‘Hear me, for I am Ukhozi, king of the eagles, and I bring you tidings of great joy! I have decided that you imfukufukus are the most deserving of all living creatures and therefore I have chosen you for this honour.’
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The assembled imfukufukus squeaked with delight and danced around each other with joy, and there was such rejoicing as is seldom seen.
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Then Ukhozi screeched loudly for attention and stretched out his great wings which were truly impressive, and when they were silent he continued:
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‘You are without doubt the most well-fed, the most delectable, the most delicious creatures on earth –‘ he paused and the imfukufukus looked at each other uneasily. Then he continued and his eyes gleamed with malevolence, ‘and therefore I have decided that you should have the honour of providing me with a sacrifice each day.’
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At this the imfukufukus realised that they had been lured into a trap and they milled about in terror attempting to escape, but the high stone walls were impregnable.
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Then Ukhozi stretched his great black wings again and rose high into the sky and when he had reached a commanding height, he swooped down out of the sky like a comet and his cruel, curved talons sank deep into the flesh of two plump imfukufukus and he bore them screaming into the sky and to his roost high in the upper reaches of the stone cliff.’
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The little mole who had been listening with rapt attention, squeaked loudly and disappeared under the earth. Tokoloshe wrinkled his brow and frowned in irritation, ‘imfukufuku what are you doing?’ he asked, ‘I haven’t finished my story yet, come out.’
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‘No,’ squeaked imfukufuku , ‘if I do, you will change into Ukhozi and eat me. You are the evil Tokoloshe.’
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page 6
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