OBIDIKE THE EVIL KING
Nathaniel Tracy@tracynathaniel290806
5 days ago
OBIDIKE THE EVIL KING
A story written by Tracy Nathaniel
(EPISODE 21-30)
EPISODE 21
Three days after the maidens' family visit, they returned to the palace for the Prince's bride selection. The maidens donned their finest attire.
With smile in Prince Ikenna’s face, he walked up to Omasirachi, presenting her as his chosen bride.
“She isn’t a daughter of a noble man, why would the prince choose her? Some murmured in disapproval.
King Obidike stood up, angry. “You can’t get married to her!.
Why not, Father?.. Prince Ugonna questioned.
There are several maidens here that will be of benefit if you get married to them. But rather you decided to settle for a low life!.. said King Obidike.
Father, she won my heart and am making her my bride… Prince Ugonna said.
You are not going to get married to her and that’s it… King Obidike shouted.
My King! This is a contest and Omasirachi emerged as the winner. And we must acknowledge her as the winners. Because you don’t like her doesn’t mean that we should play foul.. Queen Akugo said.
Yes my King. Queen Akugo is right.. Omasirachi won the contest, so we should allow the Prince to make her his bride.. Chief Ezenna said.
The Contest have a rule which said the winner of the contest must emerge as the Prince’s bride, and we must abide to that.. One of the Chief said.
King Obidike, seeing the decisions of the Queen and the Chiefs, he gave up and let the Prince proceed.
Prince Ugonna and Omasirachi received blessings from the King, Queen, and Chiefs. Meanwhile, Anwulika, heartbroken, fled to her father's house, crying over her loss.
A grand wedding ceremony celebrated Prince Ugonna and Omasirachi's union, and Omasirachi was ordained as the Princess of Aguta village. She felt closer to achieving her goal, hiding her true intentions behind a mask of happiness.
The news of Omasirachi’s becoming the Prince bride, spread like a wild fire throughout the village.
The Old Seer, upon hearing the news, smiled enigmatically. "King Obidike, you have no idea what fate has in store for you," she said aloud, hinting at a deeper knowledge.
Meanwhile, Omasirachi approached Queen Akugo with a request: "Your Majesty, I humbly ask permission to bring my trusted ally, Uju, as my personal maid."
Queen Akugo granted the request, and Omasirachi sent a message to Uju, inviting her to join the palace as her personal maid. Uju eagerly accepted and hastened to the palace.
Upon Uju's arrival, Omasirachi whispered, "With you by my side, I'll be able to achieve my goals within the palace."
Omasirachi's focus shifted to King Obidike. When the maid was about to deliver the King's meal, Omasirachi intercepted her and took the food herself. She personally brought the food to King Obidike's chamber, serving it with a smile.
"Who ordered you to serve my food?" King Obidike asked gruffly.
"No one, my King," Omasirachi replied. "I decided to serve you myself, as your daughter-in-law."
King Obidike's expression darkened. "Guard!" he shouted.
A guard rushed in, and King Obidike ordered, "Summon the maid who was supposed to serve my meal."
The guard fetched the maid, who trembled before the King. "Give her 50 strokes of the cane," King Obidike commanded.
The maid pleaded, "Oh King, what's my offense?"
King Obidike replied, "You entrusted my food to someone else."
The maid cried out, "Have mercy, my King. The Princess requested to serve the food to you, and I handed it over to her."
"My king, she's not at fault. I simply decided to serve your meal myself," Omasirachi said, trying to deflect blame.
But King Obidike was unforgiving.
"They don't see anything wrong? Increase the strokes to a hundred!" he barked.
The guard replied, "Yes, my King," and dragged the maid away, her cries and pleas echoing through the chamber.
King Obidike turned to another guard, "Who's there?"
The guard rushed in, bowing. "Take the food away and have one of the maids prepare another meal for me," King Obidike ordered.
Omasirachi stood still, speechless, before quietly exiting the King's chamber. King Obidike's eyes narrowed, his gaze following her with hatred, as he hissed.
EPISODE 22
Uju rushed towards Omasirachi as she exited the King's chamber. "What happened? Why did the King order the guard to punish the maid?" Uju asked.
Omasirachi responded with a sad expression, "The King is punishing her because the maid handed his meal over to me, which I served him."
Uju whispered in Omasirachi's ear, "Did you poison the King's food?" Omasirachi replied, "No, I was only trying to get close to him. It won't be easy to achieve my plan if I'm far from the King."
Uju asked, "So what do you plan to do? It's clear the King doesn't like you, and it will be difficult to get close to him." Omasirachi responded, "I'll think of that later."
