Chapters 1-3

Harmattan

a hot, dry wind that blows from the northeast or east in the western Sahara

Plaintive

(adj.) expressive of sorrow or woe, melancholy

Idemili title

the god associated with the sacred python; it also refers to one of the titles a man may receive.

Imperious

(adj.) overbearing, arrogant; seeking to dominate; pressing, compelling

Emissary

one sent on a special mission to represent others

Capricious

impulsive and unpredictable

Incipient

beginning to come into being or to become apparent

Tendrils

A threadlike, clinging part of a climbing vine.

torrents

a strong and fast-moving stream of water or other liquid