Three months after Linda Lere foamed at the mouth and burst into flames, people were still afraid of me at work.

The news spread far and wide beyond the office, judging by how my favourite Zobo drink seller behaved. She trembled each time she gave me an extra large cup-free of charge. Her fruit juice bar was a fifteen minute walk from my office, obviously she got the newsflash.

With my wedding preparation in full swing, I was grateful for the space people gave me. Even if it meant ordering for meals instead of enduring fearful looks at the staff eateries. After all, discussions about colour codes, venues and catering wore me out. I needed all the peace and quiet I could get.

To be honest, I could understand the terror. Was it fair? Absolutely not. Linda is the one who mistook my meekness for weakness. She is the one who used an occult spell that backfired. My conscience was clear, and my heart was glad when she confessed her evil motives. According to her, she was eligible for my position but the Governor appointed me. If I were eliminated, she would slip into her 'rightful place.'

Seriously? I had the academic and work cred for the job, and did not bend over for any political chieftains like she did. Linda was envious and thought that 'Americana' would be an easy target.

Isonu. Ko mo pe omode o kin ni ina si'le ki t'ode ma jo.

Unfortunately for her, she was now resting in pieces. Gone too soon.

"TenTen, I have something I'd like to tell you," my mum said. Her gentle voice interrupted my thoughts.

Dear God, I hope she isn't hearing strange voices too, I silently prayed. "Yes ma'am?" I rested my head on her shoulder and put my arm around her. We sat in front of my house, on a bamboo rocking chair facing my front yard. Her warmth and rose scent were comforting in what my complicated life had become.

"I'm seeing someone," Mum said in a hurry. She let out a deep breath and looked straight ahead. It was obvious that telling me was a huge weight off her shoulders.

I sat up and placed my hands in my lap. "Who?"

Mum fidgeted with the frills on her skirt. "Sesan King. I met him at a seminar in Chicago."

"When?" I enquired.

"A couple of-"

I cleared my throat.

"-um, five months ago," she concluded.

"Is he okay financially?"

"Yes. He's a chef at his own restaurant."

"Have y'all gotten general tests done? You know blood, vitals, S.T-"

Mum winced and raised both hands in a silent plea. "We've done all. Thank you, Teniola."

My grin stretched from ear to ear, and I stroked her back. "Is he living in his own place?"

"Yes," she groaned.

"Nibo ni won ti wa? Where is he from?" I should have asked earlier.

"He's from Oyo," she replied. Her lips were twitching in an attempt to suppress a smile.

I hugged her and she relaxed her tense shoulders. "You've been alone for too long and deserve to be happy, Mum. If he makes you happy, it's fine by me."

"I'm so glad to get it off my chest. I wasn't sure what your response would be," Mum said. She exhaled audibly for the third time, and pat the side of my Afro that got crumpled in our embrace.

Mum told me all about what she had been doing at work and in the church. We shared our thoughts and snacked on boli groundnuts and fresh orange juice. It was great to be carefree and catch up on all we missed when we were apart. Clouds gathered and darkened the previously bright, blue sky. Just as I was about to give Niyi a call, the stillness in the air awakened my senses.

Just another stroll under the silky caress of the silver moonlight, or so I thought as I looked up into the scintillating evening sky, until I heard the soft, melodious voice of a storyteller.

An old traditional tale, long forgotten, was being told by an elderly fisher woman, 'Mama Apeja' to entertain the village children as they gathered in front of her home and sat on beautifully dyed raffia mats.

Gone was the meaningless chatter of talkative children, as they were captivated by the fascinating tale of kings, warriors and their spiritual encounters that Mama Eleja told.

Under a coconut tree, near the Obashola river, I rested, previously disinterested, now with new found interest in the story.

Never a person to shy away from a new experience, I approached the gathering of children, and greeted Mama warmly. A chorus of warm welcomes from the children was given to me and I was asked to sit on a bamboo chair.

Leaning back as far as the bamboo chair would permit me, I admitted it was my first time visiting Obashola village and I had come for my father's burial ceremony.

A bright spotlight was cast upon Mama's face by the moonlight as she smiled warmly at me and told me that I was welcome home, before she concluded her story.

Boys and girls dusted their clothes as they thanked her and she wished them well before they all left, walking briskly in different directions as they returned to their homes.

I thought it was just another night, under the silky caress of the moonlight, the palm trees swaying in the breeze, the faint aroma of Pepper Soup in the air, until she looked into my eyes and said, "Teniola, we have been expecting you. It is time for the prophecy to be fulfilled."

"Teniola!" Mum shouted.

I rubbed my temples with my index fingers. "Yes ma'am?"

"Are you allowing the wedding preparation to overwhelm you? Your eyes glazed over and it was like you weren't here."

It was an accurate observation, but I could not tell my mother anything about my gift. She would be an anxious mess worrying about me. Her only child. If she remained ignorant, it was better for us both. The vision was clearer than my last, and identical to one I had over a year ago.

The repetition of a past revelation and the frequency of new ones were significant. I rose up and dusted the crumbs off my lap. "Mum, I'm fine. There are just a few minor details Niyi and I have to sort out. We'll hire a wedding planner."

"Get enough rest and drink plenty of water. It is well by Gods grace," Mum said.

I promised to take care of myself and remember relaxation. Mum promised to give me all the support she could. I closed my eyes to stifle an eye roll when she offered to cook my meals. I was way to big to be catered to like a baby.

"Fun fact, TenTen. Sesh ahem Sesan told me that his great grandfather was a famous warrior of the Old Oyo empire."

I arched an eyebrow at my gushing mother. She seemed to be on cloud nine at the thought of him. The nickname slip and her glowing eyes said it all.

"Really? That is cool," I agreed. A chill ran down my spine. All things being put into consideration, something was not right.

"Sesan said his ancestor's name was Balogun Jagunlabi," she added.

I froze and my eyes fluttered at a supersonic speed. It could be a coincidence, I reasoned as my heart dropped to the pit of my stomach. The loud beating of an unseen talking drum told me otherwise. Within a moment the manifestation of my golden dragon heralded danger. There was fire on the mountain.