Part 16

The journey across the river took the best part of an hour. The boat was controlled by Dagogo with much talent and energy, though it was a narrow boat and as was the case with such boats on high river currents, it was hard to manoeuvre . The atmosphere in the boat was strange; the general attitude was impulsive. Ibinabo was feeling just as all funny as Soldier Gani felt but it was him who felt compelled to make conversation. It was a one sided conversation and one in vain. But Soldier Gani persevered. He began talking about himself. Ibinabo pretended to ignore him. Efehi listened in awe.


''Ten years ago, I was a foot soldier posted to the battlefields in a small company of men like me. I had a fellow soldier whom I was responsible for as I was a few years and rank senior to him and I was mandated to mentor him. On the battlefield it was very difficult. It was difficult looking after your own skin without having to deal with looking after another.''

''But we looked out for one another, I and this soldier; even unto his death.''