13/09/2025
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Lion's Pathway
Author: Peter_Uwukhor
Urban
· 12.5K Views
9 Chs
Rumpey is a mischievous young boy, who later answers Rudey because he was perceived to be rude and stubborn by the elders in his community.
He was supposed to be taught lessons from the Richest man in Babylon about avoiding debt by his father, but he regarded his father's speech as a long epistle, so he became impatient, disinterested, hence his buttocks betrays his seat, then he left the house angrily, avoiding his father's cautions against merry-go-rounding with uncultured village youths. He lived a life of competition always trying to adopt the lifestyles of his friends who smoke and womanize .
Rumpey is now a debtor because he wanted to meet up the status level of other young villagers, so he started borrowing money but never paid back. One Saturday morning, a fight broke out on the football Pitch, where Scolobo and other community members fought . Unfortunately Rumpey was unaware, he was the cause of the matter.
Scolobo had threatened some guys, if Rumpey was not found for the day and also if he did not pay him his money.
Rumpey who initially joined the fray, without knowing he was the crux of the matter later quits the fight and ran home, but unfortunately, he could not pass his way home due to the broken bridge that was destroyed due to the disgruntled youth who pursued Rumpey and his community boys.
Rumpey took shelter in John's home across the street, where he became a nuisance to John and his mother.
Seeking Rumpey's whereabouts, Scolobo held Rumpey's king, elders, and parent to ransom, till Rumpey is found. The news got to Rumpey by the town crier, about his presence that was needed at home, plus the fact that his fragile mother is being maltreated by Scolobo and his boys.
So, Rumpey decided to go home to rescue his people, but the path home became a dilemma and a quagmire for him to make a good decision.
John helped by introducing the Lion's pathway, as his only suggestion thinking the lion is always not in sight or have slept as they erroneously concluded.
Rumpey had to coil up in to a tire and get rolled across the hill to deceive the lion, but instead he awakened the Lion into a running chase, then he lost control of the situation.
The Lion's pathway was born because they was no other way home, to rescue his fragile mother.
LESSONS:
DEBT #
STRAIGHT PATH #
with Money
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Tags
# ADVENTURE #
# TRAGEDY #
for Partnership
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1
Chapter One The Narrative
Chapter One
NARRATIVE
You have to understand that what a man has is what he can give. We are poor and are not politicians or business people. I manage what I get from the farm to feed my family, I mean you people and you know I and your mother farm everyday that's how we survive. Why do you desire so much money? Is it because of our neighbours; these yahoo yahoo boys?
Papa No! Nothing like that! Is it bad for someone to borrow little cash from friends when in need?
You say friends? What friends? Those boys I warned you against? They drink and smoke, womanize and in fact are responsible for all our young village girls' pregnancies.
Oh! Oh!! My God. He puts his hands to his ears and covered them irritatingly.
"You have started again. What I don't want to hear is what you like talking about! What's mine with pregnancy or the village people?
Okay! Who knows why you borrow money from people. Tell me so I know.
Haven't you heard about he who goes borrowing goes sorrowing?
Lecture! Lecture!! Every time lecture!!! What will I not hear in this house? He stood up and dashes out of the house.
PAPA: Come back here! RUMPEY (murmuring): You have turned our living room to a lecture theatre Papa. Rumpey! Rudey!! Papa paused and gaped then says: Why am I even, calling him a name I never named him? He soliloquies.
Rumpey dashed out of the house without looking back any further.
"Only God knows who nicknamed him Rudey". Rumpey dashed out. On his way out, Rumpey met Aishat who he owes some money. He startled backwards and was gripped by fear and then came a sudden feeling of sweaty anxiety but, Aishat had no intention to demand for her money. He suddenly puts himself together as he got the feel of Aishat's peaceful facade who was confusingly changing her direction as she decided to go witness the heralded ongoing fight emanating from the two communities clash. He became concerned and said: "Aishat! You didn't fetch water today?" He asked.
"I did! Actually, I am about fetching the third time- that's my rubber bucket by the road side." Why did you ask?
Oh I see! Ok. No problem! Rumpey commented and waited for a while, expecting she would talk about the debt.
