Chapter 18

Abstract

An uncommon peace settled over the once-turbulent compound. Following the death magic crisis, family tension dissipated slowly, but not completely into the dry desert air. By now, the weather had also cooled off a bit. The midafternoon sun still produced hot air, but cool night winds brought a dry chill to the compound—good sleeping weather. Abdoulaye and Omar removed the objects they had buried to protect them from death magic. Moussa received a reduced sentence for theft and would serve two years in a Niamey jail. Prior to his trial, Omar contacted a high school friend who had studied law in France. His friend agreed to take on Moussa’s case pro bono. Although the prosecution had clearly established Moussa’s guilt, Omar’s friend had managed to shave years off the sentence. Moussa sent word of his deep gratitude. For his part, Seydou took his medicines, and in short order, the skin lesions had healed and his foot had returned to its normal state. Several nights a week, the once spiteful Maymouna sent food over to Abdoulaye and Omar. It was no secret that Jitu, Abdoulaye’s loyal wife, was a very good cook, but Maymouna’s cooking knew no bounds. Omar and Abdoulaye savored her sumptuous sauces, all of which had been flavored with butter oil.