EMI(SPIRIT): LEGEND OF THE HUMAN GOD

Introduction
Even if in the toughest day,
we always have a way to stand up.
Though trials are strong
We are tougher
Our land plundered
We stand to defend it.
Now the story is different
Emi is gone
Our hopes are dashed
But we know the sun will
Surely rise again.
Emi son of the soil
He whose rage burn the mountain
Raise the hope in us









AYENIRETI
Ancient times before now, Ayenireti had always had one hero or the other that faithfully sacrificed their lives, fought countless battles, plundered countless lands, claimed countless spoils. But it's now different, the enemies has found the only way to conquer unity: TREACHERY, and another bastard: GOSSIP.
Emi entered into the Kings personal chamber,  and prostrated flat before him,  a means of homage. The only source of light in the chamber was a little window directly above the Kings bed,  barely enough to allow a child pass through.
"You sent for me" Emi said still laying flat on the floor
The King's room,  was decorated with historical ancient paintings, beads hanged on the wall and neatly arranged traditional attires

Softly moving back and forth on the rocking chair, with an attractive horsetail in his hands the King smiled broadly at Emi.
"Rise my Son"
From a tender age, Emi had caught the eye of the King. It's tradition, every Orphan were the responsibility of the King,  of which Emi was one. He began exhibiting the traits of a warrior, What they call the Spirit of the Warrior God. The Spirit is believed to be passed randomly to whom the gods saw fit,  after the previous Warrior cease to exist,  but something was different in Emi, even the Chief Priest when consulted found it hard to explain

"Emi, I am getting old, and my days are near" The King said slowly
"The gods shall mercifully add more wine to you cup my King" Emi replied, even though they both knew he only said that to keep the King's heart at peace.
"I want you, Emi, to get married to my daughter"
Emi hastily raised to his feet, his body covered with sweat, he tried to be as calm as possible but all was vain.
"Let's call a spade a spade my Lord, you know it's an abomination"
"Until I say it's an abomination" The king said and continued "Emi I don't want to use the supremacy of the throne to force you into this I consider you a son"
Emi gave no reply, just then the Royal messenger made his way into the Chamber
"My Lord, the outcast once more has plundered the outskirt land, we need Emi to lead the band"
*****
*****
The King had more than enough alliance to make, to some reasonable extent, his daughter could deal one by getting married to the Prince.
"Emi, what's wrong? " A soldier asked
"Nothing much, I will settle things don't worry" Emi replied even though the situation was out of his control.
"just to let you know we are always there for you" The soldier said as they got nearer to the outskirt of the village.
"This is where they were sighted"
Emi charged forward into the maize plantation, noticing some fresh cut. He slowly removed his sword from the sheath
"In the name of the gods I order you to come out, to prevent bloodshed" Emi shouted
"Am not in mood to kill today "He said to himself.
Right in front of Emi stood a little boy, who had rushed out from among the farm, he looked weaker and dirty probably from a long journey, or a victim of war.
"It's a boy" Emi said as the others laid back their weapon.
"Who are you? "
"Oyeniyi" the boy replied faintly and collapsed into Emi's hand.
"My Lord, we found them trying to run" A soldier said and forcefully pulled the man and the woman to the ground.
"Please have mercy, that's our son, Oyeniyi, war made us flee, please, spare our lives"
One attribute the warrior god possessed was a discerning spirit. But once they are disorganised, even their immortality would flee from them.
"Prepare the horses "Emi said.
"Emi, come closer" Ajanaku said, "Something is wrong with you, am sure your discerning spirit is far from you "
"No"
Ajanaku wasted no time in using his blade to cut Emi, giving way to blood flow
"The Emi I know in full strength can't get cut even by Sango's blade, your discerning spirit is not with you, your immortality is gone, Emi you are disorganised"

Later that night, Emi found it difficult to sleep, if this continues, the lives of almost 3,000 will be at stake, finding it hard to sleep, he grabbed the oil lamp that illuminated the room and went out, he sat on a low stool and looked into the empty vast sky.

"I wish I was free" Emi said to himself.

He noticed someone approached him from behind, he knew who it was.

"Ajanaku, what brings you out this ungodly hour"

"Same as what is keeping you awake" Ajanaku replied and sat down next to Emi, placing his sword near him

"Which is? "

"Emi, the cap fits me but it's too beautiful even for the royalty"

"What do you mean? "

"I am in love with Adeshewa, but I wish to tell her before the day of the maiden contest"

Emi became dumb, he couldn't believe his ears, his friend Ajanaku was having feelings for who the King wants him to marry by all cost.

A strange world indeed, Emi tried within himself to consult his spirit, but the connection was lost, now all he had to depend on was, his fragile thinking.

"You are a great warrior any girl would kill to have, am sure she is interested in you, just tell her" Emi said

"I knew I could always trust you my friend and hope you won't be contest  on that day for the princess hand" Ajanaku said jokingly and left for his hut
Emi became dumbfounded, no hard thinking at this time would prove fertile, a rough day was ahead, regaining his consciousness into the spirit realm should be the priority. He manage to wave the thought and went into meditation.

BREAKING HELL
Emi rounded up the training and after receiving the message that The King urgently summoned him.  He knew what the King wanted to say and he strongly prepared his mind, over night during meditation, he had found the right answer to pull himself out of this love war he found himself.
Emi entered into the King's Palace, the King gracefully positioned himself on his throne, on the right was the Princess, sitting on a well decorated stool, Emi found it difficult to ignore her presence, although he made himself as calm as possible.
Standing on the entrance was Ajanaku. Emi slowly stood next to him and tried avoiding the King's gaze that was fixed on him.
"What's wrong? " He said in a low tone, which was still audible to Ajanaku
"Emi, welcome,  guards excuse us" The King ordered.
"Your highness, Princess" Emi greeted respectfully.
Ajanaku knew something was odd, the way the Princess smiled at Emi, was different.
"Could it be" Ajanaku thought within himself
"We might have a situation" The King said and raised from the throne.
What could it be, the two warriors thought within themselves. It was unlike the King to feel bothered, but they were sure this issue had great risk


The King went silent for some minute and continued
"The Princess will be turning 21 years old in three days time, and the contest for her hand in marriage begins immediately, following after her celebration"
This should be good news Emi thought and glanced at the Princess,  who caught him staring at her and replied with a smile from the corner of her lips.
"Shit, what is she up to"Emi wondered within himself
"But she is enthroned to Esu(The Devil)"
Emi felt his heart skip a bit, he looked deeply into Adeshewa's eye, Ajanaku on the other hand, held tightly to his shield, and immediately felt uncomfortable
Who would guess the beauty he day dreamed about was the wife of someone from the 2nd Order of the Gods Circle, he thought and slightly was becoming scared.
"Only two of you are the finnest of our warriors, I need you to save her and break this marriage, I want my daughter to have a normal life, like other kids" The King said, remorse in his voice.
Years ago, while the Queen was in labour, to save her unborn child, the King had no other option than to bargain, if Esu would save the child, he would get her married to him, but the King became furious when he discovered the Devil had taken more than they bargained, firstly he refused to save his wife’s soul, secondly he was married to his daughter whom he will make A Casted Soul at 20
"Your highness, we need not to waste time, our journey to outside world would take a day and we still don't know how long our struggle will be and we must be back before day 3" Emi said and looked at Ajanaku, who stood still, like he was glued to the ground
Truly a man hasn't gotten to the home of fear, that's why he could still consider himself strong
The Princess slowly walked towards Emi,  gradually advancing, Emi moved back knowing something was wrong. He drew out his sword and held it in defense position
"Stay back"Emi ordered,  clearly he was not the one speaking.
Ajanaku rushed towards the King and pulled him behind.
"So, this is the flea that would be coming to hunt me? "The Princess said, her voice echoing and terrifying.
"You haven't attained the spirit of a human god, just a warrior god, even Ogun, wouldn't dear challenge me" Esu said through the Princess

In a flash she was already holding Emi up, His legs were about 7inches above the ground. Emi tried to free himself, but on second thought he would be harming the Princess. So it was useless struggling.
"Just a boy"
Ajanaku from where he stood, summoned his Soul Beast and sent it forward, the impact immediately made the Princess fall to the ground. Emi gained his ground, panting heavily
"Thanks brother"
Ajanaku sat on the ground of the palace, his energy exhausted, at this point even a level 1 warrior could easily kill him.
The King felt relieved seeing the Princess rise up
"It happened again"She said and ran into her chamber.
"Let's prepare" Ajanaku said and led the way


Ajanaku armed himself with what seemed diabolical, a snail shell hanging from his neck, he examined his sword carefully and drew it into its sheath, leaving his upper body bare, he hooked his shield on his back,  looking prepared, although slightly exhausted he still had the strength.
"I never knew your Soul Beast was as strong as that" Emi said splashing water on his face.
"Esu was certain you wouldn't want to hurt the Princess,  he would have used that opportunity to kill you"
Although Emi was immortal, but he stood no chance against a fellow god. Even his beast soul,  was no match for Esu, they knew this fight was beyond them.
Every warrior had the chance of gaining a Soul beast, although, they don't have to choose the Soul, it choose them, if they had a Soul beast that was more stronger than they can contain,  it would tear their mind apart. It was a privilege to share something in common with the gods.
"Am set" Emi said, pulling his dagger into its sheath that hanged from his waist.
Emi feeling charged, his hand glowing, he hit hard into the air, at impact the wind furiously sucked them into itself.
At the other part, they stood in what could be referred as The most beautiful world but the deadliest evil lived here.  The walkway was laid with precious stone that illuminated into their eyes. Ajanaku made a attempt to touch, but was held back by Emi
"Don't touch, it sucks your Soul and drives you mad" Emi said as they advance towards a huge metal gate, which could be guessed to be huge to infinity.

As the approached the gate, about some meters from where they were, the gate began to close at a steady rate. Emi caused within himself and Ajanaku followed suit as they both picked up pace, and ran as fast as their legs could carry them. With great strength they both dived passing the gate, as it forcefully shut almost grabbing Ajanaku’s leg.
“That was close” Ajanaku thought within himself as Emi, stretched his hand to aid him up.

Right in front of them, was an endless corridor, which went on and on and on.
“What is this?” Emi cursed out, feeling frustrated
“Emi, that’s what he wants, to make you frustrated, and you know what happens when you are”

Emi knew what was happening, illusion of the mind, that was the greatest mastermind to win an opponent easily.
“We need to break this illusion” Emi said
Both Emi and Ajanaku placed a knee to the ground, as their hands began to move in a circular manner, giving way to their soul beast, the energy within them combined together, creating a strong force, in an instance they stood up and forced the souls to the ground.
A loud quake shook, making the corridors tremble, after some few seconds the reality was clearly seen.
The know stood right in the 2nd Circle of Hell, fearlessly they approached the throne, ignoring the gruesome looking creature that filled the hall, loud screams of tormented souls could be heard from every corner, even the creatures made it worse, water drooling from their mouths.

They both approached the Throne facing the one who sat on it.
Esu, this time he took the form of the Princess, seated on the throne, beneath him was a monster in form of a lion, it had wings that stood about 7 feet in height, with sharp talons.
“Haaaaaa, feel the energy that flows within you, it makes me thirst for blood” Esu said and transformed into his own image.


For someone with such bad reputation, he looked handsome, his face glittered like they were laced with gold, he held a staff in his hand, still seating on the throne.

“Seal off your marriage with the Princess” Emi shouted pointing his sword at Esu
Esu could only gaze at this weak Human God, who had taken such a huge task
“Indeed with great power comes great responsibility” Esu said and laughed heavily

“On one condition”
“Which is?” Emi asked feeling confident
“I challenge you, if you win, you can break off the seal, if you lose, your Power belongs to me”

Ajanaku held Emi’s hand, preventing him from going
“It’s not like we have a better chance, this monster wont let us even have a chance at him”

Esu moved closer and grinned wickedly
“You didn’t tell him the King wants you to marry his daughter, have you”
Emi felt embarrassed and at the same time irritated, the only thing he wanted so badly was to rip the filthy creature apart.

“What a world”
Emi angrily advanced towards Esu and swayed his sword, slashing Esu on the face, the slash ran from his right face down to the left cheek.
He made another attempt again, but this time, Esu was faster than he was, Esu dodged his sword and skillfully grabbed Emi from the back and stabbed him with his own dagger.
Ajanaku on the other hand, was becoming annoyed at Emi, even though his life was at stake, he couldn’t believe Emi would hid such from him, even he had gone to meet Emi and poured out how he felt to him.

Ajanaku summoned his beast soul, this time in form of an arrow and shot it towards Esu, Emi used this to his advantage. He swayed his body, and managed to grab Esu from the leg, pulling him towards the direction of the incoming arrow.
WHACKK!! The arrow pierced into Esu’s heart, making him let out a loud groan, the creatures in the hall began to advance annoyingly, but stopped on command.
“Stop” Esu said and handed over the seal to them.
Ajanaku wasted no time in receiving it, and looked wickedly at Emi.

“Ajanaku, wait, that was too easy to call a victory, he wants to put enmity between us” Emi said
Esu only smiled where he laid, he never had it in mind to put on a fierce fight, afterall none of them could defeat him, even with their power combined together.
Ajanaku didn’t alter any word as he left the Realm, back to the Palace.

NOT A CHOICE
After the ritual of breaking the marriage seal, the King felt happy and relieved, apart from his daughter having a normal life, now nothing could threaten to take her away from him. Although he had great doubt they could defeat a god from the 2nd circle, only if he had known that a greater danger was lurking around the Kingdom, a danger that knows the Kingdom so well, a danger that was born and breaded in the Kingdom.

Emi found it had to knock on Ajanaku’s door, nevertheless he found the courage of doing that, some seconds after the third knock, Ajanaku came out to meet him.
“Can we at least go inside”
Ajanaku only nodded his head sideways, signifying to Emi that it wasn’t possible
“I know how upset you are with me, but trust me, I have no interest in marring the Princess” Emi said, trying to be as open as possible, the maiden contest was the next day, how would he try to make the King understand him.

“The only reason am angry, is not because of whatever the reason the King gave you, but Esu telling me for himself, and even I told you how I felt about her and you told me nothing about having the upper hand, in this situation”
Ajanaku without waiting for any reply, closed his door, right in front of Emi like nobody was there.

Emi sadly made his way out of the Warrior’s compound and had it in mind to go to training ground, since it would be easy for him to think over there, all warriors we preparing to fight for the maiden they loved, so the only thing they needed after training was to get themselves fortified, so literally the ground was free to think, and that was Emi needed at this time,
He found a spot to sit placed his hand on his chin, and sighed aloud, just then he saw someone he knew coming from afar.

PRINCESS!! Emi heart shouted aloud, he began feel worried and tried the next exit, but was futile.
“Emi” The princess shouted from afar and ran up to him
Am done for, Emi thought within himself, but he had no choice than to wait, at least this authority was greater
“Where were you off to, trying to avoid me” The Princess said trying to fake her anger
"Huh am sorry Princess, I didn't see you earlier"
"Hope you will be contesting for a maiden tommorrow"
At this question,  Emi could tell his legs were no longer willing to carry him,  he just sat down and seeing the Princess sitting next to him, made his heart beat faster than normal.
"It's a little complicated Princess"
Don't I look beautiful enough, the Princess thought within herself
"What's complicated? "
Emi had the urge to look at the entrance of the training ground and saw Ajanaku, he quickly looked another direction
Idiot, this complicated, Emi thought, know things just got more than complicated.
"Am sorry Princess, I can't answer that" Emi replied a mix of hate in his speech..

It was only few hours to the next day, Emi honourably dressed walked up to the huge round table that was filled with more than enough food to go round for twenty people back and forth. Kings, Cheifs, Rich men from different part of the Kingdom were already making themselves present as the King took on the stressful duty of hugging and welcoming them.
Emi sat down on the seat allocated to him, just then Ajanaku walked up to him
"Watch your back during the contest" Ajanaku said and made for his own seat. Emi was surprised how quickly Ajanaku had bitterly despised him.
Emi! He looked towards the King direction and was signalled to come
"Emi, meet my friend, Ogunsanmi, and here is Emi" The King said patting Emi proudly on his back
"My son stands no chance in the contest, I must say, even now that A Spirit Warrior would be involved" Ogunsanmi said examine Emi's heat structure.
"I won't be contesting" Emi said,  breaking the hard news in an unpleasant way.
Hmm! The King cough slightly and strangely looked at Emi liked he had seen a ghost.
"You don't have too anyway, am sure the Princess already has her eyes on you" Ogunsanmi said, and pointed to the Princess, who all these while had been staring gracefully at Emi.

