ozurumba's words lingered in the air, leaving Akunna with a sense of unfinished business. "Remember, Akunna, though we honor Okwu's memory, the truth about her fate remains a mystery. The river has yet to reveal its secrets, and we may never know the exact circumstances of her demise."

Akunna's eyes narrowed, determination burning within her. "I will uncover the truth, Ozurumba. I owe it to my great-grandmother's legacy and to the river itself. There must be answers hidden somewhere, waiting to be found."

Ozurumba's expression turned grave, his voice laced with concern. "Akunna, I understand your desire to uncover the truth, but I must advise you against forging ahead. The river's secrets are dangerous and unpredictable. You risk suffering the same fate as Okwu if you pursue this path."

Akunna's face set in determination. "I understand your warnings, Ozurumba, but I cannot turn back now. I must uncover the truth, no matter the cost."

Ozurumba's eyes filled with a deep sadness. "I fear for your safety, Akunna. The river is not to be trifled with. Please, reconsider your decision."

But Akunna's mind was made up. She was determined to uncover the secrets of the Imo River, no matter what lay ahead.

Ozurumba's face hardened, his voice firm. "Akunna, if you forge ahead, I will have no choice but to report you to the youths. They will not take kindly to your disobedience, and I fear for your safety."

Akunna's eyes widened, taken aback by the threat. She knew the youths were not to be trifled with, but she was determined to uncover the truth.

"I understand, Ozurumba," she said, her voice steady. "But I will not be deterred. I will uncover the secrets of the Imo River, no matter the cost."

Ozurumba's expression turned sorrowful. "Akunna, are you happy seeing your parents shamed and humiliated because of your actions? Do you not care about their suffering?"

Akunna's eyes dropped, her voice barely above a whisper. "No, Ozurumba. I am not happy about it. But I must uncover the truth. I owe it to my great-grandmother and to myself."

Ozurumba's face fell, his eyes filled with a deep sorrow. He knew he had to protect Akunna, even if it meant going against her will. He nodded, his voice heavy with resignation. "I will report you to the youths, Akunna. May the gods protect you."

As Akunna walked home, lost in thought, she was approached by Ada and Oluchi, two villagers who had always been kind to her. They fell in step beside her, their faces filled with concern.

"Akunna, we've been watching you," Ada said gently. "We know you're determined to uncover the secrets of the Imo River, but we must advise you against it."

Oluchi nodded in agreement. "The river is not to be trifled with, Akunna. It's a powerful and dangerous force. We've seen what happened to your great-grandmother, Okwu. We don't want to see you suffer the same fate."

Akunna listened attentively, her eyes fixed on the ground, saying nothing. Ada and Oluchi exchanged a worried glance, but continued to press their point.

"Think of your parents, Akunna," Ada said. "They're already shamed and humiliated because of your actions. Don't make things worse for them."

Oluchi added, "And think of yourself, Akunna. You're young and full of life. Don't risk your future on a dangerous quest for knowledge."

Akunna remained silent, her face a mask of determination. Ada and Oluchi knew they had to try harder to reach her.

"Akunna, please," Ada said, her voice filled with empathy. "Listen to us. We're only trying to protect you."

But Akunna's resolve was unshakeable. She nodded politely, thanking them for their concern.