A rebirth At Iwa-Akwa Festival.

Eight years had passed, and Umuigwe found itself amidst the vibrant celebration of the iwa-akwa festival. Young men of the eligible age gathered in the village square, adorned in new wrappers for the initiation ceremony into warriors. However, the overall atmosphere in the village was oddly quiet and desolate. Amidst the festivities, the family of Ikenna stood in stark contrast, enveloped in mourning. Their only son, Nduka, was battling a terminal illness that had drained substantial resources from the family. Nduka lay in the warm, embracing arms of Ugoma, his fragile form a poignant reminder of the somber reality overshadowing the festive occasion.

As the rhythmic beats of the celebration echoed through Umuigwe, the contrast between the joyous festivities and the sorrowful predicament of Ikenna's family painted a poignant picture of life's complexities. The iwa-akwa festival, meant to mark a significant rite of passage for young warriors, unfolded against the backdrop of a family grappling with the impending loss of their beloved son. The village square, usually filled with exuberance, now bore witness to the coexistence of life's highs and lows, where the resilience of tradition collided with the harshness of a familial trial.

Desperately yearning for a more hopeful outcome, she found herself confronted with a grim reality-the only option left was to cast the dying boy into the ominous depths of the evil forest. Tradition dictated that such unfortunate children couldn't be buried within their father's compound or properties, as doing so risked their reincarnation back into the family tree.

In a solemn gathering, seven chief priests awaited Ikenna's reluctant approval to carry out the harrowing task of delivering the ailing child to the heart of the evil forest. The weight of tradition and the inevitability of a heartbreaking decision hung heavily in the air, as the fate of the young boy rested in the hands of a reluctant father.

Ikenna found himself barred from witnessing the heart-wrenching fate of the baby destined for the dreaded evil forest. As he issued the grim order, he stood steadfast, supported by his loyal servants. Overwhelmed by the weight of the decree, Ikenna crumbled to the ground, his anguished tears mirroring the cruel separation transpiring before him.

Amidst the sorrowful scene, the men, under Ikenna's command, forcefully wrested the ailing child from Ugoma's desperate grasp. The air was heavy with grief as the mother wailed, her pain echoing in the wilderness. To prevent her from defying the forbidden path to the malevolent woods, two additional servants intervened, firmly holding Ugoma back. The struggle against the impending tragedy unfolded, leaving behind a haunting silence broken only by the rustling leaves and the distant echoes of anguish.

Ukwaike remained silent, facing her shrine, abstaining from speech and sustenance for two days. For both women, they had exhausted every effort to prevent this ominous day. When they finally accepted the child, Ukwaike abruptly rose, cleansing herself as Ugoma fervently cried out for her son, "Nduka Nduka, I can't live without you!" Seven men embarked towards the forbidding forest, the lead pair carrying a calabash ablaze with fire, their mouths veiled by palm fronds. While the last carries a clay pot of water from the sacred village river IyiOku.

White dust from shrine offerings adorned their faces, shielding them from forest demons. Barefoot, they hastened with a rhythmic hum accompanying their urgent mission to deliver the child before dusk, safeguarded against evil forces.

In the distance, the echoing voice of Ugoma reached their ears, urgently calling out to Nduka, her son. He, in the midst of the seven, was visibly struggling for breath as they traversed the treacherous depths of the evil forest. The haunting sound of Ugoma's plea added an ominous layer to their journey, amplifying the urgency to drop the dying child.

The air thickened with tension as they pressed on, each step weighed down by the gravity of the situation. The ominous backdrop of the evil forest intensified, making their quest more perilous with each passing moment.

Two horsemen, bearing a folded bag, emerged abruptly on the banks of a river near the ominous forest, preparing to embark on a canoe. Their intent, however, was disrupted as a separate group of assailants descended upon them, mercilessly slaughtering them at the water's edge. These unfortunate victims were Europeans who had purchased a stolen village deity along with accompanying artifacts. Their journey had taken them through the very route they had used to ship the last batch of slaves to Europe. Tragically, the new possessors of the deity were now transporting it to the highest bidders on the opposite bank of the river.

