You will never eat public food after watching this video #africanfolktales #tales – Ty

The village of aadil was not usually a noisy place most days you could hear the soft rustle of the wind brushing through the tall palm trees or the steady clucking of chickens wandering across dusty courtyards but today was different today the air was heavy with the sound of voices footsteps and the clanging of pots the burial of alhaji denl one of the most important men in the community had drawn people from near and far alhaji denl had been many things a father a businessman and a leader people often said he had a way of solving

Problems without raising his voice and his generosity was something everyone respected he had helped rebuild the village school after a storm destroyed it and he was known to pay hospital bills for families in need but now he was gone and the community had come together to honor him one last time the compound was buzzing with activity women were stirring pots of soup and frying meat in the outdoor kitchen men gathered under a canopy talking in low tones about alhaji achievements and how his death had left a hole in the village

Children darted between legs playing games and laughing unaware of the somber reason for the gathering in the middle of it all was mama hala alhaji widow she moved from one group to another making sure everything was going smoothly her face was tired but she still managed to thank every guest who came to pay their respects beside her stood her two sons idris and ammed they had both returned from the city for the burial but the tension between them was obvious they barely spoke to each other and when they did their words were sharp you’ve been

Away for years idris don’t act like you suddenly care about the family ammed muttered as he folded his arms idris who was taller and had an air of confidence didn’t flinch i’m here now ar i maybe you should focus on doing what’s best for the family instead of talking so much mama hel lima shot them both a stern look this is not the time for arguments today we honor your father put your differences aside the brothers fell silent but the bitterness lingered in the air everyone in the village knew about their rivalry since alhaji passing

There had been whispers about who would take over his business and manage his properties idris the older son was a lawyer in lagos and hadn’t been home in years akmed on the other hand had stayed in the village and worked closely with their father each believed they were the rightful heir to their father’s legacy meanwhile in the corner of the compound coko the family’s dog sat quietly under a tree koko had been a part of the family for years ever since alhaji had brought him home as a puppy he was usually a c dog content to lounge in the

Shade or follow mom mama helma around but today coko seemed restless his ears twitched and his eyes darted toward the outdoor kitchen where the burial rice was being prepared the burial rice was the most important part of the feast it was a tradition in abdil to serve a special rice dish at burials cooked with fragrant spices and served to all the guests yinka the head chef was in charge of preparing it and he took his job very seriously this rice has to be perfect yinka said to his assistance as he stirred the massive pot people will talk

About this meal for weeks we can’t afford any mistakes as yinka worked koko wandered closer to the kitchen the dog began sniffing the air his nose twitching as he moved toward the pot of rice suddenly he started barking loud and sharp coco get out of here one of the kitchen assistants shouted waving a ladle at him go away but coko didn’t move he barked again louder this time his eyes fixed on the pot yinka frowned and looked over what’s wrong with that dog he asked wiping sweat from his forehead mama hel lima hearing the

Commotion walked over she saw koko barking and shook her head hek grieving he hasn’t been himself since alhaji passed just ignore him the assistants laughed nervously and went back to their work koko however refused to leave he he paced around the pot barking and growling as if he could sense something was wrong but no one paid him any attention as the day went on more guests arrived and the compound became even busier the elders of the village gathered under a special canopy discussing alhaji contributions to the

Community they spoke of the new water well he had funded and the scholarships he had given to promising students his sons have big shoes to fill one of the elders said glancing toward idris and ammed i hope they don’t let us down idris overheard the comment and smiled slightly while akmed frowned and looked away the brother’s rivalry was becoming harder to hide by late afternoon the rice was ready yinka and his team carried the massive pot to the serving table and the aroma filled the air drawing compliments from the guests ah

This rice will be the talk of the village one man said clapping yinka on the back koko followed closely still barking he sat a few feet away from the table his tail wagging nervously as he let out a low growl what’s his problem yinka muttered maybe heun hungry someone give him a bone to chew on mama hal lima walked over again leave him she said he’s just upset because of the noise he’ll settle down soon but coco didn’t settle down as the guests began lining up to be served the dogs bared barking grew more frantic still no one took him

Seriously the focus was on the food and the ceremony and koko’s actions were dismissed as nothing more than a distraction the compound buzzed with activity as guests lined up to be served the burial rice the tantalizing aroma hung in the air drawing everyone’s attention to the serving table the children who had been playing noisily now stood quietly their eyes wide with anticipation even the elders who had been deep in conversation paused to comment on how delicious the rice smelled coco however had not stopped

