The Crown's Demand: The Test of Legacy

Drummers lined the walls, pounding deep rhythms into the earth. Fragrant smoke from burning incense drifted upward into the evening air, mingling with the soft

a celebration - it was a

fried plantains, and steaming pounded yam filled golden trays carried by the tireless hands of palace servants. Dancers from the eastern border spu

rowd below - a blend of celebration, wary hope, and hidden mourning. His face bore the marks of recent war, the scar ne

ath arrived. The message was brief: Kabiyesi has joined the ancestors. You must return. There was n

he eyes upon him - from the silent Oloyes, from the Ogboni

-

of a panther. Her eyes, sharp as flint, flicked across every table, every face. She

on," he whisper

His demeanor was calm, almost detached, but his thoughts were piercing. He had

im. It was the 4th prince, Adesola, flashing his ever-wide s

t smile. "You alwa

, plucking a meat skewer from a golden tray. "But I

ht, but the weight beh

st time in many years. The 3rd prince, Adelabu, slouched slightly, pushing food around his plate with disinterest. T

ched them all with quiet sadness. Her posture was regal, but her eyes betr

mber Father's la

fell int

"And he only said one thing: 'A crown worn

lowly. "He knew

ola added. "Became quieter. Spoke

Or maybe he was ju

e converted to the

s. On his last night. But mayb

?" Adeba

between his fingers. "Maybe he saw some

air like incense smoke

e Oloyes gathered in the upper court with the Ogboni council. High Ogboni

king has returned to the ancestors, and the throne waits to be filled. Five prince

fell li

ek five sacred treasures, one from each of the rival kingdoms. Whoever returns with the treasures and survive

ough the courtya

his voice calm but comman

he royal line ends. Akun will fall into the hands of

mming s

ched across the courtyard. Even th

aised his goble

alone in the ancestral hall. A servant placed a single candle b

- the last one his father had written to hi

he son I needed. If I fail to protect you, let you

ter. His jaw tighten

chants. Somewhere, a child laugh

eparations for the journey th

toni

was fo

for