EMPIRE – THE RULER (Episode 6)

EMPIRE – THE RULER EPISODE 6
© OLADIPO DANIEL 

The lady must not leave this palace, tell every guard, even the citizens, whosoever that brings back BANKE to this chamber will be blessed.
OLORI was not pleased with her sudden departure actually yet she didn’t know why her husband so much want the girl this much.

OLORI
My lord, this girl has gone, won’t you look for another way of averting the prophecy rather than chasing a rat round the street.

KING
Woman! Shut your mouth, I told you to leave this palace if you cannot side me.

OLORI
Ok, I will advise you look for the warriors at the outskirt because they might find BANKE before you. And you know what that means, right?

KING
You want to kill me, I know you think you can take away my throne. No problem.

OLORI
How my lord?

KING
How would you advise me go to my enemies?

OLORI
Yes, but it would have been the best thing to do. Ally with them, be as wise as tortoise and you will put them beneath your feet.

KING
Hmm, you are right my queen, I have loved you because of your knowledge, in fact, woman, ah! You are the strength of this earth.

OLORI
(Flattered)
Act fast my lord. Bring here their warrior leader, I shall prepare him a feast my self. Go at once!

The king departed. BANKE is nowhere to be found. She has been actually helped by a young guy, DAYO (a friend to late Prince). He knew she has never been in their village before and might find it difficult to know her way. So, he decided to help her. When he heard the king has ordered for her arrest, he then hid her in his house, promised to take her out of the village at dusk. The guards were searching the street, some villagers too joined in the quest because of the money their king promised whoever that finds her…
The king too has left the palace, he went alone in tattered dress, Disguised. He asked for their warrior leader.

KING
I salute you the great warriors. I have toured round the bushes for days. Thanks to the gods of this land that I finally found you.

ASIPA
What can we do for you and by the way, who are you?

KING
I am a strange man taking all around the messages from gods.

ASIPA
So, what did your gods say

KING
Thank you, a solution to your case. They said you have won the battle. But…

ASIPA
But what?

KING
They said your enemy has succ-mbed to your request but…

ASIPA
What is the but again

KING
That you must not shed blood

ASIPA
is that so, how then could battle be fought without shedding blood?

KING
you’re a wise man. I also have a message for the king. I suggest you go with me. Then you commune with him.

ASIPA
You must be joking, ehn! You want him get me killed right?

KING
Believe me, he just lost his heir – the only son this morning. He is mourning of his son.

ASIPA
If you can assure me of my safety. I will agree with you.

KING
Tell your people to await you here while we take our journey.

They both left the s₱0t back to the palace, the wise king told him to enter when they got to the palace while he said he would deliver a message to an abandoned widow close by. He assured him he would join him soon. Meanwhile, the king went to pass the backyard and redressed himself in monarch attire. Before he got in, the queen has served ASIPA delicious meal and wines that he hærdly recognized the KING as the priest who brought him to the palace.

ASIPA
Thank you your Highness for your hospitality. I join you to mourn your demise son. I wish him a smooth journey to the hereafter.

KING
You are welcome, you see why I desperately need be at peace. (He began to cry) my only son died on his wedding day. I don’t have anyone around to console me. Thank you for understanding my predicament.

ASIPA
So what can I do to please you?

KING
I want you to please search me a lady, BANKE. You once sent me a message you want the girl. So I pray you. Bring in your fellow and search every house in this village. But, (he made him touched his crown to swear) make sure you bring her here safely.

ASIPA returned to bring his soldiers into the village to search for the lady as he has sworn.

OLORI came in.

KING
A woman of knowledge, you are the secret behind an outstanding man. I salute you.

OLORI
I don’t know if you can let me help you, your Highness.

KING
Help! Tell me whatever you have in mind.

OLORI
I pray you keep with our youthful promise…

KING
Promise?

OLORI
Yes, that you will not have any other wife…

KING
Woman! Stop that else, I send you away from this palace. Will you take your leave if nothing more to say.

OLORI
Forgive me your Highness, I’ll tell you when I come to your room.

KING
Your are indeed the mother of the land. Pls…. Wait! What sound am I hearing?

OLORI
(She listened too)
Oh, The warriors at the outskirt are matching into the village now as you have ordered their leader, ASIPA.

To be continued

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