Nice

enamored1 please update na

You guys might not believe me when I say this but I was very busy. I had no time for myself these past few days and only came to Nairaland to read front page news headlines.

I am terribly sorry and will try to make it up to you.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN


Ayomide saw his chance before the snake noticed what was happening. It darted past, spraying purple liquid which Ayomide sidestepped and brandished his machete making a long gash along its underbelly, spilling blue blood and exposing its innards. The snake quickly coiled, letting out a long hiss. Eyes bloodshot, it watched its death approach, matchete dripping blue and it steeled itself for one last attack.

It lunged again, baring its purple fangs, but Ayomide struck faster, severing its head with one mighty swing.

‘Wow, elder brother is quite powerful,’ Okikiola muttered while Akinlabi just stared wide-eyed.

‘You can come now,’ Ayomide laughed, panting slightly.

He used his matchete to prod the beast, certifying that it was dead before collecting its corpse in some sort of storage device he wore on his waist.

‘This snake had scales with very strong defense in addition to its corrosive poison. If I had used a normal machete, I would not even have been able to penetrate its hide.’

‘Luckily,’ Ayomide continued, ‘father gifted me with this machete. It is called fiend-slayer and it is an extremely sharp Rank One weapon.’ He explained to his brothers.

Okikiola nodded at the band on Ayomide's waist, ‘Can I carry it?

‘No you can't. I'll give you a storage-belt of your own later on and you can store the beasts you kill there. This one contains the antidotes, talismans and so on father gave. I have to keep it safe.

‘You are injured,’ Akinlabi exclaimed pointing at Ayomide's leg which had already started going black.

‘I know.’ Ayomide sat in the lotus position, removing a pill and popping it into his mouth. ‘Both of you, wait a bit while I force the poison out of my system.’

Akinlabi and Okikiola sat nearby, staring coldly at each other while keeping an eye on their surroundings. After a short time Ayomide stood up, beckoning to them.

‘That's all. Let's go find some Rank One beasts for you both to kill.’ Ayomide said laughing.

Akinlabi and Okikiola were visibly stunned but they quickly followed him, excitement flashing across their faces.

After about a quarter of the time an hourglass takes to completely let out its contents, Ayomide signalled that they wait. There in a small clearing, stood a mighty behomoth, tearing at the innards of an animal.

Ayomide laughed and said, ‘don't be scared. It's just a Rank One Crimson Bulltiger.’

Okikiola and Akinlabi both looked at Ayomide as if to say, ‘we are going to fight that.’

Ayomide did not pay them much heed as he said, ‘This bulltiger may be too strong for you as you have never fought any life-death battle and you haven't even been properly trained.’

‘You think?’

‘I'll go forward and wear it down a little for you, then I'll leave both of you to deal with it. Prepare.’

As Ayomide stepped into the clearing, the bulltiger raised its head, angry at the interruption and assessed the intruder. Ayomide just smiled an unsheathed his now clean machete, and calmly stepped closer.

The bulltiger assessed him, considering whether to fight or flee but as its assailant neared with glistening steel, it roared and charged to meet him.

Sweat ran down Akinlabi's back in rivulets as he tightly clutched the machete he had been given. This ferocious beast was even more terrifying than the snake Ayomide had slain earlier. While its large curved horns could not gore its opponent, its thick pillar-like legs could surely trample someone underneath them, not to mention that each of those legs had claws - claws that looked just as wicked as those rows of razor-sharp teeth.

As man and behomoth clashed, the beast was quickly and easily driven back. Pretty soon, it was panting heavily while rivers of blood ran down its already red body. Ayomide, Okikiola and Akinlabi noticed, was having a easy time dealing with this beast, as scary as it was. It was obviously far weaker than the previous snake.

‘It's your turn.’ Ayomide shouted. He had already gone to the beast's other side, forcing it towards the two frightened boys.

