The condition of Igede Kingdom seems to be worsening on a daily basis. The wind seems to be blowing only sorrows, the land is so quiet that the slightest noise of an insect can be heard aloud. The people are in mourning, the evil happenings in the land has taken a new shape. The mysterious sickness affecting only the male children seems to be the added feature of the upgraded version of the people's sufferings.
"Greetings, eyes of the gods." The elders of Igede, greets Adamma the high priestess of Udala Kingdom. "Who are they that have come to seek the presence of the gods?" The priestess asked. "We are the one. We are sent by King Agu of Igede kingdom, to seek solutions to the unending sufferings of our people." The elders replied.
"The solution that you seek lies in the evil forest. You will have to send seven hunters to the land of the dead, from there, they will find the solutions to the sufferings of your people." The priestess said after consulting the gods. "The earlier you do this, the better for you, as time is not by your side." She added.
On getting home, the elders told the king what the priestess had said. "You have done well, my elders." The king said in appreciation of their efforts. "Now is the time to make sure everything the priestess has said is effectively done." He added while commanding the elders to put together the hunters that would embark on the journey to the evil forest.
Hours later, the seven hunters needed for the journey were gathered. The king had given them his blessings while clearly stating that the fate of Igede kingdom is in their hands now, as they get ready to embark on the journey.
The journey was all going well, until they met Ikuku, the gatekeeper of the evil forest. Ikuku has refused to open the gate, stating that they must make a sacrifice to him before he can open the gate. It was a difficult situation for the hunters, none of them was ready to give up his life.
Recalling the state of things at home and the words of the king, Ebuka, their leader, moved forward, accepting to be used for the sacrifice. On seeing the courage of this young man, Ikuku said to them "what your kingdom lacks is someone that is ready to sacrifice his life for others. Now that he stepped forward, accepting to be sacrificed, the curse placed on your land by your high priest, has been lifted. However, it would come to be, once he (Ebuka) is crowned the king. Now, go! And tell the king what I have said." Ikuku's voice echoed as he disappeared.
On getting close to the palace, a loud drum was heard. "This drum signifies evil, the iroko has fallen." One of them said as he recognised the sound of the drum. On entering the palace, behold, the king was dead. "The gods are wise, they all said, as they narrate everything they were told to the elders.
After the king's burial and the crowning of Ebuka, as the successor of King Agu, peace and prosperity returned to Igede kingdom.
