CHAPINDAPASI (Short Stories) By Maxwell Kanemanyanga

Excerpt from the book: “My husband, I might have news that will make you a happy till the day you will go to your grave.” (Tikidi, the King’s wife,) said. “You remember the time i went to my parents. I gave birth to a baby boy, we lied to you that he was dead because i knew you will kill him. You have a son King Makombe." The smile on his face (The King) said it all. The tears of sorrow turned out to be tears of joy. During his young years he would have dragged her to her grave but now she had just made him the happiest man alive. He did not want to waste any more time, he rushed to his palace to meet with his elders and advisors. They sat for the whole night and it was at this indaba that they all agreed that the King's son should come home and learn from his father and elders. Early in the following morning the six bodyguards, one king's advisor and the mother Tikidi took the long journey to Bumhira's kingdom. It was a long journey as always especially with a woman among them. When they finally arrived they saw King Bumhira seating in front of his palace. He was shocked to see his daughter coming. Without wasting time Tikidi took her father aside and briefly explained to him the reason why she came. King Bumhira was happy and sad at the same time. Happy because mother and son would finally unite and not live a lie an more. On the other hand he was sad to see a boy he raised as his own son leave even though he had to. They rested for two more days before they embarked on the long journey back home. The rumour of the King's son spread like fire. People from all walks of life flocked to the King's palace to see this mysterious son. How could the king have a son when he killed all his sons, they could not stop wondering. Meanwhile the other wives of King Makombe were hurt and jealous. How did Tikidi manage to raise a son when all their sons were slaughtered? Her son will now be the king, and she will obviously become the King's favourite because she gave him an heir that he desperately wanted. When people saw the delegation arriving all their questions were answered. They didn't need any introduction; it was obvious who the King's son was. This was not a rumour any more it was reality. Mapuranga was huge and strong just like his father. King Makombe declared a holiday to celebrate the resurrection of his son as he called it. Whilst people were celebrating plans were made for Mapuranga to stay with a council of elders for one year to learn the customs of his people and how to be a ruler. Even though Mapuranga had the best advisers there was nothing they could do about his nature. He was a cruel, stubborn, proud and heartless young man. In short he was his father's son in every way. However if there was one man who was happy with the development of Mapuranga it was his father. “How can he be a king if he is soft? Power is for people who are ruthless, people with heart and guts", he reiterated to his advisers’ who voiced their concerns about his rude and sometimes disrespectful behaviour…