‘How hard can it be‘ Okikiola thought and charged forward, Akinlabi closely following. Okikiola had been training, learning to fight since he could walk, naturally, he had more confidence in fighting the beast than Akinlabi.

The beast raised its head and saw two tiny humans, rushing to meet it with upraised machetes while screaming loudly. It quickly made its choice, barreling towards them, noticably much slower than before as Ayomide had already slashed two of the major tendons in its hind calves.

Okikiola got to it first and slashed at abandon on its face before he was head-butted away. Akinlabi was more careful as he was not as confident so he monitored the raging bulltiger, narrowly escaping an extended claw before driving his machete deep into the beast's leg.

The beast let out a roar of fury, sweeping out its other leg in a kick that Akinlabi almost dodged but its extended claw grazed him and the pink flesh underneath his skin was exposed.

Ayomide chuckled at the scene. Everything was within his grasp and if things started to grow awry, he would be able to quickly intervene. They had to practice, to put their lives on the line. If they grew up coddled, they would end up weak and useless. They would also start becoming closer once they worked in tandem like this.

Okikiola was already roaring, charging like a mad man at the bulltiger and although the beast could no longer move, it faced its assailant with an iron will.

‘Careful!’ Ayomide warned and Okikiola was able to dodge the giant paw that swiped at his belly just in time. He dragged his machete down the back of the beast which bellowed it's fury at the heavens. However, it was already getting troublesome for the beast to remain on its feet.

Akinlabi and Okikiola quickly subdued it, Akinlabi still cautious but Okikiola getting more dating as they fought. He wanted to deliver the blow that would kill the beast. He wanted to bear that glory. He would not, could not, allow Akinlabi take that from him.

‘Okikiola, be careful!’ Ayomide warned once more but he was past all hearing. Okikiola struck, burying his machete beneath the beast's head and deep within its neck.

‘Argh!’ Okikiola screamed as the front right paw of the beast tore his belly open. The beast kneeled and dropped dead, resentment in its eyes but Okikiola was already loudly bawling on the ground.

Ayomide had sprung forward the moment he saw what was about to happen but he was too late. He got to Okikiola just as the beast died.

Akinlabi came forward, unsure of what to do.

‘Help me hold him down.’ Ayomide barked, rummaging through the storage-belt he had at his waist.

Akinlabi quickly fell to his task, struggling to pin down the flailing Okikiola while Ayomide applied some sort of salve he brought out of his storage-belt. He finished applying it and looked down at Okikiola who had fainted from pain.

‘This is pretty bad.’ Ayomide shook his head. He glanced at the frightened Akinlabi and said, ‘I have to take him back to get help, as soon as possible.’

Akinlabi just nodded.

‘You will only slow me down.’ Ayomide hesitated for a second before asking, ‘Do you know the way back.

‘I do.’

‘Good.’ Ayomide fished into his belt again and brought out two talismans. ‘This is an escape talisman. He said placing it in Akinlabi's palm.

Akinlabi looked at the talisman which had a dull shimmer.

‘It is incomparably precious and expensive. Father has only two of them and he gave us one as a means of escape. Please do not use it unless you face a ferocious beast then it will allow you burst forth with the speed of a Master Warlock. You should be able to easily escape then.’

‘This one, Ayomide said passing the second talisman to him, ‘can protect you from three strikes below the Great Warlock level. It is just as precious as the Escape Talisman and should not be used casually.’

‘How do I use them?’

‘Just release your spiritual energy into them. Ayomide said placing the fainted Okikiola on his shoulder. ‘Remember, you should only use them if absolutely necessary. Ayomide used his right hand to make Okikiola steady, while he use the other to squeeze Akinlabi's shoulder.

‘Be careful.’

‘I will.’ Akinlabi nodded.

Ayomide took off at a speed that stunned Akinlabi and soon, he disappeared from Akinlabi's range of vision. Akinlabi stood there a while wishing he was as powerful as this elder brother of his before he started on his way.

‘Hello Akinlabi.’

