The old woman's face suddenly became solemn. She stared into the dancing flames as though reading messages hidden within them.
"The war gongs are sounding louder," she murmured.
Ego frowned.
"What war?"
"A war that began before the first tree took root... before the first man drew breath... before the foundations of the earth were laid."
Her voice dropped almost to a whisper.
"A war between Abali and Anyanwụ."
Ego blinked.
"I don't understand."
"Their armies will clash on the coming market day."
"A real war?"
The old woman nodded slowly.
"A war between darkness and light."
She pointed toward the doorway.
"When the sun reaches the middle of the sky tomorrow, Abali will rise to challenge Anyanwụ. Darkness will try to swallow the light, and for a short while the whole world will mourn beneath a shadow."
Ego laughed nervously.
"Darkness... in the afternoon?"
"It will happen."
The certainty in the old woman's voice made Ego's smile fade.
"The sky will become as though evening has arrived before its time. Birds will return to their nests. Chickens will roost. Even the animals will grow restless."
Ego searched the woman's face for any sign of jest.
"You truly believe this?"
"I do not believe it."
She looked directly into Ego's eyes.
"I know it."
The room became strangely quiet.
"When the heavens grow dark," the old woman continued, "both powers will pour themselves upon the earth."
"Abali will release the spirits of wickedness to strengthen those whose hearts hunger for evil."
"And Anyanwụ?"
"Anyanwụ will pour out the strength of light upon those who seek righteousness."
Ego swallowed.
"So... there will be a battle in the sky?"
"There will be a battle everywhere."
The old woman touched Ego gently on the chest.
"Even here."
Ego stared at her.
The old woman continued.
"The struggle between light and darkness is not fought only among the gods. Every human heart becomes part of that battle."
Silence lingered between them.
Then Ego asked cautiously,
"What happens to people while this battle is taking place?"
The old woman smiled.
"That depends on which power they choose."
Ego frowned.
"What do you mean?"
"If you can successfully draw from the power of light, whatever good desire fills your heart shall receive the blessing of the heavens."
She paused.
"But if someone draws strength from Abali..."
Her expression hardened.
"...then whatever evil fills that person's heart shall also receive power."
Ego's eyes widened.
"Nne..."
She leaned forward.
"Are you saying that tomorrow... during the darkness... a person can ask for anything?"
The old woman nodded.
"If the request agrees with the power that answers you."
A spark of excitement flashed across Ego's face.
"So I could ask for... anything?"
"You could."
Ego smiled broadly before suddenly remembering something.
"But how does one receive that power?"
The old woman chuckled softly.
"Now you ask the right question."
She folded her hands on her lap.
"First, you must decide which force you seek."
Ego answered without hesitation.
"The light."
The old woman studied her carefully.
"I expected nothing less."
She sighed.
"You would be surprised how many people will seek Abali tomorrow."
Ego frowned.
"Why would anyone willingly choose darkness?"
The old woman gave a bitter laugh.
"Because darkness promises what impatient hearts desire."
She leaned closer.
"Listen carefully, my daughter."
She tugged gently at her right ear.
"Every person born into this world carries two seeds within them."
"A seed of light."
"And a seed of darkness."
"Some people water only the light."
"Others water both."
"And many spend their entire lives feeding the darkness until the light within them dies."
She rested a wrinkled hand over Ego's.
"But you..."
A gentle smile appeared on her face.
"You have spent your life feeding only the light."
Ego lowered her head shyly.
"Nne..."
"You praise me far more than I deserve."
"My mother always said that kindness never goes unrewarded."
The old woman's eyes became distant.
"Your mother was wiser than most."
She drew a deep breath before continuing.
"Now listen carefully, because what I am about to tell you must never be forgotten."
She pulled her right ear again.
"When the darkness covers the land tomorrow..."
"...take a mortar and a pestle."
"Fill the mortar with dry maize."
"Then walk to the nearest four-way junction."
Ego nodded slowly, memorising every word.
"But hear me well."
Her voice became stern.
"From the moment you leave your compound..."
"...you must not speak."
"Not a single word."
"You must not answer anyone who calls your name."
"You must not respond to crying."
"You must not stop for help."
"And above all..."
She leaned so close that Ego could feel her breath.
"...do not turn around."
"No matter what you hear behind you."
"No matter whose voice calls you."
"No matter what your eyes think they have seen."
Ego felt goosebumps rise along her arms.
"And if I do?"
The old woman's expression lost every trace of warmth.
"Then whatever follows you home..."
"...will no longer belong to the darkness alone."
"It will belong to you."