Barking he had moved closer to the serving table pacing back and forth with a low growl rumbling in his throat his eyes darted toward the pot of rice as if it were a threat only he could see some guests chuckled pointing at the dog and joking about how he wanted his share of the food this dog really loves rice one man said laughing coco go away stop embarrassing the family mama helma scolded her voice tinged with irritation but koko didn’t leave he let out another loud bark his tail stiff and his ears flattened it was clear he wasn’t going

To stop idris standing near the serving table frowned and looked at the dog there’s something odd about this he muttered ammed who had been trying to avoid his brother all day overheard and scoffed don’t start idris it’s just a dog he probably smells the food and wants some maybe idris replied his eyes still on coco but he’s not usually like this he’s acting different akmed rolled his eyes are you a dog expert now stop trying to create drama where there is none before idris could respond yinka the head chef stepped forward with a

Proud smile ladies and gentlemen the rice is ready please enjoy yourselves this is a special day to honor alhaji denl a cheer went up from the crowd as the serving began plates piled high with steaming rice and meat were handed out to the guests the chatter grew louder as people dug into their meals praising the flavors and complimenting yinka on his cooking koko’s barking grew more frantic he jumped closer to the table his claws scraping against the ground as if trying to pull attention back to the rice one

Of the kitchen assistant swatted at him with a broom get out of here coco you’re disturbing everyone mama hela’s patience finally snapped akmed take that dog away from here put him in the back so we can have peace akmed muttered under his breath but grabbed coco by the collar the dog resisted planting his paws firmly on the ground and growling as akmed dragged him toward the house the guests laughed again the tension dissipating as they focused on their food but idris couldn’t shake the unease that had settled in his chest he glanced

At the pot of rice then at the retreating figure of koko something about the dog’s behavior nod at him but he couldn’t put it into words as the serving continued yinka stood to the side watching the guests enjoy the meal with a satisfied grin he had worked hard on the rice and their compliments were a reward for his efforts but hunger had been gnawing at him all day he hadn’t eaten since morning and the sight of the rice was too tempting to resist let me taste it myself he said to one of his assistants laughing after all

I cooked it i deserve to enjoy it too yinka grabbed a plate and scooped a generous serving of rice he sat on a stool near the kitchen and took a large spoonful savoring the flavors perfect he muttered to himself nodding in approval but as he reached for another bite his expression changed his hand froze and the spoon clattered to the ground yena’s eyes widened as he clutched his stomach his breathing suddenly labored he tried to call out but no words came instead a choked gasp escaped his lips as he doubled over collapsing onto the ground

The sound of the spoon hitting the ground caught the attention of a nearby assistant she turned and screamed when she saw yinka writhing on the floor yinka yinka what’s wrong she cried rushing to his side her screams quickly drew the attention of the crowd guests dropped their plates and rushed toward the commotion mama hel lima pushed her way through the crowd her heart pounding what happened she demanded her voice shaking i don’t know the assistant wailed he was eating the rice and then he just collapsed idris his head snapped

Up at the mention of the rice he turned to akmed who had just returned after locking coco in the backyard did you hear that idris said urgently it’s the rice something is wrong with it akmed frowned stop jumping to conclusions maybe he’s sick but idris wasn’t convinced yinka ate the rice akmed the same rice coco wouldn’t stop barking at this isn’t a coincidence before akmed could respond kahim a local nurse who had come to pay her respects pushed through the crowd she knelt beside yinka checking his pulse and examining his

Face everyone move back give him space she ordered her voice firm heun in shock someone get me water now a young boy dashed off to fetch water and kahim turned to mama halma what did he eat the rice mama halma whispered her face pale he was eating the burial rice kahan’s eyes widened and she stood abruptly nobody eats the rice stop serving it immediately she shouted her voice carrying over the crowd panic erupted as guests dropped their plates and stepped away from the serving table some began to murmur in fear while others looked

Accusingly at the kitchen staff who cooked this rice an elder demanded his voice rising above the chaos how could this happen at a burial we did everything right one of the assistants cried tears streaming down her face we followed all the instructions it’s not our fault idris stepped forward his voice steady but tense we need to find out what went wrong this isn’t about blame right now it’s about keeping everyone safe akmed folded his arms his face set in a scowl so now you’re the hero idris this is why you came back to

Show off enough akmed mama halma snapped this is not the time for your child arguments people could die akmed fell silent but his glare didn’t soften idris ignored him and turned to cind what do we do now cind rubbed her temples her mind racing we need to find out what’s in that rice she said but until we know no one else can eat it we have to warn everyone mama halma nodded and turned to one of the kitchen assistance go and tell the rest of the guests to stop eating immediately take away all the plates the assistant hurried off and the

