46 The Coming Battle (1/2)
By the time the Ochieng' and Apeleka arrived home, it was already eventide and the sun was setting in the west, producing an orange color making everything on earth appear dark. Apeleka went to Anyango's hut where she found her mother buried in a heated discussion with Anyango.
Ochieng' rushed to his father's hut but did not find him. He walked out of the hut with a dejected look.
”You father is in your brother Ang'wen's hut probably for an important meeting.”
Ochieng' had just walked out when he heard the sound of his beloved mother. He dashed to her hut and sat on an empty stool by the fire. The two women greeted him happily before he was provided with a gourd of fermented milk.
He gulped down the milk and in a wink, the gourd was empty. He had not taken milk for a long time, it wasn't surprising that he was esurient when provided with.
”Do you need some more?” His mother asked him smiling widely.
”Sure.” He nodded repeatedly.
Just like before, he devoured the contents of the gourd in a split second. He heaved a long sigh after he was full then threw the gourd away.
”The satiated are indeed doltish.”
Sankale shook her head upon seeing Ochieng's action. The other two women agreedwith her. Mortified, he walked out of the hut in a hurry leaving the three woman speechless.
After he left his mother's hut, he went to Ang'wen's home immediately.
”Brother Ochieng', you are here!”
Ang'wen was typically excited when he saw his youngest brother. He went and greeted him cheerfully before helping him into one of the stools that was empty within the hut. Ochieng' greeted those in the hut; his father, three clan elders and a man who seemed to be a visitor. They also exchanged a few pleasantries before the atmosphere in the room turned serious.
”Ochieng', this is Mboya Ogwang' from Karachuo, our division headquarters. Ogwang' is an emissary here to help in the marshaling of our clan warriors for an incoming war between the Lu tribe and the Lang tribe.” Ang'wen introduced the visitor who sat nonchalantly next to him.
Ochieng' turned to the man to appraise him carefully. He was a man at the age of around forty five years. He had a powerful physique. The lion's skin he wore fitted perfectly on his body and he had a handsome face. If not for the herculean air around him, one could never think that he was a ball of fire.
”The sun has set my elder.” Ochieng' greeted bowing his head humbly.
”It has set greatly my son.” The man answered putting a forced smile on his face.
”My Chief, you mentioned earlier that there is a battle coming between we and the Lang people, is that true?”
Seeing the attitude of the middle aged man, Ochieng' did not bother him much, he turned to Ang'wen and asked in a serious tone.
”That is right. That is why the tribe head through the division heads asked our clans to mobilize our warriors in preparation for the battle. Ogwang' who happens to be one of the tribe vice commanders and Karachuo division's war advisor was sent here by our division head Okola Ooro to help in this.” Okoth made things clear to Ochieng'.