Moments later, a second and more powerful ripple hit the sack again. The crowd watched this unnatural unfolding of events with stunned disbelief. As far as anyone knew, this was unprecedented in the history of the village. When the King stopped his antics, calm returned to the sack.
The haversack was hoisted up in the air again. Suddenly, from the depths of the woods, a huge black buzzard erupted from the forest canopy, flying so low that it was only a hair’s length above the celebratory crowd. The bird froze in mid air while performing some acrobatics with its wing tips suspended on one point.
The bird then took aim. With all eyes glued on it, it released a huge stream of hot steamy whitewash with the force of a fire hose. The residue flew straight at its intended target: King Ncengani’s brow, which it hit with amazing accuracy.
The impact sent the King reeling off the stage partially blinded. His entire regalia was soiled a sickening yellowish green colour, like human faeces. He toppled onto a woman seated below the podium.
Suddenly the whole place was plunged into partial darkness. The chaos and commotion that ensued was baffling. An unknown powerful force seized the crowd, making everybody fall into a trance. The villagers walked around murmuring in indecipherable tones. After what seemed like a very long time, the darkness slowly lifted like a theatre curtain on a stage. Then, from the bag, out tumbled a strange, short and humanlike creature. It reached out to King Dabulamanzi with a slow limping stride.
It then jumped into the King’s arms and the two locked in a long, emotional embrace. The shocked silence that followed was broken by the beast’s immediate desire to be known.
“Father! Father! I’m the Goblin – your one and only son,” said the strange creature in a lisping, shaky voice. “Why did you leave me at the mercy of this man?”
As it spoke, the Goblin pointed a trembling finger at Bwenjili. But its question went begging for an answer.
The creature continued to speak: “Father, look at all the wealth you’ve acquired at my expense. Who else will give you such riches when I’m no more? How many of the villagers’ cattle have l killed for you? Father, you know all these men are barren. Who will satisfy the sexual needs of all these horny women when I’m dead? Look at my protégés. Haven’t I had an illustrious career, Father?
“I’ve done well in my duties to sire the next generation, who I trust will carry my good name and legacy into the future. I will always remember you, father, even though we’ve parted ways. This man here may have killed me, but one thing is for sure father: I remain your beloved son. Can all the villagers here today stand as my witnesses?
“Long live all the children I’ve sired! Can all the barren men here please get their acts together? Oh and please, never ever tire of taking care of my offspring. And finally, to all the ladies: it was good having you around. I’m sure your bedrooms will never be the same again. You gave me an experience like no other. I will always remember you all.”
Moments after this shocking revelation was made, the men of the village could be seen shuddering and shaking their heads with rage and shame. Security guards restrained a group of angry men who sought to storm the podium and do instant justice to this disrespectful creature. Many others were so shocked that they thought what they were hearing could only be a trick of the ear. They stood powerless and motionless like statues.
With these final words, the creature slumped to the floor and frothed at the mouth. It twitched and then its body went inert as it relaxed into the comfortable hands of death.
***
Tell us what you think: What will the villagers do, now that they know the truth about King Dabulamanzi?