The Secred Mission

ko's spirit lingered in the air like a storm cloud, casting a shadow on everyone's face. Even the

a Chukwudi sat at the front of the circle, his walking stick lying on his knee. His expression was filled with intense worry. The other elders surrounded him: Mama N

"A sign that we've enraged the spirits." "Or that something darker is at play," Uncle Ekene responded, his brow w

stick on the ground. "We must concentrate on what can be done. Adanna has venture

in the air, weight

he forest is not what it once was. If the Iroko leaves, so does its protection

er. The forest (Ọhịa Eke) seemed huge and alive, and her mounting anxiety made every sound and movement more intense. Bir

rson cloaked in mist, their face obscured but their presence dominating. The figure's voice was qu

isible." Trust the forest, but b

e about Iroko's disappearance than they were revealing. The name "Nkem" had come

r dream. The person had stood near a body of water, and their reflection shimmered in an unusual manner.

self. "Who are you?" "And why

ith the aroma of burning herbs and the gentle murmur of her chanting. She sat cross-legged on the floor, her face pl

at only she could understand. Images started to emerge: Adanna striding through the jungle, her face resolut

," Mama Ugo said quietly to herself. "And

ter did not fully comprehend. The spirits had been muttering indications of a prophecy, but their words

eded to the meeting house. As she came, the elders gla

seen?" Papa C

for her. However, there is much she does not yet know. The Iroko's silence is only the beginning. A lar

" Mama Nneka inquir

said. "Adanna must learn the truth for herself. However, she cann

one of them spoke, but Mama Ugo's wo

rant. She was in a clearing surrounded by huge trees, their branches interlaced like a canopy of arms st

d in flowing robes that shone like water in the sunshine. Their faces rem

red, their voice swe

anna inquired, he

an simply finding the Iroko; it is also about understanding its purpose. The balanc

do you

ek the hidden, challenge the apparent, and believe in your

e figure faded into the mist, their

oko. The forest (Ọhịa

ust that; she could feel them in her bones. The forest (Ọhịa Eke) was ca

darkness, she muttered, "Nkem, I wi

the trees, carrying he