Mzumi, A Novel by Greg Knepp

360GREG KNEPP

"But sir, the mood of the people is volatile. As it turns out, the evangelist did us more harm than good. Zham's agents are spreading the word that the resurrected Jesus that Aquino promised is actually Shaka Zulu-- come back as Amani! The fools will believe anything-- grasp at any glimmer of hope, no matter how crazy, that promises them some sort of relief from their misery."
"Do you blame them?"
"It is worse than that, my Mwami."
"Yes, Abu?"
"There's talk of a coup." Tabora replied cautiously.
"There is always talk of a coup!"
"But this is different. This involves..."
"I know," interrupted Talilonga. "This involves my son. Well, it will not be the first time a young lion drives the old one from the pride."
"Then you will permit me to..."
"NO! You will not arrest the Minister of State. Think of the example that would set. It is hard enough getting foreign aid now!" Talilonga paused as he looked out to the south. "But it's more than that. You must understand that Lagunda is my son... though I have been a poor father to him. Besides, even if he's planning such a thing, he can't succeed without the help of the military. Perhaps it is the jackals in your own house that need to be evicted."
The general looked dejectedly at the floor. Talilonga said, "Relax, Abu; I know how difficult your task is. But I tell you, there is more happening out there than we know. That strange bird-man you arrested-- he is a portent of things to come... but I don't know how or why. I'm sure he doesn't know himself. Call it an old man's wisdom... or craziness, as you will. But in my dreams I see the bird-man. He transforms into Aquino..."
"Aquino?"
"Yes, but don't ask me what it means. There's another transformation that is equally inexplicable. Aquino disintegrates into a ghastly, old skeleton... The skeleton is lying down in a strange bed-- a bed of bloody, red meat. Then the meat consumes the skeleton." The old ruler looked at General Tabora and asked, "What do you suppose it means, Abu? What do you make of it?"
Tabora thought for a moment, then responded, "I do not know about such things, my Mwami. I am not a shaman. But I know this: If we do not prepare ourselves, then we will face a Hell far hotter than anything the young preacher warned us of."
Mwami Kwasi Talilonga returned his gaze to the south and said, "There are some events which defy preparation."

Excerpt from "Mzumi" by Greg Knepp; used with permission. Read more...


Mzumi, A Novel by Greg Knepp Available now from: *BarnesandNoble.com* *or Xlibris.com* Click here to return to	360GREG KNEPP "But sir, the mood of the people is volatile. As it turns out, the evangelist did us more harm than good. Zham's agents are spreading the word that the resurrected Jesus that Aquino promised is actually Shaka Zulu-- come back as Amani! The fools will believe anything-- grasp at any glimmer of hope, no matter how crazy, that promises them some sort of relief from their misery." "Do you blame them?" "It is worse than that, my Mwami." "Yes, Abu?" "There's talk of a coup." Tabora replied cautiously. "There is always talk of a coup!" "But this is different. This involves..." "I know," interrupted Talilonga. "This involves my son. Well, it will not be the first time a young lion drives the old one from the pride." "Then you will permit me to..." "NO! You will not arrest the Minister of State. Think of the example that would set. It is hard enough getting foreign aid now!" Talilonga paused as he looked out to the south. "But it's more than that. You must understand that Lagunda is my son... though I have been a poor father to him. Besides, even if he's planning such a thing, he can't succeed without the help of the military. Perhaps it is the jackals in your own house that need to be evicted." The general looked dejectedly at the floor. Talilonga said, "Relax, Abu; I know how difficult your task is. But I tell you, there is more happening out there than we know. That strange bird-man you arrested-- he is a portent of things to come... but I don't know how or why. I'm sure he doesn't know himself. Call it an old man's wisdom... or craziness, as you will. But in my dreams I see the bird-man. He transforms into Aquino..." "Aquino?" "Yes, but don't ask me what it means. There's another transformation that is equally inexplicable. Aquino disintegrates into a ghastly, old skeleton... The skeleton is lying down in a strange bed-- a bed of bloody, red meat. Then the meat consumes the skeleton." The old ruler looked at General Tabora and asked, "What do you suppose it means, Abu? What do you make of it?" Tabora thought for a moment, then responded, "I do not know about such things, my Mwami. I am not a shaman. But I know this: If we do not prepare ourselves, then we will face a Hell far hotter than anything the young preacher warned us of." Mwami Kwasi Talilonga returned his gaze to the south and said, "There are some events which defy preparation." Excerpt from "Mzumi" by Greg Knepp; used with permission. Read more...

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