Day approached steadily, little by little, some in groups, converging to the arena ground where the competition and various activities will be taking place. The first event on line was the maiden dance, dancing vigorously to the rhythm of the local two head drum and banta coupled with sweet rhythm flow of shekere as they danced the Princess only had her attention on Emi, trying to figure out if he got interested in any of the maiden that danced.
"You love him? " the King asked noticing the strange attention his daughter gave Emi
"Yes,  but I don't think he is alright, something is wrong with him"
After the dance,  that drew lots of cheers from the spectators, one of the palace elders stood up to talk.
"Welcome everyone once again, without delaying, we would go to the next item, the one you've been waiting for"
At this speech the audience gave a loud cheer, feeling happy, the uproar, could be noticed to have shared the ground.
"All contestant should prepare, as it will be a stage of last man standing"
YEEEEEE!!!!!!!!
Minutes later the fighters gathered into the arena, every one of them, saw it as a privilege, a fair way of asking the Princess for marriage. And wonderful opportunities attached.

More than 30 in number, not the real reason the King and Princess found it hard to know if Emi was among the contestant. As some of them guarded their faces, covering it completely with helmet.

"Do you see Emi? " The King asked the elder the sat close to him
"No,  your highness"
The King could only sigh, so Emi dared to defill his order,  a direct one at that.
The King took a bowl and poured the water into the arena from where he stood, the water had barely touched the ground, when the fighters had started advancing hurriedly at themselves.
The fight was tough, even the noise and cheering from the crowd played a great role in elevating the Morales of the fighter. Soon, the contestant were only down to two.
Both of their faces covered tightly.  One of them removed his helmet and was relieved by the fresh air he breathed.
It was Ajanaku, he moved in circles as his opponent did likewise
"its now down to me and you"
The other fighter also removed his helmet,  a light mark ran from his right eyes down to the left chin. It was Emi
"Let's judge this with our fist" Ajanaku said and dropped his weapons and shield as does Emi.
The King where he sat,  felt relieved on seeing Emi.
"Was he joking when he said he won't be contesting" The King though.
Although Emi was serious about not contesting, but within an hour something had changed his mind.
"Let see if an immortal can withstand two hit of a THUNDER BEAST SOUL?" ajanaku said grinning from chin to chin.
AHHHHHHH!!! They both advanced in great speed, even the spectators found it difficult to know who threw the first hit



An hour before the fight, during the maiden dance, the Princess excused herself to attend to her friends. After a brief chat, she made her way out of the chamber and was surprised to see Emi at the door.
"Emi" She said feeling happy
"Princess,  I have come to discuss something with you"
Adeshewa felt a heavy burden placed on her heart, something told her all was not well
"I can't marry you, even at that I have no feelings for you" Emi said in a shaking tone
Without much struggle, tears began dropping freely from her eye, She felt humiliated for the first time, even when Way was enthrone to her, She has never felt worse.
"Am sorry Princess"
"Emi, why, why do I deserve this? "
Emi felt guilty, he shouldn't have taken this action, he know felt sorry for himself than he did for Adeshewa
"Just go, leave my sight"  She said lowly and excused herself.

"What kind of discerning spirit do you have,  I thought Warrior gods were suppose to be the wisest among men"
It was Ajanaku, he had his himself listening to all their conversation
"I did it because of you" Emi said
"I also admire her" Emi said again
"There is only one way to settle this, let's meet on the arena, warrior god"

Back to the Arena, Emi pulled himself from the ground, luckily dodging Ajanaku's blow that bore a deep hole into the ground, very close to his head, without hesitation, he punches Ajanaku on the stomach with his glowing hand, trying not to hit hi with the full strength of his Beast Soul. Ajanaku flew some few meters from Emi at the impact of the punch.
Ajanaku from where he was, summoned his Arrow beast soul and fired at Emi. Emi dodged it swiftly, dodged the next one again moving closer, another one was launched, and he waved his head dodging it.
Ajanaku was about launching another one, when Emi grabbed his fist and bent it painfully as Ajanaku tried restraining himself from screaming.
Emi swayed him upside down and caught him in mid air, with forced he slammed him to the ground, giving way to rising of thick dust.

Emi eyes were already glowing like a furious coal, the beads around his neck glowed likewise.  He held Ajanaku by his hairs and pulled him up, his feet above the ground.
"Don't make me do this"  He said and released him.
Ajanaku filled with rage jumped and kicked Emi on the Jaw, but instead of Emi going down, it was Ajanaku who fell to the ground, with a CRACK, his leg was broken.
"Stand down" Emi shouted, his eyes, glowing hard like the melted metal was flowing from them.
"The gods are blind, stupid beyond redemption, I envy you, always had the best, you even posses the The Metal Soul, but it's not over, Emi"

A loud thunder Bolt, sounded in the sky, in broad daylight, from above descended a whirlwind that threw Emi off balance, and swirls where Ajanaku laid, covered him and ascended back into the sky.
Emi gained ground and discovered Ajanaku had already vanished. Even spectators were thrilled thinking it was part of the show, gave a loud cheer as they all ran into the arena and held Emi high on their arms singing his praise.


Series 2
Meeting with the Gods

This atmosphere is familiar, have heard these sounds before, these tormented souls. Ajanaku jumped to his feet, sweating profusely, he noticed his legs were healed, something felt strange yet he felt better, the observed the room where he was, on all four corners were oil lamp, illuminating the room
"You are awake" A voice said from one of the dark corners.
Ajanaku slowly moved closer, out of the darkness came Darkness, solid darkness.
"Who are you? "
"Okunkun (Darkness)" It revealed itself, from head to toe was pure thick darkness, the eyes glowed red, moving closer to Ajanaku, within an instance he was already behind Ajanaku.
"I see why Esu is interested in you" Okunkun said and entered through Ajanaku and came out from the back.
Ajanaku stechted his hand towards Okunkun and was surprised his hand came out from the back, he moved it sideways same happened.
"You look solid, but yet... " Ajanaku said surprised.

"Now that you are awake the King, expects you" Okunkun said and made his way out through a hole that was on the wall.

Back at Ayenireti, the King felt proud his daughter finally married whom he thought was best for her. Although Emi was troubled, he knew what Ajanaku could do, what if he came back for revenge, they were doomed, he knew the village even more than the King. But he never showed the troubled expression.

The King had made sure the new coupled were satisfied, a new home, loads of servants, lands, riches, whatever could they wish for.

What the King expected was now his grand children. If only he Emi won't be staying long, he wouldn't have had his mind on these wish.



Ajanaku saw himself in the midst of gods, not just any gods but the toughest and meanest of them.
"Will you like to trade? " Esu said from his throne. Other gods in this meeting included
Okunkun(Lord of Darkness)
Onika(Lord of mischief)
Among others, all of them were about seven in number.
"What are we selling? I need Emi's head" Ajanaku said
But what these gods are after is more than what Ajanaku could ever imagine.
"Done, we shall offer you the Dark Spirit of the Greater god" Okunkun said, his voice seemed to be as dark as he looked
The greater god was the third in ranking of spirit gift a human could get, while Emi only attained the spirit of a Warrior god, which was just the beginning of the Spirit gift.
"What shall I do? " Ajanaku asked feeling fulfilled.

Emi laid beside Adeshewa, She didn't hesistated in putting her head on his chest, here with him she felt secure.
"What do you think will happen to Ajanaku?" She asked calmly.
"I hope he doesn't take a decision he regrets"
After hours of hearty chatting, they both fell asleep.

Emi felt a soft tap on his leg, at first he was reluctant then he felt it again, slowly he sat upright on the bamboo bed and looked at the strange person that stood by his leg.
"Emi, come with me" The being said. He was glowing all over his jlbody his face could be hardly seen, but for some reason Emi trusted this person and quickly followed without question. He made sure he laid Adeshewa's head comfortably before getting up.
He opened the door of his chamber,  expecting the cold chill of the night, but reverse was the case
He found himself in a room that was bright, sculptures of legends, he saw his own image which made him concluded these were the Warrior gods before him.
He saw a door ahead and advanced forward opening it he found himself among gods.

"Welcome,  Warrior God, I sense you are about to break into the second level of your powers" The one that sat on the throne that was much higher in the circle said.

"Great gods" Emi said bowing his head respectfully

"This is a fair warning, Esu is on his move again and he is with alliance with a formidable foe" Obatala said
"We have no way to help, this destiny lies on you"

Emi found himself on the bed sweating, it felt real he thought feeling slight headache

Early the next morning a loud bang came at the door, as Adeshewa attended to it.
"My Lord, your presence is urgently needed" She said softly


Emi entered into the palace and all eyes fell on him. The Elders seemed to be murmuring inaudibly
"Silence" The King said and handed over a scroll to Emi
"A threat from Ajanaku" The King said
Emi read the scroll and neatly folded it and handed it over
"I'll meet him for the challenge tomorrow" Emi said feeling confident
At this it seemed a calm spirit had rested on them all, as Emi assured them all was well. He was The Choosen, the had no reason to doubt him.

Emi pondered on what his move would be, or what Ajanaku was up to,  feeling frustrated, he laid himself hardly on the bed, giving a creeking sound.
"You have to deny this offer, there are somethings even the gods can't handle" Adeshewa said from the entrance of the kitchen and handed him a cup of liquid concoction
"Denying a trial will only make a weakling out of me, and they will doubt my confidence" Emi replied.
"At times running from a fight is the best way to save a life" Adeshewa said and made her way back into the kitchen.

The next day.....Emi mounted his horse, after the King had wished him Victory.
"Why does it feel like am not going to see you again" Adeshewa, remorse in her voice "Father, tell him to stop this madness" She pleaded.
Emi, urged his horse to move forward, soon he was out of sight.

He got to the open field, Ajanaku was already waiting for him battle ready,  Emi alighted his horse and charged his Beast Soul, as he walked towards Ajanaku. He had nothing to say, except to beat some sense into Ajanaku, maybe he would rest and listen to him.

Ajanaku on the other hand, was annoyed no one would witness the fall of their hero.
Emi sent his beast soul in a furious rage, but was surprised as Ajanaku, broke the beast with just one hit of his fist.
Emi for the first time was scared, just immediately Adeshewa's word began to ringing his brain.
"Sometimes it best to run from a fight"
Ajanaku only smiled devilishly. Emi began stepping backward, and in a moment mounted his horse and retreated.
"Coward" Ajanaku shouted and sent his beast soul after Emi. The Soul collided with the horse, within a second sucked it dry. It was now obvious to Emi that Ajanaku posses the Dark force which feed on life form to get stronger.

Before Emi could stand, Ajanaku already held his head and slammed his face on the ground, he raised him and punched him on his stomach, breaking Emi's ribs.
AHHHHHHHHH Emi shouted and nod Ajanaku on the forehead, but the impact was rebound in his head, making him bleed.
For the first time in combat Emi was bleeding non stop. Ajanaku twisted his hand backward, without much force, he broke Emi's hand.
"Weakling" Ajanaku said and hit Emi's face with his fist.
"No single hit"
WHACK
"You have fallen"
"GBIM"
The last hit made Emi unconscious.
Ajanaku held out a scroll, and used Emi's blood to write on it. He folded it and gave it to the message bird, that flew toward Ayenireti.


Ajanaku laid Emi's body on his horse and mounted it, Thunder stroke in the sky, continuously. Ajanaku ply smiled looking at the sky.
"Any one do you that feels strong should come down here" Ajanaku said, referring to the gods
The thunder stroke again this time forming a pillar before Ajanaku, swirling furiously.  Ajanaku quickly held Emi's neck placing his dagger on it.
"I'll kill him if you move closer"
At this the Thubder slowly faded, and the sky became clear.


Back at Ayenireti.
Adeshewa had screamed and wailed, she was finding it difficult to weep, her eyes seemed to be boiling out of the sockets. The kingdom was troubled, even those that tried comforting her, we're thinking of the predicament that faced them. The King only hid himself in his chamber, refusing to give any motivational speech to anyone, he himself needed motivation
The Elders converge at the palace discussing what love of action would be next, but they found nothing, all way seemed to be blocked.
The got the letter from the message bird,  where Ajanaku had promised to raid the village the following day.


"I warned him, I told him" were the only words Adeshewa could find within herself.

The soldiers knew it was hopeless fighting for a cause greater than them. Whatever Ajanaku did to Emi, they sure wouldn't stand a chance even to raise their shield.

The only solution now, was the evacuate the town, while some found it as a disgracing act, half of Ayenireti were already out of the village. Even the King if not for his position would have joined in evacuating the village.



FALL OF EMI, IRETI IS DEAD
Emi felt his hands tightly bounded. Too weak to move, his hands we chained which made him float in mid air, he tried for a little but every attempt only drained more of his power. It was a spell bound chain that sucked every strength one gathered.
Someone splashed water on his face
haaahhiiii!  Emi groaned feeling exhausted, he looked down looking at Ajanaku.

"Wake up"
"You should have killed me when you had the chance" Emi said and spat to the ground.
"Killing you will be too much of mercy, I want to break you" Ajanaku said walking round the guard room
"Why, why does it have to come to this"
Ajanaku felt remorseful, his spirit weakened by the question, he knew there was a better a way resolve, but what can they do about the bastardized called Envy.
"Rest, I will need you to hear the wailing of your people, when I bring them to their knees"
"What did Esu promise you, longer life, dark forces, riches" Emi asked
"Shout Up" Ajanaku shouted placing his hands on his head, feeling annoyed he left the guard room,  banging the door loudly..

Emi tried controlling the tears that flowed from his eyes,  the gods had forsaken them, was this a test of fate. No way, how cruel must the gods be.
"All gods should perish, betrayed by my own, may the gods be forsaken, who will worship you, if your true worshippers are dead,  and slaughtered like animals, tortured by those weaker"



Obatala was filled with rage, Emi's words drove into the depth of his heart, who will worship them, who will they protect, who will they lead.
The remaining gods only sat down silently and waiting for Obatala to give his verdict.


At Ayenireti, the land was already plundered, chained and filled in a straight line, into slavery they went, something that has not happened and never did they thought it would.
Adeshewa chained to Ajanaku's horse, looked into Ajanaku's eyes, the evil he has become.
"What dignity do you have, trading Your Own people into slavery" She asked angrily.
"If only you gave me the attention I Wanted" Ajanaku said, slowing the pace of his horse
"Stupid excuse"

"There is no need talking to this animal" The King said, from behind.
"A bastard of the soil"
WHACCCCKKK!!! the King received a heavy lashing from one of Ajanaku's demon soldier.
"Take it easy on the old man" Ajanaku said and stared at Adeshewa.
"Where is Emi? " She asked in a leading tone.
"He is not dead yet"
Ajanaku knew in his heart he had wrong everyone, but the thirst of real power felt good and worth sacrifices, he thought.


Emi is gone
The hope in us is dead
Even the gods has turned deaf ears to our plea
Other kingdoms have heard of our downfall
Our unity is shattered.


Ajanaku stood in the midst of the dark gods. He looked threatened and frustrated, his anger was rising very fast.
"Nobody kills Emi, until I see it fit" Ajanaku shouted furiously, pointing his sword at Iku(death)
"Idiot, his come back will be fierce on us all,  we only pretend Obatala and his fellow won't retaliate on this matter, we all know he will" Sigidi said.
"You have no say in this matter, we gave you these powers you posses" Ologundudu said and his eyes flared red.
Esu all this whole only kept mute, watching them calmly, at last he spoke
"Whats the point of killing Emi,  when immediately another Warrior god will rise?" Esu asked and when it seemed he was not getting any reply, he took his leave.

Emi could feel the presence of the King and Adeshewa from his prison, he knew he had to do something, but every little power he gained was being drained immediately, he was lost in thought when Ajanaku walked in.
"Seems you won't die yet" he said
Emi was still yet to know what Ajanaku had in mind for him, all he prayed was solution came before it was too late.
"I know there are here" Emi said slowly
Ajanaku clanged his sword against the wall, as two of his demon warriors brought in Adeshewa
She freed herself and ran towards Emi raising her head to have a better view at Emi who hanged from above.
"I warned you" She said feeling sorry for her husband
"Am sorry"
Adeshewa felt something irritating within her and she hurried to a corner of the guard room and began vomiting.

