The day Paramodice was born, a powerful wind blew across the kingdoms of Sakoma and Dakoma. It raged for several hours and was followed by a mighty rainfall that lasted three whole days. After the storm ceased, the priest of Sakoma entered the palace, his eyes reddened like a hunter ready for blood.
In the palace, the king's cabinet had gathered to deliberate on the cause of the strange storm. As they argued, the sound of the priest's approach silenced them. His reddened eyes struck fear in their hearts; men shifted uneasily, changing their seats as if to escape his gaze.
The priest began with incantations to summon the presence of the gods before speaking:
"You all saw the fierce wind that blew and the mighty rain that fell for several days—an event never seen in our land. I warned you before: the gods commanded that the evil child and her mother must not live. But you ignored their words. Now the gods are angry."
King Edo rose slowly. "You know we tried our best to find them, but they escaped us. We do not know where they are."
The priest struck his staff on the ground. "The gods care not for excuses. They demand obedience. Will you pay for your neglect, or will you suffer the wrath of the heavens?"
The cabinet exchanged nervous glances. One elder whispered, "When the moon is full, the hyena has no hiding place." They all knew the priest spoke the truth.
King Edo swallowed hard. "We are listening."
The priest thundered, "You people of this kingdom have made the gods weep. For your disobedience, you must sacrifice seven newborn children from this land. And from this day forward, no stranger shall ever enter Sakoma. Fail, and great calamity will befall you."
The chiefs froze in shock. "Seven newborns? From our own kingdom?"
"Yes," the priest replied. "It must be done quickly."
King Edo bowed his head. "So be it. If this will calm the anger of the gods, we will obey."
But the elders muttered among themselves. "Which mother will willingly give her child to death? Even a hen protects her chicks from the hawk."
The king silenced them. "We must do this for the survival of our land." With that, the priest departed.
The next day, guards were sent to seize seven infants. Hours later, they returned with the children. The wailing of mothers shook the land; their cries pierced the hearts of all. It was a day of sorrow, a day that would never be forgotten.
King Edo addressed the grieving people:
"My people, I beg you to understand. These are the demands of the gods. The great wind and mighty rain were signs of evil approaching. We must obey to preserve this kingdom. To the mothers, I will reward you greatly. Your sacrifice is not in vain."
Yet the women wept bitterly, for as the proverb says, "A child is the heartbeat of the mother; to lose one is to lose a piece of the soul."
The next morning, the seven children were sacrificed. Their blood was poured to the gods of Sakoma. In Dakoma, too, the priest warned their king never to allow strangers into the land.
After Paramodice's birth, an old man appeared to his parents, Mr. Mabu and his wife. He spoke of the hardships the boy would endure before reaching the destiny God had prepared for him. "Nurture this child with the word of God," the old man advised, "for it will be his compass."
Paramodice grew under his father's training—learning endurance, courage, and the ways of a warrior. His daily food was also the word of God, which kept his spirit strong. Despite their life in the forest, he thrived in strength and wisdom.
Three years later, tragedy struck. Paramodice's mother died. Mr. Mabu wept bitterly, yet he accepted it as part of the hardship foretold for his son. Holding the boy, he said, "My son, be strong. Even though we are alone, remember—God is with us."
By the age of twelve, Paramodice was skillful, courageous, and focused. Often, he would insist that his father rest while he went hunting. But one day, upon returning from the hunt, he found his father lying gravely ill.
"Father!" he cried, confused and afraid.
With weak breaths, Mr. Mabu said, "My son, never forget—though you may be alone, you are not alone, for God is with you. The word of God will be your strength."
Paramodice sobbed. "Father, must I face this world alone?"
His father managed a faint smile. "My son, it is time for me to go. I go to join Ngozi, my beloved. Endure, for you are destined to unite this great kingdom again. But never depart from God—He is our maker."
A few days later, Mr. Mabu died. Paramodice wept bitterly, but in his sorrow, the old man appeared once more to strengthen him. "The child who washes his hands will dine with elders," he reminded him, urging him to remain focused.
In time, Paramodice overcame his grief. He walked in the teachings of his parents, becoming strong, skillful, intelligent, and deeply rooted in the word of God.
One day, while hunting, he strayed near the boundary of Dakoma. There, Dakoma warriors captured him and cast him into prison.