Outskirts Press, INC.

THE THREE BUNDLES

Young journalist Tanímò̩la investigates the story of ‘they mystery man in the woods’ at Abà Kòsas̩ègbé, rumored to be the notorious moneylender Laiyemo̩ of Agbajó̩ town. Tanímò̩la’s family is intimately tied to the story, as his grandfather, Náyà, was neighbor, childhood friend and rival of Laiyemo̩, and Laiyemo̩’s father, notorious pirate È̩rùjè̩jè̩, had swindled Náyà’s father of his home and land. Tanímò̩la’s investigation takes him to a rundown hut, where an invalid Laiyemo̩ lies, his past sins destroying him from the inside out. Laiyemo̩ tells Tanímò̩la that, though he was jealous of Náyà when they were younger, he remembers him as kind and wishes he had followed his advice to avoid pride. Laiyemo̩ reveals his vision of the three bundles – destiny, fate and karma – and tells Tanímò̩la to learn the rest of his story from his benefactor, T’e̩nibè̩gí. T’e̩nibè̩gí’s tale begins with young Laiyemo̩ as the prideful leader of his e̩gbé̩ (age group). He was the son of the richest man in town. Laiyémò̩’s father, È̩rùjè̩jè̩, gained his wealth from piracy and then took over the town as a moneylender. Greatly feared and hated by all, he was ostracized. He isolated himself on an island farm far from others. He was found dead after a mysterious visitation by seven bats and seven owls. Days after his funeral, his henchman and a crone were seen conducting a ritual over his grave. When Laiyémò̩ took over the moneylending business, he destroyed the town of Agbajó̩. Almost all in town were indebted to him; many sold themselves into slavery to him to save their families. The town faced famine and great poverty. During the town’s Centenary Anniversary celebrations, Laiyémò̩’s e̩gbé̩ led a ‘show of shame’, where they fed currency into the cooking fire for the feast. The e̩gbé̩ danced and sang, ‘We are fully satisfied. Who cares that some are hungry.’