STACH SHORT STORY CONTEST

TALES FROM BEYOND

As I sat to reminisce on the culture of Edem Eka people, I couldn't help but agree that there's an influence beyond this physical realms we see.

It's the tale of the god of fidelity (ekpo nkaowo) which usually killed any partner who was brought before it for infidelity claims. This culture however wasn't all encompassing because it seemed to punish only the female offenders while setting free the males who were likewise guilty.

That fateful night, Kelechi was to appear before the deity for infidelity against the wife, but he was the chief priest's brother. Everyone was keen on knowing the verdict of the judgement, by 10pm the village square was filled beyond capacity waiting for the verdict .

As the wait intensified, just before 12am, a shrill cry enveloped the town, it was the voice of Nkiruka, wife of the accused, there she was shouting that she was accusing the husband falsely, that he never cheated at all, that she was the cheating partner.

Before one could say Jack, Robinson! she was already hung and slaughtered in her husband's place. This was the the usual tale of injustice associated with the ekpo nkaowo cult