Ruyi's World of Books and Stories.: Excerpt: Ekwe Runs Wild by Omoruyi Uwuigiaren

One morning, Obiefule woke up very sick and tired. He could not get on his feet. He called out to his wife and son. Ekwe was the first to get into the room.

“Father, you called me. What is it?”

“My son, you will go to the farm alone today.” He adjusted and coughed a bit.

“Why?” Ekwe asked and walked quietly to the bedside. He held his hand. “Be strong, father. You know we still have much work to do on the farm.”

Obiefule nodded slowly. He cleared his throat. He raised his head a bit, “You are right, my boy. I am feverish. I will need to get some medications to get back on my feet...”

Obiageli entered the room. “Good morning, my love,” she greeted and went down on her knees.

Obiefule placed his hand on her shoulder, he replied, “Good morning, darling. I have just instructed Ekwe to go to the farm.”

“What about you? Are you not going with us?” she inquired with a broad grin.

He shook his head. “I will not. I am very sick. My body aches everywhere. You will stay to give me some herbs. Or why are you here if not for such a purpose?” He tried to mask his pain with a smile.

“Sorry, my love. I know this will eventually happen, because you have been working too hard for some time now.” She went close to him and felt his neck with the back of her hand. “You are hot. You need rest to get over the fever.”

“Yes, I must rest. Please, prepare some herbs for me while Ekwe hurries to the farm.”

“Okay.” Obiageli turned to her son. “Ekwe, you heard your father. Be careful,” she warned. “Once it is sunset, make sure you return home. Anyone who calls you, tell them your parents are waiting for you. Don’t play on the road. The forest is not safe for anyone in the evening. Is that clear?”

“Yes, mother. I will get back on time. Goodbye!” He left the room in a hurry. Today, the boy will have the luxury of eating whatever he wanted. Roasted yam, fruits and even small animals will all be his. Unlike the days when he journeyed to the farm with his parents, Ekwe was restricted to rations imposed upon him. Sometimes such rations hardly quenched his large appetite. Like a bird that escaped from a snare, the boy grabbed hold of his freedom with both hands. He went to the backyard. Ekwe took his hoe and cutlass and walked briskly out of the compound.

Ekwe walked happily through the bush paths that led to his father’s farm. Going to the farm alone was like the best day of his life. The thought of hunting squirrels, swimming in the stream and eat as many fruits as he wanted excited him. He could not wait to get to the farm. The forest had come alive for the birds were whistling aloud. At intervals, sparrows dropped from trees like stones to grab their breakfast on the wings of the morning. The birds continued to make a short work of insects as the boy walked to the farm.

Ekwe got to the farm in a good time. He worked for long hours under the scorching hot day and was tired. When he could feel his skin had begun to roast, he took his hoe and cutlass and went to find a shade where he would rest. He found a spot under a shade created by a mango tree. The shade was comfortable enough for any poor soul to get over the overwhelming presence of the hot day. Just as Ekwe placed his cutlass at the foot of the tree and wanted to sit down, a big movement drew his attention to the nearby bush. He raised his head and flung a glance at the direction of the disturbance. The boy saw a grass cutter in the bush. The giant rat was seeking something to devour. Grass cutter is a good source of protein. No hunter would allow such a meal to slip on a good day. Ekwe imagined himself eating the roasted grass cutter and having a good time in the river. Just like a king having a memorable feast. Then he grabbed hold of his cutlass and gave chase.

Ekwe ran very fast. His pair of legs descended on the earth like survivors fleeing massacre. The bush meat was too big to let go and the thought of a good meal kept the boy in the chase. It was a rat race. They ran from one end of the farm to the other until they strayed away.

Obviously, the grass cutter was not running very fast. Yet, killing it was like a mountain too high for the boy. Maybe the creature had sustained injury in the course of the struggle. However, against all odds, the animal was not ready to let Ekwe have his way. On the other hand, the boy felt he could take his chance and end the day on a bright note. Then he wore the garment of determined spirit and faced the challenge head long. Ekwe was like a motivated four fisted wrecking bull. His eyes were full of hope as he raised his cutlass up to high heavens in a bid to bring down the creature. When the animal was within his reach, he changed his mind and decided to catch it alive. Ekwe dropped his cutlass and dived at the grass cutter. But his legs betrayed him and the move backfired. He lost his balance and was reduced to a heap of rubble on the floor. Before Ekwe could get back on his feet, the animal had run into a hole. The creature heaved a sigh of relief and disappeared from sight.

Ekwe did not give up. He felt all hope to get the animal was not lost. He jumped to his feet. He went for his cutlass. He returned swiftly and dug into the hole. Not long after, the boy realised that the animal had escaped through another way. His countenance fell and his shoulders sagged. He dropped his cutlass and sat on the floor as the sun gradually walked away.

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