Akinlabi was startled as he saw a hooded man standing in his way. This man filled Akinlabi with a great sense of danger. His subconscious was warning him to run as this man leisurely stepped towards him.

Beautiful update.

great

daddio:
Beautiful update.

Iizykidoo:
great

I am grateful to you guys for staying with me.

I'll be traveling tomorrow and will be extremely busy but if I can't post tomorrow night, I'll make it the next day.

Thanks for the update...

CHAPTER FIFTEEN


Akinlabi clutched the talismans in his hands tightly as he bowed to the man, ‘Good day elder, may I know why you have sought me out.’

The black robed man merely laughed as he nodded towards the talismans in Akinlabi's hands, ‘Do you even know how to use them? Not to say so but if I wanted act against you, I could do so before they activate.’

Actually, the heart of the man, Madam Ayo's assasin was thumping loudly. The value of those talismans were not something just anyone could afford. Only the elites of kingdoms could possess them and they were equivalent to second lives for them.

In Akinlabi's hands, a mere early Warlock Apprentice, those talismans could explode with powers equivalent to Master Warlocks but in his own hands, an early Master Warlock, they would explode with the power of an early Great Warlock.

Obviously, the higher the power-level, the lower they upgrade the power of the user. An early Initiate Warlock, if they used an escape talisman, would find their speed increased to the level of a late Master Warlock while a Grand Warlock would only find their speed or defense increase by a tiny insignificant amount if they decided to use the talismans.

One thing the assasin was afraid of was that he knew that the talismans were indeed instantaneously activated. He did not want Akinlabi to activate them so he could have them after he had done his job.

Akinlabi watched the man approach. It looked like he was trying hard to smile - to look approachable. However, his mind was screaming at him to run. All of a sudden, the man unsheathed the mean-looking blade by his side and sent it stabbing towards Akinlabi, only for it to stop an inch from him.

Akinlabi only took a moment to process what was happening before he ran. He didn't care where he was going, all he could think of was to escape. Fat chance of that happening as the man was just a pace behind him, face contorted in fury.

‘What a waste?’ the man thought and clenched his blade tightly as he sent another swipe at Akinlabi.

‘I am going to kill you,’ he roared.

Akinlabi was only happy that he had been cautious enough to activate the talismans immediately the man started walking towards him. He had been contemplating how he would explain the waste to Ayomide before but it seems that was unnecessary. He was going to die anyway!

Akinlabi did not know how powerful this man was but he felt he should probably be at the Master Warlock level. The man had struck him twice and he felt the power of the defense talisman remained a third of its original. Just one more strike now and its power would be completely used up.

As Akinlabi ran, He saw a low hanging branch and quickly ran towards it. He went under, dragging the branch with him and releasing it with a loud thwack and a sharp crunch.

‘You bastard!’ The man howled as the branch caught him square in the face.

‘I'm going to remove your limbs and impale you with them. He screamed as he renewed his chase with vigour.

‘This is it. I am going to die. Akinlabi thought about the events which led to this moment. His brother, Ayomide, his adoptive mother, Wumi. The only two people who genuinely cared about him. Now he was going to die without having a chance to say goodbye. All he ever wanted was a chance to grow up, grow strong and make sure his mother, Wumi lived a good life.

The strike which destroyed the last vestige of power the defense talisman had came too fast. Akinlabi tried to dodge it, maybe he could lengthen his life by a short while. He couldn't. The talisman shattered, leaving the escape talisman clutched tightly in his hand as he ran.

How long would it last? Ayomide had not said. Akinlabi hazarded a look back, just in time to see his pursuer swing his blade once more. The strike that could have severed his head missed, striking instead the hand that clutched the escape talisman.

Blood sprayed out and the talisman fell. Akinlabi tumbled as his speed suddenly, drastically reduced. He rolled for a while before a tree broke his fall. Akinlabi clamped down on his scream, coughing a mouthful of blood.

He sat, backing the tree and facing his assailant who had now stopped running and was now sauntering towards him. A swelling and cut over his right eye bleeding, where the tree branch had caught him.

