EMPIRE – THE RULER (Episode 11)

EMPIRE – THE RULER EPISODE 11
© OLADIPO DANIEL

AYO
My lady, you left the palace at this dangerous time, it is not safe out here.

BANKE
(Confidently)
I know, but it is very important I see you.

DAYO
(Surprisingly)
You left the palace because of me?

BANKE
Yes, I heard you have been released.

AYO
Putting yourself in danger!

BANKE
I’m safe and secured, I know you will protect me.

AYO
My lady, only the gods can protect, why exactly did you sneak out of the palace?

BANKE
My princess told me your release, I need to thank you for being so generous and suffered that much to safe me.

AYO
It’s a pleasure, your princess discuss me with you?

BANKE
Yes,
She found interest in you, she said you are the bravest man she has ever seen. Perhaps she falls too for your kindness.

AYO
Don’t say that, who am I to the princess. Pls tell her I appreciate her concern. And you need to return to the palace before third eye sees you.

They departed. Back to the palace, they king knew something evil might probably occur in his coming wedding, so he planned to get rid of Dayo as early as possible. He called his guard to summon Ayo who just left the palace. He came to the palace immediately with the guard.

KING
My youth leader, there is an allegation which needs to be thoroughly investigated. The death prince, they said one of his friend add secret plan for his wedding. They said they were together this morning before we found him dead. He should have something to say about his death. Pls gather the youth and arrest him.

AYO
(Tenderly)
Your Highness, you just appointed me today, You have never put leaf on me or bless me with kola. How then can I mobilise the people?

KING
I have given you my command, there is no time, your duty has started. Quickly go now and do as I command.

AYO
At your command, my lord. But who shall I arrest?

KING
Dayo, that’s his name. Go at once, I will send with you my guard.

Ayo before mobilising the youth, he went to inform his brother, he wanted him to run away or leave the village for a while. On getting there, he met Dayo who has already gathered hooligans across the villages, he has planned to attack the palace.

AYO
Who are these people? And, what plan have you with this thing I’m seeing.

DAYO
I told you to stay away or are you here to support me

AYO
You know that will be the last thing on earth. Actually I’m here to warn you the king has ordered your arrest. Pls stop whatever you have planned now and leave the village. I cannot stand to see you suffered.

DAYO
You mean! Well, let me tell you, I am taking down the village today. So I go nowhere.

AYO
But how did you get these people?

DAYO
I told you there is power in my hand, many kings and riches are my strength. Come to my side and I will welcome you before it is too late.

AYO
 Pls I beg you for our father’s sake dismiss the people. They are only making allegation against you which after your arrest, I will prove to them your innocence because there is no evidence to condemn you. But, seeing you with them will implicate you.

DAYO
(angrily)
What rubbish, get out of my sight, and If I ever see you here, I promise I will cut off your legs.

AYO
No problem then, I will be back for your arrest.

A word is enough for the wise, he told himself he (Dayo) might change his mind by running away, so he went back to mobilise as he was ordered. The youth of AYE empire, the guard and soldiers and some warriors of Asipa joined Ayo fully armed and went to arrest Dayo. The two parties met at the open ground, Dayo too was coming to the palace.
They were sing thus:

Oju ogun la’hun lo, ero oja paramo
 (We are going to the battle, market people should dismiss/hid)

 Where they met, the battle began for like an hour, the battle favoured Ayo and his people, many of the hooligans were killed one after the other. Dayo could not stand, he came out of his hidden and joined the battle but still not in his favour. Ayo saw the soldiers were gradually coming to his brother and would be killed, he quickly left his stand and found a mean of rescuing him. He shot one of his soldiers who was just about to kill Dayo and whistled from behind. Hearing of the whistle, Dayo looked back and saw his brother standing behind a broken wall, he waved him to come and walked him to the forest. He begged him to run away before he was caught. Fortunately before Ayo could get back to the battle ground, some of the guards have caught Dayo and dragged him to palace.
The battle gradually scanty, the rest of the hooligans kicked off till there was no one to fight. Ayo led his people back to the palace, the king gave them a sack of money, he told them more were still coming that they should  just take that one to enjoy themselves at palm-wine shrine.

To be continued

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