A story about gold

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Long ago, Ngakua was a village that faces harsh conditions. The large, life-giving river that provided enough water to the farm to grow crops dried up to a small, stubborn stream. The rain stopped falling and the soil wasn't good for germination.

People in the village became lean due to starvation. Market stalls displayed more empty baskets than goods. There was a famine in the village that led someone of the youth to steal from the neighbouring village.

One day, a stranger came to Ngakua on a scorching afternoon. His name was Akuta, a farmer from a far land. Some of the villagers seeing him in the village whispered to themselves "He's coming from a place as far as Manawa".

Akuta made his way directly to the King's palace requesting that the king should gather all the villagers in the community town hall that he has the solution to this calamity befallen in the village.
The king didn't hesitate, he sent his chief guard to deliver the message.

Shortly, the town hall was filled with villagers. Children sat on the floor, old men sat on the wooden stool in the town hall. Young men and women stood upright.

Akuta cleared his throat, and spoke clearly
"People of Ngakua I greet", he began, "I have travelled lands where earth has died. But I have seen places where it hides gifts deep beneath its surface."
He paused, cleared his throat then continued.
"Beneath your soil, there are precious stones. This village is blessed with Gold. But to find them, you must dig. Not with anger, not with greed, but with patience."

A murmur rose through the crowd, the villagers doubted Akuta. Akuta told them the worth of each gold and how it will restore back the village of Ngakua to its former glory.
The king stood up slowly. He said "Hear me, people of Ngakua. From tomorrow, the search for this Gold begins. And hear this: whoever finds the first Gold shall have half of Ngakua's richest farmland, and a sit in the royal house."

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The promise urged the villagers. They were all happy.
At dawn, the villagers were already awake. Men and women of Ngakua started digging the soil to find these precious stones. They dug until sweat dripped from their chins.

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The sun wasn't friendly with them. Turning necks and shoulders as dark as roasted yam. The hands were filled with blisters. Some villagers dug together, while some dug separately with envy, hoping to be the first to shout "I found it!".

Akindele was a poor farmer who took part in the search of this precious stone, his wife Yetunde, and their small daughter Sade. They lived in a small hut under the weight of a patched mat. Neighbours often make fun of them. "Even if gold knocked on their door, they would be so poor to answer".

Akindele wasn't troubled, instead was motivated. He was always the first to go to the farmland with his family to start digging. Their spades had some cut off part, the hoe's handle was patched with ropes , but the work as if tomorrow depended on it, because it did.

Sade helped in clearing stones, bringing food and water at noon.

At night, they shared the little they had. After eating, they'll spend some time. Sade would whisper, "Dad do you think the earth will choose us?" "Maybe" the dad answered.

Weeks passed. The earth was empty and hard. Some families started doubting Akuta and some gave up. But Akindele's family never gave up.

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One evening, all families had already left the farmland. Akindele and his family were still digging. Akindele raised his hoe, his arms were shaking due to exhaustion. It struck something different: not rock. It was this hidden treasure they were searching for. At first it was dull, but after bringing it out from the earth. It glittered due to the beam of light reflected on it.

Akindele was so happy, he immediately ran to the King's palace, saying "I have found it, I have found it". The people of Ngakua were surprised as they ran to the king's palace. Akindele placed the golden stone in the king's hands. The king turned it in the light, it glowed.

The king said, " Akindele, Yetunde, and Sade, you have dug hope from the earth. As promised, you shall be rewarded half of Ngakua's richest farmland. And Akindele, your voice shall be in this palace, as the second to me in this village". The villagers all applaud Akindele. The gold was sold and the money was used to develop Ngakua.

With the money made from selling the gold, traders returned to Ngakua. Markets blossomed again. People from the neighbouring village brought foodstuffs to Ngakua market to sell.

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Akindele's farmland grew strong. He planted lots of food stuff in the farm land. He sold some of it to get money for other things. Those who mocked him came to him. He welcomed them with kindness, knowing hunger humbles all hearts.

I invite @promisezella @mr-peng @imohmitch to participate