Kelvin Kithi

Contents Chapter One: ..................................................................................................... 2 Chapter Two: ................................................................................................ 4 Buckle Up Comfort Zone Chapter Three: ................................................................................................. 7 Frying Pan Chapter Four: ............................................................................................................. 9 Chapter Five: .......................................................................................... 11 Grit Three Musketeers Chapter One: Buckle Up "They're here," exclaimed Jumbo, his enthusiasm radiating through his voice. Jumping with delight, Jambo, the blue lizard, couldn't contain his shock. "What?" "I've seen them offload on the coast, and I can't wait to embark on the next voyage," added Jumbo, the green lizard, his excitement contagious. "We need to find Jendo," Jambo reminded the group, thinking of what Jendo had longed for. Once, in a whispered confession, she had expressed her burning desire to explore the uncharted territories beyond the oceans. Surprised, Jumbo stared at Jambo with his big, brown eyes. "Jendo? Are you serious?" Vibrating with assurance, Jambo wiggled his tail, "Yes! Jendo would be thrilled to join us on this journey to the great unknown. She confided in me!" "The last time I saw Jendo do anything out of the ordinary dates back to –" "Don't say that!" warned Jambo, his front legs pouched to increase stability. "It's true," lamented Jumbo, "I'm just stating facts." "That was one time, and she's learned from it," defended Jambo, recalling Jendo's regrets after that incident. "Everyone deserves a second chance." In a wry smile, Jumbo raised an eyebrow. "Jendo doesn't strike me as someone who can keep up with the challenges ahead. This isn't your run-of-the-mill quest. We need precision, speed, vigilance, and determination from the get-go. Our lives will be in our hands, starting with the race through the sands and into the cargo holds. We'll be praying that we end up in one of the crates with food. Pendo mentioned that the ones labeled 'vegetables' are our best bet, and I doubt Jendo can handle all that if she struggled to open a coconut on the beach," said Jumbo, drawing a disapproving line between his immense eyes. "You've said enough!" complained Jambo. "You weren't supposed to mention that." "What did I say?" Jumping to another rock east of Jumbo, Jambo lay flat, his tail wiggling as if tracing a floating thread. "Now I have to say it," he confessed, considering the options before him. "Jendo may be slow to adapt, but she's resourceful," he began, choosing his words carefully. "I mean, I'm resourceful too, but not in the same way. Remember the night of the cobra? Jendo was the one who alerted everyone!" "No way!" Lizards and cobras had a history of territorial disputes. Both species sought refuge in rocky and cave-like spaces, valuing the cover of darkness to shield them from other predators. Their rivalry stemmed from their shared need for these hiding spots. "What did she do?" Jumbo asked, skepticism evident in his folded arms and furrowed brow. "Jendo has a knack for knowing things," explained Jambo with unwavering confidence. "I don't know how, but she always seems to do the right thing at the right time." "That sounds like a fairy tale," countered Jumbo, dismissing Jambo's words as easily as he did flies around his food. "I don't believe in fairy tales. So, what's your point?" he asked while adjusting his posture, his towering figure casting a shadow over Jendo. The two lizards stood atop a pile of rocks, a landscape pockmarked with holes and crevices. Long ago, this place had been a quarry, where humans had carved the rocks into smaller pieces for building. Eventually, they had abandoned the site, and the lizard colony had taken over. Spiders and other insects had joined them, becoming a part of the food chain. "How do you even handle fairy tales?" questioned Jambo, genuinely intrigued by Jumbo's dismissal. "You're pulling my tail!" "Jendo is not joining us on this journey," Jumbo declared firmly. Chapter Two: Zone Comfort A gentle breeze blew in from the shore, rustling leaves and swaying branches. Kilindini Harbor, a vital port nestled between South Africa and the Middle East, served as the gateway for trade between these regions. Mombasa had become a bustling hub for Europeans, Arabs, and Chinese traders who exchanged goods