The next morning, King Obidike called a meeting with the palace cooks and maids. He instructed them never to allow Omasirachi to cook or serve his meal, nor hand over anything concerning him. Queen Akugo overheard him and interrupted, "My King, why make such a declaration? Omasirachi is now the Princess of this kingdom, your daughter-in-law! What's wrong if she cooks or serves your meal?"
King Obidike angrily replied, "A lowlife like her can't prepare my food or touch anything concerning me!" He stormed off, shouting, "My order is final!"
Meanwhile, Omasirachi visited the maid who was whipped because of her. She apologized and applied ointment to the maid's injuries. "Don't worry, I'll request the Queen to grant you leave to return home and fully recover. You can't work in this condition," Omasirachi said. The maid thanked her for her generosity.
Omasirachi continued trying to get close to the King Obidike but all her efforts were in vain.
The King's dislike for her was evident, and Omasirachi began to worry that her plan would never come to fruition.
One day, Queen Akugo approached Omasirachi with a concerned expression. "My dear, I've noticed the King's behavior towards you. Perhaps it's best to focus on building a relationship with him gradually?"
Omasirachi nodded, pretending to agree, but secretly, she was determined to find another way to achieve her goal.
As the days passed, Omasirachi continued to try and win King Obidike's favor, but every attempt ended in failure. She began to feel frustrated and trapped, unsure of how to overcome the King's animosity towards her.
Uju, sensing Omasirachi's distress, approached her one evening. "My lady, perhaps it's time to reconsider our plan. The King's dislike for you is clear, and I fear for your safety."
Omasirachi's eyes narrowed, her determination fueled, she had no reason for giving up.
Uju looked at her mistress with a mixture of concern and admiration. She knew Omasirachi wasn’t ready to give up but she also knew the risk of underestimating King Obidike’s resolve.
“Becareful my lady,” Uju cautioned The King is not a man to be thrifted with. If he discover your true intentions, there will be consequences”.
Omasirachi smiled, a sly and calculated smile.
“I am always careful. And I will stop at nothing to archive my goal”.
Omasirachi and Uju were taking a stroll when they heard a commotion and cries coming from within the palace. They quickly rushed in to investigate and found a young man and his sisters pleading with King Obidike.
"Please, Igwe, spare our lives," the young man begged. "I'll do everything possible to pay off my parents' debts."
King Obidike pointed to the lifeless bodies of the young man's parents. "You have three days to make the payment, or you and your sisters will meet the same fate."
The young man bowed, desperation etched on his face. "My King, three days is too short for a poor young man like me to raise the money."
King Obidike's expression remained unyielding. "If you don't have the money in three days, you and your sisters won't live to see the fourth day."
The young man broke down, tears streaming down his face as he tried to come up with a solution. His sisters, too, cried and pleaded with the King, but he remained unmoved.
The young man and his sisters attempted to carry their parents' lifeless bodies, but King Obidike intervened, his voice cold and unforgiving. "Guards, lock them up!"
The young man fell to his knees, desperation etched on his face. "My King, I promised to pay the debt, please spare my sisters' lives!"
His sisters joined in, pleading with the King, their voices trembling with fear. But King Obidike remained unmoved.
"If you can't pay the debt, you'll abandon your sisters," King Obidike sneered. "I'll keep them imprisoned until you come up with the money."
The young man's world crumbled around him as he watched his sisters being dragged away to prison, their cries echoing through the palace. He collapsed, overcome with grief, as his parents' lifeless bodies lay nearby, a haunting reminder of his helplessness.
Omasirachi witnessed the scene, her heart heavy with sorrow and anger. She knew she had to act, to find a way to bring King Obidike's reign of terror to an end.
EPISODE 23
Omasirachi walked back to her chamber with Uju, lost in thought. Uju tapped her on the shoulder, asking, "My lady, what's on your mind?"
Omasirachi turned to Uju, her expression worried. "What if the young man can't pay his parents' debt? King Obidike will kill him and his sisters, just like he killed their parents."
Uju also gave a worried expression.
~
The third day had arrived, and the young man was nowhere to be found.
Omasirachi asked Uju, "Has the young man come with the payment?"
Uju replied, "No, he hasn't.
“It's already dark, and if he doesn't come by morning, King Obidike will execute his sisters and go after him." Omasirachi said.
Uju asked, "So what do you plan to do?"
Omasirachi was about to respond when they heard footsteps. They quickly changed the subject.
Later, at midnight, Omasirachi tapped Uju. "Get up," she whispered.
