36 The Death of Lanok (1/2)

Weeeeee!

After taking a few steps, Ochieng' heard that familiar melodious sound from above. He lifted his head only to see a large bird flying over. The bird was as large as his white horse. It was a gray bird with white wings and an orange beak. How it became that large, he did not understand though he had heard of it. Seeing it made him feel his emotions surge.

”Jakony!” Apeleka leaped in joy on seeing her friend appear.

The bird landed just next to her. After doing so, Apeleka climbed her back filled with a feeling of euphoria. The bird always expanded to that size when it wanted to carry Apeleka. That was how they wandered in the forbidden land. She had told Ochieng' this so he wasn't surprised when he saw it.

The onlookers jaws dropped. They had never seen such a large bird in their lives. The chiefs' expressions were even more exaggerated. They could not tell what could happen after this, as the saying goes, 'the most mysterious enemy is the one you do not know completely'. The vena on the chiefs' temples bulged out, their eyes widened in terror. Lanok also looked fearful.

After picking Apeleka and her mother, the bird flew to Ochieng's side. The young man nodded before asking, ”How did you get here?”

”I followed your trail.”

The moment the bird answered, the many onlookers took their flight. None of those who fled even looked back once they turned.

Was it for real?

Could an animal really talk?

They took it when they saw such a large bird even though it was larger than the ostriches they knew. But seeing it talk! Anyone who saw an animal talk in the past died for heaven's sake, could they just stand there and watch?

The few who remained like the two chiefs, a few warriors and Lanok were trembling out of shock when they saw the bird and the young man talk like they were both human friends.

”You followed our trail?” The young man asked looking confused.

”That's right. I felt you two were in trouble so I came over.”

”How did you feel that?” Apeleka asked her expression not looking any different from Ochieng's.

”Let's talk about that another time, let's end this problem first.”

The young couple only laughed bitterly and decided to play along. Apeleka realized she still did not know this friend of hers, despite living together for four good years. Ochieng' was in muddiness. This bird was strange than all the beasts he had encountered in the forbidden land. 'It seems I have to have some time with her, then I need to train hard, what I have experienced today clearly shows I am not yet there', he thought.

”I will deal with the old man who both of you do not know, Ochieng' take care of the chiefs. I want to avenge my sister Apeleka.” The beast said in a frigid manner.