year-round. Unlike other natural ports with treacherous reefs, Mombasa offered safe anchorage, making it one of the most favored natural harbors along the East African coast. "What journey?" Jendo finally spoke up. "Thank the stars you're here," Jambo said, visibly relieved to see Jendo. "The ships have arrived, and we have just three days to prepare and depart!" Shocked, Jendo echoed, "Depart?" Interjecting with a mixture of surprise and urgency, Jambo explained, "The ships, Jendo. They're here, and I was telling Jumbo that you wouldn't want to miss the opportunity to explore the world, just like you shared with me about the stories you read in the library." Jendo recoiled, feeling a mix of embarrassment and frustration as Jambo spilled her secret. He wasn't supposed to share that with everyone; the cat was out of the bag! "Tell him," Jambo encouraged, his voice rising with eagerness. Finally, he wouldn't have to defend Jendo alone. She was here, standing right beside them, a primary source of her own desires. "This is the only way he'll believe us!" With his arms folded, Jumbo stood tall, casting a long shadow in the afternoon sun. "Speak up," he demanded, awaiting an explanation. Jendo didn't. Her thoughts wandered all over. She thought of getting hurt, what her parents would say, of shame, and the possibility of her life never being the same after that encounter. “Why did you tell him?” asked Jendo, forgetting the goals she made earlier. Jambo froze under the sun’s rays, its shadow still and eyes wide open. Dust floated, but nothing fazed him. “It was our secret!” complained she, wishing she stayed at home, attending to the dishes and washing the floors. “Jendo is Jendo!” said Jumbo, gaining confidence from Jendo’s reservedness. “I told you Jambo, I know fables when I see them,” jumping to another rock that was at the far north, ahead of Jambo and Jendo. “I can see myself bouncing on waves, head unraveled by the strong winds in the seas. Like the sails, I shall hold my ground and make sure I get to see the other side – wherever it is!” Jendo admired Jumbo’s courage and ability to take risks without second thoughts. Venturing into the great beyond had been her dream ever since she was born. She wanted to see anything other than the old coconut trees and two rocks at the edges of the harbor. In her heart, Jendo wanted to feel what the men carrying crates of cargo felt. They weren’t from around, and she investigated how their faces lit up with happiness upon docking. Even when they worked, the men sang and jumped all over. They were happy, and Jendo imagined how happy she would be when she gets to a new place she never thought possible. “Tell him Jendo!” advised Jambo, worry etched on his face. That was her chance to get out of her comfort zone and pursue what she wants. “There’s nothing Jendo knows,” interrupted Jumbo, his large brown eyes staring and Jendo and Jambo, who sat on opposite rocks In front of him. I can sniff a coward the way I sniff fables!” Jumbo then wiggled his tail in victory, happy to have affirmed Jendo couldn’t account to anything. “The only adventure Jendo will have is walking around his father’s house, sweeping,” added Jumbo, sweeping the rock surface with his tail, pushing a few leaves farther from them. “There’s nothing that can be done for her. Let her get married or something!” Jendo had dreams. She had goals, and none of them involved getting married. “I’ll go!” she said, immediately afraid of the consequences behind what she said. “You’ll what?” zoomed Jumbo, breathing on Jendo’s face, “say that to my face!” Swallowing a gulp of saliva, “I want to go,” she said, her body shaking as sweat trickled on her forehead. “It’s going to be dangerous,” purred Jumbo, his voice deep and threatening, “Those men’s boots can squash your little body, breaking every bone. And if you make it into the boat, we may go hungry for weeks. How did you defeat the cobra?” Pulling back in astonishment, Jendo’s black eyes widened, “What?” “We leave in two days,” said Jumbo, standing on four feet, his tail gently sloping to the ground. “And Jendo, you are required to come with a rope!” Ropes were hard to find. Getting a rope either meant stealing one from parents or climbing atop a coconut tree and getting the raw materials to build one. And it wasn’t an easy task. Three weeks ago, Manigo, the town’s coconut expert, climbed Rembo, the oldest coconut tree to get coconut flowers and spider sap. They were needed by the town’s medicine man, Otingo. Manigo fell and broke his hand when he fought