Uju followed Omasirachi out of the chamber, asking, "Where are we going?"
Omasirachi whispered back, "Shh, don't make a sound."
They crept to the prison where the young man's sisters were held. Omasirachi quietly untied the ropes binding them. She led them out of the palace, as they escaped into the dark.
As they approached the young man's hut, they found him weeping outside, under the light of the full moon. His sisters rushed to him, embracing him from behind. He turned, surprised to see them. "How did you both escape?" he asked, tears of joy streaming down his face.
"The Princess set us free," they replied in unison, nodding towards Omasirachi.
The young man approached Omasirachi, kneeling before her in gratitude. "Thank you for rescuing my sisters," he said, his voice filled with emotion.
Omasirachi instructed, "Take your sisters and leave this village before dawn. Go, and don't look back."
The young man quickly gathered their belongings and thanked Omasirachi again before fleeing into the night with his sisters.
Omasirachi and Uju returned to the palace, feigning innocence as they retired to their quarters. The next morning, the guards raised an alarm, informing King Obidike that the young maidens had escaped.
Enraged, the King ordered the guards to go in search of the young man.
Minutes later, the guards returned, informing King Obidike that the young man had escaped from the village. The King's anger intensified, and he ordered the guards to search for the young man and his sisters.
"Someone must have freed those maidens," King Obidike growled. "Someone within the palace."
Queen Akugo questioned, "My king, are you certain it's someone from the palace?"
King Obidike scanned the faces of those present, his gaze lingering on Omasirachi, who feigned ignorance.
He approached her, his voice accusatory. "Do you have a hand in this?"
Omasirachi protested, "My king, I don't know what you're talking about. How could I free the maidens you imprisoned?"
Prince Ugonna intervened, "Father, why accuse my wife? You may not like her, but she wouldn't defy you by releasing the captives."
King Obidike's voice rose, "I suspect her because this has never happened before she arrived. No one dared challenge me, but now, who would have the audacity to free my captives?"
Prince Ugonna stood firm, "Father, my wife is innocent of your accusations."
He took Omasirachi's hand, and they left the scene. Outside, Prince Ugonna apologized for his father's behavior. Omasirachi nodded graciously.
"Whoever freed the maidens did the right thing," Prince Ugonna said, earning a gentle smile from Omasirachi.
She thought to herself, "He's different from his father."
EPISODE 24
The guards returned, empty-handed, and informed King Obidike of their failure to find the young man and his sisters. The King's anger intensified, and he ordered the Chief Guard to tighten the prison security to prevent future escapes.
As King Obidike's health continued to decline due to his old age, he rarely attended meetings with his Chiefs. The Chiefs grew concerned and convened a confidential meeting with him.
"My King, we're concerned about your health," Chief Ezenna said gently. "Ruling the kingdom in your condition won't be beneficial. We've decided it's best for you to step down and hand the throne to Prince Ugonna, allowing you to focus on your well-being and keep aside the kingdom's burden."
King Obidike bristled, "What makes you all think I'll handover the throne?"
Chief Okezie responded,"Your advanced age and frail health, my King. Prince Ugonna is mature and capable of taking the throne. Handing it over to him will ensure the kingdom's prosperity while you focus on your health.
"I'll never hand over this throne to Prince Ugonna," King Obidike declared.
Queen Akugo entered the room, inquiring, "Why can't you let Prince Ugonna ascend the throne?
“Tell me why you can’t let the Prince, your own son! to ascend the throne?” Queen Akugo questioned.
“You've raised him as a weakling”.. King Obidike replied.
“Is that a reason to deny him his birthright?" Just because he is not like you.. Queen Akugo responded.
King Obidike sneered, "He's too soft, too kind. The people will walk all over him. His gentle heart will be his downfall."
Queen Akugo protested, but King Obidike silenced her, ordering her out of the room. She retreated to her chamber, tears streaming down her face as she recalled the Chief Priest's prophecy.
Desperate for guidance, Queen Akugo summoned the Chief Priest. She recounted the events and asked, "What should I do? The King refuses to hand over the throne, and Prince Ugonna has come of age."
The Chief Priest reiterated, "As long as King Obidike lives, Prince Ugonna won't ascend the throne."
Queen Akugo whispered, "Do you mean I should kill the King?"
The Chief Priest remained silent, leaving Queen Akugo to grapple with the weight of the prophecy.
The Chief Priest's words lingered, "The solution is yours to find."
Queen Akugo spent a sleepless night, her mind racing with thoughts of a solution, torn between her loyalty to her husband and her duty to secure her son's future.
