CHAPTER 4

Nduka's eyes locked onto his children's, ensuring they grasped the gravity of the tale.

"So, my children,"

Nduka said, his voice low and solemn,

"that's the story of the Evil Forest.

A place where many brave hunters ventured in, but never returned."

His children exchanged nervous glances, their eyes wide with fear.

"But why did the vulture kill them, Father?"

Akua asked, her voice trembling.

Nduka's expression turned grave.

"Some say the vulture was a messenger of the forest's dark spirits.

Others claim it was a cursed creature, born from the forest's evil energy."

Enex, Nduka's eldest son, frowned.

"I don't understand, Father.

What evil energy?"

Nduka leaned in, his voice barely above a whisper.

"The forest has a dark history, my son.

Many years ago, our ancestors made a pact with a powerful entity to ensure the village's prosperity.

But the entity demanded a terrible price:

human sacrifices."

The children gasped, their eyes wide with horror.

"The villagers refused to continue the sacrifices,"

Nduka continued,

"but the entity's curse remained.

The forest became a place of darkness, where the vulture and other creatures roam, seeking victims to satiate the entity's hunger."

The room fell silent, the fire crackling in the background.

"Father, is the vulture still out there?"

Akua asked, her voice barely audible.

Nduka's expression turned somber.

"Some say the vulture still lurks in the shadows, waiting for its next victim.

Others claim it's just a myth, a cautionary tale to keep children from wandering into the forest."

Enex's eyes narrowed.

"I don't believe it's just a myth, Father.

I think there's truth to the story."

Nduka's gaze locked onto Enex's.

"Be careful, my son.

The forest is no place for curiosity.

Remember, the villagers' fear is real, and the forest's secrets are best left unspoken."

The children nodded, their faces pale.

As the night wore on, Nduka's tale lingered in their minds, a haunting reminder of the Evil Forest's dark legacy.

"Get some rest, children,"

Nduka said, his voice softening.

"Tomorrow's a new day."

The children nodded, retiring to their rooms, their dreams no doubt filled with visions of the vulture and the Evil Forest.

But Enex couldn't shake off the feeling that there was more to the story.

After the holidays, Enex and his twin sister Sophia returned to school, eager to reunite with their friends and teachers.

Their teacher, Mrs. Okeke, welcomed them with a warm smile.

"Today,"

she announced,

"we're going to explore the art of storytelling.

Your assignment is to share a story from your hometown, something that's been passed down through generations."

Mrs. Okeke explained that storytelling was an essential part of their cultural heritage, and by sharing these tales, they would preserve the history and traditions of their communities.

The students exchanged excited glances, and soon, the classroom was abuzz with chatter.

Enex's hand shot up first.

"Mrs. Okeke, I have a story,"

he said, his eyes sparkling.

"Go ahead, Enex,"

Mrs. Okeke encouraged.

Enex took a deep breath and began.

"It's the story of the Evil Forest in my village.

A place where many brave hunters ventured in but never returned.

A vulture with a human head roams the forest, seeking victims to satiate the entity's hunger."

The classroom fell silent, captivated by Enex's tale.

When he finished, Mrs. Okeke smiled.

"Thank you, Enex.

That was quite a vivid story."

But then her expression turned serious.

"However, class, I must remind you that such stories are mere fantasies, meant to scare children into behaving.

They're not based on facts."

Enex's face fell, slightly disappointed.

"But, Mrs. Okeke,"

he protested.

"my father told me it's true.

Many people in our village believe it."

Mrs. Okeke chuckled.

"I'm sure they do, Enex.

But sometimes, stories are exaggerated or distorted over time.

The Evil Forest might be a metaphor for the dangers of the real world, rather than an actual place."

The classroom erupted into discussion, with students sharing their own thoughts on the matter.

Sophia leaned over to Enex.

"Maybe Mrs. Okeke is right, bro.

Maybe it's just a story."

Enex frowned, unsure.

"But what if it's not?

What if the Evil Forest is real?"

Mrs. Okeke overheard their conversation.

"Enex, Sophia, that's the beauty of storytelling – it sparks imagination and curiosity.

But we must separate fact from fiction."

Enex nodded, though his mind still wandered to the Evil Forest.

Was it truly just a myth?

Or did the vulture's haunting laughter echo through the trees, waiting for its next victim?

The debate lingered, a seed planted in Enex's mind.

TO BE CONTINUE

Please shear, comment and like for the next chapter.

Megastar J.

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