The Uninvited Guest(3)
” What do you want keita?”. Baba asked.
“I will tell you, but for now let’s help your son”. Keita said.
Baba and Keita went to the Dome. The Dome was a very large building. The compound was very large. It housed about 1000 exorcists, Baba was their leader until he left. Everywhere he looked he saw faces that portrayed their anger at Baba.
” Doumbia wait for me here”. Keita said.
Keita went inside the Dome. He spent minutes inside, then he came back outside.
“Here is the scroll Doumbia, come back when your son is healed. When he is healed I will tell you what to do”.
Baba left there ecstatic. He came back home that night in a joyous mood. We were elated by the news, Baba made a feast for us to celebrate. The next morning, we took off and headed for Yamassoukro to see the Marabout. We arrived earlier than usual.
Farouk gladly opened the gate for us. The marabout was under an almond tree discussing with some men. When he saw us coming, he stood and came to us.
” Evening Ancient one”. Baba greeted.
“Doumbia, how are you?”. The marabout asked.
” Fine Ancient one”.
“Were you able to get the scroll?”. The marabout asked.
” Yes, ancient one”.
“Follow me”. The marabout said.
The marabout took us into his house. The marabout took us to a room at the extreme end of the building.
” This is where you people will stay till when I am ready to start the exorcism”. The marabout said.
I was claustrophobic. If I was to choose between claustrophobia and death, I will choose claustrophobia any time. The marabout spent much time outside. It was night and the marabout wasn’t back yet. We waited and waited, but we didn’t see the marabout. I slept off waiting for the marabout.
“Come here!”. A voice said.
I looked to see who it was. Suddenly, a masquerade came out of nowhere.
” You think you can rid yourself of me, no way. I am Bangili! The agent of Lucifer. I am Bangili! The executioner of souls. I am Bangili! The strong traveller”.
“You signed your death sentence when you came here. I will kill you in this dream, you won’t return”.
The marabout appeared immediately in my dream.
“I have been expecting you Bangili, welcome. Today I put an end to your stay in this body”. The marabout said.
The marabout began reciting the words in the scroll.
“Out of the serpent’s den, you crawled out
Bringing damage to souls beyond repair
An accomplice of despair from the days of Adam
I chastise with a heavenly rod of the most high
Return! To den of the serpent and stay away from this fragile soul
Like Moses destroyed the serpent with the rod, I destroy you with the heavenly thunder
( Bengali began shouting. The marabout continued reciting the scroll)
Blow away like chaff
I purge this soul of the ancient evil
And put an end to your demonic sojourn
Flee! Flee! You agent of Lucifer”.
(The masquerade vanished immediately.)
I woke up almost immediately. Baba and the marabout were rejoicing.
” Thank you ancient one, my son is free,” Baba said.
“No problem, that is my job”. The marabout said.
“You are now free Essien, how do you feel?”. The marabout asked me.
” I am fine ancient one, thank you so much”. I replied.
“You are welcome”. The marabout said.
We left the marabout’s place happy. Baba took me home and dropped me some meters away from home.
” Baba where are you going?” I asked.
“My son I have to return the scroll”. Baba said.
” Alright, Baba. Please be safe”.
Baba waited until I entered the house. He left immediately and went to Bamako to meet Keita. When Baba arrived at the Dome, almost everyone had gone to sleep. It was the remaining Keita and some men.
“Ha! I see you back Doumbia, I have been anticipating your arrival”. Keita said.
(Baba stood looking at him)
“How is your son?”. Keita asked.
” He is free, Keita”. Baba replied.
“I see, let’s get down to business. First, give me the scroll. (Baba immediately gave him the scroll) Doumbia you would have to return to being an exorcist”. Keita said
” But Keita I am married with children.
“I know, but I don’t care. The Dome of exorcist in Maiduguri needs a leader, so you will become their leader”.
Baba was confused, but not surprised. He knew Keita was an evil person, but he didn’t know he was this evil.
“Okay, Keita I agree, but let me say goodbye to my family”.
” No, you leave for Maiduguri in the morning”. Keita said.
Baba had no option than to agree, because he agreed to do anything Keita wanted, so long I was okay. Baba slept in the Dome.
The next morning, Keita ordered for Baba.
“Doumbia! It is time”. Keita said.
Keita directed two men to follow Baba to Maiduguri. They started the journey as early as possible. They travelled for about five hours, then one of the men said:
” I want to rest”.
“But we haven’t reached anywhere”. Baba said.
“Allow him rest we can continue later”. The other man said.
” Okay let’s rest”. Baba said.
Keita had given them instructions to kill Baba. They were plotting on how to do it.
The man who spoke earlier was trying to bring out his sword. Baba wanted to look, but the other distracted Baba.
“Look I think I see some soldiers coming from afar”. The man trying to distract Baba said.
” Where?”. Baba asked.
“Look beside that tall tree”.
As Baba was trying to look, the man with the sword chopped off Baba’s head.
We haven’t heard from Baba for years. We are tired of searching for answers. I have my health back, but I don’t have my father.
Victor writes 