The Three Bundles

Young journalist Tanmla investigates the story of 'they mystery man in the woods' at Ab Ksasgb, rumored to be the notorious moneylender Laiyemo of Agbaj town. Tanmla's family is intimately tied to the story, as his grandfather, Ny, was neighbor, childhood friend and rival of Laiyemo, and Laiyemo's father, notorious pirate rjj, had swindled Ny's father of his home and land. Tanmla's investigation takes him to a rundown hut, where an invalid Laiyemo lies, his past sins destroying him from the inside out. Laiyemo tells Tanmla that, though he was jealous of Ny 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 Tanmla to learn the rest of his story from his benefactor, T'enibg. T'enibg's tale begins with young Laiyemo as the prideful leader of his egb (age group). He was the son of the richest man in town. Laiym's father, rjj, 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 Laiym took over the moneylending business, he destroyed the town of Agbaj. 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, Laiym's egb led a 'show of shame', where they fed currency into the cooking fire for the feast. The egb danced and sang, 'We are fully satisfied. Who cares that some are hungry.'