oo loud to forget. The sun rose slowly over the kingdom of Akun, casting long shadows across the palace walls. Th

le wrapper, the morning breeze lifting its edge. His sword, though no longer needed, rested by

d not

eturn, the royal line ends." And behind those words, he heard som

pped. How Princess Adepeju's eyes welled with tears but did not fall. How 2nd Prince Adeola

, he thought. The kingdom, the throne, the quest-they were

Adepeju - walked into Kabiyesi's private chamber. She had not entered the room since his

anding softly on the large royal bed where he had once rested

inst the bedspread. As she adjusted the pillo

h the old royal emblem - not the n

ught. This letter was hid

she tucked it into her wrappe

ered in the upper chambers. The doors were close

too far?" one

at him sharply. "We've don

n prince without his know

l of the spirit

l?" someone

eved Adebayo still deserved the throne. Others feared his strengt

game. Only the strongest will return. And

e've groomed in sil

lence was a

oye leaned against the wall. He had not meant to e

needed to tell someone. But who could he trust? H

ce still standing ben

yo," h

him, surprised.

hispered. "The Ogboni... they

narrowed. "Wh

a choice. If none of us come bac

his stomach

I think this quest... it's not just about f

brother's shoulder. "Then we walk carefu

odded. "

n Akerele, Queen Morounkeji, and a few trusted maids sat quietly arou

open

yesi - written i

bayo, carries more than I gave him credit for. If the Ogboni twist my words, kno

a hand to her chest.

orounkeji said. "They ma

t to die," Akerele whisper

asked one o

dle burning beside them. "We

o stood once more at the palace gates. He watc

ays, they w

planned. He did not know what the Ogbo

arned through fire, he

or hi

for

flame from the torch beside him flickered wildly

ld not

ould