Pathless (Two)

PATHLESS

(Two)

By

Michael Okparaolu

DEDICATION

The book PATHLESS is DEDICATED to the Graduating Class of 20222-2023. SEACREST PREPARATORY PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE NIGERIA.

CHAPTER ONE

ACROSS THE ATLANTIC

Powerful forces tidy up the life lines of humanity; they maintain balance. It took a while before Awaza Farris, realized he was fighting a losing battle.

Awaza and Hawaza Farris were twins. Their father, Peter Farris is originally from South Nigeria.

Aged 12, Peter was caught by marauding slave traders and shipped to America.

The day Peter was caught, he considered himself lucky. He imagined the world came to an end by the battle axe of Amadioha. The skygod of thunder. Only a deity that strong can wipe out an entire village in minutes.

Peter's homeland was attacked. His people slaughtered like animals, including his twin sister Ester. He would have been among the littered corpse's if fate hadn't smiled on him. Picking vegetables behind Siki mission cottage, where they lived, he slipped and fell into a ditch.

Dark complexioned, Peter is a tall, full-blooded youth. Often mischievous, but inarguably clever. Until her death Crawford Farris, the white missionary was his foster mother. She adopted Ester and himself after they were abandoned to die as twins 12 years ago. Supernatural powers attributed to twins were stronger than those attributed to ancestors. Twins are believed to bring ill luck. Peter's village is exterminated for allowing the white missionary desecrates the land.

"My goodness! Where did you find him Henry?" The white master asked when he saw Peter. Peter was made to kneel in front of the white slave master.

"I caught him behind those trees sir Williams" the black guard responded, pointing to the area he found Peter. At the perimeter of the clearing, a band of black slaves were shackled.

Sir Williams Neville is about forty, grey eyes, and broad chested. "Surely lost" he continued. He placed the butt of a telescope under Peters chin; lifting the boy’s face to get a closer look "The next village should be fifty miles from here" Peter tried not to hold the man's stare, but looked away. Amused the white man sighed, "Where did you come from?" The question was meant to be rhetorical. But Peter answers, "Siki town sir.”

Exclamations hushed around the camp, as Peter responded in fluent English. The black drivers exchange looks of surprise.

Henry was first shipmate, and the most trusted. He was not afraid to undertake dangerous tasks. Henry was equally friendly and good humored. Once a while, he ordered Peter up on deck, and engages him in small talk. Smoking pipe and drinking rum. He told tales of the crew's adventures at sea. Peter enjoyed the stories. One day he asked Henry.

"Did you kill people?" "Many times my brother, or else I wouldn't be here. You need to be quick and brutal on these waters if you want to see another day. I have to stay alive to see my woman back in America. Soon I would be back to see her." Henry's eyes bulged bright with excitement. "How was it with you Peter, you had any girl back in Siki town?" Peter is piqued by the question. He answers however. "Only my twin sister and my foster mother. I didn't have any girl." Henry laughed, knowing the boy had no idea what he was taking about. "No Peter am not talking about your mama. I mean someone you are in love with. Someone to wait for you, any time you leave home. Soon Peter, I will see her again." Henry was not only hilarious, he was kind and compassionate.

The captives were fed twice a day. A meal of corn, beans, and pepper, believed to prevent white flux. Henry often reserved dried meat, and soup from the kitchen for Peter's delight.

On some days, the ship experienced deck breaking hurricane's and sky-skimming waves. Tossed and turned, like a match box floating in a ding dong manner. At such times, the whole crew came down with nausea and vomiting, and there would be no small hollering, asking God for help.

For the most part of the voyage, Captain Sir Williams stayed in his cabin. At the middle deck, Peter and other slaves his age are chained tightly to plank beds. Wooden board's tightly packed together, covered with putrid and dirt.

At night, in the darkness and stillness. Peter would lie awake wondering, what would be his fate. The dreams kept haunting him, he couldn't sleep. When they began, he wasn't sure if he was awake or sleeping. But one thing was certain; he was rooted to the spot. He saw hundreds of the dead people of Siki Town. Blood covered faces, clothed in black fabrics. Their white eyes pleading, as they all approach him. Then he saw his father. In a gentle motion, his father places his hands on his chest, and breathed the words "Avenge!" The entire moment is as vivid as it is terrifying.

