11.

When Isaac and Paulo returned to Kiyiika, the place was filled with locals. Outside the shrine, traditional dancers were changing into their costumes. The whole atmosphere was of merrymaking and celebration. It was as if the earlier troubles—Muganda’s imminent death and Kalema’s presence—had evaporated. Not sure what to do, Paulo stayed in the car. Isaac rushed to the shrine. Muganda was lying on his side, visibly breathing. The death-sheet had been taken off him. Elder Kitooke saw Isaac and whispered, “Elder Miisi has had to leave in a hurry.”

“Why?”

“His only surviving son, Kamu, was murdered. We’ve not told the clan. We don’t want to kill their hope so soon.”

“Oh, is he not one of the two children he had left? When did he die?”

“Way back on the fifth of January but Miisi didn’t know.”

“My wife died on the same day.” The two men were silent for some time. Then Kitooke remembered. “Is our son Paulo Kalema still with you?”

“In the car.”

“It’s time to bring him in. Let’s go and get him.”

“Where did you get the blood for Muganda?”

“Elder Miisi’s daughter, Salamander.”

“General Salamander?”

“The very one.”

“She’s the daughter?”

“He said he had a daughter named Kusi but who knew that Kusi was an army general? Anyway, she had Tutsis among her bodyguards. One of them gave us blood.”

When they got to the car, Kitooke opened the door with a large smile. “Where is my son?” Paulo stepped out into his arms. “Let’s see how Kintu’s blood marked you. Yes, the Tutsi stole you for himself: come.” Elder Kitooke now held Paulo’s hand as if he were a child. “Come on, Kalema: let me show you off to the clan. And how is Nnakato, your mother?” But before Paulo could answer Elder Kitooke continued, “You see our beliefs; you see Isaac?” Isaac nodded as Kitooke carried on, “These Christians have sowed doubt about our own spirituality but I dare say you are the lad incarnate,” he said this as if he had met Kalema of old. “I hear Nnakato, your mother, had only you?”

Kitooke prattled on, suggesting that Kanani’s twins were unwitting conduits of the uncanny return of the Tutsi back into the family. Isaac stayed close to Paulo to reassure him.