EMPIRE – THE RULER (Episode 4)

EMPIRE- THE RULER EPISODE 4
© Oladipo Daniel

Queen in her room sat down, buried her head between her legs, she was thinking of the last scenario in the king’s chamber. Banke entered, my mother, I’m very sorry for what happened today, I never… Keep your mouth shut, Olori cut it, how dare you called me a mother. I just lost a son and now loosing my husband to you. This life is not fair. It is not what you are thinking mama. Think? Me? I saw you in his arms… Your Highness, I… Olori obstructed, I must not hear a word from you, get out of my room! She stood beside her and left the room…
The king entered and saw the way Banke walked out. Olori, why is this girl walked out like “angry bird”, I hope nothing is wrong with her brain? Your Highness, do I have to be her mood detector, I don’t know of course. You can ask her by yourself. O, my beautiful queen I know you are still angry with me. I once told you I need a new wine (wife). My body will soon grow weak, and sooner than expected my soul will join his ancestors. Who then will inherit the kingdom? Pls don’t be selfish.
Selfish? Your Highness said. Hmm, let just assumed you are to marry which I can never agree though, is it now polite to be your own daughter.
 I told you woman, Banke was brought to marry here… She cut in, Yes, to marry and the marriage should be your son, our only son. May his soul rest in peace. The prayer is late, your useless son, I told him to get me a son for the throne, he left without fulfilling my purpose, even his soul does not know peace, do I concern? Mitchew. Common, let’s be realistic…

 Your Highness, on this matter, it is a fish (meaning; impossible), she said.

 Mama Ronke, come and take a seat, there is something you need to know. They both sat down by side and the king began his long speech.

KING
It happened like this, on the faithful day I was announced the king of this great kingdom. You remembered the OLU-AWO (the chief priest) called me in. He told me message from the gods. He said this kingdom will be taken away to another family which I cannot stand to happen. I know full well the oracle has a plan to meddle with my family and, to actualise it, it should, either our village is captured and war down or exactly the situation on ground, That’s, I don’t have a son to take over after my demise. Now you can see, I need to take a drastic action to put the oracle into shame. After the death of your son, my fetish came, he pleaded the gods of the land on my behalf with some sacrifice. But, killing the wh0le village as burnt offering might not end this prophecy that is why I need to act fast. You know the elders say, wisdom is superior to power. Let the oracle use his power while I apply my wisdom as the king of the land….

Olori was dumb. She folded her arms across her chest. She only faced a direction till The king stood beside her and left.

As he stepped out of the Queen’s chamber, he saw a guard that knelt before him.

KING
Yes, I’m listening, what is it this time?

GUARD 3
Kabiesi (your Highness), there is mango on the tree, no body knows when it will fall down.

KING
Ehm, Mr man, do you have something to say or you have drunk again. If a mango fails to fall, why not throw a stone to it.

GUARD 3
Drunk! How your Highness, when the sky falls, hmm, my lord, where can we hid.

KING
Is that all you have to say?

GUARD 3
No, my lord, no. they said it…

KING
So, it is they said you are bringing to me.

GUARD 3
Yes my lord, I also heard it.

KING
Heard what?

GUARD 3
That is what I can say. Sorry your Highness, I mean I don’t know.

KING
(The king was so furious)
Who brought this thing to the palace. Guard! Guards!

GUARD 3
Here I am my lord, why are you still looking for another guard when you have one here with you.

KING
I want them to take you to your grave.

GUARD 3
Ori iyami (the head of my mother), I ran here to inform my lord because the end has come to this wh0le world, now your Highness is sending me to grave, o, where will I hid as the sky is falling.

KING
It will fall on your head and your generation. Can you imagine a lunatic like this one guiding me. Am I truly safe?

GUARD 3
That is where I’m going my lord, we are not safe anymore.

KING
I said it, I know you have been cursed. Wait let me tell you, as from this day, OK? I don’t want to see you in this palace. Do I make my self clear?

GUARD 3
Indeed, your Highness, there is calamity outside the palace, where will I go my lord?

KING
Go and join your forefathers in the grave.

GUARD 3
As your lord commands…

The king heard a loud drum and other battle sounds. He was confused, he looked at the guard.

KING
Do you hear that?

GUARD 3
Yes your highness, that is what I am trying to say.

KING
You mean you are trying to say there is war?

GUARD 3
Something like, they said they will wage us war. My head (he touched his head). The sky is falling on us.

KING
The sky is indeed falling… But you are not to live amongst human. you should have told me this before now…

The king commanded the guard to summon their BALOGUN (warrior leader) while he went to lobby eagerly waiting for his chiefs. Now, he was no more at rest, WAR HAS COME!!!

To be continued…

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