Way of The Pride

3| The Omen

*Image of Aniweta

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King's Palace
Isimir
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Iweobi awoke at the third cock's crow tired and worn to the bone. Aside from the guards of the Kingdom, one would question the reason for a man of Isimir to be up and about at the crack of dawn. His case, however, was different.

The position of Head guard and the King's right-hand came with lots of responsibilities, all which required tending to if the day was to run smoothly.

Satisfied with his morning ablutions he clothed himself in his official wear, a feathered headband, an armour crafted from a crocodile's hide and a leathered waist-garment that fit around his large frame. Swords strapped firmly to his back he stepped out of his hut and headed out for the day.

By mid-morning he had completed the inspection of the palace walls as well as morning rounds with the guards, noting with keen eyes the absent and separating those who displayed a lack of resolve on duty. Laziness was a character he detested and he would have no such man among his ranks.

He then proceeded to the royal quarters to relieve the night sentries from guard duty, replacing them with the Royal bodyguards assigned to the household.

Security in and around the palace was strategized in such a way that the safety of the royal household was ensured at all times especially in an instance of danger. Surrounded by impenetrable fences erected with the stones of their motherland it was impervious to attack.

South of the palace housed trained guards ready to defend at the sight of danger. To the west was an escape route hidden behind a false wall easily assessed through the cooking hut. The throne room facing north as well as the entrance were heavily defended by the strongest of guards.

There was no room for failure.

With the security of the royal household ensured, he had one more task to carry out before heading towards his King.

The palace was busy with early morning activities. Maids returning in groups from the stream with water-filled calabashes on their heads while some headed back with baskets of bundled clothes for washing.

Sounds of dried palm fronds brushed against the ground as he passed by maids hard at work sweeping. They all stopped to bow their heads on noticing his presence.

''Greetings, Head guard.''

''Greetings to you all.''

From the wonderful scent of akpu and bitterleaf soup wafting the air he knew that preparations for the morning meal had started. As the delicious aroma teased his nose, Iweobi's belly began to sing a tune similar to the dying groans of a lion on death's door.

Turning left towards the backyard of the palace, he chose to avoid the kitchen area before he succeeded in making a fool of himself in front of the maids. It was too early in the morning to be embarrassed.

On approaching the guard's sleeping quarters his eyes sought the person he was searching for caught in a compromising position with a palace maid. Interesting.

''Iga.''

Iga politely excused himself and walked up to him, concern showing on his face. The maid in question turned to her heels and hurriedly took off in the manner of a thief caught red-handed.

To his knowledge he knew that some guards and maids engaged in carnal relations especially during night-time to the oblivion of the King and Queen. Even though such action was banned in the palace it still continued in secrecy.