Nyansakrom: Chapter 8

'Serwaa of the 10000 proverbs' your timing is perfect ,as usual noted a long grey haired council member.'I take it that you are aware of the crisis'.

'Yes, on my way back from my travels across the land, I was informed that 10 of our number are comatose, several council members are still receiving intensive care and that Ama, my mate and two other mbrewanananom are responsible for this'.

'Despite this as mbrewanananom, we must prevent our misguided sisters from causing further harm to the village'. ' From my journeys, I can conclude that this is only the first stage of a full blown war with this village.' 'And how will we be able to accomplish this,', questioned the head.

'We have no idea where they are and what they plan to do next' 'During the attack, only the archives and stores of the royals were given an unusual amount of focus. 'Almost as if they were intent on burning them down at all costs, leaving nothing behind.' I intend to have other mbrewanananom as as well as asuafo like Aba examine the two buildings to find out why this was the case'. 'Perhaps it may give us an indication of their next move.'

'Actually, I would like to have more asuafo under my care for this task',she said. 'Excuse me, head abrewanana, Aba said meekly, 'I know two other asuafo in mind who are willing to help us now'. As they walked towards Akos' house, Serwaa asked Aba again, 'Are you sure those two will join us willingly?'.

'In fact,they were waiting for me to get approval from the mbrewanana to restart training first before doing anything'. 'I see'.' Serwaa

. Akos was the first to meet them. She was excited that approval had been given to let them restart their training, even if it was just them for now.She went inside to call Antwiwaa and Serwaa sadly noted that those two were staying together like most of the villagers whose huts had been burnt down. 'Why are we going to the archives?", asked Antwiwaa.

'The Tumi were very particular in their attempts to destroy both the archives and the storage buildings' replied Serwaa. 'My sisters are already working with the asafo and the other warriors to determine the extent of damage to the stores'

'Because they concentrated specifically on burning such buildings down after intensely raiding them, we can find out about their intentions from those buildings since we managed to prevent them from being fully destroyed. 'Ama and the others wanted items from those buildings, that's why they focused on them that much' concluded Aba.

'They might have taken information and supplies from them to plan their next attack or even use them to form an alliance with other villages to attack Nyansakrom'she noted grimly. As they reached the archive building, Serwaa noted that she would take them through the system used to decipher the various symbols each item and find out what was taken away.

At the headquarters of the asafo, Badu calmly told Abrewanana Nketsia that he did not need further counselling ,to her surprise. I know I was exposed to killing intent and nearly lost my head, literally.' 'The latter alone would be enough to traumatise a boy for years but you've helped me through it in less than a week.'

'However.most of the asafo are seriously injured and are unable to leave their sick mats.'Everyone who is fit and capable is working twice as hard to make up for this deficiency.'So I can't stay here any longer to receive more counselling. 'I have to increase my duties as well'. 'I am aware of that,Badu,'she noted.

'But from the reports of the asafo, all the obour prison inmates joined the fatekeepers. 'Your parents were sentenced there as well. 'Are you prepared to deal with the fact that they are now also part of the fatekeepers and thus, our enemies?"

'Should you break down or weaken in your clash with that group, you'll die'. 'That alone will crush the morale of the whole asafo company'.

'I knew the dangers of being an asafo before I joined them, noted Badu. 'The Tumi are our enemies so it is my duty to protect the village from further attacks and even hunt them down if neccessary. That hasn't changed'.

'Badu, noted Asafoakyere Dede as she entered the room, 'it is up to you to decide whether you remain an asafo or not. No one will make you feel guilty about leaving but if you choose to stay, I have fresh orders for you to carry out'.

'What are your orders?'

'You are to accompany vice captain Pokuaa to the archives to assist Abrewanana Serwaa and her asuafo in their mission. 'When should I set off?'

'Immediately'