Father vs. Son: A journey into the underworld - Joseph Mbele

If any of his wives ever birthed a son, he'd be killed immediately.

That was the threat Shemwindo, ruler of the village of Tubondo, had delivered, for he wanted all the power to himself.

But he was about to meet his match— and enter a rivalry that would take him to the underworld and back.

Six of Shemwindo’s wives had daughters, but when Nyamwindo finally went into labor, the midwives witnessed a birth unlike any they'd ever seen.

Nyamwindo’s baby, Mwindo, materialized from her belly button, wielding a magical conga scepter, already laughing, talking, and walking.

The women agreed to keep the birth a secret.

But a stealthy cricket saw everything and carried the news to Shemwindo.

Outraged, he hurled spears at his newborn, but it was like they couldn't touch him.