Remaining guests watched anxiously as kah continued to tend to yinka the once lively compound was now eerily quiet the air heavy with fear and uncertainty koko’s barks echoed faintly from the backyard a haunting reminder of the warning everyone had ignored the sun was starting to dip below the horizon casting long shadows across the compound the chatter had died down replaced by the hum of nervous whispers people gathered in small clusters their faces tense as they avoided the pot of rice like it was a ticking bomb coco’s

Barking in the backyard was the only sound cutting through the uneasy silence idris stood near the serving table staring at the pot of rice his arms were crossed and his jaw was tight akmed leaned against a wall a few feet away still scowling his fingers drumming against his folded arms mama hal lima sat on a stool her hands clasped tightly in her lap her face looked older like the weight of the day had added years to her we can’t just stand here idris finally said breaking the silence we need answers someone needs to look into

That rice and what do you think we’ll find akmed snapped poison magic you think someone cursed the food idris shot him a glare this isn’t a joke akmed someone could have died yinka is lucky he’s still breathing lucky akmed scoffed his voice rising hek not lucky he’s just weak maybe he couldn’t handle spicy food mama hel lima stood suddenly her chair scraping loudly against the ground both of you enough she snapped her voice cutting through the tension this is not the time for your childish bickering do you think your father would be proud of

This both brothers fell silent avoiding her gaze mama hela’s voice softened but it was still firm we are facing something serious if this was an accident we need to find out how it happened and if it wasn’t she trailed off her lips pressing into a thin line we need to know the truth khind the nurse approached the group her expression grim she had spent the last hour tending to yinka who was now lying on a makeshift bed in one of the rooms how is he mama helma asked her voice trembling slightly kahin side he’s

Stable for now but he’s weak i gave him something to calm his stomach but he needs proper care i still don’t know what caused this did anyone eat the rice before him idris shook his head not that i saw he was the first then we’re lucky kahine said if more people had eaten this could have been much worse the weight of her words hung in the air mama halima’s hands trembled and she quickly clasped them them together to steady herself idris glanced at her and then back at kahim what do we do now idris asked we can’t just assume it’s over

Kahim hesitated then nodded the rice needs to be tested i can’t do much without proper equipment but if there’s anything suspicious in it we’ll find out test it akmed scoffed and how are you going to do that take it to the city that could take days what do we tell people in the meantime time that we don’t know if they’re safe what would you rather we do idris shot back ignore it and hope for the best before akmed could respond one of the kitchen assistants stepped forward her face pale there’s something you should know she

Said her voice shaking earlier when we were preparing the rice wa you he brought a package mama halma frowned what kind of package the assistant rung her hands nervously he said it was a special spice he said it would make the rice taste better that it was a gift to honor alhaji her voice trailed off as the implications of her words sank in and you used it idris asked his tone sharp the assistant nodded tears streaming down her face we didn’t think anything of it he said it was safe where is wayu akmed demanded his voice rising

Where is he now the assistant shook her head i don’t know he left before the rice was served he said he had to attend to something urgent idisk fists clenched at his sides convenient timing isn’t it he muttered mama halma turned to one of the young men standing nearby find wa you she said firmly bring him back here now the young man nodded and hurried off gathering a few others to help him search the tension in the compound grew thicker the murmurs of the crowd growing louder as they began to piece together

What was happening this can’t be an accident idris said quietly turning to cind someone planned this kahine nodded her expression serious it’s starting to look that way but we can’t jump to conclusions until we’ve spoken to wasu he might have answers or he might run ammed muttered if he hasn’t already idris glared at him if you have nothing useful to say keep quiet akmed took a step closer his voice low but heeded you think you know everything don’t you you come back here after years of being away and suddenly you’re the one in charge

Stop it both of you mama helma snapped this is not about you this is about your father’s legacy about our family if you can’t work together then stay out of the way both brothers fell silent their tempers simmering but held in check by their mother’s stern gaze the atmosph spere in the compound was suffocating the once celebratory mood now replaced by fear and suspicion as the search for wayu continued idris and kah began examining the pot of rice kah carefully scooped a small amount into a bowl her movements deliberate what are you

Looking for idris asked watching her closely anything unusual she replied a strange smell a foreign object anything that doesn’t belong idris nodded though he felt a growing frustration they were grasping at straws and time was slipping away the longer they waited the more the tension in the compound would grow just then the search party returned dragging wayu with him his shirt was wrinkled and his face was a mask of panic he stumbled as they pushed him forward his eyes darting nervously between the angry faces surrounding him wayu mama helma

Said her voice cold and steady explain yourself what did you put in the rice wu’s hands shot up defensively nothing i didn’t do anything he cried it was just a spice i swear it was supposed to make the rice taste better where did you get it kahim demanded stepping closer wayu hesitated his eyes flicking to the ground a friend gave it to me he said it was special that it would impress everyone who is this friend idris asked his voice sharp wayu stammered his words tumbling over each other i don’t know his real name he’s just someone i met in

