eBook
Available on Compatible NOOK devices, the free NOOK App and in My Digital Library.
Related collections and offers
Overview
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781468565195 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | AuthorHouse |
| Publication date: | 04/05/2012 |
| Sold by: | Barnes & Noble |
| Format: | eBook |
| Pages: | 120 |
| File size: | 394 KB |
Read an Excerpt
CLASH OF THE GIANTS
By Alexander K. Moore Jr.
AuthorHouse
Copyright © 2012 Alexander K. Moore Jr.All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4685-6518-8
Chapter One
Upon the rising of the sun, cocks crew on the surface of the earth. Their tones were heard throughout the continent of Africa, welcoming the dawning of a new day. Adoring the scene was a native land, Tillikai; wonderfully blessed. It stood tall on the western coast, above the many nations. Its' inhabitants in presence of fourteen tribes were known as Tillians: Zondo, Tislo, Slahwolo, Quando, Neiteo, Weayee, Kpologonto, Wala, Keedi, Mei, Siama, Yoboryou, Tamuah and Ceesala. They were fortunate to be the sole beneficiary of the prosperity in the land.Narrating the wonders of Tillikai, it had several rivers, waterfalls, and large forest for plants and animals growth. The path ways were covered in green grass and accompanied by sweet melodies of morning birds, which placed smiles on the faces of farmers who often passed through it. The climatic condition was categorized into two favorable seasons: rainy and dry seasons. The rainy season started from the month of April and ended in October, while the dry season began from November and ended in March.
The atmosphere in Tillikai was cool, despite of the extreme heat from the sun. It was overshadowed by unlimited branches of palm trees, which protected the surface from the sun. At night, there was moon light everywhere. The moon shined greatly over Tillikai.
Tillians were moon lovers. During the night, they gathered in front of their huts to converse, one with the other. The gatherings consisted of many youths at times.
The young men and women sometimes assembled on plain fields to dance and sing. They also played Zogolopiapoon; a hide and seek game. It was either a boy trying to find a girl or a girl trying to find a boy. The game often ended in a romance between two gamers. To many young Tillians, that was the spirit of the moon light.
Tillikai had a prosperous economy, which was a direct result of the agricultural sector. Though its' inhabitants were lazy to adequately till the soil, yet there were surplus in the land. The soil in Tillikai was extremely rich. Tillians could drop the seed of a mango in a slothful manner after eating and later come back to meet a tree.
Husbandry was completely stress free, in that all the Tillians did was to provide animal's shelter. There were sufficient foods grown in the land to sustain cattle.
Many inhabitants of the land were also engaged in acts such as pottery, weaving, and basket making. Some were blacksmiths, who made spears, arrowheads, hoes, and knives which were used for hunting and self-defense.
The Tillians' culture was unique. It had good moral standards. People did not have sex outside of marriage. Stealing and lying were abominations in the land. Children were obliged to obey their parents and seniors were respected by their juniors throughout the land.
Most of the inhabitants of Tillikai were incredible artists, who could sing and dance traditionally. Their traditional performances caught the attention of many native Africans in the region. Spectators came from both far and near to witness the spectacular performances of the Tillians.
Tillians had a musical festival at the end of each year, called Nymasy; "show your talent." During Nymasy, women wore the best of clothes to make an impression. As a result, some men, most especially strangers who were at the festival to see the performances, lusted after them.
Tillikai had lots of beautiful women, most of which derived from the Weayee tribe. They were tall and Harish with beautiful faces of attraction. The Weayees were closely followed by the Walas. The Walas' women did not have beautiful faces compared to that of the Weayees, but they had beautiful shape to that of a Coca-Cola bottle, which could blow the mind of any man who stares in their direction.
Unlike the Weayees and Walas, were the Slahwolo's women. They were short and thick in statue, with big nose that opposed beauty. Because of their look, some men made fun of them but others did not mind. Most men, however, preferred them to the Weayees and Walas. They claimed, "Women are nothing but women. Whether black or white, fat or slim, beautiful or ugly, they all served the same purpose."
Tillikai had an ethnical Government with three wings. Each of them operated independently; separation of power. The tendency of having one ultimate leader was not consider; instead three people with equal authority ruled the land at a given time.
The fourteen tribes in Tillikai were divided into three ethnic groups: Pioro, Weabo, and Seala. They all had their own leader. Chieftaincy was what constituted Tillikai at that time.
The Pioros' ethnic group consisted of five tribes, such as the Zondo, Tislo, Slahwolo, Quando and Neiteo. They referred to their chief as Fita, which means "Mighty-One". While the Weabos' ethnic group, which also comprised of five tribes, the Weayee, Kpologonto, Wala, Keedi and Mei, referred to their leader as Lendikoma, meaning "Wise One." The Sealas' ethnic group consisted of only four tribes: Siama, Yoboryou, Tamuah and Ceesala. They referred to their chief as Yonee; "Prophet".