Strangely, he feels the agony of the hoard. He struggles to restrain a raging turmoil, often exerting his bright side. Peter's mood becomes fiercely erratic. One minute he is brooding, and the next he is cheerful. One month after they sail from West Africa, a bizarre incident occurs on deck that gives Peter further concern regarding his predicament.

The custom of the crew, during good weather is to bring the captives on deck for midmorning exercises. Slaves were forced to dance, while others drummed and sang. Slave captains believed it reduced suffering. Many slaves wished to return to their country, while some preferred death, jumping overboard.

Unknown to the crew that day, a war captive, and a trained recruit, was being forced to dance. The man Bonny face was clearly reluctant. Like others however, he was compelled with severe whipping by two slave drivers. While Bonny face took the thrashing, without warning he descended on one of the slave drivers knocking him to the ground. As the guard tries to get up, Bonny face removes a short gun from the man’s holster and shot him twice in the chest. The other guard fled towards the Captain's quarters. Bonny face follows behind. He shoots but misses, the sound echoes across the brig.

Yards to the captains’ quarters, Bonny face turned and headed towards the stern deck. Peter sat with Henry on the staircase of the poop deck. At the sound of the shots, Henry starts to descend the stairs. That same moment Bonny face appears holding the gun. Soon as he saw Henry, he releases shots at the first shipmate thrice.

Questioned by the crew later, Peter couldn't recall what transpired that moment. While they descended the ladder, just before Bonny face opened fire. Peter was in front of the Henry, body shielding him from the shots. The speed of his movement is incredible. The next moment, Bonny face is gunned down by Captain Williams from the back.

The crew conjures different speculations. How the bullets missed both men, no one knew for sure. Those who watched the occurrence, agreed Peter acted like one controlled by an indescribable force.

CHAPTER TWO

ALISHA GREEN

On August 3rd 1948, two months later, the slave ship arrived America. At the Banks of White Beach Harbour, New Orleans. The slaves, including Peter are washed, fed and shipped to shore. Two days later, at slave unction, Peter is purchased by Captain Norman Benjamin. The purchase is arranged by Henry.

Captain Benjamin and Sir Williams are trade partners. While Benjamin is still at sea, his wife manages his farm, on the Big Easy.

The Norman's live in a cabin duplex, with a handful of domestic slaves, at their quarters. Peter gathers firewood for the entire household, and scrapes fresh, straw for Philomena, the family pig.

Jean 17, and Harvey 19, were Norman's two daughters. Jeannie, Norman's wife is respected among her negro slaves. Rarely did masters and mistresses develop tenderness for slaves under their control. However, Peters peculiar refinement, made him a favorite at the Norman's house. Often, he is invited to enliven their spare time.

Peter attends church services with the family on Sundays. The Baptist Church at the Bay area, consists of 40 whites and 28 blacks.

Peter Farris meet Alisha Green in one of the services. A cute, and simple, negro girl. She served at the house of a wealthy plantation owner.

Peter walks up to Alisha, for the first time, after service. She is sitting at a corner, all by herself. "I am Peter, with the Norman family" He bowed. Alisha looks up from the pamphlet she is reading. Peter takes her gloved hand and plants a dainty kiss." You can call me Alisha, I am with the Scotty's "she replies. "You are also with the church choir, I enjoy you sing." he said smiling. "Thank you Peter" Alisha says genuinely flattered.

Then on, Peter engages Alisha in small talk whenever he had the chance. "What part of Africa are you from?" Alisha asked once. "West Africa, Nigeria" Peter replies. "My mother claims my father is Nigerian. She is head cook for Sir Scotty Harmony. At the Tobacco plantation, his preference is African delicacies,"

Once he asked her, to show him around Napal. "I would love to, but I'm mostly busy at the plantation. I can't guarantee any promises till I make a rain check" "its okay Alisha. Anytime you find suitable."

"Agreed then" She sighed "I can't turn you down, so you don't get the impression I am a recluse" She added jokingly. Peter chuckles. "Of course not. We can find a nice place to sit, so we don’t get bothered by busy bodies." Peter knew Napal town folks were the gossipy type. Alisha is amused. "So you know Napal is full of newsmongers?" She exclaimed hilariously.

