The whole village of Isemili was in low spirits as they mourned the death of two kinsmen and their families. It had been a sad thing to wake up to the burnt remains of Madu Ike's household and the dead bodies of Madu Okonkwo and family. No one could imagine who would cause such atrocity and every one wise enough, knew it was no coincidence. If only Madu Ike's compound had gone up in flames then maybe they would have believed but no, his best friend too was gone.
The King and Queen joined in the morning rites and everyone could see how distraught they were. Unknown to them, the Queen was deeply saddened and angered at her failed plans and the King, distraught with the truth which was now unveiling.
Later that evening, in the King's private chambers, they were preparing for the secret arrival of the Mazuebis. The King was more than ready to get all of this madness over with and tomorrow would not be soon enough. Soon, the Mazuebis arrive and after feeding well, they all sat to discuss, the little children put to sleep.
Seated in the huts were the King, Obiora, Madu Ike, Ikenna, Amaka and the King's most trusted guards.
It was Madu Ike who first spoke.
"Igwe. I greet. May you live long and well"
"Iseeehhh", others chorused.
"Igwe, while I am glad that we were saved by your men yesterday, I am still confused as to all that is happening my King. My dear friend here, Ikenna has refused to tell me anything. I must admit, curiosity has become me"
The King nodded in understanding as Madu Ike spoke. He understood all of this and was prepared to give Madu Ike the answers he sought.
"Obiora, you would be best to explain this to the man. After all, you began it all".
Obiora offered his King a small smile then cleared his throat before continuing."As you all know, I disappeared from Isemili about 16 years ago when the whole Scandal about the King's late Queen, NQueen, who got accused of crimes beyond human comprehension, blew up. They were only few of us who knew the truth, the truth that if I may be so bold to say, the King remained blind to. We tried to fight for Nnenna's innocence but after two of us died, we all agreed to a new plan and decided to go into hiding.
However, we all knew it was not quite finished for Ezewanyi and before she could strike, I went into hiding. It didnt matter much because the King was about to banish me anyway. It was while I was in a self imposed exile, that the gods visited me and gave me powers like their own. They chose me for their bidding so I continued to learn their ways, preparing for the time when I would have to come back to Isemili, right all that was wrong and take my rightful place as the Chief priest of this holy land.
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Yesterday morning, I was in my abode when a fearsome lightning struck just outside of my abode and it was accompanied by mighty thunder. The lightning simply meant it was time for the truth to come out. And the thunder meant that one of the only three men that still knew the truth in Isemili, was dead. While I am sad that it had to happen this way, I cannot question the gods who work in their mysterious ways. I got here as the sun set last night. Just in time to talk with Ikenna and confirm the god's revelation. I was able to eavesdrop on the Queen's plan too and talk to the King about it. My new divine look and my sudden appearance seemed to have made him believe me this time, so he sent help. The gods help in making all the boats on the sea invisible because it was too late to move them. That was how you were rescued Madu Ike. And by dawn tomorrow, all of this shall come to an end". Obiora finished and every one in the room sighed deeply.
They who knew the whole truth, were anxious for tomorrow and the King who thought he knew it all, only looked forward to justice. For his dear Nnenna and his child.
"Ezewanyi. Quit pacing around and actually come up with a better plan. What do we do? Madu Ike has escaped! And I heard a man who glows with the presence of the gods is in town. Now we must remember that only one lineage had that gift before the last of them disappeared. If my suspicions are right, Obiora is in town and we are doomed!" Adaora exclaimed as she shook her feet uncontrollably, worry starting to eat her up.
Ezewanyi herself had beads of sweat rolling from her forehead. For the first time in a long time, she was experiencing true fear. All that Adaora, had said was true. There was nothing more to do. Obiora's arrival spelled doom. They could not take a man in the god's favour. There was just one way out now. She looked at the men lounging in the forest where they had chosen for their rendezvous. There was only one reason they were still here, for protection. And now, they were going to help her escape.
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"Chai. Adaora. It is finished. All has come crumbling down. We must run. I shall ask for one of the men to get me Azuka and meet us by the river. Tonight, we must leave. Before our sins catch up with us. When the truth is unveiled, we shall not be spared. We shall be killed just like those we have killed"
Adaora felt her goosebumps grow bigger as the night's air suddenly grew chiller. Yes. Indeed. They would be killed and before that, they had to escape. Now!
"Ngwanu. Let us hurry oooo Obiagelli! We must make haste!" she all but shouted, dropping formalities and calling the Queen by her name.
With that, they sprung into action. But just as they were about leaving, armed men surrounded them, foiling their plans once again.