~
At morning, Queen Akugo was in her chamber when her Chief maid, Olu, burst in, saying, "My Queen, the King is leaving the kingdom!"
Queen Akugo rushed out of her chamber and found King Obidike preparing to depart with only his Chief Guard.
"My King, where are you headed?" Queen Akugo asked, being concerned.
"A faraway kingdom," King Obidike replied gruffly.
Queen Akugo pressed for more information. "What business do you have there? And why are you traveling with only your Chief Guard? Where are the other guards and maids?"
King Obidike dismissed her questions, saying, "Woman, you ask too many questions."
He mounted his horse and rode away, leaving Queen Akugo wondering about his mysterious journey and its purpose.
Queen Akugo watched King Obidike disappeared into the distance, her mind raced, as she questioned herself, “What could be so important that the King would venture out alone, without his usual entourage?
EPISODE 25
King Obidike arrived at a distant kingdom, seeking out a powerful spiritual man. He presented his request: "I desire to be an immortal man, to reign forever and never relinquish my throne."
The spiritual man warned, "The price of immortality is great”.
King Obidike, confident in his wealth and power, replied, "I am the great King of Aguta; no price is too high for me to pay. Name it, and I shall make it possible."
The spiritual man performed an incantation, then revealed the requirement: "Before we proceed, you must perform a ritual requiring a human sacrifice."
King Obidike showed no hesitation, "My Chief Guard will provide the human for the sacrifice."
The Chief Guard returned with a victim and the necessary items. King Obidike donned white clothing, and the spiritual man began the ritual. After completing the sacrifice, he handed King Obidike a native pot containing a fetish.
King Obidike accepted the pot, asking, "Is that all?"
The spiritual man added, "You must hide this pot from everyone and, every half year, you must have intimacy with seven virgins, then bring them here for sacrifice. This will renew your immortality. Failure to comply will result in losing your immortal power and suffering consequences."
King Obidike assured, "I will not fail."
He offered payment and offerings, then rode back to his palace, eager to begin his newfound immortal life.
Queen Akugo learned of the King's return and hastened to welcome him. "My King, welcome back. How was your journey?" Queen Akugo asked.
King Obidike's response was brief. "It was a good one."
Queen Akugo's curiosity got the better of her. "You spent more than a day there. What took you to that faraway kingdom?" she asked, but King Obidike ignored her question.
Queen Akugo instructed Olu, "Help the King with what he's carrying." But as Olu reached for the item wrapped in cloth, King Obidike rebuked her. "I didn't ask for help with what I'm holding." King Obidike grasped the pot tightly.
Queen Akugo was surprised by the King’s action. “Why did he shout at you for trying to assist him? Queen Akugo wonder.
King Obidike hurried to his chamber, unwrapped the pot, and concealed it where no one could access it.
The Chiefs visited the palace, reiterating their appeal for King Obidike to hand over the throne to Prince Ugonna. However, the King's response was fiery, and he dismissed them from the palace.
Queen Akugo entered the palace, her expression laced with deceit. "What kind of king are you?" she asked, her voice rising. "You're old and refusing to pass the throne to your son. Your father passed the throne to you before he died; why can't you do the same for Prince Ugonna?"
King Obidike's anger flared. "I've told you why Ugonna can't succeed me - he's weak and kind-hearted, that’s not attributes of a strong king."
I have make a decision… King Obidike said.
Queen Akugo said "And what's your decision now?"
"I'll take a new mistress, one who will bear me another son," King Obidike declared. "I'll train him to be like me, and he'll be my heir, not Ugonna."
"You're delusional! What makes you think you'll live to see this child grow up?" asked Queen Akugo.
King Obidike dismissed her concerns. "Prepare for my new mistress's arrival. She'll be the mother of my heir."
As he walked away, Queen Akugo felt weak, and Olu rushed to support her. "Why would the King make such a decision? I gave him a son, and now he wants another from a different woman..."
Olu advised, "My Queen, rest for now."
Meanwhile, King Obidike summoned the Chiefs, leaving them wondering what new declaration he had in store for them.
EPISODE 26
The Chiefs gathered at the palace, awaiting King Obidike's announcement. The King entered with Queen Akugo, followed by Omasirachi and Prince Ugonna. King Obidike began, "I've called this assembly to announce that I'll be taking a concubine."
"A concubine? Why, my King?" Chief Ezenna asked.
"I seek another male child to succeed me," King Obidike replied.
Prince Ugonna stood up, "Father, what are you saying?"
