The Wick 19.1

The fastest and easiest way to destruction is trying to please everyone. It is your life, set your rules and standard, and watch how you will bloom. Muhammad A. Idris.

They sat on the rock stool and stared at him as he does his things. Hamida folded her arms on her bosom while Andre had his interlocked hands in between his thing. It had been an hour since thy arrive and the only time he had looked at them was when they entered the hut or cave. Andres stomach rumbled, indicating he was hungry.
The last time he ate was the afternoon of the previous day but hunger was the least of his worries now. He turned and glance at Hamida, she didnt even heard the loud rumbling of his stomach. She would have gone straight to the kitchen to get him some thing to eat had they been at home. Now they are in mess and she didnt even hear his stomach rumble. He forced a smile and turned his gaze to Agaba.
Welcome, I know you will be back. Agaba said turning to face them. He spread a white sheep fur on the floor and sat with his legs crossed.
Yesterday was terrible. I never believed in the existence of spirit and demons until yesterday. Andre said gulping his spit.
That was just the tip of the iceberg. If you dont act fast,worst will happen. Agaba uttered.
You can help us right? Hamida asked worried.
My help to you is just little. Tie this around your wrist, it will help blind the evil night walkers from seeing you.”
“Evil night walkers? Who are they?” Andre asked frowning.
They are the spirits that walk in the night and harm any mortal that they comes in contact with them. Agaba explained.
Hamida glanced at Andre in horror. Wwhat what concerns us with them?” She stammered, sweat forming on her forehead.
Your first mission is to bathe at okpu ema at midnight.”
What? Bathe at midnight?” Andre asked stunned.
Wait,where is okpu ema? Hamida asked.
“It is a river in Ogobia where Enenche and Obiye met,where you first saw each other.
Andre scoffed. Youre joking right? How do you expect us to bathe in a river at midnight? That is just too much for crying out loud.
If you dont do that,then youre doomed.” Agaba said in a deep and brisk voice. His eyes bulged out and glowed, sending cold chill down Andre and Hamidas spine.
Ssorry. Andre said in a cranky voice.
Tie this. Agaba threw two red threads with tiny bells and cowries tied around them on the floor.
“You take the bathe tonight. He said in a more command way. Andre picked them from the floor and gave one to Hamida. They tied them around their wrist.

The beginning.

Obeyi hurried to the river to fetch water. It was the dry season and the stream which the people of Ogobia fetch water from had dried up. The only source of water was the okpu ema, which was at the outskirts of the village and closed to the enemys territory. In the past,the enemies poison the river to kill the people of Ogobia and many maidens were kidnapped and married forcefully. For that reason, people despise the river and only come to fetch water when the stream is dried up.
Obiye prayed in her mind to see other people who were going to the river to fetch water but there was no sign of people going to the river or coming back. She wanted to go back but something told her to go. They needed water at home after all. She continued walking and soon she came face–to–face with the giant trees and thick bushes that surround the river. Her heart started pounding fastly in her chest. She picked up a big stick lying by the side and proceed to the river. There was no sign of people around. She bent the pot into the river and filled it with water. She was about bringing the pot out when she heard splash of water. She let go of the pot and stood up abruptly and yelled at the top of her voice when she saw someone,a man bathing naked at the far end off the river. He had his back to her. Her yell made him turn immediately. He jumped into the river when he saw her, like someone who had her legs rooted to the ground,she was unable to move a feet away, she stood vibrating with her eyes shut and her arms folded on her bosom. He reached for his clothe and tied around his waist and came out of the river. He saw her pot floating in the water and carried it out. He filled it with water and shuffled to where she stood. He dropped the pot on the ground and touched her on the shoulder. She open one of her eyes slowly, then the other. Their eyes locked immediately they met. The cry of the birds and the sound of water flowing stopped. Everything paused for them. The only thing that existed was them. They stood still, lost is their gaze for a while until a bird flew in between them, bringing them back to reality.
I am sorry. They said together and smiled akwardly.
Please forgive me for seeing you naked. She said bowing her head shyly.
I should be pleading not you. He replied smiling: I filled your pot with water already. He pointed at the pot sitting on the ground.
Thank you. There was an award silence between them.
I am Enenche. He broke the silence.
Obiye
I heard about you. The most beautiful maiden in Ogobia. He stared at her face.
I should be going. She said bending to carry the pot.
Dont bother; I will carry the pot for you. He uttered bending down too. Their hands touched and their eyes met. She withdrew her hands immediately and looked away. He carried the pot on his shoulder as they walked silently to the village. She collected the pot when they saw people coming from afar and he entered the bush nearby.