A love to remember

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN - CHARLES TYNDALE

A few days had passed after Tyndale's letter was received. Charles Tyndale's letters, laced with venom, had arrived twice, each one escalating the stakes.

Akaninyene's eyes scanned the latest letter, his jaw clenched.

"He's growing impatient," Akpan noted, standing beside him.

Akaninyene's gaze lingered on the words:

"You thought you could silence me by eliminating lord Oscar Maximilian, think again. Meet me at the old windmill on the outskirts of London. Come prepared, you see, we'll have a lot to discuss."

The memory of the Baron's demise still lingered. Akaninyene's spies had taken care of him, but little did they know they had made things worse for themselves.

"Akpan," Akaninyene called, his voice low.

Akpan spoke, his expression grave.

"My lord?"

"Prepare our men. We meet Tyndale tomorrow."

Akpan nodded.

"And, Akpan?"

"Yes, my lord?"

"Just forget it." Akaninyene said.

As Akpan departed, Afia walked in.

"Akaninyene, we can't give in. Our secrets are safe, for now," Afia continued, "but Tyndale's anger is palpable. We must tread carefully."

That night, Akaninyene's mind replayed past events.

Baron Maximilian's elimination had been a calculated move.

But Tyndale's retaliation was unforeseen.

What would Tyndale demand?

Would they be forced to surrender their secrets? Or would they find a way to outsmart him

The next day, Akaninyene, Afia, and their entourage rode for miles till they got to the old windmill. Charles Tyndale awaited, his eyes blazing.

"Welcome, my friends." Tyndale said. "I see you understand the gravity of your situation."

Akaninyene's expression remained stoic.

"Speak up, what is it that you want, Tyndale?"

Tyndale smiled, a cold, calculated smile.

"Ah, the negotiations begin." he said.

Tyndale's smile grew, his eyes glinting with malice.

"You see, Akaninyene, your empire is built on sand. And I hold the tide that will wash it away."

Ezebunafor's jaw clenched.

"What do you want, Tyndale?"

Tyndale's voice dropped to a menacing tone.

"I want 50% of your African trade profits. I want control over your shipping routes, your warehouses, and your trade agreements.

Afia's eyes widened.

"You cannot be serious." he said.

Tyndale's laughter echoed through the windmill.

"Oh, I'm dead serious. And that's not all. I want Akaninyene's personal guarantee of safe passage for my ships through African waters. I want access to your African ports, your trade networks, and your resources. And I want you to surrender your spies and assassins to me, so I can... reeducate them."

Ogbonaya's face paled.

"You're asking for our surrender."

"I'm demanding it. Refuse, and I'll unleash hell upon you. Your empire will burn, your people will suffer, and you'll face treason charges. The Crown will hang you from the gallows." Tyndale said.