Chief Ezenna added, "But my King, Prince Ugonna is your successor. Why seek another male child?"
King Obidike said, "I've shared my reasons with the Queen. Now, I'll introduce my new concubine."
Omasirachi thought, "This King is of no good”as she gazed at him.
The King signaled his Chief Guard to bring in the maiden.
"Here's my new concubine, who will bear my heir."
Queen Akugo exclaimed, "Isn't she one of the maidens from Prince Ugonna's bride selection?"
"Anwulika, what are you doing here?" asked Chief Okezie, being surprised.
King Obidike said, "Your daughter is the lucky maiden chosen to bear my son."
Chief Okezie protested, "No, my King, you can't have my daughter as your concubine."
Anwulika said, "I agreed to be the King's concubine, Father. I wasn’t forced.
Chief Okezie lamented, "What a foolish girl!"
"She made her choice, Okezie. She wasn’t forced.. King Obidike said.
The Chiefs murmured, frowning at the King's actions."
Prince Ugonna asked, "Father, is this some kind of joke?"
King Obidike retorted, "Do I look like a clown to you? Everything you've seen and heard is the truth. You can't be my successor; you're not like me. I need a son who shares my qualities."
Let’s leave from here.. King Obidike held Anwulika's hand and left the meeting, leaving Prince Ugonna and Queen Akugo behind.
Queen Akugo remained silent, tears streaming down her face. Omasirachi whispered, "My Queen, you didn't say anything."
Queen Akugo replied, "What can a hopeless mother say? I gave the King a heir, but he doesn't see him as his successor."
The Chiefs departed, angry and upset. Omasirachi stood, torn between consoling the heartbroken Prince Ugonna and the weeping Queen Akugo.
Meanwhile, Chief Okezie returned home, furious, and narrated all what happened at the palace to his wife. Anwulika entered, and Chief Okezie confronted her, "You've decided to humiliate me, haven't you?"
Anwulika's mother intervened, "Let her be. How has she humiliated you? You should be happy to be the King's in-law, not angry with her."
Chief Okezie's anger seemed misplaced, and his wife's words only added to the tension.
Anwulika said, "Father, if only you supported me and allowed me to marry Prince Ugonna, I wouldn't be the King's concubine. But I haven't lost; I'll be the mother of the future king."
Chief Okezie retorted, "I can't believe you're my daughter. I blame your mother for supporting this foolish idea. I hope you won't regret your actions."
~
Anwulika passed by Omasirachi, who was getting her hair braided by Uju.
Omasirachi called out, "Anwulika!"
Anwulika replied curtly, "What?"
Omasirachi approached her, "Anwulika, why choose this life? Do you think marrying King Obidike is the right choice?"
Anwulika snapped, "I didn't ask for your opinion."
Omasirachi warned, "You're playing with fire, Anwulika. I hope you won't regret your actions."
Anwulika eyed her threateningly, "Let me warn you, next time you stop me to spew such nonsense, I won't hesitate to report you to the King."
With a hiss, Anwulika walked away from Omasirachi.
EPISODE 27
Months passed, and the time came for King Obidike to renew his immortality. He ordered the Chief Guards to bring him seven virgin maidens within three days. The Chief Guard succeeded in gathering the maidens, but one was discovered not to be a virgin after a herbalist's examination. The King ordered her slaughter to conceal his dark deeds.
The Chief Guard found another maiden to complete the seven. King Obidike began his twisted ritual, sleeping with each maiden at midnight.
Omasirachi and Uju were taking a stroll around the palace when they heard screams and cries.
"What's happening?" Omasirachi asked Uju.
As they followed the sound, they saw the Chief Guard dragging a maiden to the King's palace. Omasirachi wondered, "Why is he forcing her to the King's chamber?"
Omasirachi and Uju hid and observed as the Chief Guard stood outside the King's chamber. After a few minutes, the maiden emerged, crying and bleeding profusely. The Chief Guard escorted her back to the maidens' quarters.
Omasirachi questioned, "What just happened? King Obidike, what are you doing?" Her concern and suspicion grew, sensing the King's evil intentions.
Omasirachi couldn't sleep, thinking about the maiden. Something was wrong. Why would King Obidike lock up a maiden and force himself on her?
The next night, Uju rushed to Omasirachi's chamber, "The Chief Guard is taking another maiden to the King's chamber!"
Omasirachi exclaimed, "Again?!" They both ran out.
"I need to see how many maidens are locked up." said Omasirachi.
Uju asked, "How can we distract the guard?"
Omasirachi replied, "Tell him Prince Ugonna called for him."