‘Accept your death.’ The man growled.

Well he had accepted it. In this ‘last’ few moments of his life, he could not help but think about his birth mother.

[i] ‘I am coming to meet you now.’ [/b] He used his good hand to fiddle the round object he wore on his neck, dragging his thumb round its edge.

‘May I ask how I have offended you, elder?’ Akinlabi could not help but ask. At least if he was going to die, he deserved to know why.

The man just smirked. ‘Madam Ayo sends her regards.’ he raised his blade for the final strike.

Suddenly, the object at Akinlabi's neck started glowing with a blue light. The already downswinging hand paused mid-air as Akinlabi disappeared from sight.

Lakesc:
Thanks for the update...

And thanks for bearing with me.

Thanks for the update.

OP pls reserve big space for me...coming with my family n a big bag of popcorn

daddio:
Thanks for the update.

You are very welcome.

Ismaxx:
OP pls reserve big space for me...coming with my family n a big bag of popcorn

Abeg those in front should shift for this guy.

Ermm, can you leave small popcorn for me. E don tay wey I chop am.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN



Far, far away from the Great Expanse and Rocky Lands, a blacksmith was forging a battle-axe. Sweat ran down his well-muscled body as he rain down his hammer on the red-hot blade. Again and again. Small tendrils of lightening seemed to dance off the blade as the hammer made contact with it.

‘I am sorry to disturb you this time, Ogun.’ A black-robed middle-aged man standing before him said. ‘You are the only one who can handle the power of the cosmic lightening rod and harness it effectively while forging. Other forgers would probably get electrocuted upon touching it.’

Not raising his head from his work, the blacksmith replied, ‘it's no problem at all. I will be getting paid afterall, won't I?’

‘Of course, of course.’ Sango nodded then frowned. ‘Fifty sets of primordial treasures. You are still as miserly as ever. We have known each other for countless generations you know.’

‘Then you also know that I don't mix business with pleasure or personal relationships.’

‘You...’ Sango started a retort but stopped halfway.

He and Ogun both gazed North, their eyes seeming to pierce through space and reveal its mysteries.

‘What are those mortals playing at. Have they changed the date for the participation. Besides, how could they send this weakling? He won't even be enough for the guardian Òrìsà Ọkọ provided to pick his teeth with.’ Sango mused.

Ogun shook his head. ‘You are mistaken. You can see he is injured. He probably had the token with him and activated it to escape from danger. Which begs the question, doesn't he know that his destination is far more dangerous than whatever he was trying to escape from.’

‘If you are right then he probably used the token because he knows he can leave anytime - as long as he is not in a trial zone that is. Still, all the people with access to the Aafin's (Palace's) token are scions of the most powerful families.... Forget it, we have promised not to interfere in the mortals decisions.’

‘That's true. All we can do is prepare for her escape. We must not allow a repeat of that great calamity.’ Ogun concluded as he plunged the blade into a basin of black, shimmering liquid and continued forging.

Sango looked contemplative for a moment.

‘Ogun, I'd like to go back. Oya just sent me a message ordering me to come back immediately.’ He smiled.

‘Oh! Do relay my greetings to your wives. Don't worry, if your home is flooded again, I can accommodate you for a while - and a price, of course.’

‘Wipe that smirk of your face and go get yourself a partner.’

‘Thanks but I'll pass. I love my peace and quiet, besides you are a perfect example of why I must not try it.’

Sango ignored him and flew down the mountain muttering to himself. Once he got to the base of the mountain, he produced a battle-axe similar to the one Ogun had been forging and forcefully tore through space, creating a wormhole and stepped through it, disappearing from sight.

*********

Somewhere else, a man flew through the sky, landing at the edge of a volcano. The temperature was stifling and the ground was so parched that it was cracked in several places.

‘Eminent One,’ he called respectfully down into the volcano. ‘I am sorry to disturb you but I just received a report that our school's last token has been activated.’

