EMPIRE – THE RULER (Episode 7)

EMPIRE – THE RULER EPISODE 7
© OLADIPO DANIEL

AYE village was thoroughly searched, soldiers moved door to doors in quest for the lady, BANKE. Some of the soldiers stole from the villagers in the course of the search. Who dare to raise his or her voice, they were under the command of their king, ADEDAPO. DAYO knew so well they would find her in his house, he sat down outside waiting for any of the guards or villagers to surface and fight them. While he was waiting, AYO came. He told him to return the girl back to the king than to fall in the hands of the enemy. DAYO was incorrigible, he nearly fought AYO for saying this. The first soldier met them but could not enter their house as he saw two young guys fighting, he told them to kill themselves before he returned.

AYO
You see exactly what I’m saying, I will not continue to side you ever once you insist in this MISSION. I told you to let forget the past and move up.

DAYO
I will cut off your head anytime you talk about forsaken my purpose.

They were still in the middle of the dispute when BANKE sneakily walked into their midst.

BANKE
Why must you guys fight because of me, I thought you guys were friend. And, pls what is the “mission” did I hear from you guys?

They both looked at each other and nodded nothing.

AYO
I mean, there are some people looking around…

BANKE
(She raised hand to AYO to hold his speech)
I know, I heard every bit of your conversation. I think AYO might be right. Return me to the palace than fall into the hands of the unknown strangers.

DAYO this time did not have anything more to say, he told AYO if he could, at his own risk return her to the palace. He agreed. The two of them left through the back forest and showed her a way to the palace. Thank you she said. They were sudden noise from the palace, “we have found her”. From different direction soldiers and the palace guards bombarded them before AYO could escape, He was caught and arrested. They questioned him why he kidnapped the lady, he did not want her to be punished, he therefore need to silent for them to believe that the girl did not intentionally leave the palace but perhaps someone held her captive. She too was sober, she saw how AYO was being maltreated she did not want to make him looked like a liar so she pretended. AYO was imprisoned. Now the lady was back to palace, ASIPA also returned to the king.

ADEDAPO
You’re Weldon ASIPA, you really tried for us. The criminal has been put in prison. Now, why exactly do you want this lady desperately?

ASIPA
I must return to my kingdom with the lady my lord, she is very related to my enthronement. We are three in numbers fighting for the throne, but If I could bring this lady to our village and succeed in marrying her. Then I shall be the ruler of the land.

ADEDAPO
(The king remembered the last advice of his wife)
Well, must it be this lady? I think I can help you establish your kingdom.

ASIPA
How your Highness?

ADEDAPO
What if this girl does not want you?

ASIPA
I have met her once, shortly after their village was destroyed. She was very nice to me.

ADEDAPO
Being nice might not make her fall. Well, my wish is this. Take my only girl as your wife. And you will help me in convincing BANKE to marry me.

ASIPA
Wha.. Wha.. You… You… Mean I marry your princess?

ADEDAPO
Yes, once you agree with me.

ASIPA
Who am I to oppose your command. I only want to be the king once I marry any royal family.

ADEDAPO
Then, thank you star. You have now succeeded in your quest.

BANKE sneakily went to meet AYO in the prison, she asked why he decided to suffer much for her sake when he has never known her before now.

AYO
You are a good character, and moreover, you should have been the future queen if our friend has not died.

BANKE
But now, I could not be the queen. I can’t stand anymore seeing you humiliated for my sake anymore, I think I need to plead the king for your innocence.

AYO
Pls don’t be too nice, you will end up your life as the prince. There are too many secret in the village.

BANKE
Secret? What do you mean by that?

AYO
Promise me, you will keep yourself safe.

BANKE
I will try

AYO
You heard our conversation when I said DAYO has a secret mission…

BANKE
Yes!

AYO
We are not friends as people think, we are brothers…

RONKE voice could not make him complete the story. What are you doing with the prisoner she asked in a distance. I have been looking all round for you. There is something very important we need to talk before my parents will be searching for you. I think there is danger for you and I.

AYO
Please go before they see you with me… The lady said danger…

BANKE left his side walking towards RONKE when AYO shouted “pls stay out of trouble”. Why is he concerned of your safety? RONKE asked. She held Ronke’s hand drag her out of the place because of her load voice, just follow me, I will explain you everything. Let’s leave here before your voice put us into a bigger trouble.

To be continued…

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