Uju approached the guard, "Prince Ugonna calls for you."
The guard hesitated, “I can’t leave my post… Please inform the Prince that am the only one on guard.. said the Guard.
Do you wish to disobey the Prince? Uju asked.
No.. The guard replied.
You can go, I will stay over here till you are back… Uju said.
The Guard quickly left his post.
Omasirachi quickly ran to where the maidens were locked up. When she arrived, the maidens screamed, being scared.
Omasirachi reassured them, "Please calm down, I'm not here to hurt you. I want to help you."
The maidens trembled, unable to speak.
Omasirachi encouraged them, "You can talk to me. I'm the Princess, and I want to save you. Why did the King lock you up?"
One maiden spoke up, tears streaming down her face, "We don't know why we're here, but the King takes turns sleeping with each of us every night. We're all virgins, and we've kept ourselves pure."
Omasirachi gasped, "How many of you has the King slept with?"
The maiden replied, "Four out of seven."
Omasirachi asked, "Four of you? Plus the maiden I saw the guard taking away?"
The maiden nodded, and Omasirachi groaned in disgust, "King Obidike!"
Uju rushed to Omasirachi, "My lady, the guard is coming; you must leave now."
Omasirachi quickly departed, promising the maidens she would return.
Uju asked the guard, "Have you met with the Prince?"
The guard replied, "Yes, he said he has settled what he called me for."
Uju nodded, "Okay, I'll leave now."
The guard said, "Thanks for keeping watch until I returned."
Uju responded, "It's nothing" and left.
Meanwhile, Prince Ugonna followed the guard, curious about what was happening. "Why did Uju lie that I called the guard?" he wondered.
The Prince discreetly followed Uju as she met up with Omasirachi, eager to uncover the truth.
EPISODE 28
Uju asked, "My lady, were you able to uncover the truth about the maidens being locked up?"
Omasirachi nodded and revealed what the maiden had told her.
Uju gasped, "What?! King Obidike is evil!"
Omasirachi cautioned, "Keep your voice down. If anyone hears you say that, you'll be in grave danger."
Prince Ugonna, who was eavesdropping, muttered to himself, "What? My father has gone this far? What business does he have with seven virgins?"
Uju whispered, "So, what do you plan to do?"
Omasirachi replied, "I don't know. The prison is guarded twenty-four hours a day. I was only able to access it because there was just one guard. But now the rest have returned."
Uju asked, "What's your next move?"
Omasirachi said, "I need to see the Old Seer first thing tomorrow morning. I'll think of a way to help the maidens then."
Uju nodded, "Okay, my lady. You need rest now."
Meanwhile, Prince Ugonna slowly walked back to his chamber, lost in thought. "Is my father capable of such evil? Can this be true?" he wondered.
The next morning, Omasirachi visited the Old Seer, revealing everything about King Obidike's actions and her desire to end his evil reign. "I couldn't sleep, thinking about how to stop him. I planned to poison his food before it's served," she said, pained.
The Old Seer cautioned, "Don't take such action; it will only lead to trouble and cost your life."
Omasirachi asked, "How? What do you mean?"
The Old Seer explained, "King Obidike can't be killed by poison. He'll eat the food, and nothing will happen, but he'll know his food was poisoned and will find the culprit."
Omasirachi wondered, "Why can't the poison affect him? Isn't he human?"
The Old Seer smiled slyly, "King Obidike is no longer just human. He's partaken in an immortality ritual to extend his life span."
Omasirachi asked, "How do you know this?"
The Old Seer replied, "Have you forgotten I'm a seer?"
Omasirachi worried, "Oh no, how can I stop him? Please tell me there's a way..."
The Old Seer said, "There is a way."
Omasirachi asked eagerly, "What's it?"
The Old Seer said, " There is a pot given to King Obidike, it is related to his immortality. Find for the pot and destroy it.
Omasirachi asked, "But where can I find this pot?"
The Old Seer replied, "Its whereabouts are unknown to me. Think carefully, where King Obidike might hide such a pot."
Omasirachi thanked the Old Seer and returned to the palace, pondering the pot's location. She paced in her room, sighing, "Where could the King have hidden that pot? And how can I access his chamber? It's always guarded."
Uju cautioned, "My lady, calm down, don't stress yourself."
Omasirachi responded, "How can I calm down when the King commits evil every day? If I do nothing, another virgin maiden will be taken, making it five out of seven. I must think fast and act soon."