Few weeks after, Peter and Alisha meet at the Mississippi waterfront just before sundown. They took long walks, and got to know each other better. Alisha showed understanding for Peter's predicament. She gifted him a Bible, and an hymn book. The following months were livelier for Peter. Aged 18 Peter possessed two diverging souls. Either he was a brooding rage or cracking ribs with laughter. After the shooting incident on the slave ship, Peter has witnessed the ferocity within him, unleashed twice.

The first time was a year he arrived America. Though the Norman's were used to his mood swings, Jean reached out to him on a deeper level. One sunny afternoon, they were sitting in front of the slave quarters, reading a book Jean borrowed. The entire households were at the cotton farm. Harvey and Mama, were in the cabin house.

Sneaking from behind, a mischievous black kid from the opposite neighborhood snatched the book and ran off laughing.

Peter stood still and watched Donald run towards the neighborhood plantation, waving the book. Jean noticed Peter's fury, and tried to calm him. That same moment, Donald catches his foot on a root. He screams and falls heavily to the ground. He is holding his leg, groaning in pain. Peter walks over to the spot, he quietly picks up the book, and return. When Jean asked how it happened, Peter genuinely had no clue.

The second time it happened, he was out with Jean and Harvey, along the Mississippi river. That morning, Jeannie Norman is knitting wool at the cabin porch. Just after breakfast, she called out, "You can all go out for a walk" "Oh good!" Harvey responded. "We can go down to the river, there would be boats to see" "Very well," Mama replied. "Just be careful not to fall in. And put on your coats!" Jean and Harvey race to the cloakroom for their coats. Peter waited at the door. Minutes later they were out the cabin house.

The river was swollen and ran very fast. While they amuse themselves, throwing pebbles into the water. Gary and Mathew, chance upon them.

Both teenagers are Children of Craig Mallory. Craig Mallory is Chief of Police Bay town district. He is also head of Ku klux Klan society. A white supremacists group who wreak havoc on the black community. They organized secret bombings of black churches and homes. And murdered blacks in numbers. Craig Mallory's two sons, Gary and Mathew made a game of promoting the course of the cult.

They teased Jean and Harvey. Calling them dumbasses for courting the company of a Negro boy. Later, they scouted the beach for sticks threatening to teach Peter a lesson. Jean and Harvey, stood up for Peter. "His not a monkey you morons, his name is Peter" Harvey maintained. "The monkey does have a name now" Mathew retorted, laughing.

Peter's wrath is excited, but he is mindful of Jean and Harvey. Reluctant to cause any trouble. However, when Gary attempts to strike Peter with the stick. Like a flash, Peter stood facing both boys. "What do you brats want? My name is Peter!" Peter calmly asked, with a bold scrawl.

Gray and Matthew were taken by Peter's audacity. Gray is more infuriated, the Negro can speak English. "I say you are a monkey Negro" he yelled loudly, pointing his finger, inches from Peters face. While Peter keeps his cool, Gray totally missed the venom, stalking the boy's eyes.

He again attempts to whip Peter, and then lets out a shrilling cry, dropping the wooden stick.

"Aww ! My hands, it's burning" Gray screams out, holding his hand. "What is it Gary" Matthew is checking Gray's palms. "I don't know" He kept a shrieking, awful moan. Both boys are no longer interested in Peter or the girls. Sullen they hurry off to seek relief. Peter remains at the spot, watching them leave. Jean and Harvey approach him. While Jean says to Peter “it is okay” Harvey is asking if he was alright.

As they head back to the farm, the girls are convinced the improper behavior of Mallory's boy’s would compel Mother to make formal report. Afraid of a confrontation with the Ku Klu Klux. They promised to keep the matter secret. However, not long after, Peters encounter with the ku klux, proved a brutal episode that changes the course of his life.