The market he sells spices i didn’t think i didn’t know this would happen you didn’t think akmed barked his voice dripping with anger you didn’t think to check to ask questions do you have any idea what you’ve done i’m sorry wayu cried his voice breaking i didn’t mean for this to happen please believe me the crowd pressed closer their murmurs growing louder it was clear that many didn’t believe wu’s story the tension was like a coiled spring ready to snap at any moment mama hel lima raised her hand calling for silence wu she said her

Voice firm but controlled until we know the truth you will stay here if you try to run you will answer to the elders do you understand wa nodded quickly his head bobbing like a puppets yes yes i understand the compound was quieter now but the silence wasn’t peaceful it was the kind of silence that made your heart race where every sound seemed louder than it was people stood in small groups whispering nervously all eyes kept darting toward the serving table the pot of rice untouched and sitting like a silent witness to the chaos it had

Caused wayu sat on the ground his head head in his hands surrounded by a few of the younger men who had been tasked with keeping him from running off his shoulders shook as he muttered to himself too quiet for anyone to hear clearly idris stood nearby arms crossed and eyes sharp as he watched wayu mama halma paced back and forth her steps slow but heavy every now and then she would stop look toward wayu and shake her head before continuing her pacing akmed leaned against the wall looking at his brother well idris he said his voice

Low but bitter what do we do now are you going to solve this like one of your big city cases idris didn’t respond immediately his eyes didn’t leave wayu finally he spoke what would you suggest akmed pretend it’s nothing let everyone go home and hope no one else collapses like yinka amed’s face darkened don’t talk to me like i’m stupid i know this is serious but standing here staring at wayu isn’t going to magically fix anything it might idris replied his voice calm but firm because wayu knows more than he’s saying and until we know

Everything we can’t move forward and what if he’s telling the truth akmed shot back what if he really didn’t know the spice was bad are you going to keep him here forever before idris could respond mama halima’s voice cut through their argument enough both of you she stopped pacing and turned to face them we will get to the bottom of this but not by fighting each other she turned to wu her eyes narrowing wu look at me wayu slowly raised his head his face streaked with sweat and tears yes mama helma he whispered his voice trembling you said

Someone gave you this spice she said her voice was steady but there was an edge to it you said it was a man in the market do you remember what he looked like like anything about him think carefully before you answer wayu sniffed and wiped his face with his sleeve he was tall he said slowly his words hesitant not too tall but taller than me he had a beard it wasn’t very full and and he wore a green cap idris frowned a green cap that’s it you don’t remember anything else wayu shook his head quickly i didn’t think i needed to

Remember he’s just the spice seller i’ve bought things from him before and nothing bad ever happened i didn’t know this time would be different mama hal lima’s lips pressed into a thin line she looked at idris does that help maybe idris said though his tone was uncertain he looked back at wayu you’re sure you’ve bought from him before you’re not mistaking him for someone else i’m sure wayu said i always buy spices from the same place it’s cheaper than the big shops heun’s always there near the end of the market by the old well idris

Nodded slowly all right that gives us something to work with tomorrow i’ll go to the market and find this man akmed raised an eyebrow and what if he’s not there what if he’s already skipped town people talk idris by now he might know something went wrong then i’ll find someone who knows him idris said simply someone must know where he gets his spices no one just disappears without leaving a trail kahine joined the group her expression grim yinka is stable for now she said but we can’t keep waiting we need to figure out what was in that

Rice if more people had eaten she trailed off shaking her head we lucky it wasn’t worse mama hel lima’s shoulders sagged and she sank back onto her stool lucky she murmured her voice heavy with exhaustion if this was supposed to be luck i don’t want to imagine what bad luck would look like kahim placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder we’ll get through this mama hal lima we just need to stay focused idris glanced at the pot of rice still sitting on the serving table do you think there’s any way to test it here he asked khind khind

Hesitated not properly she admitted but we might be able to tell if there’s something obvious i can take a closer look but i’ll need gloves and something to scoop it with we can’t risk touching it directly i’ll get what you need mama hela said standing up again we need answers i won’t let this ruin my husband’s memory as mama halma walked away idis turned back to wasu if you’re lying about any of this he said quietly youk regret it do you understand me wu’s eyes widened and he nodded frantically i’m not lying i swear please

I’m telling you everything i know for your sake i hope that’s true idris said his tone cold the sun had barely risen the next morning when idris prepared to leave for the market the compound was quiet but the tension from the day before still hung in the air mama halima watched him from the doorway her face lined with worry akmed stood a few steps away arms crossed his expression a mix of annoyance and concern are you sure about about this mama helma asked softly clutching her wrapper tightly around her shoulders you don’t know what you’ll

