The Strongest Deity Episode 2

 Flash Back 

Mark went to visit one of his friends. On his way back he noticed a very young beautiful pregnant woman who suddenly went into labour. He wanted to rush and help her but two older women beat him to it. He stood by the road side and observed how they were helping her walk to a safer place for her delivery.

The Strongest Deity 2

Meanwhile, Mercy was going to Ima's place as the five friends had agreed to meet at her place as usual. Her twin brother left their house earlier to visit his friend and had promised to meet them at Ima's place.

Grace, James and Ima had left her house after waiting for Mercy and her twin brother Mark for a long time. They decided to accompany Ima to the Oriagu market, which is their community market day to purchase some food stuff requested by Ima's mother. 

On their way, they met Mercy who was a bit late. Mercy met them at the four junction that connects Ima's house.

Ima was angry and scolded her for being late and had delayed them. I'm so sorry guys for being late, she apologized. Apology accepted Grace responded almost immediately. And where is your twin? She asked Mercy. 

As Mercy wanted to respond to the question, they saw Mark running as if his life depends on it. They ran with him without asking what was pursuing him. After running for quite a long time. They stopped and started asking him what he was running from.

Flash Back End

Mambo, the land of fertility, was really blessed by God. They have good water, abundant food, natural resources that give them money etc. The land was rich and because of their great deity Udeku, the land and its people were feared. It was said that since the existence of the land, they have never lost any war with other kingdoms. It was said that the deity is responsible for their numerous victories.

No one cares to touch any son or daughter of the land go scout free. It's impossible, with or without the consent of the person that was offended, the deity will surely visit you and wipe out your family without mercy. No one wants to be in the deity's black book and so have tried their best not to offend the son or daughter of the deity.

The deity has been jealously protecting all the people of the land both young and old as his possession, his prosperity. 

Udeku the great deity has been gracious, good and kind to the people until now. Panic and fear has been the order of the day in the kingdom.

The elders had gone to inquire from the gods to know why this evil was happening to their people. We have refused to give Udeku our gods the sacrifice he had requested. The chief priest responded. We are neglecting him in spite of his goodness and care towards his people. It has been eight years already and we have refused to sacrifice anything to him. The priest said bitterly. But we have been sacrificing as usual every year and we had done the same this year. Anya, one of the elders, argued.

Have you people forgotten that Udeku usually asked for a special sacrifice for a round of eight years? And in the next four months it will be exactly the ninth year and you expect Udeku the great deity not to act as he was acting? The priest asked in anger. None of you cared to ask Udeku what sacrifice will be required this time. You just assumed that it would be business as usual. He spat angrily. Then what are we going to do? The elders asked worriedly.

Udeku has become more aggressive and has been craving for more blood for the past three market days since he has been neglected. He wants the blood of virgins with great destiny. You know he always requests for such blood after every five to eight years. It has been eight years already going to nine since he drank such blood. Although, it would be a little bit different from the ones he had been requesting since the history of this great kingdom. He explained further.

We should have done the ritual for a long time now and we have wasted a lot of time, for that reason, the ritual must be done in the next 72 hours. He said firmly.

We need to call a meeting with the inner circle of five, they know what to do. The priest said with finality.

The elders stood up, thanked the priest and left to pay a visit to the inner circle of five.

On their way they began to reminisce on their brief meeting with the priest. I can't believe it has been eight years already for the special ritual. Adoma, one of the elders, spoke up. And to think that we have just 72 hours for the ritual makes me more annoyed. Onumo interjected with frustration. 

Within 72 hours, where in the name of our gods are we to get five virgins ? Elder Obono asked curiously. We are officially doomed. Elder Anya mumbled quietly.

Let's go to Mmachi's house, she must know what to do, the Elders Onumo said firmly. 

When they arrived at Mmachi's house, the five members of the inner circle of five were already discussing the ritual. 

Mmachi, Onumo greeted her and others. The other elders greeted them as well and Mmachi offered them a seat.

Mmachi, I believe you know why we are here. Onumo was the first to speak. Yes we know. Anthony, Mmachi's husband replied. We have 72 hours to get five virgins and offer them to our great deity Udeku. And he is requesting something a bit hard this time. Anthony explained. And which is? Obono asked almost immediately.

He is requesting for the children of the inner circle of five. Mmachi mumbled. The sacrifice will help in the selection and ascension of the King of this great kingdom. Mmachi explained sadly. It has been six years since the last king died and through this sacrifice the new king will be crowned. Anthony detailed.

We need to hasten the sacrifice, so that the rightful king will be crowned, Onumo said with a smug smile and sacrificing your children won't be a problem or will it? He asked the inner circle of five and he didn't receive any response from them. We will discuss it further later today. Mmachi said with a heavy heart.

We have no option than to appease Udeku. Ajali said strongly. The other members affirmed what he had said by nodding like an agama lizard.

Our great deity is requesting for this sacrifice of the children of the inner circle of five to win the war between us and the kingdom of Mmado in addition to the crowning of the new king, if not we might make due of any virgin sacrifice. Michael, one of the members, told the elders.

If you people have known about all these things why didn't you tell us all instead of leaving us in the dark. Mmadu one if the elders said in frustration.

And to think that Udeku has been swallowing our children randomly after the annual sacrifice annoys me the most. Anya said furiously. 

We don't owe anyone any explanation. Anuri, one of the members, said authoritatively. 

We should leave you people to discuss this issue further, we beg to take our leave now. Onumo announced with a smirk as he stood up. 

The others stood up and they all left almost immediately.