with the spider to get its sap. “That’s a suicide mission,” implored Jambo, “going up the trees requires Jendo to get past the warehouse – and we all know the dangers of that track – turtles die each time they’re born as they rush to the beach. Not only turtles, we also see young birds being trapped into cages by those ugly men. You cannot send Jendo!” “Why not?” asked Jumbo, “isn’t she the one who saved everyone from the cobra?” Jendo’s heart throbbed with self-doubt. When the cobra came, she was out on the rocks, trying to catch a shooting star pass by. The colony’s guards were all asleep, and that’s why she sounded the alarm and rushed across the colony, warning other lizards that a cobra was on the way. Jendo even managed to lay thorns to thwart a predator like a cobra away. Generally, she knew snakes didn’t like it when the ground was thorny because it could damage their skin and muscles. Snakes don’t have legs, and that’s why it’s important for them to watch the ground upon which they slide on. “I’ll go get the ropes and go on the voyage!” she said. Jambo jumping with bliss. “It looks like we have ourselves a capable crew,” recounted Jumbo, happy that it wouldn’t be him going to get the ropes. He was afraid of going past the loading bay. The legend says other creatures that Cobras fear lurk in the shadows. “And one more thing,” added Jumbo, “time is of the essence. If you are late, we won’t wait for you!” Jumbo then turned, his sight gazing upon the ocean that roared ahead. “You see those ships; they’ll be leaving in two days. You miss this chance, the next one will come after you are gone!” and in that moment, Jumbo jumped off the cliff of rocks, running away from them. “We meet here in two days!” shouting as his voice faded against the milieu of the rushing breeze and rustling trees. Chapter Three: Frying Pan The next morning, Jendo woke up earlier than anyone, the thrill of an adventure coursing through her veins like the wind shaking leaves and the ocean, causing a tranquil ambiance and gentle waves splashing on the beach. She stood at the entrance of her parents' cave, her eyes searching for the courage to venture beyond. That night, Jendo talked to her parents about her decision to embark on an adventure with Jambo and Jumbo. They were initially mad, reminding Jendo of the dangers that lurked in her pursuit. Jendo knew all of that. When Jumbo left, Jambo told Jendo that it was possible that they could all die on their trip. The seas often became rough, and sometimes, the destination could be inhospitable. Jambo also shared the story of the big black crow. "The big black crow that could harm us isn't from around here," he explained. "It comes from a place known as India, and it arrived on ships like these. We don't want to end up in India because there are more of them there than here. We'd be in danger!" Jendo understood the risks she was about to take. She told her parents that she had made a choice to break free from anything holding her back. "But you couldn't even get coconut flesh from the beach," they said, worried about their daughter's safety. "It's time for me to rise above my fear of getting hurt. I know it's dangerous, but I want this," she said. "I don't know how I'll live with myself if I don't go on this trip!" Her parents eventually agreed to let her go, but Jendo didn't mention Jumbo's challenge to obtain ropes. She knew that if they found out, her parents would say no to her adventure, and Jendo couldn't bear the thought of missing out. She had a plan for the next morning. Jendo would wake up early and complete all her chores before the sun rose too high in the sky. This way, she'd be able to run across the beach, past the loading dock, and into the coconut-tree forest. Manigo, the colony's rope maker and sap extractor, always left before sunrise and returned before the sun climbed too high. Jendo had learned this during her morning beach strolls while searching for beautiful sea shells. She also discovered that Manigo carried a sharp knife and a glue made from a plant with blue flowers. With a sigh, Jendo grabbed the broom and started her chores. Her only way to keep her parents from learning about her journey to the coconut-tree forest was to finish all her tasks on time. If she didn't, her parents would be angry. After sweeping, Jendo washed all the dishes and prepared breakfast for her parents before leaving, taking the house knife with her. They were to meet with Jambo, who was responsible for procuring the blue flowers. The flowers would be crushed, and the