"You've planted in her" Ajanaku said and hit Emi with his beast soul.
Emi on one part was happy, but rethinking, situation only got worse, Ajanaku surely has found another means to deal with him.
Emi could now feel the living soul in Adeshewa, he smiled, he couldn't bear the smile, the he laughed loudly.
"It's a girl, and she posses, the Spirit, Grand God spirit" Emi said and laughed loudly.

Ajanaku at this statement got more irritated and dragged Adeshewa with him out of the prison.

Now Emi’s fear were reduced, the Spirit of the Grand Gods came with an advantage, the bearer would not only feel secure but at a very tender age of the bearer, the power was at its peak, no harm could come closer, but as they grow the power to some extent reduces, but the Grand Spirit was known to be the highest height of the Spirit Warrior.
Adeshewa was safe, and their child in her was also safe, but all the same Emi knew, their years in slavery was still prolong, if that child was their only hope, they still had to wait till about fifteen more years in torment, at least that was what he thought, little did he know that things would take a very drastic turn.


Ajanaku furiously walked on the gods in midst of their meeting. At first they all felt angry but something made their attention turn towards Adeshewa, who struggled to set herself free.
On seeing these demons, Adeshewa became scared, her heart almost popped out through her mouth. She began sweating uncontrollable.
"haaaaa" Esu moaned feeling the power flow that flowed through Adeshewa,he descended his throne and moved closer to her.
He stood about 10feet in height, his body was heavily built, his face was the opposite of his description people were familiar with, he looked too handsome for such an evil role.
"The Grand Spirit flows through her, second encounter in the whole of my existence" Esu said and bent down a little, stretching his hands forward towards Adeshewa's face. His attempt to touch her only made him go through an indescribable pain, that pulled him to his knees. He regained his strength and moved back a little, at this it was easy to tell, confusion had fallen on all of them.
"Take her out of my sight" Esu said waving his hands and was already seen on his throne.

Ajanaku handed her over to the guards, and continued the meeting when she had left.
"What do we do about her? " Ajanaku asked, this whole drama was taking unimaginable turn,  the stone was hurling at them.

"Nothing, for know, we all know no harm can come to her or the child" Sigidi said.
"I warned all of you,  this human will bring confusion" Irunmole said and bolted at Ajanaku.
 Ajanaku with quick reflex gave him a maximum hit of his Beast soul, sending Irunmole against the wall. At this, Sigidi, turned into sand and advanced towards Ajanaku, and pulled him to the ground, the sand formed a sharp dust sword and stooped directly on Ajanaku's Adam apple.
"Cast him out Esu"
Esu now dumbfounded, said nothing, after minutes of staring, he disappeared, leaving the other gods speechless

EVERYONE IS A WARRIOR.
Far from Ayenireti, those the evacuated before its downfall, looked at the plains they had left behind, as it went up in smoke, thick black smoke. They had no shelter, barely enough food to go round.
The Chief Priest led them to a cave he had discovered on one of his expenditure looking for medicinal herbs. It was large enough to contain the whole of Ayenireti.
"We shall settle here for the meantime, before dusk, we shall all gather around and have a meeting" The Priest said,
Three days of trekking almost non stop, they had to eat and regain their strength, was it now down to starting from the scratch, their farms, savings, foods, would all be gone just with the blink of an eye.

Even ling approached fast, as they all gathered round the Priest, to them he was their King, he practically knows and sees than them.
"Our people are not dead, intact a new hope has risen, the gods now lives among them" He said and turned around, facing the other set of people, since they form a large circle, he wanted to make sure, they saw the happy expression on his face.

"It is our duty to, help them and renew our hope" He said
"Ayenireti is dead, our land is gone " A youth said from the gatherong
YEEEESSSSSSSS!!!  The youths shouted, expression of weariness in their spirit.
"No, no,  IRETI is not dead, we, we are the ones that are called Ayenireti, not the lands, if one of us still breathes, then IRETI is still alive" The Priest said, trying to make them see his point.

"What's the point of action" A girl said from the crowd.
"Everyone is a warrior, we have hearts strong as mountains"
The gathering yelled loudly cheering themselves. The priest raised his staff up, immediately the noise died down.

"We are going to free our people, let the gods know that we never leave our own to suffer, and we teach that bastard Ajanaku, that he made the greatest mistake ever"

They felt the extraordinarily refreshing air and drizzling of rain. A sign that the gods was fully behind them.
"Prepare warriors, it is not an easy task"


Esu entered into the prison where Emi was kept, for a while he looked lost and them finally spoke.
"Am surprise the could be two Warrior Spirit,  which means the great gods also lies" Esu said and giggled
"Desperate time class for desperate measures" Emi said and smiled back at Esu.
"You are scared,  I can feel the stench, but it's okay to be, at least now I know the gods do fear unforeseen circumstances" Emi said hanging
"Bring her head" Esu said and face the entrance.
Whose Head Emi thought, for certain it couldn't be Adeshewa's, but she was the only "her" that he knew.
Out of a sack, Esu pulled out Adeshewa's lifeless head and threw it at Emi's feet where he could clearly see it from where he hunged.
"Impossible" Emi said, boiling with maximum range, "What has you done? "
"Taking all that matters " Esu said and used his trident to push the head.
"The child?"
"What do you expect, it's dead,  never trust the gods"
Emi heart was broken, his life was becoming meaningless. Nothing was beginning to matter anymore.

The Chief Priest led his hand picked warriors, fifty in number, into the Realm where they held the others captive. They already had a drill, a sneak attack. Little by little, they conquered, any demon soldier spotted moving or standing alone were quickly attacked and silently murdered.

This they did till every demon soldier were overpowered.
"Princess" A soldier whispered drawingbthe attention of everyone in the cell.
"We've come to free you all" The soldier said and opened the iron door, silently leading them to extraction point.
After they had all gone including for King who was reluctant at first until he saw Emi but he was finally persuaded to go

The last person was about crossing the realm, immediately sighted by a demon soldier who screeched out loudly, the echos recovering through every inch and corner of the realm.
"Princess you have to go" The Chief Priest said trying to push her.
"No I must stay, I am an added advantage, I am pregnant Ifagbemi,with a grand spirit" She said.
At these words the priest felt relieved he knew what it meant
"Protect the lady" Ifagbemi said and closes the portal.
In minutes, before them were devious monsters, goe least of them was a creature like crocodile, with face of a man. Adeshewa took the lead and slowly advanced, the energy she emitted gave the monsters no choice than to steadily move back.
Ajanaku followed behind Esu and other gods right into where they kept Emi and he was freed, no where to be found.
"Who did this?" Sigidi shouted.


Emi followed behind the soldier that freed him, trying to regain his strength.
"The Princess awaits" The soldier said, urging Emi to walk faster.
"Wait" Emi paused for a moment. Whatever this is, was really surpassing his understanding.

"Adeshewa is alive? "
"Yes".
Emi felt power surge in his system, he felt refreshed, he then realized he had just broken into the second level of the Human God, he was no longer a warrior god, which means to some extent he could now match Ajanaku.

Esu and the others now came face to face with Adeshewa and the priest and the warriors.
"You think this is and advantage" Esu said directing his questions at Adeshewa.
He appeared behind her and placed his right middle finger at the back of her head, making her fall straight to the ground. Before the priest could summon his spells, Sigidi had already sent him to the ground. The gods attacked so fast that within the split if a second they had defeated all of them. Ajanaku, one by one, sucked the warriors souls, using it to recharge his God Spirit. Remaining the Priest and the Princess.

He was about taking the Priest soul. Then
WHIIIIMMMMMMMEEEEE! The beast soul passed through the midst of the gods, paving way for itself, it hit Ajanaku so hard he was rammed again a pillar that stood about 2meters from where he stood.
The gods look back and saw Emi and the warrior that freed him.
"Kill that one first" Esu said pointing at the soldier.
Sigidi was the first to advance, he turned himself into dust and with the for CD of a sand storm he came furiously.
Emi charged his beast soul into a thunder, that surged from his hand.
AAHHHHAAHHH!! Emi yelled and sent the thunder Bolt towards the sandstorm. For a while everywhere seemed quiet. Sigidi could not move, neither could he transform into his normal self. The sand storm stood still.
"Guess the gods don't know something, thunder with sand produces glass" Emi said.
 He pulled the warrior behind him to the ground, avoiding an incoming beast soul.
Now it was down to 6 against two. Emi saw Adeshewa as she struggled with whatever Esu did to her. Slowly moving in circles, Emi got to where Adeshewa was and slowly bent down, at the same time looking at the gods before him to avoid surprise attack.
He helped the Priest up
"Three of you, get out of here" Emi said without listening further he pushed them into their realm.
It now him and six gods. He ran towards them yelling, Okunkun was the first to receive his punch, disorienting him from shading, he grabbed Ajanaku by the leg and in mid air, gave him a blow against the ground. Now the hell beast were no longer hindered. They all regroup, now Emi was outnumbered. He created the way to his realm, but it seemed to glitch, everytime he made it, he could not make it hold.
"You are going no where" Esu said wickedly, his voice echoing through the realm.
Just then behind Emi a very bright light shone, and from there advanced the greater gods. Obatala who lead the team, stood beside Emi with his Fury Axe, that was stainless, but ages of war, this axe had soiled in countless blood. Sango stood on Emi's right, hid bloody black axe, repeatedly gave a flash of thunder, beside Sango was Ogun, his arm covered completely with metals, at a stroke of a finger, it advance further into a sword,the last person on this crew was Yemoja. Sure she has her own love thrill with Esu but now bitter enemies.

"What is this" Esu was furious.
"Gods and man" Emi said and ran towards them, as the other gods followed into a fight duel.

Obatala pinned Esu against the wall and on the other hand, his axe tore through a demon beast, turning it into complete ash.
Obatala swayed his axe and hurled it at Esu, who immediately disappear and appeared behind Obatala........

Sango only sent his axe forward, the axe went round and round cutting every beast that stood on its path...

Ogun made through Ajanaku, phasing through him, he pulled out Ajanaku's heart, and dropped it to the ground and smashed it with a metal that advanced from his leg..
Ajanaku only stood and faced Ogun, that won't kill me" he said and smiled.
"Yes, but it will reduce the use of your beast soul" He said and kicked him, to the ground.

Esu knew this fight was going out of hand, and vanished, as the rest followed suit running for their lifes.
"This is not the end" Okunkun said but before he could vanish. Yemoja threw a doing spare at him, and he gave a loud blast, as the realm was filled with darkness.

RISE OF A GRAND GOD
After 9months living in NIRETI cave, they decided to go back to their land and begin a new life. But it was only calculated for Adeshewa to put to bed before noon the next day. Emi made sure every concoction the Chief priest gave him was used the right way, so as to make her birth easy.

The King made sure the mistake he did during his own time won't be repeated, taking and pointing Emi through safety measures and preventing him from panicking over little issues, like when Adeshewa would suddenly cry in pain, holding tight to her stomach.

"The water line is broken" Adeshewa said and clinched her hands on Emi's hand.  He wasted no time in lifting her on his hands and headed straight to where the mid wives were
"Leave her and go" They said pushing him out of the cave where they dwelled
"I thought it was suppose to be tomorrow evening" Emi said feeling worried.
The midwives said no further words as the expression on their faces told Emi, he bothered them with his questions.
Emi went out only to see, all the villagers already gathered around, mixed feelings on their faces, while some were praying the birth was successful, others were happy he would be becoming a father at a tender age of twenty three.

Emi rushed to meet a midwife that held a calabash to get water. She only ignored Emi's questions an continued with her task. Emi sighed heavily feeling depressed.
Minutes later the midwife came out with a baby in her hand, curled up carefully and wrapped in a wrapper.
Emi ignored the tears that dropped from his eyes and walked nearer, the King followed suit. He held the baby in his hands feeling proud, and passed it on to the King.
"Adeshewa" Emi said looking at the midwife with mixed feeling.
"She needs rest"She said smiling and led Emi into the cave to meet Adeshewa. He was happy even much happier as the people danced happily.

Emi knelt beside Adeshewa, for aibute they both smiled at themselves, not finding the right word to say.
"It's a girl " Adeshewa said lowly
"Yes, and she looks like you" Emi replied smiling.
"Father" Adeshewa said smiling at her father.
"Young couples" he said as people began coming in to congratulate them.
"We return to Ayenireti at dawn" The king said and gave the crying baby to her mother.


At dawn Emi prepared the horse carriage and carefully settled Adeshewa and the baby on the cart and went ahead, leading the way back to the village.
On getting to Ayenireti, the land was far destroyed but not beyond reconstruction. Work immediately started, right from the palace, then Emi's Gomez,  next was the warriors compound, then they all Jones hand to construction each family building unfriend, in less than nine months Ayenireti now became much more better than its former.......

THE SPIRIT WITHIN US
Ajanaku found it hard to summon his beast soul without having serious side effect of unbearable pains.
After the heavy defeat, the evil gods have persuaded Esu against his will to ban Ajanaku from their midst.
Ajanaku saw his destination ahead, a smaller village compared to Ayenireti, he rode his horse into the city, with the money he had with him, he purchased a hut to live in and begin a new life, although not a life free of evil.

Emi held Adeshewa by the arm, and carried his child with the other hand, and before the crowd, with the Kibg standing near him.
It was a tradition in Ayenireti to manage a child on the 8th day after birth.
"She shall be called IRETI and Mojisola" Emi said joyfully. And went in leaving everyone to the main celebration, with enough food to go round.

Ajanaku finally found his place among top ranked assassins in his new settlement.
"You new comer, you know what I as the master demand from you" A bald headed man,  said, he had a pot belly, that made him look more of a gambler than a high paid killer.
Ajanaku said nothing, bout down within, his blood was already boiling with rage.
"I receive 80 percent of your daily income" He said wickedly.

Ajanaku came out of the room where the leader had called him in, cleaning the blood stain on his sword, he looked wickedly at the others that worked under the leader.
"I am taking over, anybody that opposes should step forward"
Without anyone moving an inch. He signalled to them To go in
"Dump his body in the river and I will only be collecting 5 percent of your weekly income" He said.
They cheered happily, clanging their swords against their shield, as two walked in and find a way to dispose the body of their former leader.


Into ayenireti came a caravan, the d ex oration on the body told whoever was in it was from a wealthy family, it headed straight to the palace, two palace guess intersected it before it got nearer to the palace.
"Whose escort are you" a guard asked holding firm to his sword.
"Tell your King, Ajagunmasa,returns" one of the three escorts that followed the caravan said.
The guards signaled to themselves,as the one who questioned ran into the palace.
"My Lord, someone request your presence" He said kneeling down.
"Who? " the King asked irritated, someone would ruin the blissful union he was having with his family.
"Ajagunmasa"
The King suddenly froze where he sat, his body became pale, at the hearing of that name.
Everyone noticed the King reaction. He quickly got up and made his way, adjusting the crown his head,as the rest followed.
He arrived outside, Emi stood guard, drawing Adeshewa closer to him. For a moment everyone was still. The caravan door opened as a young man alighted, he dressed in a very matching attire, he probably was very wealthy, only very few could afford a caravan, and guards to follow, his face was radiant as he smiled at the King moving closer.
"Iretiola" The king said feeling stunned.
Iretiola walked gracefully and hugged him tightly.
"Traitor" He said to the King whispering to his ears,but the radiant on the face were opposite of their words.
"What are you doing here? "The King said and smiled.
"Your daughter is beautiful and even with a baby" Iretiola said and released his tight hug on the King smiling happily.
"Let's go in, it being very long, am happy to see you, you've grown oo" The king said and lead the way.
Emi exchanged a quick glance at Adeshewa, his spirit was really against this strange visitor.
.
.
.They all settle down to dinner,  as food kept coming, the servants didn't fail in their duty of supplying before they ran out.
"Hmmmmmm, uncle I really missed eating with you" Iretiola said

The King only grinned  and stared cold at Iretiola.
"Adeshewa, you might not remember Iretiola his father really sacrificed a lot for our town" the King said slowly.
Iretiola stared into Adeshewa's eyes,and smiled lovely at her.
"It's really being a long time, even I could hardly recognise her"
"And here is Emi, he Human God" The king continued his introduction, patting Emi lightly on the shoulder.
"Ahhhhhhhh, I have heard a lot about him, you really place an impression on people"

"He is also Adeshewa's husband" The King said.
"Hmm, I feel the love, beware of traitors"

 Emi excused himself followed by Adeshewa, the heat of the conversation was becoming unbearable for them.
"This throne does not belong to you" Iretiola said,sitting opposite the King, both could clearly stare deadly at each other.
"Then who? "
...
40Years Ago
The mantle of kingship fell solely on the family of Ajagunmasa, history has it, they had taken the brave step of leading a revolt during their time in slavery, so as a reward for bavery, they became leaders, and started a new life. Down the line many generations had come and go, now it was the era of Iretiade, the father of King Iretilana (Present King).