At nightfall, Omasirachi and Uju planned to release the maidens before the King's next visit. Uju took the herb Omasirachi gave her to the kitchen, distracting the cooks and spiking the guards' food at the prison. The maids delivered the food, and after eating, the guards fell into a deep sleep.
Omasirachi and Uju sneaked into the prison, where the maidens were overjoyed to see Omasirachi. She told for them to remain quiet, took the key from the guard, and freed the maidens. They followed Omasirachi out of the prison.
Minutes later, the Chief Guard arrived to collect another maiden, only to find the guards asleep and the maidens escaped. He raised an alarm, and the rest guards went in search of the maidens. "They're still within the palace, search for them!" he shouted.
The sleeping guards woke up after being slapped by the Chief Guard, who berated them for their incompetence. King Obidike arrived, asking, "Why the alarm? What happened?"
The Chief Guard explained the situation, and King Obidike furiously declared, "You guards will pay with your lives after this is resolved!" The guards trembled, unable to explain their sudden sleep.
EPISODE 29
"Oh no, we have to run fast! The other guards have been alerted, and we're still within the Palace walls!" Omasirachi exclaimed, worried.
Just then, a masculine voice stopped them. They turned to see Prince Ugonna. Omasirachi tensed, "My Prince, I-I can explain..."
Prince Ugonna interrupted, "No need to explain. You and Uju can return to your quarters and pretend nothing happened. I'll take the maidens out of the palace. The palace gate is closed, but I know a shortcut."
Omasirachi and the maidens thanked the Prince. Omasirachi and Uju ran back while Prince Ugonna led the maidens out.
As they ran, they avoided the guards. Omasirachi stopped and told Uju, "Go to my chamber and pretend to be me, asleep."
Uju asked, concerned, "But where are you going, my lady?"
Omasirachi replied, "I'll be right back, just go."
Omasirachi ran to King Obidike's chamber. As she approached, she saw Anwulika exiting the King's chamber and hid herself. After Anwulika passed, Omasirachi crept into the King's chamber.
"Thank God the alarm dismissed the guards from the King's chamber," Omasirachi thought to herself.
She searched every corner for the pot. "Where could this pot be?" she wondered, continuing her search.
As Omasirachi searched beneath the King's bed, she felt a rigid surface. "Why is this ground surface uneven, while the rest is leveled?" she wondered.
She pushed the bed away and began digging, feeling an object beneath. As she brought it out, she exclaimed, "This is the pot!"
King Obidike entered, furious. "What's going on? What are you doing in my room? And why is my room scattered?"
Omasirachi remained silent, giving him a daring stare.
The King roared, "You little brat, how dare you! You won't leave here alive!"
Omasirachi raised the pot, threatening, "If you come close, I won't hesitate to break this pot."
The King warned, "Don't you dare! Give me the pot."
Omasirachi laughed, "What makes you think I'll hand it over?
Hand over the pot and I promise to give you whatever you wish for," the King offered.
Omasirachi replied, "What I earnestly wish for is your downfall."
The King asked, "Who are you and why do you desperately wish to see my end?"
Omasirachi chuckled, "Have you forgotten the prophecy given by the Chief Priest?"
The King recalled, "I remember it well."
Omasirachi revealed, "I'm the child of the prophecy."
The King denied, "That can't be! The child from the prophecy is dead, and the body was brought to me."
Omasirachi chuckled, "So your guards fooled you."
The King's anger intensified, "No wonder I never liked you from the start. I wish I knew who you were, I would have killed you with my bare hands."
"It's too late, your life is at my mercy, and I won't miss this opportunity to end you." Omasirachi raised the pot, ready to smash it.
King Obidike pleaded, "Please spare my life, I promise to give you anything."
Omasirachi retorted, "Keep your promises to yourself. You don't deserve my mercy. You killed my biological parents and my adoptive father, who sold fish to you. My adopted mother died because of your actions. You showed no mercy to them, and now you want me to show you mercy? You've taken many lives, and showed no mercy, to any. Your evil deeds are countless, and you don't deserve to live another day. This is for my parents and all the innocent people you've killed."
With that, Omasirachi smashed the pot to the ground.
King Obidike shouted, "Noooo!"
He tries to reach out to Omasirachi, to strangle her, but before he could get to Omasirachi, he fell to the ground, spitting out blood.
Queen Akugo rushed in, hearing the King's scream. "What's going on?" she asked, seeing King Obidike lying helpless on the ground with blood on his mouth.
EPISODE 30
"What happened to the King?" Queen Akugo asked Omasirachi.
"I broke the pot, and the King was affected by it," Omasirachi replied.
