That evening, stories were already gaining ground that Emenike had gone against the rules of the gods. No one could say it openly. He was feared next to the gods. He could hear anything bad said in his back, even in whispers. People who were ready to send him any gossip said in his name were readily available with their ears wide open for it, in homes and public places. A woman who had a problem with a colleague could just tell on her opponent to get favour and attention from Emenike.
But his offence that evening was too visible to be hidden. Such stories were told, but it was only mature minds that could understand what it meant to offend the gods. Many of the elders spoke at great length and in fury.
Another tragedy had occurred; he could not eat the food presented to him, for he was tired. He sent for Agumba to come to his obi. In just few hours, Emenike had changed indeed. He sensed the gods would revenge on him and he had felt as strong about the new dispensation. Religion, school and white man’s trading were lurking at the corner. Everything was going to change. He, too, had changed. He was not steadfast. He had touched a sleeping lion.
He felt that there might be something in it after all, that it would overwhelm, anyway. Maybe death; maybe sickness; maybe shock of the outcome; maybe losses. He wanted to see the end, after all, their end, and to equip the new generation of the dangers of showing them into the clan. He knew he could not bring immediate peace to his agitated spirit. Many things lurked in his mind.
He had gone against the rules. That was the ways of the gods. They could do anything to make a man understand how deep and sensible their ways were. They could leave one at the slightest opportunity in doubt. The offences were too visible. The oath of secrecy, more sensitive than masquerade leaves had been laid open and to the worst violated by someone who could not have, who knew all the rules. The oaths of nze na ozo were sacred and as powerful titles. They were for great men and achievers as they grew older. They could do anything for the truth to be made visible. Every truth and defence in the clan anchored on them. If one could not get justice from them, it was considered a total loss.
Those with these titles were no ordinary men; they carried the rules that governed the whole clan. The restrictions were many that sometimes a careless person could fail them a hundred times and suffer the grievous consequences. It was forbidden for a titled man to climb a treetop for wine tapping, and exposing to weaker minds, the woman and weak gods, his manhood, which was always visible as they climbed the tree. They could not eat food bought by a woman from the market, food for the children and in no circumstance sleep in the home of his in-law. They could also in no circumstance cook for their wives or see them before the full moon in their huts for the making of babies. But these were common ways of life that could not be ignored. It was difficult to be great. Greatness went with it pains and responsibility.
These rules kept them away from being ordinary men. Because of these many rules, they were seen and regarded as wizened men who could not give in to anything harmful, both to the visible and invisible. They avoided some personal convenience to keep these many rules. They could never lie, but in strictest circumstance they accepted what they did not do to free someone who they wanted to give justice.
During the initiation, many things were done to atone for the initiation. There was the mark in the tongue, which would keep them off from hot or peppery foods for four market days or more depending on the healing periods. This mark at the process of healing was given in to torture that would make them accept the responsibility with all seriousness. From that day, they were remarked differently from others for their entire life. The mark after many rituals would continue, healing gradually when the priests and other initiates proved in all tests that they were ready for the burden. Such a cult, which was not harmful, carried heavy responsibility and placed it on the head of each member.
Until such one died, he could never step on justice he owed to the widows, the poor and the motherless.
He called his son again closer. He heard the whole story, but could not ask him openly. He knew his father was already guilty. He could make him feel the pain the more by asking him any question. He also knew that his father had done something terrible to be forgotten.
Then an unmistakable voice rose as he spoke to his son and there was silence.
“My son, it gives me great joy that I have you today as someone to be trusted. The night has eaten deep. I don’t want to stress your calm and young heart with many details. The spirits with gods trailed after me like a vulture after a corpse. I now see my death nearing. Death as I know might come anytime and take me in the most unusual way, but in whichever way, death is death. It is not an honour to die. The rest of our affair would be for the gods to decide. Men die to give way to the newborn to grow. But cowards cry at death. When a dying man cries, it is not because of where he is going which he knows nothing about, but because of what he wishes he would have done in the world he is leaving behind. Even the spring that flows, dries up sometime to come up lively and fresh in the morning of the new rain. So everything goes and comes back in its own time. I have come and soon would go and you will then represent me. I see myself in you. I should advise you to keep at alert to anything that might happen. For a man he keeps account and the gods fulfil the time. Don’t fear, don’t panic, my son. Never give a way for the white man and his custom for fear you will die. Don’t look at your brothers, Udoka and Agozie. The child who laughs at his father's rotting yams is laughing at his own stomach. Just be upright and keep the ways of the clan. If they should come back here to do anything to you, anything you will dislike, I will strangle them. The cow does not know the value of its tail until it cuts it off. They shall still see how important I am here. They have been disappointing and I don’t care to know. Whether they would change is up to them to decide before it is late. I am not the first son of my father. My elderly ones were loafers and useless and they led miserable lives. Your brothers have a bold step and feel they are doing me. Anyway, I have fought like a man. My name is inscribed on the wall of the gods and I want you to. I have given you all my belongings to take care of apart from your eldest brother. I am proud I have you as a man who will hold his head among his people. I know you will not disappoint. Far be it that a son of a tiger would turn into a lamb. Never. You are with my blessings. I am proud and happy that I will die a happy man. I am proud I have you as a man who will hold his head among our people. Go.”