CHAPTER THREE

CARNAGE

Two years, after Peter arrived America, Captain Norman Benjamin returned to the Bay. He isn't the same person who left however. The captain’s ship was bombarded by a British naval fleet. With only four slaves in his cargo, upon his return, he sent his daughters, to Massachusetts to finish school. Perhaps, to keep them from being sold to pay his dept. Norman’s health deteriorated till he died of a stroke one sunny afternoon.

Atrocities of the ku Klux Klan heighten. Their membership grew. Negros are hunted down, hanged, mutilated or burnt. In the Bay area, sixteen slaves of a cotton farmer are rounded up and shot.

On a stormy winter night. Ku Klux Klan seal off a sugarcane plantation a mile from the Norman's. Slave men, women and children are forced into barns, which were locked and set on fire.

Repeated gunfire and flames engulf the night. Peter watch the men swoop into the farm, with burning touches, and riffles. Wearing white robes, and cloth masks. The ground vibrates with the hooves of galloping horses.

Unfolding, events escalate Peter’s dormant inhibitions. He would be out of control soon. His gentle demure nonetheless, requests an appeal. Perhaps he could dissuade the men. He wouldn't care less if Mallory is a scum. Exerting focus, Peter subdues his anxieties.

His ultra-double rests on him like a blanket, Peter is beside himself.

Once he sees Peter Farris, he cries out astonished. “Captain Benjamin Norman, I thought you were dead!” Mallory appears to address Mama and her slaves, they look about confused. Peter steps out. “Death is a relative term Mallory" He is facing Mallory on the steps. "I see you have turned our nice little outfit into an impressive bunch. It’s a nice scene, so nice in fact; folks wouldn't notice the hypocrisy .We founded the Ku Klux Klan as a social group Mallory. With non-political interest. We came together, to stop slave escape, and uprisings. Not this"

At the moment, Peter is his merry double. Animated, to mimic and assume any identity he chooses. In the eyes of the mob, Peter Farris is Captain Benjamin Norman. Peter's physical appearance, clothing, and body mass, including his voice is altered to mirror the dead Captain. The ability is possible, because Peter’s double can read and control minds.

Mallory sounds slighted. “You stopped coming for meetings, you son of a bitch" Mallory yells, "The nigger commodity was always an appeal to you Norman. And yes we have evolved how you do like the costume. It scares the shit out of niggers. I run the outfit now. Those blacks are getting noting but hell from us”

Jennie, with the rest of the household had their eyes on Peter. It was a marvel to see the young black kid, address the Ku Klux Klan leader in such charge. They wonder why Mallory assumes Peter is Captain Benjamin. And how Peter is privy to his information.

“Weather dead or alive Captain, your nigger stockpile is going to die. Remember you owe me money. That whooring wench called your wife, said you were dead. You fooled every one Norman. But after my men are done with your slaves, you would wish you were truly dead” Mallory had pulled off his mask. A look of scorn and disdain perpetuates his lurid face.

Peter knew Craig Mallory is bent on slaughtering Norman's Negro household. Not because the dead man owes him money, Mallory made advances at Jennie, who refused. The events were easy to access from Mallory's mind.

“You shouldn't be here Mallory. Yes, I owe you money, and I am willing to pay. Perhaps you forget we are buddies. I saved your jackass, countless times from jail." Peter's plea infuriates Mallory. "Captain Norman, I suggest you direct your niggers to come out now. Anyone who tries to resist gets shot!" Mallory yelled. When he turned the reigns of his horse, and trotted away, Peter felt dismayed.

The hooded men advance towards the house. Peter succumbs to his stormy double. The transition is instant. Like one, straight-away contracted a tropical disease, and gone mad.

Peter leaves the group and race into the cabin house. In the living room is a wooden glass panel. An encasing etched to the wall. Enclosed within is a “Tomahawk". The phenomenal battle axe of the American Indians. The artifact is a wedding gift to Captain Norman from Jennie's father. Resembling a hatchet the war axe had a straight shaft, and was a swift hand weapon. Countless stories were told by Jean and Harvey, about the Tomahawk

Peter broke the glass panel and snatched the Tomahawk, and then he raced back outside. There were gunshots, and wild screaming. Slaves were being dragged out of their quarters. A foot away from the porch. Peter gazes upward like he is in a trance. The same moment, a whooshing, whirlwind gush forcefully through the farm. It blows off the burning logs of fire. Pitch darkness enclose the farm. That moment, Peter made his move.