Find there idris this man could be dangerous idris adjusted the satchel slung over his shoulder and gave her a reassuring smile i have to try mama we can’t just sit here and wait for answers to come to us wayu said the spice seller is always at the market if he’s there i’ll find him akmed snorted and if he’s not what then are you going to search every market in the state this is a waste of time idris turned to his brother his jaw tightening if you have a better idea akmed now would be the time to share it akmed opened his mouth to

Reply but mama hel lima raised her hand silencing him enough both of you she said firmly idris is trying to help if this is what he thinks he needs to do let him go but be careful my son we can’t afford to lose you to idris nodded his resolve firm i’ll be careful mama promise he turned and walked toward the gate his steps steady and purposeful behind him akmed shook his head and muttered under his breath but he didn’t follow the market was already bustling with activity by the time idris arrived vendors called out their wares the air

Filled with the mingling smells of fresh produce spices and frying food it was a familiar chaos one that idris had missed during his years in the city but today he had no time to reminisce he made his way toward the section of the market wayu had described near the old well his eyes scanned the stalls searching for anyone who matched the description of the spice seller a tall man with a patchy beard and a green cap the noise of the market seemed louder than usual making it harder to focus excuse me idris said to a woman selling vegetabl

I’m looking for a spice seller he’s tall has a beard and usually wears a green cap do you know him the woman shook her head there are many spice sellers here youk have to be more specific idris sighed and moved on asking the same question at several stalls most people gave him confused looks or vague answers just when he was starting to feel frustrated an elderly man sitting by a pile of woven baskets called out to him you’re looking for the spice seller by the well aren’t you the man said his voice raspy but clear idisk heart jumped

He hurried over to the man yes that’s the one do you know where he is the man nodded slowly his eyes narrowing i’ve seen him before always hanging around here selling his wares but he hasn’t been here today not yet anyway do you know his name or where he comes from idris asked the old man scratched his head can’t say i know his name but he’s not from around here that’s for sure talks different like someone from the northern parts he’s always got a bag full of spices says their special blends some people swear by them but others well

They don’t trust him idris frowned why don’t they trust him the old man shrugged people say heun’s too secretive doesn’t tell anyone where he gets his spices and once someone got sick after using one of his mixes but that was a long time ago no proof it was his fault idisk mind raced this had to be the man wayu had talked about if he shows up can you point him out to me he asked the old man nodded i can do that but you might have to wait a while he comes and goes as he pleases idris glanced around considering his options he couldn’t

Afford to wait all day but this was the best lead he had thank you he said i’ll stick around for a bit back at the compound cind was busy examining the pot of rice she had laid out a small table with gloves spoons and bowls carefully scooping small portions of the rice to inspect mama hal lima watched from a distance her hands clasped tightly together do you see anything she asked her voice barely above a whisper kahine shook her head nothing obvious yet but that doesn’t mean it’s safe there could be something mixed into the spices that

We can’t see with the naked eye mama hal lima’s shoulders slumped this is all so strange why would anyone do this what could they possibly gain from poisoning a pot of rice at a burial kahin paused looking up at her sometimes people do terrible things for reasons that don’t make sense to the rest of us could be jealousy anger or even a simple mistake but we’ll find out we have to at the market idris patience was was wearing thin he had been waiting near the old well for over an hour and there was still no sign of the spice seller he was

About to leave when he spotted a man walking toward the well a large bag slung over his shoulder the man was tall with a patchy beard and a green cap idisk heart began to race he stepped forward blocking the man’s path are you the spice seller he asked his voice steady but firm the man stopped his eyes narrowing who’s asking my name is idris i need to ask you some questions about the spices you sell the man frowned i don’t have time for questions if you want to buy something fine if not step aside idris didn’t move someone got sick

After eating rice made with your spice blend i need to know what’s in it the man’s expression darkened i don’t know what you’re talking about my spices are safe if someone got sick it’s not my fault then prove it idris said tell me what’s in the mix you sold to wasu where do you get your ingredients the man hesitated his eyes darting around as if looking for an escape i i get them from different places farmers traders i mix them myself there’s nothing wrong with them if that’s true then you have nothing to hide idris said but if you

Don’t tell me the truth more people could get hurt do you really want that on your conscience the man’s jaw tightened for a moment it seemed like he might push past idris and leave but then he sighed and slung his bag to the ground fine he muttered i’ll show you what’s in the mix but i’m telling you it’s not my fault if someone got sick idris nodded his resolve firm this was the break he had been waiting for but as the spice seller opened his bag idris couldn’t shake the feeling that the truth he was about to uncover might only

