Oroma had always lived an ordinary quiet life.That was until her village was invaded.After being carried off as a slave, what more did the future hold for her? Never could she have imagined that was only the beginning.
King Pere sat in the company of his advisors in his palace. They were deeply engaged in a discussion which was heading into an argument especially between two of the most prominent chief advisors- Chief Akonte and Chief Dawari. King Pere interrupted their argument.
"How can I be sure that King Wiwa is plotting something against us?"
Chief Akonte answered first. "Of course, he is. Ever since he sent his men to check on Eleishiali, it has been nothing but trouble for us. Four of our very able men have already been killed in a fight with his men and for what reason, I do not know. He claims he went to Eleishiali to settle rivalry issues but since he went there, he has not left. Word has it that he has finally got hold of the legendary source of power and does not intend on leaving it any time soon."
The chiefs commented on this.
"How could Wiwa do such a thing?"King Pere asked rhetorically. "The original plan had been for him to find the source of power that had been the secret behind Eleishiali's unbeatable power and bring it so that we may all benefit from it."
Chief Dawari -the one who had been in argument with Chief Awongo- spoke up, "I believe Wiwa is a good man. We should not judge him too hastily. It is only normal for rivalry to ensue between men from different kingdoms. After all, they had not expected to meet our men whom we also sent secretly to spy out the land beforehand. Wiwa may have gone to make peace. Besides, he has not reported what we did to the King of Apaba. He may have intentions that would be beneficial to us. As for the source of power, we have to confirm it to make sure it's not just a rumour and if he has indeed got hold of it, we can start negotiating with him without involving the King of Apaba."
Some of the chiefs were nodding in agreement but Chief Akonte immediately countered.
"My advice is to get rid of any potential threat –King Wiwa being one especially if he truly has the source of power in his possession. Knowing the kind of man Wiwa is, he would want it all to himself. No two kings can share this source and Wiwa knows this too well. Wiwa as we know him is a sly man and never one to trust."
King Pere took in his words. "So this gives us enough reason to eliminate King Wiwa?"
Chief Akonte replied, "Your Majesty, though it does not necessarily give enough reason to do so, it is a perfect excuse, a perfect oppurtunity. You have always thought of how to eliminate the rulers of the other kingdoms in order to expand your ruling power, so obviously you would want the source of power all to yourself just as much. Am I right Your Majesty?"
King Pere let out a loud guffaw. "Your brutal honesty is why you are one of my closest chiefs. You are very well right. We would just have to play the game carefully without getting suspected. Now more than ever, is the time to strike the hot iron."
* * * * * As soon as it was twilight, Ebiere got out of her hut. It was dark, so she hoped nobody would notice her. Nobody did but neither did she notice the person walking in her direction. In her haste, she bumped into Obuike's stepmother.
"Good evening, Ma," she greeted after making out her face in the darkness. The matured woman was putting on an expensive wrapper wrapped over her chest as usual.
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