EPISODE 1
EPISODE 2
Madu Ike did not know which was more terrible to come to terms with. The fact that his trusted friend, Ikenna had sold out to the enemies, or the fact that he was now looking at them with a big smile on his face. Madu Ike felt crushed. His spirits, terribly weakened. He looked at his small family and bowed his head in resign. So this is what failure felt like. He could not believe he had brought his family this far, only to fail them. It saddened him... Terribly. Oh. How the mighty has fallen. He looked at them one by one... Chi was still asleep on his back, blissfully oblivious of all that was happening. His older children seemed to comprehend but their eyes held no fear. And his wonderful wife... She stood as dauntless as ever. And when she spoke first, she shocked him.
"Ikenna. So this is it? After so many seasons of friendship, you sold yourself for what? A few pieces of cowries? Tufiakwa" Her voice was strong, loud, defiant and as she said her piece, she spat on the ground, expressing her displeasure. Ikenna only smiled more.
"Ahhh. Amaka. Ike will always be a lucky man for having you. Such spirit!", as he said this, he walked forward, arms opened, smile still in place. Amaka took a step back, using her arms to push her children backwards too.
"Spoken like a true snake. Do not come near me or my children!" He stopped then as her voice resonated. However, it was the nearing sound of footsteps and shouts that arrested his attention. Enough of this, he thought. They had to get out of here first. He looked at Madu Ike then.
"Dear friend. You have known me for long enough to know that my loyalty runs deep and I would never betray anyone I call friend, much more you. While your mistrust hurts me, now is not the time to settle grievances. The real enemies are upon us and we must be gone before they get here. Ike these men here, contrary to what you think have not come to hand you over to the wicked Queen. No. They were sent by the King himself to escort you to safety. A place while you shall wait until the time is right. And I promise you, it is soon'
Madu Ike's eyes widened as Ikenna's words settled in his ears. From the King? To safety? What did the King know of this? And how? He had so many questions but like Ikenna had said, now was not the time. He too could hear the noise. If indeed these men were for them, it only meant that their enemies were upon them. He looked Ikenna in his eyes then and for those few seconds, a silent understanding passed between them.
He cleared his throat then, willing himself to take control of his emotions as he swallowed. He looked at his family then and nodded his assurance.
As if on cue, they all started for the big canoe which awaited them.
"Ikenna. You have a lot of explanation to do." He said as they reached the canoe. After helping his wife and children to climb in, the men got in too. He did not have to paddle, as three of the other men already took paddles to work with, alongside Ikenna.
"In due time my friend, in due time" Ikenna simply replied, as the boat started moving. They had gone half way when everyone looked back to see the commotion happening at the river's bank. Men now stood there, with torches and machetes, their shouts angry. It was then that Madu Ike looked around and realised that there were no other boats or canoes by the river. There was no way the enemies could reach them. Looking up at Ikenna, his eyes lit up with gratitude and his friend only smiled in return.
As they got out of view of the hunters who were itching for their blood, Ikenna still had a private, satisfactory smile on his face.
This time, the truth shall prevail.
King Obinna sat in his private hut with someone he thought he would never see again. When Obiora disappeared years ago, that fateful night he lost Nnenna and her child- their son, he had believed that that was the last he will hear of his dear friend. Given, the circumstances surrounding his departure had not been favourable. In fact, he was going to exile Obiora the next market day and brand him an outcast when the chiefs sat for hearing. However, Obiora beat him to it. Looking back now at all that had happened, he sighed deeply in regret. Especially after hearing all that Obiora had to say tonight.
"My King. All is as I have told you. You would remember I fought for Nnenna. For her innocence. But you were so blinded by false evidence that your Queen had placed for you to see. So blinded that you refused to believe your friend and the only woman you have truly loved. I do not say you must believe all that I told you seasons past, or that which I have told you tonight. In due time My King, the truth shall prevail. I promise you"
King Obinna only gave a deep sigh. Obiora's sudden appearance had unsettled him. But even more so, he could not shake off the feeling that Obiora was saying the truth. Especially when he glowed with the presence and power of the gods. He was starting to think himself a fool. For not believing all that his dear friend had told him then, regardless of how much he had trusted him.
"Obinna. Be patient. Give it time. By sunrise, you shall hear about the demise of the Mazuebis... And by sunset, he and the men you sent shall return. Then, the end shall begin"
King Obinna simply stroke his beard in deep thought as he settled against his seat, grateful that Obiora had come back just in time, to stop another death.
Meanwhile in Ezewanyi's hut... She was desperately making up a contingency plan that was bound to fail. If only she knew...