‘What‽ A loud roar thundered from the depths of the volcano.

Immediately, the once calm magma started churning. The messanger instinctively moved back and a wave of magma suddenly towered out of the volcano, bathing the location the messanger had been earlier. The man seeing this involuntarily shuddered.

A man with fiery eyes, appeared and grabbed the messanger, by the collar.

‘Speak. When did you get this message?

‘Just now your Eminence. I wouldn't dare delay making a report on something as important as this.’

The man released the messanger who released a subdued sigh of relief.

‘Relay my orders. Find out where the token was activated immediately and.... Don't worry, I will see to this personally.’

**********

Akinlabi, the cause of this chaos, however had no idea what had happened as he slammed into the ground and passed out.

Getting intense

Thanks for the update... Its getting more intense, ride on Op......

Iizykidoo:
Getting intense

Lakesc:
Thanks for the update... Its getting more intense, ride on Op......

It only gets better

Terribly sorry for the delay. I just finished with this and I have not quite edited it yet.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN



Adedamola was surprised when he got to Pópóọlá's palace. Early that morning, he had been informed he was going to see the Ọba and that he should quickly prepare for the journey. He had been startled as he had not left the room much since the time he got pummelled by a magic-builder of the same power level as himself, a situation that still bugged him. Although he was allowed to go anywhere he wanted in Balogun Akinola's estate, he decided to use most of his time to train.

When Adedamola had heard this, the first thought that crossed his mind was escape. This was a good opportunity for him to leave but he decided to stay back at the end. Afterall, after he had met Balogun Akinola, the Balogun of Pópóọlá Kingdom, he had not been mistreated in any way but instead had been cared for as an exalted guest. This was the only way he would get answers to the cryptic message the Balogun had left before he ran to off to his capital.

Adedamola had never been to the palace of Popoola Kingdom but he could recognize it from the numerous books he had read. It was truly magnificent. He had heard about the wealth of the kingdoms that bordered the Rocky Lands but seeing it with his eyes, he almost could not believe it. He could point out, without even trying, many of the precious materials used in the construction of the palace. The palace was also built in such a way that there was a large invisible barrier surrounding it. He could only notice it because of the ripples of spiritual energy emanating from it. Its very stones were a placed in such a way that it added to the formation creating the barrier. Oyedepo's palace had a similar barrier but it wasn't even half as strong as this. It seemed like it would take about a hundred Grand Warlocks attacking simultaneously at full strength to deplete its energy reserves and break through it.

All the border kingdoms were trade hubs. People from various kingdoms congregated at these places to either sell or buy items that were not native to either region. Numerous businesses thrived in them and with the taxes and levies imposed by the crown, the kingdoms were able to prosper far more than their neighbours not to mention that the crown itself always had players in the various businesses.

One thing Adedamola could not figure out was what these people would want with him or his country. He doubted the Balogun's previous statement that the tribes of the Rocky Lands were amassing a force to attack the kingdoms of the Great Expanse. After all, he had sought the Balogun out but he had disappeared, along with that smirking son of his. What was his name again? Ogunfemi was it. He was preparing for a rematch. He would wipe the floor with those teeth when next they met.

As the heir apparent of Oyedepo, he had heard that Popoola Kingdom had sent envoys to the Kingdom of Oyedepo before but they had returned unanswered after his father and his ministers received them. He was not in the meeting as he was preparing to leave the palace then. He wanted to leave the comfort of the palace, go live in the world, experience hardship and build himself up.

‘Is this supposed to be some sort of retaliation for rejecting their request?’ He couldn't help but ask himself. He wondered what they could have requested that would make them risk war with Oyedepo.

The kingdoms bordering the Rocky Lands were powerful. They had to be. However, after these hegemons of the Great Expanse, Oyedepo Kingdom was one of the most powerful. It was fool-hardy to think that its army would sit still after the abduction of its prince. They might not be able to conquer Pópóọlá but they could make them bleed. This was a matter of prestige and honour!

