The last song of the ancestors

"I've come to kill Acting President Ojwang."

The words echoed through the hut like thunder. Nyatui narrowed his eyes. The undertakers didn't act unless money was involved. It was thanks to their monetary power that they were able to remain secretive and act in the shadows. Ojwang hadn't declared war on the Ilê Apanyan, that would be foolish.

Feruzi knew how mysterious and sometimes ambiguous Babu's actions were. It was difficult to discern the Ilê Apanyan's objectives in a conflict. Its leader was rumored to have premonitory powers and thought of himself as the Pupil of God. A man capable of understanding the wishes of the Transcendent. For Feruzi, this was nothing more than presumption. His contempt did not diminish the group's dangerousness.

Although impressed by the situation, Mashal saw it not as a problem, but as an opportunity. He wanted a new coup d'état against Ojwang, and saw no problem in forging alliances even with the Ilê Apanyan. He became even more interested in Fadala. He scratched his woolly chin with the folds of his fingers.

"That means we're on the same side."

Nyatui spat angrily. He couldn't believe what Mashal was saying. The two of them stared at each other, talking only with their eyes.

"Are you going to recruit the undertaker for your revolution?"

"The Ilu Nla Liberation Movement is still alive. The guerrilla groups are grouped together and ready to act. Now we have someone with a Spiritual Key on our side, Fadala seems to be willing to go to any lengths..."

Feruzi coughed. He rested one hand on his chest. The flood of information was too fast for him to keep up.

"You still haven't let go of that revolutionary ideal after all these years? When were you going to tell us that you're still running the urban guerrilla group?"

Ignoring Feruzi, Nyatui continued his discussion with Mashal:

"The undertaker won't ally himself with you for your ideals, you old fool! There's no guarantee that he's lying to us. Assassins can't be trusted. You could become one of his future victims."

Fadala let out a grunt. They had forgotten about him. With some effort, he propped himself up on his elbows, raised his head and said softly.

"I have no interest in Ilu Nla's internal political disputes. I only wish to fulfill the mission that has been entrusted to me. I'm from Ilê Apanyan, and I only take orders from my Babu."

Akachi looked at Fadala. He couldn't understand how someone could have such devotion. That must also be faith. He now understood that word a little more. It differed from fanaticism. Once again, his choices forked. There was the possibility of joining a revolutionary movement. He could accept Feruzi's invitation and train, or go to the underground tournament in Ilu Nla.

In the first case, he would be in direct contact with Ojwang, without knowing the situation of his father and grandfather. In the second, he seemed to shirk his responsibility. In the third, he put himself at unnecessary risk, at least he could enter enemy territory more easily. He felt confused about what he should do.

Mashal glanced at Adisa's son. He wanted to rally the young man to his cause.

"Listen, Akachi. I won't force your hand, but understand our situation. I have five thousand men willing to give their lives for our cause: to free Ilu Nla from the tyrant of the Ojwang. He is a cancer in our society. He can't just go around and do what he wants..."

Feruzi banged his pipe on the floor, making a dry crack. He looked at his companion with irritation.

"No, Mashal, don't do that to the boy. He's not ready."

"Life doesn't choose the ready, it prepares the chosen, Feruzi."

"That's a vulgar turn of phrase, my friend..."

"Bah! If I have a chance to rid my homeland of the damned Ojwang, I won't waste it. Listen to me, Akachi. You have the power of a sage. Help our group make the revolution, ally yourself with us."

Akachi swallowed. His eyes went wide. Sweat trickled down his temple. His hands trembled on his knees. He felt like running away. It all seemed too suffocating for him. He just wanted to find his father and grandfather again, too. He didn't want to go out and save the world or anything like that.

However, his destiny intertwined with that of his nation. It would be a great responsibility to fight for everyone, but it would be an even greater cowardice to run away. He had been drawn into that conflict, it was true, but it was no longer about Akachi. Everyone who got involved with him would be affected, as would Yasini and Okafor.

Fenyang, with his arms crossed and leaning against the wall behind Akachi, spoke up:

Bro, the choice is yours. I'll be with you all the way.

I'm not a guerrilla, Fenyang. I'm not even a warrior. I'm just a guy who wants to be reunited with his family.

Your family is at the same risk as everyone around you. If you don't stand up to Ojwang, neither your family nor these people will be out of danger.

"Mr. Mashal, I thank you. I'm going to the tournament. I'm going against your wishes, but I'm sorry. This is my decision. I'll go even if I'm alone."

"Don't be hasty, my boy. If you go, you'll be discovered by the Phalanx. General Luena is hosting the tournament. They're going to trace the Axé emitted by the Spiritual Key of Faith. Your face is already known to everyone. You won't be safe!"

"I know, no one is safe now."

"I have a good reason for you to join us: Azekel is part of the guerrillas."

Akachi was startled. He blinked several times to make sure he had heard. His face twitched in irritation.

"Why didn't he come after me?"

"Your grandfather allied himself with us not just to protect himself, but to get information about you. I assure you that I will take you safely to your grandfather. After that, we'll rescue your father."

Akachi rose from the ground. He pointed a finger at Mashal. His arm was shaking. The words climbed into his throat. He gritted his teeth. He let his arm drop. It was only a proposal. The threat was coming from inside the gates of Ilu Nla. The boy inhaled the air. He would give the definitive answer that everyone wanted to hear.