"Carry it now, let's go down the river. I feel like playing today at the stream." He continued.
No. Not now! I am going to the field. She wrapped her scarf across her neck happily. Haven't you heard what's happening on the pitch?
Not at all! He answered. What exactly? He asked and followed excitedly. They have started another fight. Aishat reported.
Fight! He got startled and paused. You don't mean it! I was about to go watch the match, anyway I can also watch the fight! Let's go! Who are those fighting?
There was an unfriendly cloud full of dust that can be observed from afar as people began to run helter-skelter in a frenzied pandemonium, some towards Rumpey as he approaches and others away from the community while some remained in the field fighting.
The scared ones hid behind some broken fences. Majority of the boys carried wooden sticks, awaiting their opponents closing in, towards their hide out.
Aishat withdrew backwards retreating into a safer place to watch, but Rumpey ran into the battle field pulling his shirt , revealing his energetic masculine sweaty muscles possessed by the spirit of fight and looking for sticks which he eventually grabbed one saying:
"Are they mad?
He became aggressive and said: come to my village and fight my people! Are they crazy? We will tell you today this village is Okumu land."
Rumpey said as he joined the fight. Aishat ran backwards and headed home following the bridge that was intact. She jokingly reminded Rudey of what he owes her:
"You better stay out of it; don't join them! Rudey! Rudey!! Infact it takes time to see you, please do well , come and pay me my money o. She screamed aloud trying to distract him. From the football pitch.
Scaley, with his boys from the other community recognized Rumpey as he approaches them. Seeing that Rumpey is defeating others strongly he made a quick gesture and pointed: "Look, Scaley said and pointed: "See that guy- Rumpey, I told you about. He is owing me too.
Another said; Me too.
Sunle added. Today and only today we must collect our money. Today is a good day for us! Waoooo. They laughed out loud jointly in ecstasy awaiting the sighted Rumpey's arrival into the battle scene. Then someone said: "let's chase after him."
"He must not go! They dropped their clubs and wooden sticks to instead intercept him and started chasing after him.
Faced with a barraging movement of his enemies surging towards him, Rumpey stopped fighting, confused he says: "What? What? He got startled as he observed scores of people rushing towards him so he ran quickly, dropping his fighting weapons.
He has succeeded in inflicting injury on someone dangerously and hence was noticed by his opponents. After which he succeeded in running towards home.
After Aishat passed successfully, the bridge got collapsed due to the enraging moment of the fighters who passed through it in frantic fears. When Rumpey got to the bridge connecting both villages he discovered it has been destroyed. So he quickly conceived the idea of risking it to the other side by intermittently and fearfully dipping his legs into the river but for fear of dangerous water animals like snakes and crocodile he changed his mind and direction quickly running at the banks of the river, where he succeeded in approaching John's house as the boys threw stones at him from a distance. Rumpey scampers for safety proactively and the next point of action was to seek shelter from a longtime friend John.
2
Chapter Two
BARRAGING BANG
Knock! Knock!! He banged John's door.
John! Open! He beckons in agitations. John, John!! He called. Some guys are after me!
Who is there? John asked. John's mum rushed to interfere for security reasons. "John get back! Don't open the door; you don't know who is knocking do you?" Besides that's a violent knock. John's mum admonished him against opening the door to and for a stranger.
Wait mum. John demanded and opened the door though fearfully. Ah Rumpey! He shouted after recognizing him. Then in low tones he asked: "Are we in safety Rumpey?"Ah! We are not. Rumpey replied. Are you okay? John asked. I saw people fighting. He explained.
And you joined? John interjected. Was it not those boys from your community? Can you imagine what happened? How do I imagine, was I there? Let me explain John! John grew impatient, later he became patient:
Ok. Explain. He demanded a quick explanation as he placed his hand under his chin. " Am listening!"
Rumpey continued: "Suddenly, it was me that they were after, expressing their anger towards me. Even Scaley (Scolobo) was just pointing at me asking his boys to get a hold of me."
Although I wasn't scared o. I joined the fray and equally fought. You know your guy now. He said in excitement appraising himself while John expressed dissatisfaction.