Deepen the mystery the spice seller crouched down rumaging through his bag as idris watched him closely the market noise seemed to fade into the background as idris focus narrowed on the man’s every move the sell’s hands shook slightly as he pulled out several small sacks each tied tightly with a piece of string he set them on the ground his eyes flickering nervously between idris and the saxs this is everything the spice seller muttered his voice low these are the blends i sell nothing else idris crouched beside him inspecting the sachs

He picked up one and loosened the string revealing a mixture of dried herbs and spices the scent was strong earthy and unfamiliar he glanced at the spice seller which one did you sell to wayu idris asked his tone sharp the man hesitated his fingers twitching toward one of the sacks it’s this one he said reluctantly nudging a sack forward he said he needed something special for a big occasion this blend is my most popular i’ve never had complaints before idris untied the sack leaning closer to examine the contents the mix looked

Ordinary enough a blend of ground leaves and seeds but something about the smell made his stomach twist he tied the sack back up and stood towering over the spice cellar where do you get your ingredients idris demanded you said farmers and traders be specific who did you get these from the spice seller’s eyes darted around avoiding idisk gaze i buy from different people he said his voice barely above a whisper sometimes at the main market sometimes from traders who pass through i don’t i don’t always know their names that’s not good

Enough idris said his voice rising someone got sick because of this you have to know more than that i don’t know the man snapped his voice trembling i just buy the ingredients and mix them that’s all i’ve been doing this for years without any problems why would i poison anyone what would i gain from that idris took a step closer his eyes narrowing maybe you didn’t know but something in this mix is dangerous if you’re not telling me everything more people could get hurt is that what you want the spice seller threw up his hands

Shaking his head furiously no no i swear i don’t don’t want anyone to get hurt i he trailed off his gaze dropping to the ground there was one traitor he said quietly he he sold me some new seeds a few weeks ago said they were rare that they would make my blend special i’ve only used them in a few mixes that’s all i know who was this traitor idris pressed the man shrugged helplessly i don’t know his name he was not from around here spoke with an accent he said he’d be passing through again soon but i haven’t seen him since idris frustration

Bubbled to the surface you don’t know his name where he’s from or when he’ll be back that’s not helpful the spice seller’s face crumpled i’m telling you everything i know please i didn’t mean for this to happen i just wanted to sell good spices idris stared at him for a long moment his mind racing the information was frustratingly incomplete but it was a lead he tied the sack of spices back up and slipped it into his satchel if you think of anything else idris said his voice cold you better let me know if more people get hurt because

Of this it’s on you the spice seller nodded quickly his face pale i’ll i’ll think i’ll try to remember more idris didn’t respond he turned and walked away weaving through the crowded market with the sack of spices weighing heavily in his bag he didn’t have all the answers yet but but he was getting closer and he wouldn’t stop until he uncovered the truth back at the compound kah was still bent over the pot of rice her gloves smeared with the grains and spices she had been sifting through mama helma hovered nearby her worry etched deeply

Into her face anything mama halma asked her voice barely above a whisper kahine shook her head nothing obvious she said but i’ve separated some of the spices if there’s something dangerous in here it’s likely in the mix that was added mama halma sighed heavily sinking into a nearby chair how did we get here she murmured a simple meal to honor my husband and now her voice broke and she pressed a hand to her mouth holding back tears cind placed a comforting hand on her shoulder we’ll figure this out mama hal lima idris is out there searching

For answers and we’re doing what we can hear we’ll get to the bottom of it as if on q idris entered the compound his face set in a grim expression mama helma stood quickly her eyes searching his face for any sign of good news did you find him she asked idris nodded i found him he admitted to selling wayu the spice mix but he claims he didn’t know anything was wrong with it he said he bought some new seeds from a traiter a few weeks ago that might be the source of the problem kahan’s brow furrowed did he say what kind of seeds or who the

Traiter was no idris said frustration creeping into his voice he didn’t know the traitor’s name or where he’s from he said the traer would be passing through again but he doesn’t know when mama halima’s shoulder sagged so we’re back to waiting she said softly not entirely idris said pulling the sack of spices from his bag i brought this back it’s the mix wayu used if there’s something dangerous in it we might be able to find it kahine took the sack her face serious i’ll need to compare it to what’s in the pot it might take some time but it’s a

Start idris nodded do whatever you need to we need answers as soon as possible as kahine set to work mama helma turned to idris thank you my son she said quietly you’ve done so much already i just hope this nightmare ends soon idris placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder it will mama we get through this together but even as he said the words a knot of uncertainty tightened in his chest the pieces of the puzzle were slowly coming together but the picture they formed was far from clear and the more he uncovered the more he feared