Iretiade ruled the land with an iron fist, he made them work to the bone. The one that took after him was Iretiola(Son of Iretiade's brother) he always like the fierce way, trampled on the lower class, times were really hard for Ayenireti. Then something tragic happened. Iretilana put an end to his father's reign. He stabbed the King in his sleep, nobody knew how it happened. Only Iretiola was a living witness, but he said nothing, it was not his father, He thought the King in line was him, then the gods chooses a murderer, this event forced him to leave the town and swore to come back when he knows the case would have died down.  Now he came to open fresh wounds.




"You called me Uncle, which am not, now tell me, why you are here" The King asked, after reaching for a cup of wine.
"Relax brother, I will be gone soon, are you scared your secret will be exposed"
Iretiola smiled at him and said "Of course, I am here to tell everyone what happend that night" He said and left the table.
The King felt heavy at heart, killing his father was the only option he thought he had, the man tortured everyone, even his mother was not left out, practically he set them free, now his past is hunting him.


Early the next morning the King summoned Emi and all the elders but Cheifs and non chiefs into the palace. The only way to win a war the comes like a killer without a sword is with good words.
He cleared his throat and without much hesitation began.
After he had narrated all that happened. Science fell on everyone, he had freed them truly, and he was specially Choosen by the gods to rule, and no one has ever regretted living during his time. But an invader who is a son of the soil cannot be banned without any real reason.

A case like this, needed critical reasoning to solve. IRETI led out a ear irritating noise that forced Adeshewa out of the meeting.
"My Lord I suggest we kill him and throw his body" an elder said
AHHHHHHHH
Everyone exclaimed giving a dead stare at the elder that talked.
"My lord, for now we can deduce any solution, let's wait and see his next line of action, probably it will give us an edge" Emi finally spoke
"hmm, the boy has reasoned well" One of the chief said and the others supported and immediately the meeting was disbanded.

Emi got to his hut, only to see Iretiola with his child, playing with her, throwing and catching her. He walked closer, opened the wooden gate of his compound, Iretiola smiled on seeing Emi.
"She is a very strong child, I couldn't easily get rid of my hand from her grip " He said shaking IRETI's little body easily
"Where's Adeshewa?" Emi asked and stretched his hand to receive his daughter from him.
"Haaa" Iretiola sighed, feeling relieved, as Emi received his child. It was like he had lifted three Julie water calabash at the same time.
"She is in the kitchen" he replied and sat on the long bench that was near the wall of the hut.
"Do what do I owe this visit" Emi asked.
"I need to tell you something and I need your help"
Emi sensed a foul play already, he knew his visit was not about something good.
Iretiola smiled and placed his hand on his right shoulder.
"I know of your past failure, to protect your people" He said, carefully
"News travel so fast" Emi said

"I can help you unlock all levels of your Spirit soul in less than 3 weeks"
Emi stood still for a while and place IRETI on his legs, this offer was tempting, in three weeks he could become a grand god, and no one he cared about could die because of his weakness.
think about your wife, your child........
"What is in for you?" Emi asked.
"I want the throne"
What Ayenireti failed to know was that their village was rising very fast in popularity and in wealth and strength. What kind of people set themselves free from a god,not just any god, evil gods for that, and the killer of it all, they were supported by the grand gods.
All other King's trying to invade them now threw that thought far from them.

"Where were you when ayenireti was lost? "Emi asked he was about saying another word, when Adeshewa came out of the hut.
"My heart, welcome, hope you are having a nice time with our visitor? "She asked smiling.
"Yes, and he is about to leave, I have persuaded him to stay, seems he has a lot at hand to catch up on" Emi said and handed IRETI to Adeshewa.
She went back in to attend to what she was doing.
"If you won't comply willingly, let me let you know first that your beloved king is a murderer" Ajagunmasa Iretiola said and took his leave.
.
.
.
.
Emi entered into his hut, and settled down to eat, the nice aroma from the vegetable soup almost made it impossible for him to wash his hand, as he began to eat greedily.
AUUHHAAAH he sighed using the palm of his hand to wipe the sweat the were dripping from his face. Adeshewa only stared surprised, she has never seen him that way, she giggled softly, drawing Emi's attention.
'Aren't you eating" He asked noticing he had being the only one eating.
"You feel hungry than normal, don't worry I will get another soup from the pot for myself" She smiled and kissed him light on the forehead.
Right in the palace, Iretiola was having a very heated conversation with the King.
"Renounce your kingship now, or I will let every living soul in ayenireti know what you did" Iretiola threatened, his face was fuming with anger.
"Let me ask you, why did you decide to return to Ayenireti after these years"
Though that question was rhetorical, Iretiola knew anyone who ruled Ayenireti, was like having the other Kingdom beneath their feet. He angrily walked towards the King.
"I am the rightful heir"
"Let me remind you, your father willingly abandoned the throne for the younger, and the gods chose me to rule, of which you are a living witness" The King said pointing his horsetail at Iretiola.

"You know our tradition, if a brother won't step down willingly, we have to contest it's duel, the winner becomes king" Iretiola said.

"You wish to defill the order of the gods, the duel with whom gods have rightfully choosen"
"Even the gods make mistakes" Iretiola said, "I challenge you tomorrow" He said and bolted out of the palace.

The King summoned the previous elder and Cheifs, Emi and his wife,  and narrated what happened about and hour ago between him and his brother.
"We cannot let a monster rule us, I mean the devil we have known is better than the angel we haven't seen" An elder said as the other cheered in support.
"Know that he has used the law, right to a duel, we have no choice than to comply" Another said again.
"If truly the gods chose you,  my lord contesting with him shouldn't be a problem, since the gods will always support who they chose"
The King sighed and ordered, ink and a scroll should be brought to him, immediately he inked down on the scroll.
"I have accepted his challenge, Adeshewa tell the town crier to announce to everyone"
.


LONG LIVE THE KING

Iretiola blocked Emi before he could open the door that lead to his compound.
"What do you want?, the contest is tomorrow" Emi said, this man was really getting on his nerves, right at that moment, Emi wished he could punch him really hard with his beast soul.
"I told you, the King is a murderer, and you a warrior god still let him sit ll that throne"
"First" Emi walked head to head with Iretiola "I am no longer a warrior god, and second" he paused "I am a human god"
"and third, we don't give a damn about other people's past, only the future we hope to be better"
Iretiola was visibly shocked, it was time for his next line of action,  he thought within himself
"If you won't reason, others will"....
Little did he know that what he called a plan was no longer effective as he thought it would. But for someone who was so blood thirsty for power,  he failed to see it.
The moment for the fight arrived quickly, everyone already arrived at the arena, it contained the whole of the city and still spaces for about a thousand more. The city had really prospered during this little time after the invasion on it.

Iretiola was the first to walk into the arena, he wielded two swords in his hands, he was shirtless, with short khaki that he wore, his growl was deadly.
"People of Ayenireti" he shouted as the murmuring died down. "I have brought new hope, the one you call a king, Is just an imposter" He said.
On the part where the elders and Chris sat, they only looked at one another amd smiled from the corner of their lips, relaxing their back to listen to Iretiola's terrible speech.
"Hmmm" Emi sighed from where he stood, with his palm wine gourd with him. He sipped slowly.
"Your king is a murderer, a beast who murdered his father" Iretiola said, as people began too murmur in surprise.
"I remember clearly that man, made us work to our bones, he collected from us what we don't have, what wrong with Iretiade liberating is from his father, even in such way" an aged man responded
YESSSSS!! the aged ones who witnessed such terrible reign shouted in support of the ma that spoke.
Iretiola stood speechless, the unity in this city was BEYOUND what he imagined
"Get on with the fight and go back to your hole where you crawled out from" another man shouted and threw a tomato at him.

The King advanced towards the arena, a spear and a shield in his hand, his face was guarded with a helmet, he was also without shirt, and wore a light red short.

"Disgrace is the mother of all shame" The King said and with a swift movement threw his spear at Iretiade. He managed to dodge it, but it left a horrible wound in his chest.

The cheer from the crowd, weakened the spirit of Iretiade.
"Leave this city and never return" The King said, removed his helmet and headed out of the arena.
Iretiade grabbed his sword and rushed towards the King, the King unaware of this continued to head out of the arena. Emi saw this and threw the wine gourd and summoned his beast soul, he made it fast as possible, but it was too late. Iretiola slashed the King on the back, immediately, the King went down.
NOOO! Adeshewa screamed from where she sat, standing up to her feet.
The beast soul threw Iretiade into the air, swayed him and sent him to the ground. Emi quickly carried the King and ran towards the house of the chief priest.
The whole of ayenireti, hurriedly made their way after Emi, forgetting about Iretiade who managed to struggle to his feet. Know the best thing was to leave this town, he would still come back to get this throne, only that his plan won't be watered the next time.

After three days, there was still no improvement in the King's health, the sword of Iretiade was deduced to have been laced with an enchanted poison, although the priest did all he could do, there was still no improvement.
The Chief priest stepped out from the palace, the sad faces that threw questions at him.
"The King in his present situation, has asked me to make Emi the King till he recovers, Emi would be our acting King, till the kings recovers"

"LONG LIVE THE King" the priest said as the people took it up and shouted repeatedly.
Emi felt troubled within himself,  the King should be dead before they could chant long live the King on him, he threw a questioning look at the priest who willingly avoided eye contact.


.
COMMON ENEMY
A soldier ran into Emi's compound, very early in the morning and banged loudly on the door. Emi was frustrated, at the first bang he refused to rise from bed, he only cuddled Adeshewa a little tighter.
"My Lord, your presence is needed" The soldier shouted and banged the door again.
"Duty calls, and I have to go see how father's health is improving" Adeshewa said placing her palms on Emi's face
Since Emi has taken the position of king, he concluded it was a burden greater than being a warrior Lord. He sat down on a stool in the palace, and a guard stepped forward, handing over a letter to him.

"So other Kingdom now wishes to join alliance with us" Emi said after reading the letter. " We will join alliances, if they are willing to work for us"
This saying pleased the elders so well,  they began seeing Emi as a more better leader than Iretiade, their King.
The King said lifeless, on the bed he was laid, a boiling calabash place at a corner of the room, different king of strange drawings on the walls. Adeshewa carefully placed a cold towel on his body to reduce the temperature.
"Ajanaku, stop, stop.. O.. Poop..... Thi....s.  madness" The King murmured shaking roughly on the bed, like as though he would be kills amd was struggling for survival. After a while the Chief priest ran in, said some incantation and the King body calmed.
"Why his he shouting ajanaku" Adeshewa asked the priest.
"That is the King's worst fear, he knows Ajanaku will surely return"
Adeshewa heaved loudly and continued
"We haven't heard from him in years "
"It's like a tiger, planning his next move, he shall return " The priest said and continued his check on the King.

Ajanaku in the village where he dwelled, had terrorized every living soul, he now openly collect from anyone, killed anyone who went against his order, even the King could not raise a finger in his own land.
Ajanaku barged into the palace and immediately silence fell on everyone. He walked arrogantly with his gang behind him.
"I here this meeting is delibrated on banning me from this town" He said and raised the King from the throne and sat on it.
"You are a stranger here, go back to Ayenireti if you are all powerful, leave ilu nla alone" the King spoke angrily.
Ajanaku without hesitation drew out his sword and WHACCCCKKK the King right hand fell off. No living soul among the Cheifs could make a sound, as they all stared to the ground, ignoring the King who rolled and wailed in pain on the ground.
"Anyone else" One of Ajanaku minions shouted, revealing his thick brown teeth.

"Now to business of today, I have come to collect my share from this month's tax" Ajanaku said, chuckling softly.

"Where is the prince" Ajanaku shouted, everyone in the palace was to pay him homage whenever he was around.
"He is out of the village" an elder spoke, to prevent another casualty.
"Where has he gone? "
"Ayenireti"
At this Ajanaku rose in rage his eyes turned red. In Fury, he beheaded the elder that responded to him.
"Bring him back here, dead or alive" Ajanaku said and stormed out of the palace.
.
..
Emi stood beside the King, places his hands on his forehead, there was no improvement, like the King was locked in his own body. Adeshewa only weeper silently, since her father was in this state, it had reduced her efficiency. Emi held her tight, close to him.
.
.
A horse rose furiously raising dust into the air, distance away, rode five other horses in pursuit of the First one.
HIYAAA the young boy that rode the horse shouted, kicking on the horse to run faster. The first spear, passed near his neck, luckily for him, it left just a scratch on him, the second one flew past him again, seeing the woods ahead, he was almost into ayenireti, he urged his horse further. All of a sudden the horse tumbled, throwing his to the ground, all hope was lost, as Ajanaku's bastard caught up to him.
"Ahhhhhhhh, get the boy " The leader sad as they rounded him.
Huuh!!! The leader fell from his horse, lifelessly on the ground, his head was like it was drilled from the back to the front.
"who is that? " They began to shouted, in fright.
Another soldier was split into half, blood oozing from both half, springing into the air
A loud growl advanced from the woods like something horrible was coming, the soldiers felt strange within fear had dwelled in them.
One neck was snapped, without seeing who did it, another neck was also snapped, down to one.
"Go back and tell your boss, what you have seen" The horrible voice shouted as the last one bolted his horse out of sight.
The boy felt a hand raising him up.
"What's your name and why are you here" Emi asked trying to make the boy fell comfortable
"Ayo, I seek the Human god"

Emi patiently waited till Ayo finished eating, before he began bothering him with questions.
"You said you are from Ilu Nla (The big city), how come you have a terror in a city like that"
"It's our common enemy,  ajanaku" Ayo said and drank a cup of water.
Emi gazed at Ayo puzzled.
"What do you want from us? " Emi asked angrily. Not that he was angry at Ayo, but him saying a common enemy.
"Help us drive him out deliver us from him" Ayo said in a pleading tone.
"Follow me to the palace"
.

"We can help them if only they will agree to work for us" An elder said
"You want to indirectly make us your slaves" Ayo said, trying to pinpoint matters.

"Then we can't help you"
"If you go through this course, many will die and it will make you no different from him,  please Ayenireti is our only hope"

"Your village had good woods, and good workman craft, let's agree to a term, your people shall help us build wall round our village, thats the only way" Emi said
"That can be arranged" Ayo said, "When do we ride"

"calm down, we still have to come up with a plan,  Ajanaku is not someone you can catch unaware"




Ajanaku growled his veins like they would pop out of his body, if it got louder.
AHHHHH!! he screamed, the only one that survived had gave him news of what happened.
"You should have died with them, than come back to give me bad news," He said and drawed out the soul from the soldiers body, using it to charge his beast soul.
"We ride first thing tomorrow morning"
Ajanaku was grieved in his soul, if truly the way his soldiers were killed was true, then Emi has gained the spirit of the Human god, same as him, but worse for him, he couldn't use any power for long, as it would tear his body apart.
For the first time he was scared, but he had to show this people that no one dares defill him.
.


