It had been ages before Karichota village witnessed the storm of locusts. They had enjoyed plenty and peace. The rains were adequate and when they planted, cassava and yams were big. Children ran around the village, their stomachs protruding in satisfaction, stray farts making the adults turn their noses. As neighboring villages wallowed in the miasma of their chiefs' greed, Karichota enjoyed peace and harmony. Libation was poured in plenty. Shrines flowed animal blood. Once in a while, human blood was demanded and virgins were willing to offer their blood at the shrines of life and prosperity.
The wind is here to make claims. A goddess is ready for mating. Only a chief's son can be allowed to mate with the goddess. Xumba is the chosen royalty.
As the wind draws nearer, darkness blanket Karichota village. No one is supposed to see what transpires. Xumba waits, ready. He feels the first touch of wind caressing his body. It lifts his lion skin and sweeps down his spine. Every sense in his body is awakened. He can feel the small hairs at the back of his neck stand. It is sensational. his lips are dry. His eyes, flickering hot. He feels the desire rise from his stomach. It is like the wind is loaded with pheromones. He stands still waiting for the goddess to appear from the heavy cloud. His eyes are wide open. He doesn't want to miss a thing. He wants her to look into her eyes and see what lies behind his sockets. He wants her to see his flames. He is daring her. The goddess emerges from the cloud.
Her hair flows down to her feet. It is dark and silky. Her face is white like an ostrich's egg. Her eyes, wide and blue like the ocean. Xumba is taken back by her beauty. She is divine. She looks pure. Her mouth is a thin line of ripe plums. He gasps for breadth as he burrows into her eyes. She doesn't blink. Her eyes draw him in. He is drowning in her. He tries to reach out so that he can touch her but his hands are weak. He trembles under her stare. This is not what he had imagined.
The goddess closes the space between them. Xumba's heart stops beating. His lungs can't take in air anymore. She is breathing in his face. Her breadth is hot. She is really in heat. She scans him, puts out a thin hand to touch him. Xumba holds it back. A wave of shock rushes through her. Xumba is sweetly surprised. He can feel her skin tremble under his touch. She wants him. He is not going to allow her to use him like a conduit pipe for seed and gratification. If she really wants to be eased, then she must earn him.
If she sucks me dry, then it will be worth it. At least she desired me.
"you dare touch a goddess you filthy mortal?" the goddess is furious. Her whispers sound like jets of fire. Xumba does not budge.
"Take me with you," he says. His voice is raspy. He locks his look into hers. He sees her soul shudder. He has her locked.