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Mbaka and the Magic Ring A man and his wife lived happily with their son. The boy’s father died while he was still a young boy. His mother died not long after. Mbaka was already of school-age when both his parents died. The aunt who was now raising him sent him to primary school. At school, Mbaka loved one thing, playing football. His school team regularly participated in tournaments against other schools in the surrounding area. On one occasion, they had to play a football match in another village. The night before the match Mbaka had a dream and a voice spoke to him. “You are going to play a tough match tomorrow. In the morning, go to the stream. You will see a piece of paper and a ring. Pick up the paper and read what’s on it.” In the morning, Mbaka went to the stream. He saw a ring and a sheet of paper lying on a stone. He picked it up and it read: “You will have whatever you want with this ring.” Mbaka took the ring but did not go early to school as was his habit. Boys were sent to check on him but he told them to leave him alone. The teachers were furious at their star player’s tantrum but there was nothing they could do. In the end, the team had to leave without him. After a long trek, the other players arrived at the field of play and were surprised to see Mbaka arrive at the same time. Though baffled, they were happy he was there. They changed into singlets and shorts and waited for the match to begin. 107 You are reading copyrighted material published by Ohio University Press/Swallow Press. Unauthorized posting, copying, or distributing of this work except as permitted under U.S. copyright law is illegal and injures the author and publisher. Spectators flanked the field and cheered the players on. They clapped, some jeered, and some whistled while taunting the opposing side. One of the young women standing by the sidelines keenly observed Mbaka and his skills. Whenever the ball went out of bounds, she was there to pick it up. She’d present the ball to Mbaka. At half-time, she invited Mbaka to their compound for refreshments. At the end of the match, she told Mbaka she wanted them to get married and took the young man to meet her parents. “But I have just come here. How can you see me and propose marriage?” Mbaka asked, embarrassed by all her attention. “I like you. I want to marry you.” “But you don’t know me, and marriage is never done this way. How about courtship? How about getting to know your family, my family . . . ?” “Marriage is for life. You’ll get to know my family after we’re married.” “But that’s not the way a marriage is conducted . . .” “Maybe not where you come from.” Mbaka addressed the girl’s father. “Your daughter wants us to get married. What am I supposed to do?” “You shall bring seven bags of blah.” Mbaka gave the girl’s family the seven bags of cowries and took his wife home. With time, he grew to love her and his apprehensions slowly began to fade. “What helped me get all the money I gave your father was this ring,” he one day confided in his wife. “If I need anything and I hit this ring, my wish is automatically fulfilled.” On learning Mbaka’s secret, his wife announced she wanted to pay her parents a visit. Mbaka offered to go with her, but she convinced him to accompany her on her next visit at the end of the competition season. Mbaka gave her presents for his in-laws and wished her a safe journey. Mbaka’s bride returned home and disclosed her husband’s secret to her father. 108 / Makuchi You are reading copyrighted material published by Ohio University Press/Swallow Press. Unauthorized posting, copying, or distributing of this work except as permitted under U.S. copyright law is illegal and injures the author and publisher. “Can you take it and bring it to me?” “Yes, but how will I do that?” “That’s not a problem. I can give you some herbs that will put him to sleep,” father reassured daughter. She took the medicine and returned to her husband before nightfall. Husband and wife sat down to a lavish meal she had...

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