Publisher's Synopsis
Young journalist Tanímò?la investigates the story of 'they mystery man in the woods' at Abà Kòsas?ègbé, rumored to be the notorious moneylender Laiyemo? of Agbajó? town. Tanímò?la's family is intimately tied to the story, as his grandfather, Náyà, was neighbor, childhood friend and rival of Laiyemo?, and Laiyemo?'s father, notorious pirate È?rùjè?jè?, had swindled Náyà's father of his home and land. Tanímò?la's investigation takes him to a rundown hut, where an invalid Laiyemo? lies, his past sins destroying him from the inside out. Laiyemo? tells Tanímò?la 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. Laiyemo? reveals his vision of the three bundles - destiny, fate and karma - and tells Tanímò?la to learn the rest of his story from his benefactor, T'e?nibè?gí. T'e?nibè?gí's tale begins with young Laiyemo? as the prideful leader of his e?gbé? (age group). He was the son of the richest man in town. Laiyémò?'s father, È?rùjè?jè?, 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 Laiyémò? took over the moneylending business, he destroyed the town of Agbajó?. 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, Laiyémò?'s e?gbé? led a 'show of shame', where they fed currency into the cooking fire for the feast. The e?gbé? danced and sang, 'We are fully satisfied. Who cares that some are hungry.'
