Chapter Eleven

In the evening, Ezinma and her mother Ekwefi say in their house telling stories. Ekwefi told Ezinma a story about the tortoise tricking the birds and having it backfire on him. The story explained why tortoise shells are in sections. In our culture, these are similar to tall tales like "Paul Bunyan" who supposedly carved the Grand Canyon. As Ezinma was beginning her story, Chielo's cry interrupted her. Chielo took Ezinma to see Agbala, whom she was priestess for. Ekwefi followed Chielo around several villages until they finally made it to the oracle cave. She waited outside the cave, and while she was waiting Okonkwo came as well. These people are like slaves to their fake gods. Ekwefi and Okonkwo were helpless to stop Chielo from taking Ezinma for fear of something that does not exist. I would really hate to not be able to stop someone from taking my child just because they are "powerful."