The Chief priest summoned Emi into his sacred chamber, red clothes placed on almost everyday, a calabash hanging in mid air, in center of the room, a skull hanged from the roof.
"I have called you here to warn you" the priest said calmly. Why did he have to bring him to his power room, Emi thought.
"Okay"
"Tomorrow when you face Ajanaku, you must not kill him, no matter what happens"
"If he does not attempt to kill me first"
 Emi entered into the sparing ground, and grabbed a sword, from the ranch.
"Get me the Prince "
Minutes later the Prince entered into the sparing ground, and walked towards Emi.
"Grab a sword" He said, pointing his sword at him.
"Why"
Emi groaned, what kind of Prince is this, the few ones Emi had come across, could at least go into defense position.
"I said pick a sword " Emi shouted, his loud shout, now drew the attention of the other warriors.
Ayo took a sword, threw it in the air and caught it, held it with two hands and ran forward, screaming. Emi hit his sword against, Ayo sword, the force, pulled Ayo to the ground, the sword fell from his hand, Emi pointed his sword at Ayo's neck.
"Again"
"No, am not doing it again, all we need is your help, if you can't let me know, or just admit you are scared of Ajanaku"
Emi really got angry into the bones, and held Ayo's shoulder, CRAAACK!!,he broke his arm.
AHHHHHHHH!!! Ayo shouted, tears flowing from his eyes uncontrollably
"Bastard" he caused Emi
"You lack manner of speech" Emi said and continued
"Is that how all your royalty treat common people? "Emi asked still annoyed.
"Escort him out of the village"
...........
Emi angrily threw his sword on the ground, furious at what Ayo said, pacing around his room, his mind was not thinking right. His attention was drawn to his daughter, that yawned, cooing and staring at him.
"Little one, I know you have lot to say, just wait for the right time" He smiled and lifted he in his hand.
He went to the backyard, there he met Adeshewa, preparing firewood. He stood still admiring her, she never did the normal Princess routine, she never wanted to live in the palace, why does she prefer the regular life.
"Let me help you with that" Emi said walking closer.
"I heard what happened at the sparing ground " She said still paying attention To what she did
"Hmm"
"Am not condemning you, I want you to realise, this goes a better way, you can get Ajanaku unaware, if he sees Ayo return, he will assume, you can't defend them, or you are still weak" She said and blew at the smoke that roses from the firewood.
Emi stood surprised, he smiled within. Ajanaku would be unaware of an attack, which will get him off guard.
"What would I have been without you" Emi said holding firm to his daughter.
"We will ride first thing at dawn" Emi said and continued "Why don't you get the maid to do this? "
"Nobody should take care of my property for me, I am a very jealous woman" She said.
.
.
Ayo leaned on his horse, as he entered into Ilu Nla, everyone stood in tears, they expected to see battalions with him, they had imagined the Human god driving out Ajanaku. But what they saw was the opposite.

Ayo was pulled roughly to the ground, he groaned, holding tight to his broken arm, he knelt down before Ajanaku who sat on his father's throne.
"Tell me,  why didn't the Human god come with you" Ajanaku asked scornfully.
"I suppose all of Ayenireti are bunch of cowards" Ayo replied "Where is my father? "
"Having a nice time in the dungeon, take him out of my sight"
.


Emi gathered his army, early the next morning and set out on their horses, on getting to Ilu nla, they entered as strangers, covering their heads with rage. Emi and five others went in.
"The King and his son are to be executed today" Emi heard someone whispering.
He nodded at those that followed him, as they walked towards the palace.
HUGHh!! They made their way past the security guards.
Ajanaku stood in center of the market square, expecting his guards to bring the King and his son, so he could pass judgement and create fear into the villagers heart. After minutes of waiting, he decided to give a fearful speech.
"Let this serve as an example, I am now the one that rule this land"
YOUR DOOM IS near!!!! Ajanaku heard a voice spoke in his head, he paused and looked around
"Who said that? "
Everyone looked at each other, clueless about what Ajanaku was asking about.
"Check what is making them take so long" He ordered one of his guard, who immediately took off.
.
.
Emi pressed the padlock, and threw the dust to the ground. The King rose to his feet, he summoned the little strength within him.
"Ayo, the Human God"
"I told you, he will never come, the bastard broke my arm"
"We don't have much time" Emi said.
Ayo raised his head up, that voice sounds familiar, for some unknown reason, hope lingered in him.
"You came" Ayo said, in a happy tone.
"Follow, Saheed" Emi said and pointed to the warrior that followed him, while the others stood guard.
.
.
Ajanaku began to feel impatient, he never thought, an ambush would occur, he angrily walked out of the market square and headed towardsthe palace, as the villagers followed behind him.
.
Inside the palace, Ajanaku entered angrily, and froze seeing a familiar figure sitting on his throne.
"Emi"
"The Human god came" a woman whispered softly, gradually the whisper began to get louder.
"Shut up" Ajanaku shouted, his beast soul, roaring loudly.
"Long time,  brother" Emi said ascending the throne, as his warriors followed behind. "Kill them" Ajanaku ordered, after some seconds he saw none of his warriors advance to attack.

"Seems we took them out" Emi said and moved closer.
"Kill the bastard" the villagers shouted, their noise, echoing through every part of the palace.
.
.
"Did the gods abandon you, there is still redemption, if you are willing to change, I need my brother back" Emi said placing his hand on Ajanaku's chest.
Ajanaku for a moment wished he never did the stupid things he did, but then pride won't let him be.
Ajanaku removed Emi's hand from his chest, and with swift reflex, he jammed Emi towards a pillar.
CRAAACKKK!!! The pillar began to scramble, as everyone took to their heels, running for their dear lives.
Emi wasting no time, shot his beast soul at Ajanaku, who dodged it, a part of the pillar crumbled down, Ajanaku wasted no time in giving a heavy punch against the crumbling part of the pillar, and it advanced towards Emi.
Emi quickly withdrew his sword and slashed the huge block into pieces, the dust from it gave Ajanaku another added advantage as,  he did a backdrop in mid air, and his leg hit against Emi's head, slamming him to the ground.
"Ahh nice move" Emi said and staggered to his feet. Ajanaku threw a punch at Emi's face, he blocked, it pulled Ajanaku's hand towards him and gave a heavy nod on Ajanaku's chest. Still holding Ajanaku's hand tightly, he spinned him raised Ajanaku on his shoulder, with great force, he smacked him to the ground.
"Huuuhhhh" Ajanaku groaned, as blood, oozed from his mouth.
Emi grabbed his sword from the ground, and raised it up, preparing to stab Ajanaku.
AHHHHHHHH!!! Emi screamed and stopped the sword immediately it made impact with Ajanaku's chest.
"Do it, please kill me" Ajanaku said, tears dropping from his eyes.
"No, no" Emi muttered and threw the sword away.
"I will never forgive you for this" Ajanaku said, holding Emi's leg tightly.
"You caused this mess" Emi shouted sobbing.
Ajanaku pushed Emi with great force, away from a crumbling pillar.
WHIIMMMEEE!! The pillar crashed on Ajanaku, covering him up totally.
"No no" Emi mumbled, lifting stones after the other. After minutes of lifting blocks and throwing it away. He found Ajanaku's body,his head squashed against the floor, as he bathed in his own pool of blood.
"Noooooooooooooo" Emi shouted in agony. His heart was greatly troubled.
.
.
.
A heavy feast followed the next day, everyone rejoicing, even the happiness within, made the King felt better, forgetting about his missing arm.
Emi not in the same mood as others, drank himself to stupor, thinking about the good times he and Ajanaku had together. Gourd after gourd, palmwine after palmwine, he drowned himself.
"Here" Ayo said handing over another gourd of palmwine to Emi. "We shall keep to the end of our bargain, after the celebration, our workers will get the necessary and being work on the wall"
Emi only looked silly at him and only nodded in reply
"and I will not forget about you breaking my arm" He said. "Ladies, over here, keep the Human god company make him feel good" He said and left Emi to the two girls that sat next to him.
"Go aw....w..ay" He said stammering,  "My wife waits for me at home" He said not in his right sense.
Emi manage to open his eyes, only to find himself stark naked,  his sword laid on the ground, his beads were neatly placed on a small stool, he smelled horrible.
"You are awake" A lady said.
He turned his head towards the direction of the voice, seeing that the lady was also naked, Emi knew what happened.
"You took advantage of me" He shouted and rose in Fury from the bed, his eyes shot red liquid coal.
She jumped to her feet, in fright, using one hand to cuddle her breast, almost unashamed she placed the other on her pubic region.
"You asked me to lay with you" She said sobbing.
Emi anger died down and he placed his hand on her chin.
"Get out" He said calmly.

Months have passed, Adeshewa had already began to notice Emi now distanced himself from her, he never cuddled her as he did, even now, he prefers to sleep in the palace, and give excuse about attending to villagers query, and monitoring the work of the wall.


Adeshewa walked into the sparing ground and walked closer to where they trained.
"Princess" They all said and bowed suspending their training.
"Akogun, please let me have a word with you" She said and walked a reasonable distance.
"What happened to Emi, when you went to Ilu Nla" She asked
"Nothing"
"Did he lay with anyone"
Akogun stood rigid and looked sideways, trying to avoid eye contact with her.
"Just like I thought" She said and angrily walked out of the sparing ground.

TRUST
"You are behaving in a manner I don't like, these days Emi" Adeshewa said while bathing IRETI
"Nothing is wrong" Emi sighed, guilt hunted him knowing he laid with another woman.
"I know you laid with a woman, I am not angry" Adeshewa said as she poured water on IRETI.
Emi sat down where he was speechless, what he thought was a secret, no man would know.
"I am truly sorry, about it" Emi said, looking at the ground, he felt like it should swallow him up.
"Hope you will be more frequent at home, and not let guilt hunt you down" Adeshewa asked, she had missed Emi, although he was present but, emotions were far behind.
Emi smiled, if only he knew she would reason like this, he would have opened up earlier.
"Hope you know your daughter, has took her first step in walking"
How would he know, he was busy hiding his guilt, while the changes he ought to have noticed were skipping him already.
"Ahhhhhhhh, isn't it too early for her?" Emi asked
"For a Grand god,  NO" Adeshewa replied and giggled softly.
.
.
Gradually the wall built around ayenireti was beginning to become complete, the wall stood about the height of three fully grown iroko tree, the width could contain two huts. The progress pleased Emi greatly, if he could sign treaty with other kingdoms and get them to do their works, Ayenireti could greatly improve.
.
.
Emi stood beside by the King, who still was unconscious. The situation now began getting worse, pores now began forming from the kings body.
"We have to find a solution" Emi said to the chef priest.
"The cure is in this kingdom, but I don't know where".
Emi felt relieved, for the fact that the cure was within their reach.

But how would they know, who or what the cure was, he looked at the Priest, if there was another clue
"I will try as much as possible, to find out more"
"I know someone who could point us in the right direction"..
.

.
Emi tied his horse to a tree, that stood in front of the inn he would be lodging in, before continuing his journey the next day. He walked to the reception, noticing the caliber of people that gathered in the hall. Drunkards, in dark corners, he could see people holding themselves in pairs, commuting adultery. Well it was none of his visibly the sight only brought back the guilt, the thought of him cheating on his wife, even if it wasn't deliberate.
"How much is the room, for a night?" Emi asked the receptionist.
"10 copper coins, for the smallest, with no bed, 15 copper coins, with pole beds and 25 copper coins for the executive" The receptionist said listing out the offers.
Emi dipped his hand into his money bag, and handed over a gold coins over to the man. The man was surprised at the sight of pure gold.
"Do you need, additional fun, I could arrange a girl for you" He said trying to show gratitude
Emi gave a cold stare at the man, the look said it all.
"Follow me"
Emi laid on the bed, which had been improvised to feel so soft, and comfortable to lay on.
He was going to meet a strange woman,  for a solution that was in their kingdom.  He thought within himself, even the gods have seemed to cease with their constant communication with him.
.
.Emi opened his eye, he could hear footsteps approaching his room, he knew immediately they had seen him give the receptionist a gold coin, and they had come to loot him of every dime he had.
"Why do you have to be in pains"
.
.
They all moved back as Emi climbed on his horse, last night wasn't the best of night for the inn thieves, the least of all injury on them,  was a broken arm. Emi smiled inward, if only they knew who he really was, but he had a task ahead.

Emi saw a guy standing alone in the middle of the woods, and alighted his horse, he drew out his sword and stealthily walked towards the hut. As he got to the door, it opened by itself, revealing a dark entrance. As Emi took each steps, oil lamps on the wall lit up for themselves.
Emi felt frustrated, the entrance, didn't seem to end, he had been walking for almost thirty minutes. He paused looked back, he could see the daylight outside.
"Just a step" A voice said from nowhere in particular. He did as told and meet himself a room, skulls hanged from every corner. In the middle of the room was a scared alter.
Emi walked closer
"Why are you here? " A lady said and her hand laid on Emi's shoulder from the back.
"I was hoping you had the cure for the King's illness" Emi replied facing the lady.
Emi wondered at what he saw, this so called Spirit Seer, was a great to who Emi figured who couldn't be more than 15 year

"Sit down" She ordered Emi.
She placed her hand on Emi's head, as her eyes shone brightly and same as Emi. And they went into a trance.
ZAAAPPPPP!!!
"Remi, watchout" Remi flew in the sky dodging the huge vehicle that almost crushed him, he shot lasers from his eyes, melting through the object that cane at him. He had a black emblem of an eagle on his green suit, his golden cape made him look glorious.
"Mother" Remi shouted
"Call me IRETI on field,  our enemies must not know am your mother" IRETI said, as they flew in the air.
Explosions from different angles, sharp metals going through and Fri, faster than what Emi had ever seen.
ZAAAPPPPPP!!! The trance was over, the spirit seer was thrown far from Emi. She stood up and walked to Emi feeling exhausted.
"What was that? " Emi asked panting heavily.
"The future,  a great war is coming, and you won't be alive to witness it. "
"The thing in the vision, I have never seen them"
"Neither have I, weapons that will split thousands in one touch, I have never seen that in my 390 years of existence".
Emi paused for some minutes, bending slightly.
"What's the cure? "
"Your daughter".
.
.
"OPEN THE gate" a guard shouted from the watch tower on the wall.
The heavy spiked gate, rolled with pulling from great effort. Emi rode into Ayenireti and straight down to the palace.
"Get me my wife,  and tell her to come with IRETI, someone should bring the King to the palace" Emi said, as he walked through the steps that led to the palace.
.
.
.
The Cheifs and Elders all gathered forming a circle round the King, Emi collected his daughter from his wife.
"Water" He said, and received a calabash, filled with water from the priest.
Emi dipped IRETI's hand into the water, and let a drop into the King's mouth. Everyone paused, expecting something really weird to happen, after five minutes the loosed hope. They all turned their back, in confusion. Then they heard a cough.
The King coughed. The boils on his body, began to fade away.
.
..
IRETI cooed, as everyone drew their attention to her
"A grand god " Otun said,his mouth widely agape.
.
.
The King had a smile on his face,as Emi helped him to sit upright.
YOUR HIGHNESS they all chorused on after the other and bowed, then stood upright.
"Welcome back"
"Thanks to everyone, Emi, a war ..."
"You have to see the new look of Ayenireti " Emi said, knowing what the King was about to say, he interrupted him, with his own words.
He held the King leading him outside as the remains Chief followed behind.
THE KING IS AWAKE
The words quickly spread round of ayenireti, as everyone left what they were doing and converged to the market square. What the King saw delighted him, his beloved city was already fenced round, mighty gate leading into the city, one way in one way out.
"Under Emi's leadership, I am delighted with what I am seeing".

A BROTHER'S SON
The King paused for a while, smiled and continued.
"Let's dine, tonight".
.
.
Emi made sure the other villages that were invited were those that would benefit Ayenireti, he also saw an opportunity to sign a peace treaty.  In total 12 kingdoms were invited.
.
Setting of the palace commenced immediately, the hall well designed and had been expanded to more than twice the size of the fight arena, could now contain enough people. Emi made sure IRETI was well dressed, beautified with expensive beads.
The hall began to fill with people of different hugh status.
CLING CLING CLING.
The King gently hit a spoon on the table, drawing the attention of everyone to him.
"First, I will like to make a toast, to Emi, he has done great, during my absence, a toast to the Human God" He said and they all raised their calabash in the air and drank up.
"Second, to my daughter, Adeshewa"
"We will like to marry her to our kingdom, let's become good friends" A king said, robbing his beards slowly.
"Am sorry, the Human god has married her, and they now have a child, let's give a toast to her"
"My Cheifs, the priest and to ireti"
Emi rejected the wines that came before him, after much persuasion from his fellow warriors, he had two gourds to himself.
.
.
He shook his head, watching the arm fight of the soldiers, and as they placed their bets. Suddenly everywhere was silent and seemed like a slow motion to Emi. His ears was sure not hearing anything. Then, amidst the large crowd, he saw someone he knew. He closed his eyes and opened it again, the person was gone, he could swear with his life that he saw Ajanaku.
He felt hands shaking him hard, and suddenly everything was clear.
"Your turn, Human god, I place 10 pieces of gold, that you are going to loose" A soldier said, raising his calabash up.
"Stupid, we all know the Human god will never loose" another said and poured his wine into his mouth in one gulp.
"20 pieces, the arm fight won't reach 5seconds". The bet kept rolling up.
.
.
.
A bang came at Emi's door, he woke up with an heavy eye, he never knew when the party ended, he attended to the door, and was surprised, it was sunny outside, he had slept heavy.
"Emi, something came up, the King request your presence"
.
.
Emi walked into the palace, only Adeshewa and the King was there.
"Emi, we saw this cute baby, at the step of the palace" Adeshewa said, showing the child to Emi.
Emi stood still, with the King was his daughter, and a child with Adeshewa.
"Ask from the kingdoms that came to the party yesterday" Emi said.
"Emi,  the party was 5 days ago, and we saw this child this morning"
Emi felt uncomfortable, how come he had slept so long.
"Bright eyes" Adeshewa said complimenting the child.
"We have to find a way of disposing this child" Emi said firmly.

