"They said she hard a voice of an angel as she sang continuously," said one of the maidens that has gone to the stream to fetch water.

"I heard there is a possibility she could be the most beautiful girl in this village. It was said that her smile was enough to make any man leave his wife/wives and children for her, that her hips moved left and right as she walked. I also heard that some of our unmarried youths were already fighting for her attention," another added.

"Who could she be? and what the hell brought her to this land? or where she even came from," the first maiden asked already getting a feeling of jealousy and insecurity.

Others had respected her for her extraordinary beauty, in fact she was then regarded as Ekwu's most beautiful and sophisticated maiden that was sure to capture the Prince's heart when he returns to choose a wife.

Adaku, she went by name. She had already captured many hearts of men but has refused all their advances because she had hoped and believed that one day, she could be worthy enough to be the Prince's future wife.

"They said she was rescued by two hunters at the woods when she was being attacked by a voracious looking tiger. The village had it that her name is, " MODANNA"," concluded another maiden with her pot full of water on her head.

"Anyway, I don't care about whosoever they claim she is or whatever they say she is. A goddess of beauty, a witch or a hero. All I know is, if she wants to be save in this land, she'll better stay away from me and my future prince charming," said Adaku. She eased and hurriedly made for an exit to avoid any more conversation that could ruin her mood and her day.
Others gossipped on their way as they headed back to the village.

The news about the new girl in Ekwu village soon became the talk of the day, soon getting to weeks. All the villagers, both young and old, rich and poor, sane and insane, all whispered to one another on their different accounts or stories about Madonna.

Some said she was sent by the gods to the village for the young prince to marry, while some argued that she had fallen from heaven as one of the guardian angels to serve the villagers and save them from their horrific situation with the supernatural beings that left the villagers with sleeplessness nights and fear.

Some also argued that she was a reincarnate of one of the witches that formerly lived in the palace in service of the king and community with their supernatural powers.

Soon, after few chattering and gossips, the news reached the palace and Madonna was summoned by the king to explain her intrusion in the village.

Now the question is, could this be what Madonna wanted and schemed for? or could she have fallen into a dangerous trap unconsciously?