PROLOGUE

PROLOGUE

IMBIZO.. The Vicious Curse..

The sun is all out, scorching and making the day even brighter. Who wouldn't want to begin a year with such ultimate joy and happiness?

"Wensizwa enesinq' esincane sawbona wenqulwane!!!!" Deafeningly, the seated young men and women sing in unison, clapping hands matching the live spirit.

"Sawbona wenqulwane!" Mzungezi Nzuza, a husky, low pitched voice man leads harmoniously and confidently, his face sweating visibly due to heat surrounding him.

The chills are felt loud and clear as the singers respond effortlessly, their voices deep and filled with much eagerness, anticipation matching their energy.

The visible, dust smoke flies all around emitted from the centre of the busy sports ground, bliss is flourishing indiscriminately.

Women are ululating proudly at the

Nqanawe group as they proudly dance their lives away in the middle of the sports ground.

It is a big day, the first day of the year The Ingoma annual Festival combines all other Ingoma Dancers from all over the kwaKhoza kingship. Neighbouring Villages such as Makhuni, Nkanini, Mathunzi, Matshamhlophe and many other groups from a far distance have honoured a blissful day with their presence. This festival is honoured and attended by dozens of people, it is a strategy to keep the culture alive, to unite people as one through their own culture.

Dressed in the variety of traditional attires, every parent is proud to witness such a beautiful day

"Hay bafo, just stop staring at these poor naive girls, they probably think you are better than the rest of us. Which would be a total lie because you are garbage" the most annoying talkative creature nudges Nkatha who seems lost in the crowd. They stand aside waiting for the results on who won the competition.

"Look at them, removing non-existent dirt on their pretty virgin faces, they are so full of themselves" Zinkalo adds, his eyes scanning all the young girls in imvunulo. Beauty does not even begin to explain their appearance, they are extremely gorgeous

"I wouldn't know what to do with the girls, they are too much. If they are not bragging about their virginity, they are demanding our attention in every way. "That's the oldest brother, Gasela, adding feeling bored.

"Even if you wanted their attention bhut omdala, you are married. maSishi would murder you and make us eat your flash as breakfast. She is that crazy" - Mandulo again

Gasela laughs, thinking how everyone always thinks of the worst when it comes to his wife who he loves so much "unlike maSishi, your Maniza would burn you alive and feed your ashes to your own dogs" that bothers Mandulo, he can't imagine his body looking like chicken dust….

The Biyela brothers share a laugh and continue watching the festival taking place.

Nkatha brushes his dreadlocks disregarding the unpleasant comment from his brothers. His eyes are glued on one girl, he has seen her before but today she seems different. Out of very girl sitting across the man-made wood benches surrounding the entire huge sport ground she just stands out; her beauty seems to be increasing each day he sees her

"Zoleka, look who is staring at us" A very loud, forward girl Mbalenhle booms in happiness as reality hits her, who wouldn't be want to be eyed by the most fearless yet strong man like Nkatha "there's nothing special about that man, he is a is a killer just like any other man in this village" one word, killer reminds Mbalenhle who these men really are and what they are capable of. That alone pushed back her concentration on the dancing group at the centre.

One man moves aside the crowd, Nyanda Nzuza. Captured how beautiful Zoleka looks today. He makes it a point to continue pleading his case. The girl sometimes seems impossible to understand. But giving up is not an option.

As the sun sets, the winning group is announced. Causing even louder noise as screams, whistling and ululations echoes simultaneously. Who wouldn't want to win a live sheep?

"nx! The fact that these Nzuza baboons got the sheep makes me wanna shoot it dead, right here and now. They know nothing except stealing livestock"

Louldy, for everyone to hear Mandulo speak. Impulsive and rude is what stands him out from his other brothers..

Mabutho Nzuza is passing by when he catches what he said..

"I wouldn't waste a bullet on a sheep when the deserving one is right next to me" Zinkalo adds, eyeing Mabutho next to him

The two families have had a generational feud…

"Don't brew something you won't be able to finish boy" Mabutho adds.

A circle is formed, Biyela brothers and their accomplices gathering behind them.

Nkatha is not around, he had to run after Zoleka not knowing that Nyanda has already got to her.

Once in a while the fight breaks between the two families..

Seeing what's unfolding Mzungezi quickly rushes to them.

"Madoda, let's call it quits before it's too late"

He says, the last thing he needs is to witness women losing their lives because that's what's going to happen if this continues

"Would you look at that? Girly is here to save the day" Mandulo again, referring to Mzungezi. Mabutho asks no one and attacks Mandulo with a mean punch that landed him straight on the ground..

Screams erupts as guns go off, punches and kicks flying…

At a distance another fight breaks off..

Nkatha Biyela and Nyanda Nzuza fighting over Zoleka. It's always annoying that they find themselves attracted to one thing..

The hatred between the two runs deep in their blood that it's even hard to control.

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