Adedamola's carriage passed through the gates of the palace and he couldn't help but be impressed with the order of the palace guards. They stood there, straight-backed and alert, resplendent in their red and black robed.

The carriage lurched to a halt and he alighted. Two guards with a lady-in-waiting attended to him immediately.

‘Your highness, please follow me.’ The lady bowed and gestured before leading the way.

They walked for a while, unhindered by any of the palace guards and before long, they were in front of a resplendent building.

‘The Royal Gardens? ‘Didn't they bring me here for some reason? Why lead me to the garden? Do they want me to admire their flowers? Just what exactly are they up to?’ Adedamola wondered.

‘Maybe the Ọba is here?’ He quickly let it go and nodded as he passed through the midst of the grim-faced guards.

Inside, Adedamola quickly became enthralled by the myriad of flowery plants he saw there.

‘Isn't that the Yellow-Striped lotus that can be found only in the Misty Forest? That..., that flower looks like the Violet Dancer that is not only incredibly rare, but it is a wonderful medicinal plant.’ Oh! That's the Eristhe flower that can only bloom once in a decade! It is actually here. Adedamola shook his head. Of course, the resources the border kingdoms have access to are not something Oyedepo can compare to.

As he looked around, identifying flowers he had only read about but had never come across he suddenly felt as if he were acting like a country bumpkin. This was not good, he had to retain the aura of a dignified prince. Head high, he followed his escort, nodding at the beauty of the garden around him as if it barely managed to meet up to his standard.

‘It's beautiful, isn't it? The voice that plagued his dreams assaulted his ears.

He swiftly turned around, and there, standing before a pool, backing him and feeding the carp was Adeseye, looking like a fairy that transcended the earth.

He had two options: stay, hear what she had to say or leave. Storm out of the garden, and not look back. At least that's what she did.

His mind was such a flurry of thoughts that he did not hear the guards and the lady-in-waiting bid goodbye. He just stood there staring at her back as she gently fed the carp.

He had planned what to say when he met her, he had planned his actions, so why was he standing there, gawking like a fool. The silence was becoming awkward when she finally turned to face him and smiled.

‘Have you been in good health, my Lord?

Yes, that did it. He turned and was about to storm away when he heard her shout.

‘Don't you dare take another step.’

Adedamola frowned but he stopped.

‘Or what?

‘Or I'll kick you in the nuts. By now you should know that I deliver great kicks.’ She replied, closing the gap between them.

She was behind him. Her lavender and rosewater scent assaulted his nostrils, clouding his thoughts.

He, he had to think; he had to leave - he had to talk to her. Why did she deceive him? Sure he had only known her for little more than a week but - oh gods, it hurt - why did it hurt so much?

‘I am sorry, Damola. More sorry than you can imagine. She tentatively placed her left hand on his right shoulder but he immediately jerked the hand away, taking a step back.

‘No you don't get to do that. You don't get to act like we are friends.’

‘But we are friends. At least, we used to be.

‘I thought we were, until I found out you had been lying to me all along.’

‘I did not really lie. I withheld some information. There's a difference.

‘It's the same to me.’

Their voices had rapidly risen to the point where they were both now shouting at each other.

Adeseye took a step back and asked calmly, ‘Really? Then why are you here?’

‘You know why I am here. I thought I was coming to meet your father.’

‘He will see you shortly.’ She replied and then added, ‘So you did not want to see me?’

‘I didn't!

Adeseye nodded. ‘I see.’

She gestured at a stone bench with backrest by the side of the people and sat down. Adedamola remained standing.

‘What do you know about the tribes of the Rocky Lands?’ Adeseye raised her head to look at him.

‘I'd rather not discuss this with you.’ Adedamola turned to leave.

‘I was tasked with informing you about what we have found out. You can keep your anger for later.’

Adedamola frowned, then turned and took the sit beside her.

