f Akun had neve

odies of worshipers, now echoed with a tension no drumbeat could ease. Clouds hung low since the death

from the upper

ano

sil

r: the royal decree

ite, beads around his neck, his face unreadable. Behind him were the other council members - the

moners. Traders left their stalls. Children were hushed.

f it stood the

years of war. His shoulders carried more than

2nd prince, Adeola. Q

mall smirk. It could be mistaken

u, looked bored, but h

ngest, stood tall, wide-eyed, tryin

began, voice strong, "the will o

tched. It wasn't the kin

war, and the royal line uncertai

owd st

ecover the Five Sacred Treasures - items demanded by the fi

s wasn't what he was told. He thought

ed Crown Prince. If two return, the kingdom will be shared.

pau

d Akun will fall into the h

illed t

e, flicked his eyes to

emand be fulfilled

t all

mber, the five princes, the queens, and

irst. "This is not wh

2nd prince, replied, voice soft but sur

3rd prince, tossing a fruit in the

ce, stayed silent, ey

ueen Morounkeji said. "He was sick, yes,

ince wasn't enough to lead alone,"

locked with h

that

eju stood qui

desola

for power," she said. "But somethin

at her. "What

e hadn't told the

The Ogboni are h

n that," said Adeo

they planned father's dea

le

ood. "Then the q

not just to find treasure. We go to

er of Akun, the news was the same:

Some doubted.

an old scroll. Her fingers traced the ink. It was a law passed long ago - a secret way to

beneath the palace, the High Ogbon

rn," he said, pour

ne?" some

ules. But

sed hi

ngdom i

t in memory of Kabiyesi - but in

yard, Adebayo

ve to do this," s

up. "I'm ready. Maybe not lik

Stick close to no one. Trust no prince w

red a qu

ith a shadowy figure in the western c

rince. Make sure

s clutched around the folded letter. Her father's true wi

asked Adelabu, the 3rd prin

startled. "Y

e with secrets. But som

aid n

ust be sure it's not

Morounkeji met w

ie. All of them. The

f even one returns, he must be st

Adeb

1st prince

"Then we must hel

hung over Akun,

days re

ances for

eps towar