Overthrown #ProjectNigeriaUC2017

Chapter 8

I took my time walking as I savoured the forest breeze. The sun was gradually setting; it was time to return home. Lately, Aunty Nwibari had started getting more inquisitive about my whereabouts. She had instructed me that before the sun fully sets, I should be in the hut. I understood her anxiety. For the past days, I had observed her fidgeting for the slightest things and frequently voicing out her fears about Obuike's safety. She had been hearing rumours of a slave rebellion and had warned him to be on the lookout. He had assured her he would only move in the company of his most trusted guards though that only did little to soothe her.

The slave rebellion was not something I looked forward to. Sure it would bring about freedom from oppression but that would mean that Obuike must inevitably die. But I also thought of the future if we eventually regained our freedom. If I returned back home, would I still see my mother and Papa?
The rustle of leaves and a blur of quick movements tore me away from my thoughts. I looked around. I saw nobody but my instincts told me danger was lurking nearby. I quickened my pace to be the point I was almost running.
Suddenly, someone jumped down behind me. I had only began running when someone grabbed me from behind. I screamed but a hand covered my mouth and then my eyes. I was still struggling when I felt a sharp blow on my head, then I saw nothing anymore. I had blacked out.

* * * * * *

I opened my eyes. Everywhere was pitch black; I wondered if I was still unconscious. I felt someone touch my legs, I pulled them away.

"Oroma," a familiar voice called out softly. I tried to discern it.

"It's me, Wami," he whispered.

"Wami!" I gasped before he hushed me.

"What are you doing here? How did I get here?" I asked under my breadth.

"You were kidnapped."

"You kidnapped me? Why?"

"On orders," he replied gravely, "I was ordered to kidnap the king's lover."

I blushed in the darkness. I wondered his facial expression.

"By who?" I asked.

"Chikweri," he said tightly.

"Who is Chikweri?"

He explained it all to me. For the few months past, the Ikwerre slaves have been planning a rebellion to regain their freedom. In order to attain this, they had to get rid of the king but they were not the only ones with the same desire. A young man, Chikweri- a palace insider- who claimed he was the rightful heir to the throne greatly desired the king's demise. With Ebulu as the leader and spokesman -though a palace slave- Chikweri had been able to gain the trust of the slaves. If we could help him eliminate the king, he would assume the throne and grant us back our freedom.
Later on, Chikweri made mention of the king's lover. If they could convince this lover to lure the king to their trap, they would be able to successfully do away with him. He had described to four of his trusted slaves all he knew about this lover. With this description, they were to find her, kidnap her and make her do this. I was this lover and Wami, one of the four slaves.

"Oroma, I am so disappointed with you. Why would you fall in love with of all people, our arch-enemy?"

"I do not know," I mumbled sheepishly.

I heard him take in a deep breath.

"Well, everything happens for a reason. With you, we could lure the king easily and then everything else would fall into line."

I gulped nervously at the thought of participating in murder. He reached for my hand.

"Do it for your land, your people, your mother," he said tenderly, "And Oroma...I had always wanted to tell you...I love you."