"Are you okay? " Adeshewa said irritated at what Emi said.
"Yes, am certain, this is something more than us"
"We shall keep the child, for the sake that,  you were also an orphan, and the palace took you in, here you are, the most valuable asset, ayenireti have" The King said and continued "He is your responsibility " He said and gave IRETI to Emi.
"I saw Ajanaku, during the feast" Emi said.
"Hmmmm" Adeshewa and the King chorused together
They turned looking at Emi, with puzzled look on their face.
"Adeshewa, you told me he died"
"Yes, I saw him die, his head squashed,  I saw him at the party"Emi said.
He noticed a bead on the boy child hand and walked to Adeshewa to have a closer look at the bead.
He studied the bead closely and knew what he saw.
"This bead belongs to Ajanaku" Emi said, holding tightly to the child's hand.
"We have to get rid of this boy" Emi shouted, his eyes flared in anger.
"Are you blind, Ajanaku Won't Leave his child here, if he doesn't trust us, you don't know he is going through, where he is" Adeshewa calmly replied.
"Don't hate him because of his father's mistake " She finally concluded
"What's his name" Emi asked collecting the child from Adeshewa.
"Eri(Witness), I think that will be a nice name "
.
..

.
SAVED BY A BROTHER
"Ba...dta " IRETI spoke with all keen eye on her.
"She spoke her first words" Emi said and threw her in the sky, as his wife giggled, softly not to disturb sleeping Eri.
"We are going for the hunt tomorrow, and if it's true what the rumors are, then, we might take longer than expected" Emi said, his words changing the happy atmosphere.
"It's late,  you  have to rest" Adeshewa said and began laying their bed.
Emi softly carried Eri in his hand, to allow Adeshewa lay the bed easily.
"I will try to get back early"
"Make sure, no soldiers goes missing, or dies horrible, you know they have family expecting their arrival" Adeshewa said and put her hands on his face, starting poorly at him.
"Yes your highness" Emi said and pulled Adeshewa with the free hand closer to him.
"You'll have to come back, before you can do it, and I won't want you to wake the babies" adeshewa said and laid on the bed.
"AHHHHH, am not impotent"
"Neither am I, love".
.
.
Adeshewa woke up early the next morning, to prepare Emi for the journey, ahead only to notice, he was gone. Her heart failed for a moment, Emi was gong to face a creature rumored to have escaped from hell. A creature that has razed two villages to the ground.
Although this creature was not even halfway bear the borders of Ayenireti, but the duty of a human god is not limited only in his town.
.
Emi had his best warriors with him, the ones he personally handpicked, each one he observe was as strong as three soldiers combined together. Altogether he had 7 warriors with him,  in hunt of this monster.
Reaching the first village, it was completely razed to the ground, the stench from the dead bodies, grew stronger as they neared the village.
They all were alert as they rode their horses into the village.
"No living soul" Emi said and halted"This is curse walking among us" Emi said.
The entire village was still, even the air seemed to be eliminated.
"See, tracks" A soldier said, showing them the weird foot print on the ground.
"This is certainly not human,  be careful, archers in position" Emi said, leading.
They followed the tracks for almost a day, which led them to the second village, also razed down, but there were few survivors.
.
.
They walked into the village, ignored by the people, as they tend to the injured ones among them.
"We have no food, no water, we lost it all in one day" A voice shouted. " Owo Iku(Hand of death) , should just lay it's mighty hand on us all"
"what about the human god?"
"we will all be dead before he arrives here"
Emi could here clamour and grief as they all complained bitterly. Emi and his team entered into a segmented area, where the injured were being attended to.
"What happened?" he asked a lady, that attended to the injured, applying herbs on their injuries.
"You shouldn't have come here, leave before he comes" She said, adjusting, the wrapper on her waist.
"Why"
"Owo Iku, he has been torturing us all, anyone who tries to leave dies, little by little, he is bringing us down".
.
.
HAAIIIIII!!
"It is here" The lady said in fright, hearing the loud and horrible screams that came from the villagers
Emi looked at his team, and signalled with them using his head. The plan was to confront this demon, study it during the fight, retreat and figure out a way to bring it down.
Emi led the way, to the opening, struggling through the disorganized crowd, they made their way through, to confront this creature. In about a minute, the street was dry and totally silent.
"It's going into stealth attack" Ogunjimi said. And they immediately made a stealth formation, pairing three each,  they formed a triangle. Putting their Shields forwards. They knew the demon was within, they could here it growl soft.
RAAAARRHHHHH!! The demon suddenly appeared and threw itself on their shield, as a means to lower their guard and advance attack.
HOOLLLD!! Emi shouted and they strengthened the force with which they held their shield, making sure their feet stayed rooted to the ground.
The creature growled standing some few meters from them. It's look was horrible, it stood on all four hinds, all upper part of its body, were covered with hard spikes, the hinds were like the feet of a man, right in the middle of its head, was a red glowing stone.
Ogunjimi, threw his spear at the creature, on impact, the spear broke into a thousand pieces.
"Eledumare" Emi muttered, he never imagined the spear to be shattered like that, at least he expected into just two pieces.
The creature snarled, stamping it's feet angrily on the floor, as it made huge crack on the ground.
"Everybody fall back"
The creature leaped towards them. Emi quickly channeled his beast soul into his right arm, and punched the creature hard on the face, creating a sonic boom, the force pulled the demon, hard on the wall.
It stood up, snarled at Emi, at took to it heel. Emi flexed his muscles.
"We have to find a way of getting rid of this animal, another hit with my beast soul, it will shatter my beast soul without recovery" Emi said.
One by one, people began to open their doors, windows flung open, soon there was already a huge crowd gathered around them.
"I am Bidemi, follow me, I have the necessary information you will be needing to defeat Owo Iku " a lady said from the crowd.
.
.
She served Emi and his crew a bowl of soup, with mutton meat, after eating, she packed the calabash amd immediately stated the main situation.
"Tell us something, we don't know" Oguntomiwa said rubbing his mouth with his palm.
"This creature, only weakness is to pull out the hell stone on its chest" She said and continued "the more this stone glows, the more powerful it is "

"Any plan, on how to pull this stone out "  Ogunjimi asked
"I was hoping, one of you has one hundred percent accuracy "
"Yes, am the best around here" Ogunjimi said, trailing his plaited hair, which he plaited in three parts.
"Let's see" Bidemi said and pulled out her bow from under the table.
"Am not competing with a lady, even, you are no match for me" Ogunjimi said, folding his hands.
"You are scared"  Emi said and they all laughed loudly.
.
.
"PHEEEWWWW PHEEWWWW Bidemi effortlessly shot two arrows,at the table. The first one, spinned a calabash into the air, as the other one balanced it steadily against the wall.
"Woooooaaaahhhhhh"eveeyone except Ogunjimi shouted feeling impressed at the move.
"Your turn"
"What, you know am better than that, Human God, you have seen me in action, haven't you" Ogunjimi said, waving his hand towards Emi.
"I don't think so" Emi replied with a stern face. "the lady replaces you then, you won't be on the field tomorrow"
"Impossible, you want to exclude my name from list of legends" Ogunjimi shouted and withdrew his now, and grabbed two arrows.
PHEWSZAPP!! ogunjimi shot both arrows. The first one hit the wall, while the second one, pierced the first arrow, splitting it into two.
"That's an old trick, I have seen you do that like forever" Alara said.
"She hasn't seen that,have you"
"Am better than you" Bidemi said and went into her bedroom.

.Very early the next day, Emi rose, and waked up the rest and they prepared and set out. Bidemi took the lead, she knew this creature better than anyone. They rode for almost half a day before reaching their destination. Some meters before them stood a dark cave.
"Are we going into it" Ogunjimi asked feeling awkward
"No, it knows we are here, this demon treasures it's cave, although no one knows what's in there"Bidemi said.
Like Owo Iku heard their conversation, it majestically walked out of the cave and snarled, as thick saliva drooled from its mouth.
"Everyone disband, Ogunjimi make sure you have a clear stand" Emi said, as he watched his team disbanded into different angles, leaving only him and the beast face to face.
"Eledumare, grant me a portion of your strength " Emi muttered and picked up his pace towards the demon, as the demon also at first slowly advanced, but gradually it picked up fast pace.
Emi joined his fists together and slammed on the beast, in retaliation, it used it's hand to push Emi to the ground, and snarled, lowering it's huge mouth, in an attempt to towards Emi's face. Emi placed his elbow, between his chest and the neck of the beast, preventing it from tearing his head.
"Bidemi" Emi shouted.
An arrow came at the neck of the beast, and shattered into pieces.
SNAAARRRRRLLLLL!!! The beast looked towards the direction the arrow had come from seeing Bidemi hanging from a tree, it ran towards her. With a huge bang, it collided against the tree, pulling it down, as Bidemi lost balance.
Ogunjimi, from where he took cover, knew Bidemi was done for, but he could do something. He tied a rope to the edge of an arrow and tied the other end to his leg. He then shot the arrow to the branch where he stood, and dived towards Bidemi,
ARRGH..he caught her and swung back to the tree where he stood. The creature became more furious. Emi summoned his beast soul and slide his knees the force pulling him under the creature and he wasted no time in punching it from beneath. The creature became more furious, what happened next made Emi wish he didn't use his beast soul.
Right before them, this beast stood on two legs like a man, standing about 8feer tall.
"Attack" Emi shouted, and they all ran towards the beast, excepting Ogunjimi and Bidemi, who still stood on the tree.
WHACK, whack this heat swooped them with just one swing of its hand. Emi luckily drove it's sword into the beast, forcing it for its knees, he reached for the Hellstone, he was halfway pulling it out, then the beast used the last strength in it to push Emi away, it raised its hands up, and Sliccck, it came off. and it fell to its kneels.
Emi was certain he didn't do that, someone saved him, and it wasn't his team, then who was it. Emi struggled to his feet, and right in front of the dead beast was Ajanaku,.
Ajanaku bent down and pulled the hell stone, out and dipped it inside his Ankara bag.
"Brother" Ajanak said looking at Emi.
At his sight, the other warriors, grabbed their weapons and stood at alert, no one trusted Ajanaku.
"Lay down your weapon" Emi ordered, "why are you here"
"Walk with me" Ajanaku said, stepping forward. After they were out of ear shot he continued. "Thank you for the love, you have shown my son" Ajanaku said.
"I knew it"
"Emi, my son does not deserve to grow with a father like me he deserves someone better, and you are the only one I can trust " Ajanaku said, facing Emi squarely.
"Me saving you today, is because of my son, and for this life you owe me, please take good care of my son" Ajanaku said and immediately faded.
Emi stood still, not that he was confused, bit Ajanaku trusting his son to his care, even condemning himself for not being a good father.
Emi faced back and could see, Ogunjimi having a heated argument with Bidemi.
"Let's go" Emi said not having interest in what they argued about.
.
RISE OF RULERS
death is an inevitable circle that goes round and round, and still the circle continues. 17years has pass, Emi still continue to make Ayenireti the safest place among other kingdoms, Ajanaku on the other hand, had gone silent, no threat from him. History is now taking a very different turn especially at ayenireti. These white skin men, with pointed nose, their hairs looked glorious, except for some very few, whom nature had denied the grace of looking good, the ruled with fear, a different fear no one has seen, even the instrument of war, was a horrible sight to behold when it went into war.
Ayenireti still stood the only town that had withstood attacks from trespassers. For the grace of a Grand god, a human god, and a skilled warrior all from just one family at ayenireti.
.
.
Emi watched as his two children trained vigorously, using a wooden sword to fight against themselves. For some minutes, Emi admired both of his children, he saw Eri as his own, the one he raised from an infant.
"Eri, your guide is watery,  you will die in minutes, if you continue like this" Emi shouted "IRETI I know you are channelling your beast soul, to strengthen your arms".
"Father, do you have to connect to my spirit" IRETI shouted in replied and Eri saw an opportunity and pulled her on the leg, making her fall heavily on the ground.
"Deception " Eri said and stretched his hand to pull her up.
"Father, when do we go for our hunt? " Eri asked, as he and IRETI walked up to Emi.
It was a tradition, in ayenireti, every warrior, once they hit age 18 would perform the initiation rite, which included, hunting for an animal, to test their strength, returning empty handed means, no engagement in any form of battle, odd as it seems, no warrior felt pleasure in being abandoned when others go to claim victory.

Emi could feel the strong desire of his children to begin initiation as soon as possible, but things are now different, the woods they freely toured was now a place they tried to stay away from as much as they could. The emergence of this white skin men, had changed a lot of things, slavery was now the highly paid business.
"You know you can't go into the woods these days" Emi said, placing his hands on their head.
"We are not thinking of going alone, we could have the warriors in the woods while we hunt" Eri gave out his own opinion.
"and, even the woods still lies in our territory" IRETI added.
"Alright, you can go, I will discuss it with others " Emi said, getting fed up with their zeal to do the hunting by all means.
.
.
Emi entered into the palace, taking his seat among the Circles of Elders, he glanced at the scroll passed to him for some minutes and rolled it up, all eyes were on him, this issue of revolution from the white men, has placed them into a rat hole. All they did was just going round and round in circles.
"Bring the prisoner in" Emi said, also using his hand to make gesture to the guards.

The guards wasted no time bringing the prisoner in, bound tightly, he could hardly move, they forced him on his knees before the elders.
Emi stood up and walked closer to the prisoner, his face was already swollen, he had been tortured thoroughly before he could confess to his crimes.
"What did the white skin men, give you in exchange for the raw gold you gave them? " Emi asked.
"Cold met..aalls" The prisoner said, trying not to look into Emi's eyes.
Ayenireti, never knew the usefulness of gold, then the white skin men came. Noticing Ayenireti was a rich source of gold, almost on every part of their city, they tried to conquer it. But no weapon could go against two spirit gods and a skilled warrior. So they resorted in bribery, they exchanged cold metals (gun) for huge amount of golds, but the still not enough, like the god of greed, dwelled within them, thy still sought ways to bring down ayenireti, apart from the spirit god's they would face, the Great Wall of Ayenireti was a stumbling block on its own.

"For how long have you been selling them raw gold?" Emi continued his interrogation.
The Prisoner, wasted no time in giving the reply
"Two weeks"

"This gathering finds you guilty, your property shall be taken from you, you and your household shall be banished from Ayenireti, any attempt you make towards crossing over the border shall consider you a threat and you shall be put down" Emi said and signalled to the guards to take him away.

"Please Human God, there is something you need to hear" The Prisoner managed to talk.
Emi folded his right hand and raised it up, he stood firm as the prisoner continued his words.
"The cold metal is not only the deadliest weapon they posses, I don't want to die" He said weeping "Consider my family, I can work as spy for you, and report back"
Emi sighed and looked at the Chiefs and elders.
"Let the Elders decide" Emi concluded.
Otun, a bald head man, he actually  looked younger than his age, as he stood up to talk, he adjusted his native cap, bending it slightly to the left. He wriggled his mouth and spoke.
"We shall put it to a vote, I personally does not want him here, those who want him should raise their hand"
The committee consisted of 8 Elders and 5 Chiefs, including Emi. After much deliberation, Emi and two other Chiefs were the only ones who raised their hands.
"Since majority carries the vote, the former decision remains" Emi said, trying to avoid eye contact with the prisoner, guilt was filled within him, without further discussion, he left the council.
.
.
Emi walked sadly into his hut, feeling frustrated, he laid on his wooden bed, thinking about what to do. Really it was a hard time for him. The King is missing, no one could be suspected, almost a year, another family is being banished, his children insist on going for their initiation hunt.
"My heart" Adeshewa called out, gently putting down the basket on her head. "Emi" She called again, and paused for a moment, before going to tap him lightly.
"Hmm" Emi was pulled out of his deep thought. "How was sales? "
"What's wrong? " She asked,and sat beside him, where he laid.