What the final truth might reveal the air in the compound was thick with tension the entire household seemed to be holding its breath waiting for kahine to finish her work idris sat on a bench near the kitchen his elbows resting on his knees and his head in his hands mama hal lima paced back and forth her slippers making soft scuffing noises on the ground akmed stood leaning against a wall arms crossed his face twisted in frustration how long is this going to take ammed asked breaking the silence we’ve been sitting here for hours it

Takes time idris said lifting his head to glare at his brother unless you’ve got a faster solution maybe keep quiet akmed pushed off the wall his eyes narrowing you think you’re so smart don’t you acting like you’re the only one trying to help what exactly have you solved idris you’ve been running around the market all day and what do we have a sack of spices and more questions idris stood his posture tense at least i’m doing something all you’ve done is complain and throw insults if you care so much o amed why don’t you take the

Lead because this whole thing is pointless akmed shot back whoever did this is long gone we’re wasting time playing detectives when we should be focusing on keeping this family together enough mama hal lima’s voice cut through their argument like a knife she stopped pacing and turned to face them her expression stern i’ve had enough of this fighting your father’s memory deserves better than this if you can’t work together then don’t speak at all both brothers fell silent their faces taut with unresolved tension idris sat back

Down his jaw clenched while akmed turned away muttering under his breath kahine stepped out of the kitchen pulling off her gloves and wiping her brow the sight of her immediately drew everyone’s attention mama hal lima rushed over her hands clasped tightly in front of her what did you find she asked her voice trembling kahim hesitated her eyes scanning the faces around her there’s definitely something off with the spice mix she said carefully it’s not something i’ve seen before but it’s strong almost overpowering it’s possible

There’s a toxic substance in it mama halima’s face paled toxic you mean it could kill someone kah nodded slowly if consumed in large amounts yes even a small amount could make someone very sick depending on their body’s reaction idris stood his fists clenched at his sides so it was the spice seller he must have known something was wrong with the mix not necessarily kahine said he might not have known if he bought the ingredients from someone else he could be just as clueless as wayu but there’s no way to confirm that unless we find

The source of these ingredients this is madness akmed muttered shaking his head we’re chasing shadows we’re chasing the truth id snapped and if you’re too scared to face it then stay out of the way before akmed could respond a commotion at the gate drew everyone’s attention a group of young men entered dragging wayu between them he stumbled as they pushed him forward his face pale and sweaty the fear in his eyes was unmistakable we found him sneaking around the edge of the village one of the men said looked like he was trying

To run mama halma stepped forward her expression a mix of anger and disappointment wu she said her voice low and steady is it true were you trying to leave wayu fell to his knees shaking his head wildly no mama halma i swear i wasn’t running i just i was scared everyone’s looking at me like i’m guilty but i didn’t do anything wrong i swear i didn’t know the spice was bad idris stepped closer his eyes cold if you didn’t know then why were you trying to leave wayu looked up at him tears streaming down his face because i i

Don’t know what to do this is all too much i didn’t mean for anyone to get hurt i just wanted to help make the food special for alhaji burial then tell us everything you know idris said his voice hard no more lies waste you if you leave anything out you’ll only make things worse for yourself wayu nodded frantically i’ve told you everything the spice seller gave me the mix he said it was safe that it would make the food taste amazing i didn’t think to question it why would i he’s been selling spices in the market for years and you never

Thought to ask where he got his ingredients akmed interjected his tone sharp no wayu admitted his voice breaking i just i didn’t think anything would go wrong please you have to believe me mama helma side deeply rubbing her temples this is a mess she said quietly a terrible terrible mess kahine stepped forward her expression serious we can’t keep going in circles she said if the spice mix is toxic it needs to be tested properly we need someone with the right equipment until then the pot of rice and the spices

Should be locked away where no one can touch them idris nodded agreed and wayu stays here until we figure out out what’s going on if he tries to leave again it’ll only make him look guilty i won’t run wayu said quickly i promise i’ll stay just please don’t let anyone hurt me mama halma looked at the young men who had brought wayu in keep an eye on him she said firmly no one touches him but make sure he doesn’t go anywhere the men nodded pulling wayu to his feet and leading him to a shaded corner of the compound he he sat down heavily his

Head in his hands idris turned to kahindo you know where we can get the spices tested kahin thought for a moment before nodding there’s a lab in the city it’s not far but we’ll need to be careful transporting the samples if anything spills it could be dangerous i’ll take it idris said without hesitation whatever it takes to get answers mama helma placed a hand on his arm her eyes filled with worry be careful my son this has already cost us so much i can’t bear to lose you two idris nodded his expression determined