‘The Rocky Lands? I know that there is little to no spiritual energy there. The tribes there practice magic-building by relying on the spiritual stones they mine from the depths of their numerous Spirit Rocks.’ He stopped and then added, ‘Our kingdoms in the Great Expanse have a good relationship with them, something you would know seeing how prosperous yours is.’

Adeseye looked at him and shook her head. Convincing him was going to be difficult. Her kingdom was in peril and they needed Oyedepo's army. If she failed, well she could not imagine what would happen. She would try her best. She would bare the whole truth before him, see what he made of it.

‘You are right, but it is true that the tribes of the Rocky Lands are planning to launch a massive invasion on us?’

Damola snorted as he replied, ‘Who would believe such cock and bull story? What do they stand to gain from invading the Great Expanse? Also, if this were true, I am certain it would be top secret information. How did you come to hear about this? Besides, your kingdom is in danger so what? What has all this got to do with me? Why would you risk Oyedepo's wrath in abducting me? Do you want to be attacked from both sides?’ He quickly listed a series of questions.

‘I know it's too much to take in but it is true. I am sorry but we really need Oyedepo. We would have come clean but you know how stubborn your father can be. We have also tried once, it did not work out. As for your part in all this, our Pópóọlá Kingdom sent an envoy to your Kingdom of Oyedepo taking ‘evidence’ that you were abducted by Ilani tribe of the Rocky. We want you to corroborate our story.’

‘You did what?’

Adeseye put her hands on her temple. ‘I am sorry but it was not my decision nor my choice. I would not have brought you into this if I had my way.’

The rage bubbling in Adedamola calmed a bit. He looked at the distraught Adeseye - gods she was beautiful - and calmed down some more. As a prince himself, he understood being forced to do things he did not want - gods, even his Royal Father's hand was forced at times. However, he still had to retain a facade of being furious.

‘Your story has so many flaws.’ He frowned. ‘Where do I start? Oh, yes! If what you say is true....’

‘It is.’

Adedamola ignored her.

‘If what you say is true, you can make your preparations while informing the surrounding kingdoms. If the war truly breaks out, let alone Oyedepo, other surrounding kingdoms will join you. You just need to hold out for a short time. With Pópóọlá's strength, that should not be to difficult. This leads to another question.’

‘Princess,’ the lady-in-waiting that escorted Adedamola to the garden interrupted. ‘The Ọba will see him now.’

‘Thank you, Fumi.’ Adeseye replied and turned to Damola. ‘What was the question?

However, Adedamola just stood up, ‘there's no need. I'll ask your father. Maybe he'll be more truthful.

‘Don't be stubborn. I will not keep you any longer.’ Adeseye replied also getting up. ‘Just come out with it?

‘Fine. Why is Oyedepo the only kingdom I see you bringing into this. That's suspicious.’

‘Oyedepo is not. When you get to my father's council chamber, you will meet others who have been invited. Some have agreed already to marshal their forces with ours while others are still as skeptical as you.

‘Just please, give us a chance. We uncovered this secret by sacrificing some of our spies in the Rocky Lands. The tribes are planning a full-scale assault on the Great Expanse and they plan to use Pópóọlá as an entry way. We would not last long against the bulk of the Rocky Lands forces. By the way, once we are gone, Oyedepo blocks them to the South. We would like to gather as many forces as we can and stand against them together.’

Adedamola looked at her pleading face - stared into the pool of her eyes - and turned away.

‘Don't stare at me like that.’

‘It's working, isn't it?’

‘No, it's creepy.

Adeseye chuckled.

‘Alright. I'll help you but I need proof. War is not something to be taken lightly.

Adeseye exhaled a breathe of relief. ‘Thank you. The reason you are going to see my father now is for the proof.

‘Just one little thing, the others also think you were abducted and we rescued you. Could you corroborate our story before them?’

Adedamola just turned to the lady-in-waiting and said, ‘Lead me to your Ọba.’

Its getting more and more interesting. Thanks for the update...

Bring moreeeee

Thanks for the update Brother