This foreigners already gained their spoils. Ayefele was their first target. Their weapon of destruction had no match, hence the overthrew this city easily.
"John, gather this folks around" Said Francis.
Francis had been designed to this part of the region, to overthrow it and bring people into slavery, while some villages willingly partnered with Francis to plunder other villages and sell the very best of them to the white skin men.
Francis, easily guessed to be in his late 50, he was very muscular and great in strength, he had the wisdom and tactics to bring anyone down to his knees.
As John gathered the prisoners around, he also molested the females among them, smiling wickedly, he also grinned from mouth to mouth.
"Emi ni a pa e(I will be the one to kill you)" A boy said as John rounded them up.
"Hey, what do you say? " John said and slapped the boy hardly on the face and angrily pulled out his gun from his belt.
"John, enough, we need them in exchange for the money, if business continues as good as this, I will buy a mansion in Queens Island" Francis said, and puffed smoke out from his nostrils.
.
.
Emi stood at the gate of Ayenireti ushering the refugees in, he himself handled the head count, as they trooped in.
"Emi, we won't be able to feed these people,if they continue to come in large numbers as this" Ogunjimi said, standing near Emi.
"We have no choice, you have done well in bringing this set, I got words from Ikubiyi, he is coming with his or set before noon"
"We have intruders!!!!! " The guard at the top of the wall shouted.
Emi quickly made his way outside the gate, beside him was Ogunjimi and IRETI.
About a mile from Ayenireti, thousands of horse could be seen, running furiously.  This is the second time in one month, Ayenireti would be under attack, but this number was larger than the previous attack.
"How much soldiers do we have at hand" Emi asked Ogunjimi.
"Not enough to withstand for an hour" Ogunjimi said.
"Are you serious? " IRETI shouted as she pulled a girl up and handed her over to her mother.
"Where is Eri? " Emi asked.
"Talk of the devil" Ogunjimi smiled, seeing Eri run out of the city to join them with his bow and quaver at his back.

"As soon as the last person enters, close the gate, archers take position" Emi shouted the orders to the one at the top of the wall.


Emi charged his beast soul, allowing it to flow through his hand into his sword, he had no other thinking than to slay as much as he could, before he began having human feelings for them. The Grand god, charged her beast soul into her arms as well, everything seemed so slow in her sight, even before the fight, she had dropped down more than a hundred.
"Show off" Eri said, and later four arrows on his bow.
"Don't worry,  I will protect you, dear one" IRETI replied smiling at him, as her eyes glowed red.
"On count of three" Ogunjimi said, swaying his sword from one hand to the other.
PANNNNNK!!! A bullet hit Emi's chest, and dropped to the ground.
"Cold metal" Emi said, and began to run forward, as others followed suit.

Archers already took formation at the top of the wall, as they drew their arrows with the bow string.
"Hold" The leader shouted, making sure the opponent drew closer before, he ordered them to shoot.
Emi entered into a raged killing spree, grabbing horses with minimum effort and throwing them at the white skin men, bullets shoot at him made no effect on him.
Eri rolled on the ground amidst the horses and fired his arrows, as they gladly made their way throw the hearts of his targets, he somersaulted dodging the bullets rushing at him, with great strength he fired and before a second he pulled out another set of arrows. He removed all the arrows from the quiver and laid them on the ground. Positioning himself with one knee on the ground, he picked his arrows in fours and didn't miss a target.

IRETI movement was too fast for her opponents to know her next move, with the speed of light, headless bodies dropped to the ground from their horses.
"There are too fast" One shouted from his horse, seeing how IRETI fought tiredlessly.
Ogunjimi on the other hand fought happily, bathing himself with the blood of his enemies, he pulled a soldier from the horse and smashed his head into pieces with his feet. He leaped into the air with great effort and drove his sword into the heart of another.
"Fireeee " the leader of the archers on the wall shouted the orders"
Emi, saw the arrows, and immediately leaped on Ogunjimi, covering him with his body, prevent the arrows from piercing Ogunjimi, also IRETI did the same to Eri.
"You stink" Eri muffled, trying to catch his breath beneath IRETI.
"Lay still you this pervert, you are trying to take advantage " IRETI said, as arrows bounced off her body.
"We still bath together, less you forget "
After the spree of the arrows, Emi stood up and IRETI at the same time. Before them laid countless lifeless bodies.
"There is one survivor " IRETI said charging her beat soul.
"leave him, let him tell the story" Emi said and headed towards the gate.
.
.
Francis, threw his cigarette against the wall, his look showed he was through tough and critical thinking.
"Just Four, uncivilized people, killed nine hundred of you? "He asked looking puzzled, this piece was hard to connect together.
"Hasten the sales" he commanded and walked out of his hut.
The only problem he had was that he was short of men, the next thing was either to retweet or ask for backup, but four against nine hundred, what if they used their whole troop. Wasn't he biting more than he could chew

.
.
Eri sat at the foot of Emi, while Adeshewa sang as she plaited IRETI's hair, using beads to adorn her hair.
Emi gladly kept himself busy, telling Eri stories of his past.
".....You should have seen how Obatala, fought hard against Esu" Emi said, imitating fight scenes.
"Ahhhhhhhh, when do I get to see the gods " Eri asked excitedly.
"Even I for myself being a Grand god haven't come in contact with any greater god" IRETI chipped in, trying to tilt her head towards their direction.
Eri smiled wickedly and put a stone in his catapult and aimed at IRETI.
"ooouucch " She screamed loudly.
"Only I can hurt you" He said and placed another stone in the catapult and shot her again
"You are so dead" IRETI said trying to place her head still.
"Father, you haven't tell me still how I got the Hell stone" Eri said, reaching for another stone.
Adeshewa looked at Emi and faced the hair she was plaiting, but her full attention was directed at Emi. Just then Ogunjimi entered into the compound.
"Uncle" Eri shouted and shot the catapult at him.
"The Hell fighter himselt" Ogunjimi hailed Eri
"How is your wife" Eri asked taking his former position.
"Bidemi is doing good, so I have two news, the good and the bad, which one first"
"The bad one" IRETI replied.
"The bad news, Ikubiyi is seriously injured, the good news, he came back with the refugees, and no one died, both his soldiers and the refugees" Ogunjimi said
"What about Oguntomiwa? "Emi asked, standing to his feet.
"He returned also, he seeks your presence in the palace".
.
.
Emi took his seat among the council, while his children stood at his back, the meeting commenced immediately
"Oguntomiwa, speak" An elder said.
Oguntomiwa stood up, and greeted the elders before he began his words.
"Our kind has fallen victim of rape, and are being taken to unknown lands, villages like, Arinoluaye are working for the foreigners, trading other villages into slavery, even" he paused and brought out something from his bag and showed it to Emi.
Emi stared at this strange object that showed every detail of his face, he wondered within himself what it could be, this object was indeed useful, with this, he would not need to wait for still water in calabash to see his face.
"What is this? " he asked and passed it around.
"Meerrrrooowr " Oguntomiwa managed to say "and they even give more valuables to the King of Arinoluaye as gifts for his partnership"
"You have done well" Otun said and continued "we have to help this people, it's our duty"
"Otun, why do you speak like you use only one fraction of your brain" Osi shouted banging the table "we have pleas from three villages that we are alliance with to help them,  and you talk about, riding a journey for three days just to save some helpless head"
"You are the one who is mad, those villages we have alliance with, are withstanding attacks, what do you think will happen, when these white finally find a way to breach our walls,  before then we have to act" Otun replied and sighed heavily.

The council began to go into uproar, as some supported Otun, while others saw sense in what Osi said.
CRRANNNGGG a shattering sound came from behind Emi, drawing everyone's attention to Eri and IRETI.
"He broke it" IRETI said pointing accusing fingers at Eri.
"We are here trying to figure out matters, and what do you have to Contribute" Oguntomiwa said angrily.
"Well, Eri and Father should go for the slaves, while Uncle Jimi and I will stay in the village to defend it, a Grand god and a skill fighter, a human god and a kid hell fighter " IRETI said.
"So shall it be,  we ride tomorrow at dawn " Emi said and disband the council.
.
.
Emi pulled his horse stretching, as he took caution climbing through the sloppy and rugged mountain path, the suggestion he came up with was to follow the path which they were sure, the foreigners didn't know about, also the route was faster. Eri followed behind Emi
"Maybe we might know about the whereabout of the King" Eri said, striking a conversation, as the journey was becoming boring.
"Maybe, keep still, it helps to conserve energy" Emi said squarely.
Eri squeezed his face roughly, what energy does talking consume, he was the type that love keeping company lively, but Emi was the type that talk jovial things, when a mission was at hand.
"How does talking affects or consumes energy" Eri asked raising his hand.
Emi walked on ignoring his question.
"Father" Eri shouted, still he got no reply. "Tell me about the Hell Stone, everytime one thing or the other keeps getting on the way"
Emi still continue walking on after some he looked back after noticing Eri was no longer tagging behind.
"What's wrong? "
"Why do I have the feeling you are hiding something from me" Eri said, lowly dragging his horse behind.
"Lets rest, you have a lot to catch up on" Emi said.

After descending the mountain, Emi found a shade tree for them to rest, at this time of the day, they were not permitted to rest, the journey ahead was still far, but the persistent question from Eri, gave him no other choice.
Emi drank a gulp of wine from the wine skin and handed it over to Eri.
"The hell Stone is a gift from your father"
"You said that like there is a deeper meaning" Eri said and sat near Emi.
"Am not you father" Emi said, remorse in his eyes, the adage was true, you can't meet hide a child from its father.
Emi took time to narrate, what happened to Ajanaku from the beginning, without missing any detail.
"He saved my life, and this is the gift he gave you, the hell stone" Emi finally concluded.
"I begged IRETI not to tell you, I have been having nightmare about a man telling me not to follow in his footstep, I figured the hell Stone has something to do with it" Eri and gently placed his head on Emi's shoulder.
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.
Francis angrily lashed the slaves that seemed to slow down their pace, he calculated well to know that, sooner these Demi god's would come for him, the only opinion left was to return to the sea on time,  sell the slaves and come back fully prepared.
"Walk " he shouted from his horse, giving another heavy lash to the slave that walked near him.
"Master Francis,  we have to rest, the walk is about half an hour" A British said, removing his cap, he already looked tired, their energy was nothing compared to the slaves.
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Eri and Emi reached the camp where the scout had reportedly seen the whites and their slaves, only to see the place deserted. Only two tents were still intact, without much thinking, they searched each tents, but what they saw was overwhelming they almost forgot their mission.
Different thought came through Emi's mind, where do these people come from, what kind of being were they, how come they looked more advanced than them.
"Father, the tracks are still fresh, about and hour old" Eri said, peeping into the tent from outside.
"Let's go" Emi said and walked out of the tent.
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Back at Ayenireti, IRETI supervised the treatment of the refugees, alongside her mother, leadership mantle now feel on her, stresses by the burden, she sighed heavily at intervals as she added herbs to wounds of the wounded refugees.
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A horse approached where the whites had camped to rest, the rider impatiently jumped down from the horse and ran to where Francis sat.
"Master Francis, we have good news" He said panting heavily.
Francis mood didn't change, no news was as good as him imagining how he would acquire mansion on Queens island.
"they have sent re enforcement, with full artillery three days ago, but they went through another route" the scout gladly gave his report.
"Ayenireti o le subu(Ayenireti can Never fall) " a slave said, with confidence on his face.
"Why do I have the feeling you just said, we will not win" Francis asked facing the slave.
"Good, we return after I have sold these ones"
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 .
They never thought of resting as the horses galloped among the thick woods. Emi looked at Eri as the rode with full determination. Normal he had expected Eri to be furious at him for not telling him who his father was, but it was different, Eri still treated him as father, nothing changed in his attitude. Emi felt happy within himself and looked forwards.
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Francis sucesfully arrived at the shores, where they had rested their ships and at once, he ordered the slaves should be loaded onboard. He felt accomplished, 200 amavesi at disposal, was no Small deal. He lit a cigarette as he monitored the activities.
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Emi Child hear the horning of the ships and urged the horse to run faster, stressed and out of energy, the horse tumbled throwing Emi off balance to the ground. Emi slowly stood up, he knew what was wrong with his precious horse, it has been on the run for almost a day, non stop. Eri alighted his horse and aided Emi to his feet.
"We are close" Emi said and retrieved his sword from the body of the horse. "Stay calm and wait here"
Eri held Emi's  hand, helping him on his own horse, but his horse also refused to move any further.
"What kind of seriousness is this? " Eri shouted angrily.
Emi wasted no moment, he alighted and began running towards the shore, as fast as his legs could carry him.
From afar, they could see, the ship already began to sail, any more moment wasted was a golden opportunity misused. He resumed running, praying the ship won't go til far, before they could catch up with it.
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Francis poured wine into the cup of his comrades, celebrating the success of the plundering. Gold or slaves, either way, both were profitable, but here he had both at disposal, how jealous his other comrades who were designed to a land with less privilege would feel.
"Cheers"
.
..
Emi and Eri got to the shore, too late they sail already.
"How long can you go under water? " Emi asked Eri as they walked in the water, before they dived.
"twenty minutes" Eri replied
"Good" Emi said and dived into the sea, and Eri followed suit.
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"IRETI, the white skin are back again " Ogunjimi said and immediately went out of the palace.
IRETI felt her heart skip, doubting herself, she sluggishly walked to the gate.
She stood in the front of the battle line. What were these people up to, the weapon they brought this time was different from the former, huge black long box, the mouth was oval, pushed by two hefty men, and this weapon laid on four wheels, supporting it's movement.
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The commander from the opposing side, wasted no time, he raised his hand in the air, and flinged it down.
GBUUUA this huge box made a terrible noise, thick white foam as it sounded.
IRETI could see what this box contained, huge black ball.
GBAAA the wall of ayenireti shook, the part the huge ball had come in contact with, made a huge crack, as an inferno also replaced the ball.
"Ant formation" Ogunjimi shouted.
Ayenireti warriors, immediately formed a straight line, all of them lining up behind IRETI. She advanced forward as they also followed behind her.
"That thing, IRETI you are the only one fast enough to take it out" Ogunjimi said.
"Archers" IRETI shouted, and increased her running speed.
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.
The sound of war, took over as they slayed one another, IRETI saw, this was BEYOUND them, the only option was to retreat, this people came prepared.
"Back to the city, Retreat" IRETI shouted.
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.
Emi and Eri stealthy came onboard the ship, they hid themselves behind barrels that stood beside the entrance of the cabin. Eri felt frustrated hearing the cry and agony of his fellow kind.
Emi knew what he was up to, and pinned him down, trying to prevent from beingseen by the guard on patrol.
"What next? " Eri asked in a whispering tone.
"Take them by surprise " Emi said and grabbed the neck of the guard that watched the barrels, pulled him down and snapped his neck.
"Throw him into the sea, let his spirit ask the sea for mercy " Emi said and threw the guard over.
Emi banged the door that lead to the cabin, he used the door to shield not for himself but Eri, one after the other, he used the door to hit the guards that tried to stop them. Eri shot his arrows, putting out the lights that illuminated the cabin.
SNAP, CRACK, SWOOSH!!! were the only sound that could be heard in the cabin. Emi hit his leg hard on the woods of the ship, cracking it to the last segment, where the slaves were.
"Loss them" he said ordering Eri.
Emi ran to the dock of the ship, and felt a bullet at his back. He slowly turned back, facing him was Francis, and John.
Francis placed his gun on the head of a little boy, holding him roughly on the shoulder.
"I know you dont understand me, but am sure my actions says it all,i will kill the boy, if you don't jump off this ship" He said pointing his gun towards the sea.
Emi knew what he meant and stood still, all the thoughts running through his mind was how to stop Francis.
SWOOSH!! Francis gun fell from his grip, an arrow peircing through it. From nowhere, john felt an heavy body on him,  and fell on the ground, it was the slave he had threatened to kill, two swift punches graced his face and he began to bleed.
Francis rushed at Emi, pulling him on the waist he slammed Emi to the ground and wasted no time in punching him on the face.
AHHHH Francis screamed loudly and began rolling on the ground. "Bloody bastard"
"Master Francis, help me, this scum is going to kill me"
.
The whole of ayenireti, moved to the fight arena, whilevthe foreigners, pressed further, trying o break down the walls of the city. IRETI lost hope, if about 20 more of the canon balls should hit a spot continuously, the walls will fall. Ogunjimi on the other hand, felt exhausted, he knew this task was more than what IRETI could handle.
SWOOOOOOSHHHHH!! the blast came over and over again.
"What are you? " Ogunjimi shouted at IRETI
"A grand God"
"I don't think you are one, all I see is a coward who only depends on a human god, who is not even half his way to become a Grand god" Ogunjimi shouted.
He walked up thought the stairs to the top of the wall, he grabbed and arrow, positioning himself in a safe place, he drew arrows in fours, shooting at the foreigners, who pulled the cannon forward to the gate.
IRETI stood still, she knew what to do, why was she doubting herself. Her eyes glowed red, her beast soul, channelled through all her body. The beads around her next and wrist illuminated with red lights. The soldiers saw her in her grand form and their spirit became high.
Ogunjimi saw something strange from the top of the wall, the foreigners were facing another battle from behind. One by one, they fell not seeing what attacked them, blood suddenly spilled from one neck and then another and another, their cannons, would suddenly lift in the air and tumble upon them.
"We've stepped on the wrong land" the commander shouted. They were not in the middle, they can't go forward or backward.
Ogunjimi ran down to meet IRETI, feeling happy.
"IRETI someone is helping us, half of them are dead" Ogunjimi said and signalled the gate be opened.
The warriors ran out, screaming with all the strength in them, they had waste to all the foreigners, leaving no survivors. The soldiers gathered their fallen and wheeled their body into the city to bury.
IRETI and Ogunjimi stood still,  still trying to figure out who helped them, just then they felt a presence behind them.
"Ogunjimi" The voice called out.
They faced back only to see, who he never expected.
"Ajanaku" Ogunjimi said not knowing if he should embrace him or cast him out.
"I brought someone along" Ajanaku said pointing towards the woods.
A questioning look took over both Ogunjimi and IRETI's face.
"Your grandfather " Ajanaku said. He stretched his hand, towards the woods, and a heavy wind blew, bending the trees sideways
"That's the signal" Ajanaku said again.
"You mean the King is alive? " Ogunjimi asked smiling.
"Am I still allowed into the city, I could use some hospitality" he said with bright countenance on his face.
Was Ajanaku really a changed man, or still up to his old tricks, Ogunjimi still couldn't reason it out. Still he had to be careful, even the King mysterious return, has to be checked.

