The sound of the drums could be heard from their compound. The sound resonated with Ifeoma’s heartbeat. She stuck close to Nnamdi all the way and held his arms tight. Children rushed along the sandy road to the village square shouting and chanting in excitement.
“Look a spirit has emerged from the ant hill,” Chisom said, pointing in the direction where a masquerade was dancing and displaying his sharp machete. Ifeoma immediately switched to Nnamdi’s right side still holding his hands but taking some time to look at the wood-faced masquerade.
“Ifeoma it is coming for you!!”Chisom shouted,” Shut up Chisom, you are making her afraid” Nnamdi said. He knew Ifeoma was already afraid but didn’t want Chisom to make matters worse.
“It is just dancing the sacred dance,” he told Ifeoma who kept her eyes on the being even as they walked past it.
Soon they got to the village square. The ceremony had not yet begun and there was a lot of noise but the drums cut through all of them, establishing its sound and drawing more villagers to the village square. Nnamdi and Ifeoma took their seat on an elevated ground covered with green carpet grass.
“Where is Papa? ”Ifeoma said as she looked around for the old man.
“He should be inside the Obi, dressing for the ceremony,” Nnamdi said then shifted his eyes to Ifeoma.
“Why did you not come with Obiora,” he asked.
Ifeoma was about to answer when a couple of children ran into the center of the village square and quickly scattered into the surrounding crowd. The masquerade chasing them was another type with grasses all around its body and a long cane on both hands. It danced to the rhythm of the drum a little before running in the direction from where it came.
Ifeoma wanted to continue the conversation but Nnamdi was now distracted.
“Stand up Ifeoma, come and see,” he said and grabbed her hands. The first set of dancers were now arriving and the tune of the drum changed and was accompanied by the gong which fell faintly through the beats.
The dancers made a brief display before settling on one part of the circle that was now formed as a result of the gathering. Then Papa Okoli came out with his regalia marking the beginning of the event. Three masquerades rushed in dancing in front of the procession.
“Look at Papa” Nnamdi informed Ifeoma drawing her attention from the masquerade in front.
Ifeoma was now used to seeing the beings. Shortly after the dancers made their dance, after which the new moon was announced by Papa Okoli.
The evening came by soon and the event ended with the masquerade chasing some children away, one of them stuck behind Chisom, pointing its cane at him before dashing at him.
“Ewoo” Chisom shouted as he made for the road.
Ifeoma watched as Chisom ran in panic and fear. Another one came close to them. Ifeoma didn’t flinch this time and Nnamdi was surprised. It danced a little and hit the machetes he had together making a clunking sound before going away in pursuit of other children.
That night they all had dinner outside and the new moon lit everywhere. A lantern was also placed on the table by Nnamdi’s mother.
“You will choke on your food” Nnamdi’s mother warned as Chisom was now narrating his ordeal with the masquerade Ifeoma who laughed loud at him.
“Ifeoma how bright are the street lights? I heard they could make a person blind” he said, then took a heavy gulp of water.
“You will have no throats if you continue talking, “Nnamdi said and his mother supported him with an “Ahem!” It didn’t stop Chisom who shifted closer to Ifeoma to hear the incoming gist.
“They are very bright and they keep shining till morning,” Ifeoma said, this made Chisom even more excited and he talked about how he wanted to visit the city after he finishes his exams.
“What about you Nnamdi, will you also visit?’Ifeoma asked, Nnamdi only nodded and said he would bring a lot of Udala (Cherry).
They were outside until the town crier passed by their compound. He greeted Papa Okoli who was inside his hut before announcing the next market day and also some news from the chief. Ifeoma loved the scenery and felt sad that she would be leaving soon.