The oldest elder rose from his seat and face the people 'i greet the people of Afudo heeeeeee the people replied, the people barely contain their excitement.
He shouted dragging out the syllable of the greeting.
The people cheered matching his passion till their cries reached a crescendo that shock the forest of Umuachi the neighbouring village.
The chief priest stepped out with his rod of power, the tiny bells tied around his waist making clanging sound with each step he took.
Eze mocha had been the chief priest of Afudo since Ada had been a child. He wore his traditional white wrapper around his waist and another red one went around his shoulder. Chalk marked his eyes and back and whenever his name was called or his bells clang fear gripped Ada's heart.
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People of Afudo, behold the wife the gods have chosen for the prince he said
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The prince walked out from his father's side on the throne and stood facing Ada staring into her eyes with a look that would frightening any maiden. This one looked undaunted.
Ada closed her eyes willing to be done with this ceremony once and for all. She had gone over it countless times with her mother, when to kneel, when to now, when to offer the prince palm wine (a tribal wine). There was still a long way to go
The chief priest continue every sentence end with a tap of his rod of power finally he ended 'may she bear the royal family sons and daughters
Tap!
The villagers answer with a joyous saying 'so shall it be'
The chief priest gave Ada a cup of palm wine (tribal wine) to hand to the prince, as was the custom during marriage ceremony in Afudo village. Ada's hands trembled as she knelt down and collected the of wine. She dreaded the day she would have to collect anything from this terrifying man, as she approached the prince she noticed a girl staring her codly before she could make out a face the girl turned quickly and was lost in the crowd of villagers struggling to get the front spot.
Ada walked to the prince and knelt giving him the cup of palm wine without looking at his face. She stared hard at the earth and wish again that it would open up and swallow her instead his royal majesty the king walked towards Ada and took her hand
'Behold my daughter!'
The people cheered loudly as music began again and dancers took the floor. The king led Ada to sit by the queen.
The brides mind wandered as the latter activities of her wedding ceremony went on. She sat quietly watching the villagers Sing and dance. What will happen when her and rhe prince was left alone? She couldn't bring herself to eat anything as pondered on it
Am sorry for posting late am always busy every morning so I will be updating every night sometimes in the morning or afternoon. Thank you for the support