sticky substance from them would serve as glue. Manigo used it to help himself climb the coconut tree. The stage was set for their daring adventure, and Jendo was determined to make it happen. Chapter Four: Grit "Has Manigo come along?" asked Jendo, her voice tinged with curiosity. "I haven't seen him," replied Jambo, holding a container of crushed blue flowers. "I hope he doesn't see us," Jendo lamented, wondering why Manigo hadn't returned. The sun had already risen twenty degrees. Jambo shared her concern. The stakes were high, and he said, "We have to go get the ropes regardless. They're important for the mission." Jendo agreed, but as she looked up at the towering coconut tree, doubt crept in. "I'm not going," she admitted, her voice quivering with fear. "It's too high. I could end up with a broken hand, leg, or neck. I could lead a happy life here on this beach and be called grandmother." Ranting, Jendo paced up and down, expressing her regret for agreeing to Jumbo's challenge. "I could've said no, and now, I'd be happy and well-rested!" "No, you wouldn't!" Jambo insisted. "Why not? Are you me?" Jendo retorted. Surprised, Jambo gasped, "It doesn't matter!" "I'm the one telling you I cannot do it," she said, sizing up the coconut tree once more. "And how many of these am I supposed to climb?" "It doesn't matter," repeated Jambo, avoiding the exact number. He didn't feel it was relevant to share that information. "All you need to know is, we need ropes!" "Are you going to climb any?" Jendo asked Jambo, whose expression gave her the answer she expected. "See! You can't even climb with me! It's a death trap!" Jambo reacted with frustration, "Shut up!" In that moment, Jendo's ears perked up, and her eyes widened in shock. "Shhhhh! Someone's coming!" Jambo whispered urgently, pulling Jendo into the nearest bush they could find. To the west of the coconut tree, two figures emerged from the coconut-tree forest. It was Jumbo and Manigo. "Thank you for the ropes," said Jumbo to Manigo. "And be cautious; there may be people who want to steal your ropes. They might come later today." Jumbo didn't want Jendo to succeed in obtaining the ropes, as he wanted to continue belittling her. "I've heard them planning to steal ropes," Jumbo added as they departed. "I'll keep my guard up," replied Manigo, clutching the ropes and sap for the day. He wouldn't return until the next day. Once they were gone, Jendo and Jambo emerged from the bush. "I didn't know anyone could ask for ropes from Manigo and get them!" exclaimed Jendo. "He wouldn't have agreed if you'd asked him," Jambo explained. "Manigo is Jumbo's uncle." "What?" Jendo was taken aback. Jambo nodded. "Yeah," he said. "When he said you needed to get ropes, I was worried you wouldn't be able to overcome that challenge. I've never climbed a coconut tree before!" Jendo paused, pondering why Jumbo treated her that way. It didn't feel right. "But it doesn't matter," Jambo quickly interjected, trying to lift Jendo's spirits. However, Jendo's face fell, her joy deflating like a balloon. The three of them had grown up together in the same caves, played in the same fields, and eaten the same ants and roaches hiding underneath. In Jendo's and Jambo's eyes, Jumbo's selfishness didn't sit well. When a wonderful opportunity like an adventurous trip presented itself, it was important to encourage anyone interested. Keeping it all to oneself didn't build good relationships. Seeing his friend's sudden despair, Jambo reassured her, "Don't worry about it. Everyone is entitled to their own choices. Jumbo's choice shouldn't affect you, Jendo. What choice will you make?" "I'll climb up," said Jendo after a long pause. "These trees around here don't belong to Manigo. It's only beyond that bougainvillea flower line," she pointed to a string of bougainvillea flowers stretching deep into the forest, "that marks the border." Glad, Jambo said, "Then let's get started! We only have five degrees of sun left!" Courage enveloped Jendo as she took the crushed blue flowers that Jambo had placed in a leather pouch. She was ready to conquer her fear of getting hurt and prove to herself that she could do it. Jendo also wanted to show people like Jumbo that she was more than they believed. "I made this belt to make it easier for you as you climb," added Jambo. Jendo smiled, appreciating Jambo's unwavering support. He was a true friend who went above and beyond to help her. "Thank you," Jendo acknowledged, recalling her parents' advice to always express gratitude when someone did something