When hearts collide

The King's Downfall

The grand hall was majestic, its golden pillars reaching towards the heavens, the floors gleaming with polished marble. Nobles and dignitaries filled every seat, their faces eager, expectant. Today was the "Obulo day" and King Imonitie sat upon his throne, his head held high, his chest swollen with pride.

His golden robes flowed around him, his crown gleaming under the chandeliers. He looked every bit the powerful monarch in clothes only, His pale face gave away his misery. His gaze was cold and calculating as he surveyed his subjects. They were all beneath him, obedient pawns in his game of power.

The herald's voice echoed through the hall. "All hail King Imonitie, protector of our land, descendant of the great ancestors!"

The crowd echoed the chant, their voices obedient. Imonitie's lips curled into a satisfied smile. They fear me... as they should.

He rose to his feet, his voice booming. "Today, we celebrate our prosperity and our unity under my leadership. Let it be known that I have protected this kingdom, preserved its power and kept its enemies at bay."

His gaze swept over the hall, his voice hardening. "Yet, there are those who whisper, who plot in the shadows but they will fail! For I am king, chosen by the ancestors and destined to rule."

A murmur of agreement rippled through the hall. Imonitie's heart swelled. I am untouchable... invincible.

He was about to continue when the doors burst open with a deafening crash. Gasps of horror filled the room as an old man staggered in, his white robes torn and dusty, his hair wild and unkept.

Imonitie's blood ran cold, his face twisting in anger. No... it can't be...

The man's eyes were hollow, his face gaunt. He looked like a ghost, a specter from the past. His voice was hoarse, trembling. "Imonitie... Imonitie..."

The hall was silent, every face turned towards the man in shock. Imonitie's hands clenched, his body trembling with fury. "You! You dare return even after I banished you?"

The man's gaze was unyielding, his voice echoing with power. "You cannot banish the truth... or the will of the ancestors."

Imonitie's chest tightened, fear flickering through him. He should be dead... I sent my men to kill him... but he forced a laugh, his voice dripping with disdain. "You are nothing but a disgraced priest... a madman driven to the wilderness."

The man's eyes blazed with fury. "I am the keeper of our sacred traditions, the voice of the ancestors and I bring their judgment."

Gasps of fear echoed through the hall. The man stood tall, his shoulders squared as he pointed a bony finger at the king. "You sold the sacred land, defiled our ancestors and betrayed your blood."

Imonitie's face turned red, his voice shaking with rage. "Lies! You speak lies!"

The man's voice grew louder, vibrating with power. "You defiled the shrines, silenced the priest, spilled innocent blood. You are cursed...cursed by the very ancestors you claim to serve!"

Imonitie's heart pounded, his chest tightening. No... no... this is madness... but he felt a chill run down his spine, the man's words sinking into his bones.

The priest's eyes burned with fury as he raised his hands to the heavens. "The spirits are restless and they cry for justice, for vengeance. You will fall, your throne will turn to dust, your name will be erased from history."

Imonitie's vision blurred, his body swaying as the priest's words echoed through his mind. Dust... erased... no... no...

The priest's voice grew harsher, more terrifying. "You will be hunted, tormented by the very shadows you created. You will die alone... cursed... forgotten."