Queen Akugo questioned, "You broke a pot, and the King was affected? What kind of pot is it?" Queen Akugo looked at the broken pot.
Turning to King Obidike, who lay on the floor, Queen Akugo exclaimed, "My King, are you involved in fetish things?"
~
The Chiefs, hearing about the King's condition, rushed to the palace the next morning. They interrogated Omasirachi, seeking a connection between the King and the pot.
Just then, the Old Seer arrived. The Chiefs greeted her and asked about her visit. The Old Seer revealed that she came to expose the King's deeds, narrating his evil actions and how the broken pot led to his downfall.
"King Obidike, we're shocked to hear about your evil deeds," Chief Ezenna said. "You've failed the kingdom as a King."
The other Chiefs shook their heads in disappointment, gazing at King Obidike, who lay helpless on his bed.
"Father, your lust for power led you to commit great evil. I can't call you my father after all your evil deeds," Prince Ugonna said.
King Obidike lay still, struggling to breathe, then suddenly coughed up blood. The coughing fit continued until he finally succumbed to death.
"The King is dead!" the Old Seer announced.
"God forbid! What an evil king!" one of the elders exclaimed.
Chief Okezie remained silent, gazing at the lifeless King with anger in his eyes. Anwulika entered the chamber, crying, and approached her father.
"Father, the King is dead. What will become of me?" she asked.
Chief Okezie ignored her, and Anwulika shook him, pleading. "Father, please talk to me!"
"You brought this upon yourself. You'll face whatever fate awaits you," Chief Okezie replied weakly.
Chief Ezenna addressed Anwulika, "As you see, King Obidike is dead, and you have no child with him. You're free to return to your father's house, but remember, you cannot have an affair or marry any man, as you were the King's concubine."
Anwulika asked, confused and tense, "What do you mean I can't marry any man?"
Chief Okezie explained, "It's the rule and custom of our kingdom. If you're caught, you and the man will be executed. As the late King's concubine, you'll spend the rest of your life alone."
Anwulika pleaded with her father, but he remained firm, "I warned you, but you ignored me. Now, face the consequences."
Anwulika cried, feeling helpless, as if her world had crumbled.
The news of King Obidike's demise spread like wildfire throughout the kingdom and beyond. The villagers rejoiced, singing:
🎶"The prophecy has come to pass,
The child of the prophecy has brought the King's end."🎶
🎶"The evil King has met his downfall,
And our nightmares have finally come to an end."🎶
King Obidike was buried in a desolate land reserved for those who perpetrated evil. No ceremonies or rites were performed to honor his passing, a testament to the kingdom's rejection of his cruel rule.
Omasirachi felt relieved now that King Obidike was finally dead. She packed her belongings, preparing to leave the palace. Prince Ugonna approached her, asking, "Where are you going?"
Omasirachi turned to him and replied, "I'm leaving."
Queen Akugo inquired, "Where to?"
Omasirachi bowed, greeting the Queen, and explained, "What brought me to the palace is fulfilled; I can no longer stay."
Prince Ugonna protested, "But you're married to me; you can't just leave."
Omasirachi took his hands, saying, "My Prince, I'm sorry for deceiving you. I never wanted to marry you, but I got married to you to fulfill my determination to end the King."
Prince Ugonna replied, “That doesn’t matter, you had your reasons”.
Queen Akugo urged, "Please stay, you have no family to return to. Here, you've found a new family”.
Prince Ugonna added, "We can rule this kingdom together, making our reign different from my father's.
“You're destined to be the Queen of this kingdom. That's why I supported your decision to enter the contest. You're fulfilling your destiny." said The Old seer.
Omasirachi revealed, "If not for my desire for revenge, I wouldn't have been in Aguta.
The Older seer replied, “Everything happened to lead you to this place."
"If your parents were alive, and none of this had happened, you would have been the Prince's betrothed," Queen Akugo explained. "King Obidike and your father were close friends and agreed to strengthen their bond through a marriage between their children."
Prince Ugonna's eyes lit up with hope. "Please stay and be my Queen," he pleaded.
Omasirachi nodded her head in agreement. Uju quickly gathered her belongings and returned them to her chamber.
Overjoyed, Prince Ugonna hugged Omasirachi and thanked her for staying. He was thrilled that she had changed her mind.
~
A ceremony was held to ordained the King and Prince Ugonna was crowned the King of Aguta, with Omasirachi by his side as Queen. The villagers rejoiced, knowing that the kind-hearted Prince and his compassionate Queen would bring peace and prosperity to their kingdom.
THE END….
#HelloNircle
#Nirclestories
#Africanstories