John: You see! You see now!! Oh my Good God!!! I told you Scarley, the one you call Scolobo, has reported you, that he is not happy because you owe him some money.
Rumpey paused and gasped for air amidst fast panting streaks.
Could it be because of the cash I owe him? Because I don't understand. He asked himself confusingly.
Are you asking me? John asked
Yes! Last time Scaley was even asking of you, what did you do to him? I guess it was the money I am yet to pay him! Rumpey explained and concluded with uncertainty.
OH! Really, I heard them talking about and looking for you too but I had to leave them since mama was about cooking.
And you know they are jealous, as always that we are close. So I rather leave than stay where my friend is being talked about. Besides, my life is in danger also, due to your presence- you are just a threat to those guys.
I can't bow to them man! How am I a threat? Rumpey asked.
Well. John said.
What do you mean to say by the word "we" quote and unquote? Rumpey inquired. I meant you and I. John elucidated. No wonder! Now I get it. So this is all about it; so its all about me; that's why they are fighting. I must go back. Can't be running from them.
Go back to where? Are you okay? He paused.
Fighting already! John screamed. Was it that serious? John asked. I said that's why I ran to your place. Isn't that a sign it was serious? Here you are asking me about serious or not. in a mood of complaints, John said : You this guy! John said shaking his head. I actually thought you were kidding.
Why do you keep borrowing money when you know you can't pay back? He asked Rumpey. Rumpey ignored John's question after sighting John's mother, standing eavesdropping behind her son.
"Good evening ma!" He quickly greeted.
Hmmm! She says disdainfully . Good evening Rumpey!! She became silent, then asked: How about your parent? Fine ma! He adjusted his mood and cleaned his dirty hands by swiping them against his shot knickers both front and back. He looked at her. She in turn looked at him commenting:
"You have not answered my son's question; if those boys come here because of you I would make sure I throw you out to them! Immediately!! She emphasized.
To her son she says: John please go and lock the door. Let him pass the night here-its twilight already. Just this night! Soon dinner will be ready. She informed
Thank you ma! He expressed relieve. Guy, please help me with water let me have my bath. Thanks too. He said after asking John for help
3
Chapter Three
king, the broken bridge
The king set his concern on the destroyed bridge and the on-going fight. On the next day, it was discovered by the villagers that their bridge has been destroyed.
The king called for a meeting and discussed how to settle the fight that ensued at the football pitch because, both communities must be at peace and fix every single issue. The people gathered into a crowed, caving in towards the king. The king gave an opening speech:
"Elders and good people of our land, I greet you all. It came to my notice last night that there was a fight yesterday involving our youths and the other community. And I couldn't sleep due to that. Right now, we have been summoned by the good people of our community and the neighbouring community to settle this matter. That is the sole reason I called for your presence, so we can resolve the matter immediately." The people in the crowed responded nodding their heads in agreement. The king continued:
As we know children are always children, and youths are always youths. We have been in situations as this before. We cannot deny that fact and we cannot totally avoid fight among these people; because once they play they must always have misunderstandings from frictions either from women or money and so on.
You know youths now. But, that is not why we are here. From the crowd a parent, Mr Justice spoke interrupting:
Yes! True that isn't why we are here. And yes, truly we were once like them but not always engaged in fight! Fight!! All the time fight!!! He complained unhappily.
Youths of this day are different my king.
So what are you suggesting now? The king asked.
Someone cuts in, identified as Mr. Frank, while the speaker paused as others turned to look at him whose voice emanated from behind the crowd.
Mr Frank: During our days we were matured, always busy farming and we quickly transited into adulthood. These days our children have put up very terrible habits of uncontrolled nature, such as smoking, womanizing and all sorts of atrocities, destroying the culture of our land.
Mr. Justice: "You have taken over this discussion Mr. Frank, can I be allowed to land please? A little distraction ensued. Okay land! You are allowed Mr. Frank said
The King: I opened this conversation! Hey, hey stop!! He cautioned them against arguing. As I was saying, I learnt already four people have died, attacked by crocodiles as a result of these destroyed bridge.