Swift with the hatchet, Peter cut down the men with brutal vehemence. He knocks them of their horses, swinging the Tomahawk with impossible force.

Horrified shrieks and gunshots fill the night. The mob kills many of their own men. Peter's agility is unearthly. He is hacking flesh, gores and bones. The smell of gun powder and blood fill the air.

For half an hour. Under the snow storm. Chilly, and grey, with frequent thundering’s, the carnage continued. Klan members scatter like mice. The white garmented men had no clue what was upon them. Peter is like a beast let loose. He swoops on one target and leaps to the next, swinging the battle axe.

Soon, the sounds of gunshots, cracking bones, and grief stricken yelps are no more heard. Nothing else moved, but the neighing of abandoned horses. Peter slaughtered the entire mob. Except two men who manage to escape. Corpse's and body parts litter the farm.

In the eerie quietness, Peter appears in front of Mallory. The Tomahawk in his hand drips blood.

Peter roped off Mallory for later. Knocking him off his horse, with a broken limb. He presently grabs Mallory by his garment, and threw him forcibly against a tree. When he walks up to him. He severs Mallory's arms at the biceps, with two lumbering swipes. The stumps gush blood. Mallory gawked at the sight, his eyes bulging in disbelief. Peter rips Mallory's bowels open and severs his head, and then he fled the farm.

CHAPTER FOUR

BAGHEAD

Peter headed South, in search of Alisha Green. At the Mississippi river he disposes the Tomahawk. Later that night, he sneaks into the Napal Tobacco plantation, and intrude Alisha's thoughts.

Alisha Green heard Peter calling in her sleep. She left her room and descended the stairs of the main building, holding a lamp. She found Peter behind a thicket at the back of the house. "Farris what happened?" Alisha is alarmed. She removes her chunky coat and covers his trembling body. Peter is quiet. She sneaks Peter into an empty barn.

"How did I hear you in my sleep?" Alisha's started to ask, when she notices the blood on his tunic. "Dear God! Are you hurt?" She exclaimed. "No I am not, I am fine." Peter replied. "What happened?” "The Norman farm was attacked” Peter said, looking away. Alisha is even more alarmed. "How is Lady Jeannie with the rest of the household?" "They are fine; I went into a trance and killed the ku klux klan mob"

Alisha is silent. She has known Peter long enough. She couldn't abandon him now. She was in love with him. Besides, she was planning leaving the Napal. She knew a safe house in New York, owned by an abolitionist. She had sent mails to the black activist already. If they arrive the safe house, they would be safe.

Alisha offers Peter a change of clothes. That night, they leave town. Keeping to the woods and carriage way. Soon, they arrive Whiterun, the next township, exhausted and freezing,

At an inn, the bartender, is in oversized breeches, looking shaggy and smoking pipe. Yet, he responds kindly, and offers Alisha a room with a chimney.

Early that morning, back at the Norman’s farm, Mayor Hagalbar, queries the two Ku Klux Klan survivors, "Did you say a Tomahawk wielding ghost?" The mayor was in a closed door meeting with members of Norman's family. Jeannie Norman insisted no one spoke to the dead Craig Mallory but Peter Farris. When the Mayor asked to see the slave, the young lad is nowhere to be found.

Mayor Hagalbar can hardly believe a black youth butchered the entire Ku Klux Klan Company. Hagalbar is Grand Lord, and Wizard of the Klan in Bay town. That morning, he enlists the services of a dare-devil group of freelance pirates to hunt down Peter Farris. The group is believed to be the abominable squad of the KKK.

BagHead is leader of the group of eight men. A bloodthirsty, former pirate, well known for his cruelty, and hatred for Negros.

BagHead and his men follow Peters trail to Napal valley. When they arrive, the Tobacco plantation, they are told Alisha is missing. Before the expedition, BagHead solicits the help of a medium. The mystic warns BagHead of the menacing spirit that controls Peter.

By noon the group trails the couple to Whiterun. BagHead locates an informer in the small town, who lead the men to the saloon the couples are staying.