for her. With that, Jendo began her ascent of the towering coconut tree. It was bent and leaned forward, casting a daunting shadow. Jambo, who was afraid of heights, couldn't bear to look at the tree as it seemed ready to fall on him. "I'll stay down here," he told Jendo, offering her encouragement from below. Chapter Five: Musketeers Three The day had arrived, and the three lizards, Jumbo, Jambo, and Jendo, stood at the edge of the beach, their hearts pounding with a mix of excitement and anxiety. Before them stretched the vast shoreline, leading to the colossal ships anchored in Kilindini Harbor. It was the moment they had been waiting for, the beginning of their grand adventure. “Okay,” said Jumbo, haboring everyone’s attention. “If you get stepped on along the way, I have warned you. The road is deadly and dangerous.” Standing on two feet, Jumbo inflated his chest and continued, “If you are weak, now is the time to chicken out!” Jendo couldn't shake the memory of that embarrassing day when she had tripped while running for coconut flesh, breaking a tooth in front of everyone. The laughter had echoed in her ears for a long time. Now, as she looked at the long stretch of beach they needed to cross, a wave of fear washed over her. What if she fell again? What if everyone laughed at her once more? Jambo, on the other hand, was ready to embrace the challenge. His excitement radiated from every scale on his blue skin. He knew that this was the beginning of something extraordinary, and he couldn't wait to set sail. “And you should remember, the journey is dangerous. You fall, we leave you behind,” insisted Jumbo, staring at Jendo and Jambo in the eyes. Jambo didn’t agree. “We cannot leave any man behind,” he said. “There are boots and more dangers out there,” pushed Jumbo, “you should be able to take care of yourself. No one should expect me to help them if they lag behind. This adventure means a lot to me,” envisioning the list of achievements he’d made from the adventure alone. “I’ll be checking things off on my bucket list!” Unknown to everyone, Jumbo harbored a different intention. He wanted to trip Jendo during the race, ensuring she wouldn't make it to the ships. He believed she wasn't fit for the adventure and that she would only slow them down. The three lizards exchanged glances, knowing what lay ahead. Their journey was governed by their laws: run to the ship, wait on the deck until everything was packed, and then find food crates. As the race started, Jendo and Jambo moved gracefully, their determination shining through their every step. They were ecstatic to be embarking on this adventurous trip, and nothing could dampen their spirits. But just as Jumbo attempted to trip Jendo, fate took an unexpected turn. Jendo managed to maintain her balance, and it was Jumbo who stumbled and fell, his plan foiled. Suddenly, the boots of men began to appear - the dockers who were busy loading cargo onto the ships. The beach was transformed into a chaotic scene, with giant boots threatening to crush everything in their path. “I’m going to die,” cried Jumbo, panicking, “No one should leave anyone behind!” Jumbo found himself in a perilous situation, almost getting stepped on by one of the dockers. He closed his eyes and waited for his fate when rescue came on his way, escaping the impending danger. Jendo and Jambo rushed to Jumbo's aid, pulling him to safety just in the nick of time. Their hearts were pounding as they huddled under a bench, away from the menacing boots. Jumbo, still catching his breath, looked at his friends in disbelief. "Why did you help me?" he asked, his voice tinged with humility. Jendo's eyes sparkled with kindness as she replied, "It's because you are our friend." Jambo nodded in agreement, a warm smile on his face. "We're a team, Jumbo." Touched by their genuine friendship and realizing the error of his ways, Jumbo felt a deep sense of gratitude. "I'll be your friend forever," he declared. "I didn't know I was making the wrong choices." With their bond stronger than ever, Jendo, Jambo, and Jumbo decided to complete their run to the ships and start the adventure they had all dreamed of. As they sprinted across the beach, Jambo couldn't help but exclaim, "This is the first of many, and from now on, we should call ourselves 'The Three Musketeers'." Their laughter echoed along the shore as they headed towards the awaiting ships, ready to embrace the mysteries of the great unknown together. The adventure had begun, and the Three Musketeers were ready for whatever lay ahead.