The Promise

10 months earlier_

It was harmattan season in Umuduru autonomous community, dusty winds slapped across the faces of the villagers, the biker's weren't helping matters as the sped through spreading the dusts with them.

The early morning air was tremendously cold, no one born of a man could be seen at this moment taking his bath with the normal cold water, it was freezing yet children can be seen going and returning from the stream with their pots filled to the brim and a smile on the faces as the chattered away about the many happenings in the community, water dripping from their pots to their skin.

It was at this same time that Mazi Ndukwe was seen making his way to his friend Mazi Omenazu's place, he used his walking stick to support himself properly.

Mazi Ndukwe was a slender looking man, it was obvious that he was quite sick . He had a brown skin color and was of an average height, he had beards surrounding his jaw lines which had hints of grey hairs on them.

He adjusted his cap properly on his head, he had on him an animal skin pullover called the "isi agu- lions head" which had different embroidery designs on it, and also supported the cloth with a plain trouser, on his feet was a black worn out sandals made of leather.

His hands shook from the effect of the cold as he tightened his grip on his walking stick. Mazi Omenazu's house could be seen properly by now, a little white coloured bungalow. It had little flowers beautifully arranged at the front, the house had a red zinc and another zinc connected from a corner of the red zinc into a black tank by the right corner of the compound, used to collect water whenever it decided to rain. The compound was properly swept and kept very clean, Mazi Ndukwe made his way to the entrance and stamped his feet repeatedly clearing his sandals of all dirt's collected on his way here.

"Kpom kpom, who's in?" He called making knocking sounds with his mouth, he repeated the action one more time while the door was dragged open from the inside, Mazi Omenazu came out a chewing stick in his mouth, while adjusting his wrapper tightly on his waist, he took the chewing stick out of his mouth as he saw his friend, a smile bracing his face. He walked to the entrance and threw the reminder of the chewing stick in his mouth on the ground

"Ahh Ndukwe, how nice to see you walking_" giving him a hug which was returned happily by Mazi Ndukwe, he turned his attention back to the house

"Bia, obinna buté oche ahu... bring that chair" he called raising his voice slightly so whomever was inside could here.

Shuffling was heard from the inside as Obinna came out carrying a bench with him, he slowly kept it by the side of the corridor. He bent slowly to greet Mazi Ndukwe, who patted his shoulder softly smiling warmly at him

"Nnam o, see how big Obinna has gotten. The city is really doing him well, ahh Obinna that was this small when he left" using his hand to make a little size close to his waist.

Obinna smiled as he made he way back inside the house, a proud smile grew slowly on Mazi Omenazu's face as they made their way to the bench, where they settled down making theirselves comfortable.

"This one you came to my house so early in the morning?, we both know that the toad does not run in the daytime for nothing" he states taking the plate of Igbo kola Obinna brought in a tray from him, placing it on the stool placed in front of him

"But before that, kola has arrived. Bless it" handing it over to Mazi Ndukwe who collected the plate carefully with both hands as he cleared his throat, taking a piece of the kola up, he brings it a little close to his lips as he makes silent prayers and breaks it into five little parts

"Ahmm, the king's kola returns to the king" he says returning the plate to Mazi Omenazu, who takes it with a smile on his face. Picking up a piece of kola, he throws it to the ground

" May the gods continue to bless us and keep our lands fruitful" he ended emptying a little horn of palm wine on the ground

"Amen" Mazi Ndukwe chorused, picking up a kola and throwing it into his mouth, he chewed on it for a bit and poured palmwine into his horn from the jug, as he downed it clearing his throat afterwards. He turns to face his friend after dropping his horn on the stool

"My dearest friend, as you said earlier, a toad does not run in the day time for nothing" Mazi Omenazu nods in understanding

" I have come here this early, not to just sit and share chats and kola nuts with you but to ask for your help" he continued catching the full attention of his friend who now has a worried frown on his face

"I hope all is fine Ndukwe, with your health especially?" He asked care for his friend laced In his voice

"All is good Omee, but who knows it might not remain so in the future" Ndukwe answered his lip drawn to a thin line

"Go ahead, I'm all ears what are friends for if not to scratch the other's back when needed" he nodded his head towards his friend as a sign to continue as he downed another horn of palmwine, using his hands to chase the flies gathering around the wine

"Omee, you know my son Izunna just finished his youth service in the city, and is looking for a job as we speak. But enyim we both know that this country has nothing to offer to our young, anyways my daughter Nneka is among this set of secondary school students that will be sitting for their waec in 2 weeks time". Omenazu nodded in agreement

"My friend, I just need you to help me with some money and give me time to pay you back, I'm not only talking about my daughter's fees here, but for Izunna's upkeep as well, his over there at no man's land trying to make ends meet". Ndukwe finished, his walking stick was kept safely by his side by now, his hand clutched together in front of him, his elbow taking support from his knee as he bent himself to get closer to his friend.

"Mmm, I've heard what you said nnam. But ihea Wu kwanu okwu ego ka anyi kwu ga ihe a... It's money matter that we're talking about. I'll see what I can do, Obinna came home from Mahadum which our children call the University these days to collect money for upkeep and fees as well. How much is it you need and when do you think you would be able to pay back?"

"2.5million Naira, i should be paying you back in 13months time"

"Ezigbo enyim, that's a lot of money and a little time to payback, are you sure?" Omenazu asked while his friend nodded in agreement

"Yes I'm very sure, as you know my son has a Master degree in petroleum engineering, it won't be long until he gets into one of these big companies in the city. His first three pays should be enough to pay you back" He finished a smile gracing his lips, keeping the gap in between his teeth in full display

"Mmmhh, if you say so but I still need something to hold on to. As you know, it's a huge amount of money that you're asking for, so when you pay up you can take whatever you gave me back. What do they call it again....ermm co.. collateral yes" Ndukwe nods in understanding as he thinks deeply, he looks up at his friend

"The only thing I have that is of worth and importance is my father's land, the one close to Nwangele river" Omenazu sighed

"You can have that land if by 13 months I'm unable to pay back what I owe you. That land you see you there is my family's most prized possession, it has been inherited generationally, so it cannot leave my family when it gets to my turn mbanu!". He finished shaking his head and moving to grab the jug of palmwine, he poured the content into his horn, taking a sip

"Okay anulam ihe ikwuru, I've heard what you said. I'll arrange for the money and have Obinna bring it to you before he leaves" Omenazu said clapping his hands as he made to chase the flies

"Ahhh you have truly scratched my back dear friend, iwu ezigbo enyi n'eziokwu. You're a true friend indeed. Thanks alot" he smiled.

"That's not necessary, what are friends for. Biko relax and enjoy your palmwine, it's very fresh".

Nodding in agreement, he took another sip from his horn which he held tightly.