The dark history of the european involvement in the trade of stolen cultural relics further entangling the narrative with the exploitation and suffering associated with the historical slave trade. The auctioning of the pilfered deity across the river introduces a new layer of intrigue, hinting at a clandestine market fueled by greed and a disregard for the sanctity of cultural heritage, aided by the locals.

Seizing control of their newfound possession, they eagerly opened it to confirm their loot, revealing the sacred head of the formidable deity Amadioha, known as the god of thunder. This revelation coincided precisely with the moment Nduka was being laid to rest in the nearby bush, while Ikenna's servants were making their way out. Amadioha's presence within the forest reverberated, shaking the sky and casting a brilliant illumination across the thick, ominous evil forest.

The powerful energy emanating from Amadioha instilled fear in the hearts of the local inhabitants, forcing them to fall before the deity as they screamed, "We are doomed !" . However, fortunately, they possessed a formidable native doctor who commenced an incantation, skillfully shrouding the sacred head in a magical cloak that prevented its full manifestation.

Later, the custodian of Amadioha embarked on the canoes, crossing the river successfully. Simultaneously, the seven men from Ikenna continued running without pause after the harrowing experience in the evil forest. Upon reaching the chief priest's compound, they collapsed to the ground, exclaiming, "Our eyes have witnessed the gods, and we have been spared."

The entire royal family hurriedly emerged seeking answers. Amidst their recounting, a deafening bang echoed from Ugoma's chamber, shrouding it in dense smoke, obscuring all visibility. Panic ensued, and the crowd gravitated towards Ikenna, the esteemed chief priest, known for his potent abilities.

However, he abruptly halted, initiating an incantation with his mother, Ukwaike, providing steadfast support. The atmosphere thickened with anticipation as they braced for the unfolding mystery within the chambers.

Unprecedented and unfamiliar, the situation gripped them. Ukwaike, undeterred, entered the chamber alone, weaving enchantments and releasing fragrant incense from her calabash. Terrified, the others watched, with Ikenna and the grieving Ugoma remaining somber.

Abruptly, Ukwaike burst out, engaging in a sacred dance reminiscent of Ijele, the revered masquerade, questioning the seven men sprawled on the ground. The mystifying sequence of events unfolded, leaving the onlookers in awe, unsure of what the future held in the wake of this extraordinary occurrence.

Energized, she questioned enthusiastically, "Did you deposit my Nduka in the accursed forest, as the royal council decreed?" They affirmed "Yes we did Ezenwanyi!", accompanying her captivating spiritual dance, the praised her in their local tongues. Twice more she inquired, receiving consistent answers. Abruptly halting, she reversed into the smoky chamber. Emerging with Nduka in hand and a smile, panic ensued among the onlookers, causing a frantic retreat. Only Ugoma, Nduka's mother remained. Confronted with the unsettling revelation, as the rest cried out in terror, "We've witnessed a ghost!"

In response to their confusion and with Nduka's sudden coughing fit, Ukwaike declared, "No, our gods have graced us. Rejoice, for the lad carries the divine scent and bears a new mark on his back. Astonishingly, he is free from illness." Seated on a stool, Nduka eagerly consumed a meal, a feat unprecedented since birth. The unfolding events captivated the entire family and curious villagers from a distance, witnessing the miraculous transformation of the once ailing child.

Ugoma sat bewildered on the ground, muttering "nwa m nwa m" in confusion, mirroring the perplexity of the seven who left the boy. When Nduka inquired about his mother "Where is mama, is been long I saw her", Ugoma sprang up, rushed to him, and, with tears of joy running down her cheek, exclaimed, "The gods have answered my prayers, returning my son from the dead." Her emotional outburst attracted more villagers eager to learn the unfolding tale.

The announcement filled Umuigwe village with joy, leading to an all-night celebration extending into the midnight hours. Gratitude was expressed to their Chi for divine intervention in Ikenna's family and the success of the Iwa-Akwa festival.

The day's events left the village with a blend of joy and awe, creating a memorable and contemplative night's rest.