I’ll be fine mama promise as the sun began to set the compound settled into an uneasy quiet the truth was still out there waiting to be uncovered and as idris prepared for his journey he knew the stakes had never been higher the sky was still dark when idris left the compound carrying the sack of spices in a carefully sealed container kahim had packed it securely warning him again to handle it with care mama halma stood at the gate her hands clasped tightly in prayer as she watched her son leave akmed lingered nearby his arms crossed

His expression unreadable you don’t have to do this alone ammed said as idris adjusted the strap of his satchel idris turned to him his face calm but determined you’ve made it clear how you feel about all this i’ll manage akmed side stepping closer look i still think this is a wild goose chase but if you’re set on it at least let me come with you two heads are better than one right idris raised an eyebrow surprised by his brother’s offer for a moment he considered saying no but then he nodded fine letun go mama hel lima gave a

Relieved smile though her worry was still plain on her face be safe both of you and bring back the truth the road to the city was long and bumpy the brothers traveled in silence for much of the way the weight of the task ahead pressing down on them it wasn’t until they were halfway there that akmed finally broke the silence you think the lab will find something he asked his tone hesitant itus glanced at him i hope so if there’s something dangerous in the spices we need to know people could have died ammed we can’t just let this go akmed

Leaned back staring out at the passing fields you always were the one chasing answers even when we were kids you couldn’t leave a mystery alone idris chuckled softly and you always avoided them someone had to keep things balanced akmed smirked but the tension between them lingered unspoken but heavy the road stretched on and the city’s outline gradually came into view the lab was located in a small building on the outskirts of the city kah had called ahead and a technician was waiting for them when they arrived the man wearing a

Crisp white coat greeted them with a serious expression you’re the ones kahine spoke about he asked idris nodded yes we brought the spices she mentioned we need to know if there’s anything harmful in them the technician gestured for them to follow him inside the room was filled with equipment that hummed quietly the air cool and sterile idris handed over the container watching closely as the technician opened it and examine the contents this might take a few hours the technician said you can wait here or come back later idris and

Akmed exchanged a glance we wait idris said firmly the hours dragged by each minute feeling like an eternity akmed paced the small waiting area muttering under his breath while idris sat still his eyes fixed on the door to the lab finally the technician returned holding a clipboard and looking grave we found something he said his voice cutting through the tension like a knife idris and akmed stood immediately their hearts pounding what is it idris asked the technician held up a small vial containing a fine powder there’s a toxic

Compound in the spice mix it’s a naturally occurring substance but in high concentrations it can be deadly it’s possible that whoever prepared this mix didn’t realize how dangerous it was ahmed’s face paled dead so it wasn’t deliberate the technician shrugged it’s hard to say but this compound isn’t something you’d find in regular spices it’s rare and usually used in very small amounts if at all whoever added it either didn’t know what they were doing or had very bad intentions idisk mind raced could it have come from the seeds the spice

Seller mentioned he said he bought some new ingredients from a trader that’s possible the technician said if the seeds were contaminated it could explain how this compound ended up in the mix you need to trace it back to the source to be sure akmed shook his head this is getting more complicated by the minute how are we supposed to track down some random traer idris ‘s jaw tightened we’ll figure it out we have to the journey back to the village was silent both brothers lost in thought when they arrived the compound was quiet the

Weight of the past few days evident on every one’s faces mama hel lima rushed out to meet them her eyes searching their faces for answers what did you find she asked urgently idris took a deep breath there’s a toxic compound in the spices it’s possible the spice seller didn’t know but it’s also possible someone tampered with the ingredients we need to find the trader who sold him the seeds mama hal lima’s hands flew to her mouth this is worse than i thought who would do such a thing that’s what we need to find find out

Idris said but first we need to warn the village if anyone else bought spices from the seller they could be at risk akmed nodded for once we agree this is bigger than just our family everyone needs to know by evening the village gathered in the central square the news spreading quickly idris stood in front of the crowd his voice steady as he explained what they had discovered murmurs rippled through the crowd fear and anger mixed in equal measure we don’t know if this was an accident or deliberate idris said but we need to be

Cautious if anyone here bought spices from the market recently don’t use them until we’ve had them tested an elder stepped forward his face lined with concern what about the traer can he be found we’re working on it idris said if anyone knows anything about a new trader selling seeds or spices please come forward as the crowd dispersed mama helma placed a hand on idisk shoulder you’ve done well my son your father would be proud idris smiled faintly but the weight of the mystery still pressed heavily on him the truth was out there

But finding it would take everything they had and as the stars began to appear in the night sky he vowed to see it through no matter what