A memory of the days of drought

This is the truth, Mioli this is your destiny, and only you can save the Tribe from it....’”

The words echoed through Mioli’s head, waking her from her nightmare that had featured her Tribe perishing from a terrible drought.... Her head clouded with worry as she remembered, that had been no dream, just a review of the last few days’ events. Her Tribe had really suffered a great drought and not only she, but many of the Tribe’s members had gone through at least 3 days without a single half glass of water. Her mother, Spimawe and her father, Dodiliwe had both died when she was very young and she only had one memory: a small, torn picture of Mioli and her parents playing in the river near their home. She took out the picture from its hiding place. It seemed to be crying out, “these moments will never come back!”

 Just then, a flash of lightning sounded through the air, BOOOM!!!!!!! A menacing presence flowed through every hut in the Tribe, including Mioli’s and seemed to reach out into her darkest dreams and into her deepest secrets and wishes... a voice crackled through her head, “ People of the Tribe of Dust, this drought will only end when Miloi kills the Amakhi lion with her bare hands! Like a snake you must strike. This is your only chance, otherwise your Tribe will perish.....”

The presence receeded with the speed of a lightning bolt.

All eyes were on Mioli as the leader of her Tribe, Agico, came up to her and put a shaking hand on her shoulder. His eyes were full of fear as he spoke, “Mioli, did you hear the voice of our ancestors? All children,” as he spoke, his voice became louder and more determined, “have learnt that, in any case, the words of our ancestors are not to be ignored. Mioli,” he said, turning to her, “your destiny, thus laid down by our ancestors, is to kill the Amakhi lion, and so, you must do so! But,” he sighed, “you cannot attempt this alone,so I must send Casiko and Mikosi with you.” Casiko, he best friend, looked excited when Agico announced so, but Mikosi, a boy the same age as Mioli and Casiko but much more quiet, looked surprised and nodded with grim determince.

They set out the next day, each loaded with a ‘carrier’, a basket of food and a sword. They had’nt been traveling long when the lion leaped out of the bushes.

It raised its head and, instead of roaring, said, “Welcome. Ancestors of you spoke to me. Said I, the Amakhi lion, must die. Said I to them, ‘I was waiting for you to come and say so. I allow the chosen one to kill. But only if I am accepted into your ranks as Tribe’s ancestors.’ They agree, and you may kill me.” Stepping towards Mioli, he held out his neck. Mioli picked up her sword and cut the lion’s neck.

Suddenly, while the trio were staring at the lion’s body, lightning flashed and rain poured down.

The ancestor’s wish was appeased and rain graced the skies again.