BagHead with his men observe the tavern from afar. He had been told of Alisha's letters to David Rugger, the New York Abolitionist. The only town with a train ride to New York, was Greenhill. So BagHead knew the couple were headed for Greenhill.

BagHead wasn't a dreaded pirate, for nothing. Mindful of the sorcerer's warning, he planned to ambush Peter with explosives.

Alisha and Peter remain in the confine of the room till nightfall. After a meal, they had sex till they fell asleep in each other's arms. Peter was the first to wake. Soon they make ready, and leave the saloon, into the cold and windy night.

Greenhill is a few miles from Whiterun. But the snow storm is heavy. More than a foot of snow makes them stumble through the woods. Time and again Peter slips and is aided by Alisha Green.

In a steep valley, deep in the hills, they come across a tree house. Every wayfaring traveler knew well the deserted shelter. It serves as a sanctuary for travelers. Certain the couple would come across the log house. That afternoon, BagHead directed his men to embed dynamites underneath the flooring.

Alisha calls Peters attention to the dilapidated structure. When she confirms it is empty, she led Peter in. Peter collapse on a straw sack, at the middle of the cubicle.

Alisha is concerned Peter would freeze to death. She knew she had to start a fire. All she needed were dry sticks. She stood briefly, then removed her coat and covered his body. Moving to the door, she let herself out.

The blizzard is strong. Icy winds make visibility and movement difficult. With just her cotton shirt, Alisha knew she had little time.

She scouts for dead trees with exposed limbs. Picking up a few dry sticks. Soon her arms are full. Careful not to get lost, she observes the path she came, ready to return. Then the blast goes off!

The explosion flings Alisha Green yards off. For minutes, her head is spinning. Not moving, she remains on the floor. When her senses returned, she dimly notices the wooden shanty is engulfed in flames. The realization then hit her. The log house had exploded. In her grief she wants to scream Peter's name. But then she saw the men. Moving about the burning house.

Her instincts compel her to flee. It was obvious they were attacked. Lying upward, Alisha began to crawl backwards into the woods with her elbows. At a good distance, she stood up and fled, crying as she scampered.

CHAPTER FIVE

AWAZA AND HAWAZA

Alisha Green stumbles through the frosty woods. Peter’s death is an enormous pain. The blizzard is crazy. Sustained winds push her sideways, and the icy snow, slowly freezes her body. Steadily she faces north towards Greenhill. Half a mile out, movement becomes impossible. Alisha collapses headlong into the snow.

When she woke, the morning sun is in her eyes. She flinches, covering her eyes with her palm. She is on a makeshift bed. Her body is half covered with a blanket. She raises herself, on both elbows. A rickety wagon, and two horses cropping grass, is meters away. It is a clearing surrounded by tree’s. When she turned the other direction, she saw the man and the girl.

“My name is “Nick” the man says to Alisha, removing a pipe from his bearded mouth "My daughter found you in the snow. We are glad you are alive. But we are set to continue our journey. I wish to meet Maria's mother in Greenhill. We will be glad to drop you off. I presume, that is where you are headed "After three days, Alisha Green arrives New York.

David Ruggles, is amazed Alisha arrived the house, but he feared for her health. A thin and stern looking man. He came in one morning to see her. “How are you feeling today Alisha? Having any more coughs” "Not quite, sir." Alisha replied. “How is the pain in your chest?” “It is better" Alisha respond. A kind, but thorough man, David Ruggles made certain Alisha got enough rest.

Alisha remains at the safe house for the next seven months. She assisted run away slaves, at the Railroad. They are feed and sheltered. Then bundled into wagons enroute the next station. Two months at the Station, Alisha came down terribly ill. After the doctor left. It is announced she is expecting a baby.

A wealthy Negro woman. A pillar in the Railroad struggle, named Harriet Doorbell, offered Alisha Green and her family a cottage, in Essex County.

Harriet Doorbell is inspired by Alisha’s story. She adds her voice and influence, at the public hearings. With David Ruggles, they provide Alisha seasoned attorneys, during her defense.

On a rainy day in July. Alisha Green gave birth to twins. A boy and a girl. Awaza and Hawaza were a miracle.