Oooo
Woooow. You see
The crowd jointly murmured .
The king continues:
We know very well, that the bridge was fragile as it was jointly built and used by both communities. We also know that your negligence, you all (pointing at the crowed) have caused it to remain like that. That to me is a matter of urgency. So we must fix it. The king spoke.
Okay our King! They jointly responded. Igwe, Igwe we agree. The village fathers agreed jointly as they echoed Igwe igwe from all directions. Because we don't know who is missing now and who will be next. The king emphasised: so fix it. That's all.
Silence became the order of the minutes.
Any question, suggestion or objection? The king asked.
Rumpey's father:
My king. Rumpey has not come back home since yesterday.
The King: Rumpey or Rudey?
Everyone laughed.
Rumpey's father: Actually your highness he is known as Rumpey. But they call him Rudey because some say he is rude. (General laughter from the crowd)
Sorry to say, so that rude boy is your son? The king asked and mocked Rumpey's father.
Whatever they call him, but I named him Rumpey. Yes he is my son. My king he is my son. Please let's look for him. His mother is old and fragile and am tired of consoling her. Please my king help find him.
It is okay: let's conclude this meeting. In fact, I have concluded this meeting.
My king. My king. My boy… Rumpey has killed me. he placed his hands on his head, hopelessly crying and lamenting for the whereabouts of his son, Rumpey.
Rumpey's father lamented placing his hands on his head hopeless and thinking his son Rumpey is dead.
The king continued after having pity on him: Anyway, in conclusion; tomorrow, we shall call the youths and ensure they all come to a peace truce and also make efforts to build the bridge. However, this must be discussed first with all involved.
The king: my people, do we all agree to this?
Yes, but your highness, who will approach them; the youth?
How do you mean, who would approach them? The king quickly asked.
The young man continued: They are worse off these days. I hope you know. They are always angry and disgruntled, like people who are always against our culture with signs already being displayed. No reference to our traditions, some of them don't greet elders anymore and you know, my king, even our female children prefer to stay all day with them than us their parent.
Children that sag, or drop their pants. And when you caution one he will say your son does it too.
Greet elders? The king muffled and continued: "Why will they stay with you? You cannot parent their lives all through.
See what this man is saying. Don't you know that even in the barracks, son of a soldier or not, once you are 18 years of age, you are forced out of your father's quarters. You live on your own or join the army.
Aren't they adults? Besides most of your girls, your daughters especially, complained of not being fed well." here you are talking about culture and values. Greet elders!
Aha ahaha ahhaha (General laughter from the crowd). You don't know that it will take collective efforts of parenting, else these boys will be uncontrollable. If I were not strong, I would have left this kingship and forgone my kingdom and kingship.
The man continued (ignoring the mockery):
Well, just yesterday, we had a fight, involving youths from both sides communities as you already know, my king. We saw what weapons they carried just because of a football match. A playing ground as such.
The king: Well said, I am not sure that fight emanated due to football. It occurred so spontaneously as I heard, but shall we now run away from our land? A land which we are supposed to govern? Shall we run because the youths are stubborn? Common!
Crowd: No, no, why should we run? They murmured.
The King: Now you people are talking as real parents. We can't leave the village for them to run. They will have to behave or we set out punishment in full measures. No matter whose child it is meted out upon! No matter whose ox is gored!
happily they extolled: Igwe! Igwe!! In joyful expressions.
The king (continued): All I need is you people, to come up with your concrete plan, and pass it to the messenger to deliver to the other community.
Igwe! Igwe!! They hailed him as he continues.
Remember, no more fighting and please use wisdom as you pass your message across. But then, both communities must agree to jointly fix the bridge. All the youths! Igwe! Igwe!! Find a way to deliver the message to the other community messenger.
My king, next week, I suggest that we have a meeting again with members of the other community. Alright then! The king said and stood up. The people dispersed.
Rumpey is a mischievous young boy, who later answers Rudey because he was perceived to be rude and stubborn by the elders in his community. He was supposed to be taught lessons from the Richest man in Babylon about avoiding debt by his father, but he regarded his father's speech...