The Government in Tillikai had difficulties in coming up with a single decision on relevant matters. Each representative, Fita, Lendikoma, and Yonee had different opinions on almost every issue. It was very hard for others to accept one's view. However, that did not entice them to rise up against each other, their solidarities as Tillians were always in tight. Like teeth and tongue, they sometimes fell apart but often reconciled with one another.
Their human relationship which formed the basis of peace and stability in the land was clearly seen during their annual musical festival. At the festival, Tillians would give precious gifts one to another, as a symbol of love and respect for each other.
Chapter Two
As Tillikai continued to flourish and prosper in the region, its' beauty caught the attention of some migrants, who sought to find a place of establishment. The sweet smell of fragrance and attractive view of the environment made it a favorite option for them. Tillikai was termed by many as a land of milk and honey, because of its' overwhelming resources.When the Migrants arrived on the soil of Tillikai, they shouted with exceeding joy, "Oh! Thanks be to God, we've seen the promise land." They peacefully traded some of their belongings in exchange for a piece of land in Tillikai.
The exchange of goods for land was done through one of the indigenous administrators named Mumbleh. The Migrants obtained permission from Mumbleh to establish along the coast of Tillikai.
While residing along the coast, tension grew between them and some of the Tillians; the Weabo ethnic group, who also resided along the coastal plane. The Weabos found it difficult living together with the migrants. Many times, they'd throw words at them out of anger, in claims of their Mother's land.
The constant tension led to a battle, which resulted in the loss of lives and properties. During this conflict, which constituted the first of all battles in Tillikai, the migrants came out victorious; because they were well armed. Some of them had vast military skills which they obtained from where they came from. Their military might compelled the Tillians to retreat to a farther location.
According to some historians, these men and women who are being referred to as Migrants based on their foreign look and strange coming, were not foreigners at all; rather they were offspring of some indigenous Africans who were sold into slavery by their ancestors. Upon the abolishment of slave trade in the eighteen century, these men and women had to return to their land of origin. Although their birth places were forgotten due to their long stayed, but their continental root as black men and women was kept in tight.
Considering such account to that of the activities in Tillikai, these offspring of slaves who became free men and women adopted the behaviors of citizens in the developed world. They were also breed of intellectuals who were seeking for a suitable life upon their return to Africa. As time went by, a large portion of Tillikai was in their possession, and they began building refine structures for accommodation.
They also had a committee of some good friends overseas who worked closely with them, as they established in Tillikai. They received counsels and other forms of assistance to guide their progress in the land. With all the assistance the migrants were receiving from friends overseas, they still found themselves in a miserable condition; their geographical setting was limited to the coast.
As time went by, the Tillians still dissatisfied with the Migrants, re-grouped and started attacking and murdering them through the bushes and by means of voodoo.
In respond, the migrants prepared themselves to launch a full skill battle against the entire Tillians' population. Out of great anger they declared, "We must kill them all." But, they later realized that it was impossible to do so. When the Migrants discovered that such reality did not exist, they decided to reconcile with the Tillians and negotiate with them, the issue of land.
The land of Tillikai was about three hundred and sixty-five thousand square miles. It was big and spacious enough to accommodate both the Tillians and Migrants. The Migrant's population at that time was only one thousand and eight hundred.
The process of reconciliation and negotiation between the Migrants and Tillians was faced with difficulties, such as language barriers and traditional beliefs, which most Migrants thought were devilish. However, they used psychological means and donations to win the heart of the Tillians.
The presentation of cuisine, cosmetics, clothes, and the use of sign language to communicate were very helpful to the Migrants, in their quest to win the hearts of the Tillians.
Finally, when peace returned to the land, smiles covered the faces of everyone and joy filled their hearts, as they embraced each other. The Tillians joyfully said to the migrants, "We all are one."
Chapter Three
The Tillians held the Migrants in high esteem, as the architect of peace in the land. Their good image was promoted throughout the land. Native chiefs and elders bowed in honor of their reputation. They became the most talked about of all people and were favored throughout the land and beyond.Rumors had it that they were genius. Their lifestyle stood as fashion. Many natives, in and around Tillikai dreamed of becoming one of them. Some Tillians imitated the way they walked, talked, and dressed. There was nothing more charming compared to the migrants' character and way of life, at that time.
As the natives bestowed upon the Migrants high praises and glory, they were swollen with pride. They said, "Yes, we came, saw, and conquered."
The Migrants were eager to control everything in Tillikai. They immediately set up an administration separate from that of the Tillians, to rule the land. The administration was headed by Michael Richardson. Mr. Richardson is famous; because he was the first Migrant leader in Tillikai.
The reigned of Michael Richardson was without interference from the Tillians; the indigenous of the land. They were illiterate and had less appetite for politics, at that time. His administration later became the first outstanding political administration in Tillikai.