Twins are agreed to have a special bond from the womb, but the connection between Awaza and Hawaza was rare. Alisha’s twins are closely connected physically. They sneeze the same time, and experience the same illness or pain. Aside from that, they are completely at variance. Hawaza is cheerful, and free. Awaza is ill-tempered, and vengeful.

To make matters worse, the dou are cat and mice, at the cottage. Awaza never liked Hawaza. He is mean, and hostile. Often with no regard for rules, or anyone, Awaza did what he wanted. His viciousness, earned him respect among rabble-rousers in town.

When Awaza began to engage in dog fights, he rendered Hawaza incapacitated. Adults would bet on him and give him part of the proceeds. The same time, Hawaza is screaming from Awaza's bruises. Stretched on bed, sweating, and sobbing. Her appeals to Awaza is hopeless. He enjoyed making her suffer.

Alisha Green decides to confront Awaza. Mother was heartbroken. One evening. Awaza is counting his win, Alisha has a stern expression. Awaza is unperturbed. “Why are doing this” she began. “Are you aware, what you are doing to Hawaza?." Awaza makes no reply. His dark, bushy brow is creased in a frown. Over the years Alisha learnt to avoid disputes with Awaza. His mental health is unstable. But she completely lost her patience. "I asked you a simple question Awaza, are you aware, what you are doing, not just to yourself but to your sister? “After a long silence, Awaza's replies.

His annoyance is baritone in his voice. "Mother, you are asking for trouble. You do virtually everything for Hawaza and dare disturb my peace acting as her advocate." Awaza replies angrily. Alisha Green is defiant. "Hawaza is in pains from your fist fights. She's been in bed for a week, aren't you bothered?" Alisha's voice trembles as she speaks." To hell with it Mother. You won't make me walk around feeling sad or anything!. It's my body, I do whatever l choose with it "Awaza replies raising his voice. “I am having a great time, Hawaza is just a nuisance. "He added, and resumed counting his cash.

Alisha tries her most, to be an adequate parent. Awaza reminds her of Peter Farris. His anxiety and inner turmoil. Afraid it may get out of hand, Alisha abandoned the matter.

Often, after a dog fight, Awaza steals a ride home. Hitchhiking the back of unsuspecting carriages. The following evening, as the carriage approached the cottage, he jumped off. He didn't see another vehicle coming. The driver tries to avoid Awaza, but it's too late. Awaza is knocked down and suffers a broken arm. He is in pain for two months, but so is Hawaza.

Alisha Green commences to ask questions. When Harriet Doorbell visits the cottage, she tells Alisha about a Seer in Houston.

The following weekend, they drive to Houston in Doorbells motorized car. At the time, automobiles were beginning to supplant the horse cart and buggies.

Josephine Wallace is sitting on a rocking chair at a fire place in her living room." You are welcome Alisha Green. Doorbell has told me a lot about you. “Alisha meets the psychic for the first time, with Doorbell.

"To the believer no proof is necessary, but to those who do not believe, no proof is ever enough. " Wallace has a disarming smile; it makes Alisha feel at home. Wallace continued " Yet They all come to me; A spell to enchant my honeybee; an ointment for my pains." She scoffed.

From her bag Alisha removes two baby knitted stockings. They belonged to Hawaza and Awaza. She handed them to the Seer. The Seer laid the stockings on two wooden effigies, which resembled twins.

"Your twins are in the middle of a storm". Josephine Wallace began. "Awaza arose from the ashes of a people brutally annihilated. He bare's a cry for vengeance. He is tainted and dark. He will stop at nothing until he unbundles his bitterness in another genocide. Then, will he be appeased. Hawaza emerged from her father's struggle, to contain Awaza. The girl is on her knees, even now making prayers. She may look strong, but she is fragile. They are both alive because she wouldn't let go. If one dies, the other follows. The Soul balance cannot be compromised, yet I see a remedy" Wallace paused “Hawaza, can find release If she gives herself to another freely. As a mother, you should be careful of the malignant forces, at work in Awaza. He is irredeemable. If she lives the girl will bring you prosperity"

When Josephine Wallace ended her visions. An eerie quietness fell over the room.

Send comments to: ([email protected])

Or call: 09035575591