Things Fall Apart

Agbala, the Oracle came for Ezinma, took her onto her back, and carried her away. She strictly forbid Ezinma's parents from following. Ekwefi hesitated only a moment, and then secretly followed her anyway.

The Oracle then took a long walk, going all the way around the nine villages. Despite the fact that she carried the child on her back, she moved at an astonishing speed; Ekwefi could barely keep up. The Oracle finally returned to her sacred cave and disappeared inside. Terrified, Ekwefi waited outside the cave and resolved to enter if she heard her daughter crying. To save her child, she would have fought the gods if necessary. Ekwefi is then startled by Okonkwo, who has also followed the Oracle. The two of them waited for the priestess of Agbala to emerge again.