Read Online Ama by Manu Herbstein - Free Book Online Page A

morning she had lost all recollection of their content, or, indeed, that she had dreamed at all.
    Suba was a constant visitor. Somehow he sensed the change in her and realised that it would not be wise to question her about her attempted escape. He now had a good command of Dagomba and was learning Asante from one of Koranten Péte’s personal slaves. He was disturbed at the silence between them. In an attempt to penetrate her reserve he started to teach Nandzi something of what he had learned. She picked it up quickly, but in a mechanical way.
    â€œWhat is wrong with Nandzi?” he asked Damba.
    Damba watched her with concern, troubled by his awareness that her life was forfeit. He had convinced the Na that it would be bad for the slaves’ discipline to return her to their compound, but he was running out of arguments for the further postponement of her day of reckoning. He wondered whether she was aware of the awful fate in store for her.
    * * *
    Na Saa Ziblim and Nana Koranten Péte sat side by side on their carved Asante stools, alone together in the deep shade.
    A slave, standing at a discreet distance, charged their bowls with pito when summoned. The King's stool was a gift from the Consul. They were dressed casually: the Consul wore a batakari, a gift from the Na; and the Na wore cloth, a gift from the Consul.
    â€œI should like to see this young woman,” said Koranten Péte. “The case intrigues me. It takes some courage to venture into the bush all alone at night. It is not often that you find that quality in a woman, let alone a slave. Or is the girl mad, perhaps?”
    â€œI am told that she has recovered from her illness,” said the Na.
    â€œThe girl is your property, my good friend,” he added. “You must dispose of her as you see fit. However, if the decision were mine, I would have no hesitation whatsoever. A recaptured runaway slave is good for only one thing.”
    He drew a finger across his throat and chuckled.
    â€œTo serve as an example to her brothers and sisters. Do you understand me?”
    â€œI understand you very well, Majesty,” replied the Asante Consul. He was becoming bored with the Ya Na and his dull court.
    â€œShall we see her now? It would serve to pass the time.”
    * * *
    Nandzi was on her knees fanning a reluctant fire when Damba came for her.
    â€œPut on your cloth and come with me,” he said abruptly, hiding his anxiety.
    Nandzi looked at him curiously. He usually spoke to her more kindly. She wiped her hands and wrapped her upper cloth.
    â€œCome,” he said. She followed a respectful step or two behind.
    He spoke over his shoulder, slowly and deliberately.
    â€œWe are going to see the Na. He has sent for you.”
    Nandzi understood the words yet she wondered what they could signify. I shall know soon enough , she thought. It doesn't bear thinking about. I shall just have to deal with the situation as best I can.
    â€œDamba?” she said.
    She had never addressed him directly before. The sound of his name on her lips moved him.
    â€œThank you,” she said in his language.
    â€œThank you? What are you thanking me for?” he asked.
    â€œThank you,” she repeated.
    * * *
    â€œWhat is your name, child?” asked Koranten Péte.
    â€œNandzi, your majesty.” She was pleased that Suba had started her lessons by teaching her the greetings.
    The two men laughed.
    â€œThat is not the King,” Damba whispered at her furiously.
    â€œNever mind, young man,” said the Ya Na.
    â€œWill you understand me if I speak Dagomba to you?” Koranten Péte continued.
    â€œPlease, sir, I hear a little, but I cannot speak.” Nandzi stuttered.
    Suba was summoned. He couldn't believe his luck. The King and the Consul were using him as an interpreter. He smiled nervously at Damba and Nandzi.
    â€œI want to know why, what's-her-name, yes Nandzi, the name is strange to me, it sounds like