Michael Richardson was a man of fair complexion. His fair complexion was seen by many native Africans outside of Tillikai as an abomination to "Black Africa." They felt he was not black enough to rule a dark skin nation. The Richardson Administration sought for proper establishment. It successfully undermined the administrations of the Tillians, forcing them to fall under its' jurisdiction.
Tillikai became very powerful, after the Migrants gained full control of the land. It had a standard military which was respected by several neighboring lands. No invaders attempted to attack it, despite of the many invasions that occurred along the west coast at that time.
Many nations in the region looked to it for protection. Among them, was a native land on the east coast called Blowchiaun. Blowchiaum became a part of Tillikai for security reason. This was followed by the Malingalas, a business oriented tribe from a neighboring land named Goyah. They made their way into Tillikai for both security and business purposes. The Malingalas practiced Islam, even as they settled in Tillikai.
The Migrants' Administration exercised a form of Oligarchy in the land, which was rhetorically termed by them as democracy, to suit their doctrine of civilization. Tillians were excluded from the administration. They were also restricted from enrolling at higher educational institution. The reason for such exclusion was to stop them from emerging as elites, which most migrants thought would bring competition in the land.
The said form of government lasted throughout the Migrants' reign in Tillikai. Those that ruled and trumpeted exclusion in the land for over a century were as follow: Michael Richardson, James Elliot, Christopher Howard, Ernest Gibson, George Benson, Joseph Brownell, Dennis Hanson, Andrew Williams, Fredrick Thomson, Stephen Reaves, Albert Chessman, Francis walnut, Anthony Robert, Daniel Russell, Luke Jonson, Alfred Alison, and Charles Cooper.
Suddenly, there arose a different Migrant leader; Henry Appleton, whose political view was opposite to that of the previous Leaders. His administration introduced a reform in the political system; giving all men the privileged to advance in Tillikai. As a result, the Tillians who were under bondage for many years, seized the opportunity to compete for greater administrative posts and went on to pursued higher education.
Henry Appleton, who was also a migrant, saw it de-humanizing to limit the function of others in the land. He kindly devoted much of his time educating the natives; to become sophisticated as the Migrants.
Rumors had it that Henry was not a Migrant as many people thought he was, rather he was an adopted son from the Tillian descendant. However, there was no sufficient evidence to support the hearsay.
Henry was branded a traitor by his fellow migrants, who felt that he was pushing the agenda of the natives compared to theirs. In rebellion to his policy, they orchestrated a plan to execute him. In respect to their Christian values which prohibited them from killing, and their brotherhood society which formed the basis of their union, the migrants refrained from bodily partaking in Henry's murder.
They organized a group of military men from the Tislo tribe to do the killing. The men were headed by Twelfweh; one of the greatest and well-respected warriors of the Tillian army. He held the rank of a sergeant at that time. Though he originated from a remote village and was uneducated, yet he was a perfect pick to implement the migrant's agenda. They felt that an uneducated man was incapable of double-crossing them.
Finally, when the hour came for the plot against Henry to be carryout, Twelfweh bravely led his men to Henry's Palace. And behold, came a moment of terror which brought fear upon the inhabitants of the land, as soldiers ran up and down the streets in battle. "The heat is on," viewers soliloquy.
As the battle intensified, Twelfweh and his men did not relent; they tactically advanced on Henry's palace in their quest to unseat him. There was massive resistance from the army. The tension in the land created fears in the minds of those Migrants who were the chief architect of the plot. Although they were educated and had broader knowledge of running government, yet the issue of Coup D'état was strange to them. They fled far away in fear for their life.
Twelfweh and his men were deeply engaged in battle and never had the time to accommodate fear. Twelve hours later, the harmful pressure of terror faded away, leaving the strong to survive. Twelfweh managed to prevail in murdering Henry, which compared the entire army to surrender. The magnitude of his victory paved the way for him to become the new ruler of Tillikai; because the architects of the plot were nowhere to be found.
Standing before the mighty throne of Tillikai, which was an awesome opportunity for a native man at that time, Twelfweh the novice came to realize the honor of a leader. He immediately declared himself "leader of Tillikai" and became the first Native man to sit on the throne. Some of the Tillians, who maneuvered to emerge as elites during the administration of Henry, embraced his idea and supported him.
Jubilant and triumphant, Twelfweh went on to set up his administration, appointing those who supported him; all of whom were Natives. Speaking to them he proudly said, "Thanks gentlemen, I knew you had my back."
(Continues...)
Excerpted from CLASH OF THE GIANTS by Alexander K. Moore Jr. Copyright © 2012 by Alexander K. Moore Jr.. Excerpted by permission of AuthorHouse. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Table of Contents
Contents
Acknowledgement....................ixIntroduction....................xi
Chapter One....................1
Chapter Two....................9
Chapter Three....................15
Chapter Four....................25
Chapter Five....................41
Chapter Six....................55
Chapter Seven....................67
Chapter Eight....................81
Chapter Nine....................91
Chapter Ten....................99