 "Grandpa" IRETI shouted, threw her sword to the ground and ran up to the King who happily hastened his footstep.
.
.

 The gates of ayenireti rolled up, as Emi, Eri amd the refugees, trooped in. Emi knew something was up, not something bad, he knew in his spirit, a familiar presence was around.
"I sense it too" Eri said, confirming what Emi thought within him.
"They are also back" A woman whispered, as people began to gather following the horse to the palace
"the King also returned three days ago"
Emi heard those words and charged his horse faster towards the palace.
He ran in alongside Eri, only to see someone he never expected, Ajanaku. Emi stood still,beside Ajanaku was Adeshewa, who chatted lively with him, also the King on his throne.
"Emi" the King said and ran up to Emi, and hugged him tightly.
Emi freed himself from the grip, thousands of thoughts running through his mind, first from what was Ajanaku doing here, the King.
"Brother" Ajanaku said and grabbed Emi by the arm, as they did when they were still together. Emi tightened the grip and hugged Ajanaku.
"Who is this ruddy young man" Ajanaku asked, smiling at Eri.
"Eri, your son"
Ajanaku Tried controlling the tears that dropped from his eyes, but seems every strong has to give in to emotion.
"You took really good care of him" Ajanaku said, still with watery eyes.
Eri prostrated to his father, and stood up. Emi has really cared for him and only five days ago did he know Emi wasn't his real father
"Your highness"
"Thanks to Ajanaku, he saved me, from the white skin, our brethren are risen fast in fast in support of the white me, they had the guts to sell me into slavery"  the King said, he raised his fist up "I will tear down on them, like the sun dried up water, I will scorch them, never in their life would any of their generation repeat such"
.
.
.

.
ESU AMONG US
Ajanaku held his sword with a tight grip, he stared at Emi and angrily dashed forward raising his sword to slash him. Emi moved sideways, the sword passed by his face,  almost in contact with his face. Emi jumped backward, as the sword passed sideways his stomach. He rolled by and made attempt to use the butt of his sword to hit Ajanaku's head. Ajanaku placed his palm by his head,  blocking the contact the sword was about to make.
"Why do you return" Emi shouted and slammed his body against Ajanaku.
"Redemption is not an easy thing to find" Ajanaku replied and his feet found a spot of Emi's face.
Emi staggered backward, he shaked his head lightly.
"Am glad for what you did, already Esu hasn't made his way into your mind" Emi said, he disappeared and appeared behind Ajanaku, kicking his knee joint.
Ajanaku rolled on the ground and used attempted a backward kick.
"How are you getting along with your son? " Emi asked.
"He calls me Uncle" Ajanaku said laughing hard.
Emi held Ajanaku's leg and punched his stomach, Ajanaku groaned and disappeared
Emi knew into the air and made a loud thud on the ground. He strained and stretched his hand, as Ajanaku aided him up.
"You want to say something" Emi said,studying Ajanaku as they walked out of the fight arena.
"Esu is in ayenireti" Ajanaku said and continued "He is the only reason I came here, to hunt him"
Emi stopped and faced Ajanaku and spoke
"How did you know ?" Emi asked
"I suggest you filter the refugees you brought in, one of them is possesed" Ajanakuvsaid and walked out, leaving Emi at the arena.

.
.
Emi stood in front the King looking worried, but not as the King. The kingdom was going down, things didn't seem to work well. The only source of water in ayenireti for the first time was dried up, with no single traces, even not a mud was seen, over night the water was gone. The farm told another story, their yams were dugged out from the ground, the maize all suddenly dried up, oils turning solid and hard.
The situation was going BEYOUND them,at first they thought it was over population, but now, the case is different.
"Emi what do we do? " Adeshewa asked looking worried,  she held IRETI's hand tightly and moved her closer.
"The gods are refusing to talk to me, even the chief priest is not getting any response" Emi replied and looked at Ajanaku where he sat.
Ajanaku nodded at him, and faced another direction. The only reason Emi was not considering what Ajanaku said, was only he didn't want to believe Esu was in their midst.
Eri walked closer and stood near Emi and spoke.
"I think I know what's wrong" Eri said and pulled of his Dansiki
His right chest glowed brightly, it was the hell Stone.
"Ever since we came back, this stone has been glowing and making me feel more powerful, when I touch a source of nature, it releases it energy into me and they die "

"How is that possible? " Ajanaku muttered.
"I think Esu is in Ayenireti" Eri said again "I have a strong connection to him"
"You can't say that, you haven't even seen him" Emi said, trying to ignore the possibility of that.
"I have seen him, he appears to me, in dreams"
"The boy speaks the truth, Esu is in Ayenireti and the Human god knows about it" Ajanaku said and stood to his feet.
"Restrain him" Emi ordered the guards and pointed at Eri. "Don't worry son, we will set you free, just don't let Esu get into your head"
"No he won't "Eri said.
"Even the brightest warrior fell for his tricks" Emi said and looked at Ajanaku.
"Why don't you abuse me in secret "Ajanaku said wriggling his mouth. He patted Eri on the back and spoke "I trust you, your father thought you well"
IRETI stood still, something strange was also happening to her, ever since she knew Eri wasn't her brother, by any means, she had already began to feel something strong for him, something called love...
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.
Emi summoned every warrior he had designated to different villages to safe and bring in the refugees. The total number of refugees that came in total were 17,201 both man and woman and child altogether. They immediately, gathered all refugees together, each pairing with their family.
"Emi, one person is missing " Ogunjimi whispered into Emi's ear.
"So it's confirmed, with the spiritual hold, around Ayenireti he shouldn't be able to go out,  unless we let the gate open for long" Emi said "He is trapped, but how do we get him?",AHHHHHHHH!! A loud scream came from one of the hut. Emi and Ogunjimi quickly ran in, only to find Ajanaku standing next to a dead child's body, his sword dripping at the tip with blood.
"What did you do? " Emi asked kneeling near the child.
"Nothing, I didn't do this" Ajanaku replied still glued to where he stood.

"Listen to yourself, how did you get here if you didn't kill him? "
"Let me explain" Ajanaku said and dropped his sword to the ground.
Emi eyes glowed, his bead floated around his neck, he stretched his hand towards Ajanaku and began to chant.
"For every death the sword takes
One life gone
Hear o man
Thy consequences of thy action
Casted into they soul
Roam thou mind
I cast you to thy deepest darkness of emotion
You are broken"

Ajanaku was gripped with fear, Emi was chanting the soul exit spell on him
"Emi don't do... "
"Let they darkest fear consume you" Emi chanted and placed a finger on Ajanaku's forehead.
Ajanaku eye ball turned thick white, and he fell to the ground, his thinking was now far from him, he was nothing different from a mad man, just that Ajanaku would only roam around looking dumb.
"Now what next" Ogunjimi asked, he looked towards where the boy laid, and was shocked "Emi the body is not here, it's gone"
IMPOSSIBLE!!! Emi screamed, the echo tearing apart one part of the hut.
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.
.
"You know the consequences of what you did, now we have Esu to deal with, then Ajanaku, you have to return him to his normal state and you know that is impossible unless, a life is sacrificed and Eri, you have to free him too, all these trouble in one day, of using your spell power" Adeshewa lamented and walked out of the room.
IRETI also stood up and followed behind, then halted at Emi's words.
"Am sorry" He said
"Then find a solution " She replied and walked out.
Emi knew things were now becoming to get out of hand, the only solution he saw to it was to seek the gods, even now they are refusing to answer him, even the Chief Priest, has no answer from them.
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.
Emi urged his horse outside Ayenireti, he needed answers, if he really needed it, Ayenireti was not the best place for him to peaceful meditate, he had to go far from it. NIRETI CAVE was the best option he could think of, the silent nature, was all he needed.
He alighted his horse and headed towards the cave, getting to the entrance, he sat down on the bare ground, folding his legs into each other, he placed his hand gently on his leg and closed his eyes.
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.
Emi entered into the Greater Gods Realm in spirit, he walked towards the gate, normally one would have being hearing the joyful chat of the gods from the entrance, but every where was silent, the mighty gate widely open, Emi advanced further seeing the tables turned upside down.
“What is wrong?” Emi muttered to himself.
“Emi” A female voice called from behind.
“Yemoja” Emi replied on seeing who called his name
“Whats wrong?, why is everywhere deserted?”
“War, war broke in this realm, the gods has refused to agree in terms with Orisa Nla, who  you call Eledumare” Yemoja said and relaxed fairly on the turned table.
“That is the reason why no one has been hearing our plea” Emi said.
Yemoja felt pity on Emi, this fragile being has now being caught up in their own mess, they had been so blind to want to rule, they had forgotten, Esu would use this chance nicely.
“Orisa Nla took a decision behind us, the sacrifices we collect are no more, he sent one of his servant in his own realm to finally lay himself as an atonement, now the news is now being spread like wildfire, round the earth, and it is placing us in lower gratitude” Yemoja said and continued “ The answer you seek is not here” She said and turned into water and floated out of the realm
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Entering into the city, Emi walked to his home, nothing he could think of, returning, news of 13 dead had reached him.
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.
"Eri" IRETI called out, and walked closer to him,  in the royal prison where he was chained.
"I was beginning to think I won't see you"
IRETI walked closer and sat down near him, she had a reassuring look on her face.
"What about father" Eri asked
IRETI quickly changed the topic, she knew it would do him no better telling him what happened to Ajanaku, or telling him matters just got from bad to worse, the gods now have their own problem the must handle.
"Eri have to tell you something" IRETI said, and placed her hands on her chest, trying to control her heart beat.
"And" Eri replied looking at her in the eye.
"Since, we are not sibling from the same parents.. "
"Princess, Eri, your father seeks you both " a guard said, interrupting IRETI at the middle of her words.
IRETI quickly stood to her feet and broke the chains off Eri.
"Let's go, maybe a solution came up" She said and lead the way.
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Adeshewa, shifted on the bed, allowing both children to sit down beside her. Emi placed a stool in front of them at began.
"Eri,  you said, that stone draws you closer to Esu, right" Emi asked.
"Yes, even know I still feel him" He replied.
"Good, I need you to meditate and try to know where he is" Emi replied.
"I know where he his, he wants us to come"
"where? "
"Shrine of the Greater gods"
 .
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Ogunjimi stood at the wall, trying to pass away time, chatting with other soldiers, just then one alerted them they had strangers heading towards Ayenireti.
Three chariots approached the gas and halted some meters from it. A white skin lady, alighted the middle chariot, walking graciously, a big book on her hand, she raised her hand up and spoke.
"Shey Alafia ni mo bayin(Hope you are all in good health). Although she didn't speak it fluently, but it was fluent enough for the guards to understand her. The way she said it, was a mix of her accent and the way her nose moved unfavourably to another man's language.
Ogunjimi and the other guards froze, and demanded she said it again, rolling their hands to signify a repeat. After she said it Ogunjimi, responded.
"Kilo fe ? (what do you want) " he asked
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Emi ran up to the wall behind him was his whole family including the King.
"Open the gate" Emi commanded the guard in charge and walked down to the gate.
"Welcome, you are welcome to stay in the palace "
Getting to the palace, emi continued his talk with Eri.
"we need to have a plan,  we still don't know what Esu is up to"
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Eri walked alone into the shrine, there he met a child facing the carved idol of Obatala, while he other idols fell flat on the ground.
"Welcome" The boy said and turned to face Eri.
"What do you want"
"Nothing, I just live the joy of showing your god's they are not enough to stop me"
"But war has broken in your realm"
"true, which makes matters complicated, a greater power has risen, a power that needs just faith" Esu said, and bent down to pick an idol. "all this will be forgotten, not me, I am the main character in this arc"
"You are scared, the world will rise against you"
"No, I will rise against the world"
"What exactly do you want" Eri asked
"My hell Stone, I need it, but it's not fun getting it without adding more souls to my kingdom, after that, everyone you love will die"
Esu(possesing the boy) he bolted towards Eri and laid his hands on Eri's head.
Esu gasped and retreated from Eri.
"Tell me why I won't kill you?, the one that will trouble me will be a seed from you" Esu thundered.
Eri knew he had no choice against him and bolted out of the shrine.
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.
Eri sat sat down in the wide compound of the palace, know he even knows the name of his child without yet thinking of getting married, he even knew who his wife would be. When he narrated the ordeal between him and Esu to Emi, he had pleaded IRETI wouldn't be there when he spoke.
"olodo " IRETI said and spanked Eri on his head.
"what's wrong with you? " Eri cried out,  rubbing his head.
IRETI sat down near Eri and placed her hand over his shoulder.
"Don't worry, we willbget rid of him, and your father will come back to normal " IRETI said reassuring him.
"I know, am not thinking about it jor"
"Hey you know I have fee...... " Ireti was about completing her statement when she was interrupted.
"Hello" the white skin lady said in her own language.
"itunmo?(meaning) " Eri said smiling wickedly.
"Gil..or..iaa"ireti said, stamerring
"No, no it Gloria, my name is Gloria,oruko mi Gloria" The white lady replied, trying to make the children understand
"Gloria" they all chorused.
"What is happening, I discovered you and your father all have powers and I like that " Gloria said with a very poor yoruba accent.
"yes, even Esu is giving us problem, and father Casted spell on father" Eri said.
"I can help, with the name of Jesus, every knee will bow"
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Emi paced round the room, Eri had told him about Esu talking about a greater power from Orisa nla, could it be that Same power Gloria was talking about,all they needed was to try, even know, all hands would be on deck.
"Yemoja also told me, the gods were angry Orisa nla, made a greater power, a greater power. " Emi said facing Gloria "we should try your way"
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Emi entered into the shrine with his sword on his right hand, he charged his beast soul into the sword and approached Esu.
"You are here" Esu said and looked at Gloria.
"It's just a boy" Gloria whispered to Emi in English, knowing fully he wouldn't understand her.
"I take any form I wish" Esu replied and his eyes flashed red. "Am the one you refer to as Lucifer, you see the beauty in me is that, am everywhere at once "
Emi tapped Gloria signaling to her to carry out her plan. Esu gave no chance to any thinking, he waved his hand towards Gloria, making an invisible force throw her against the wall. The big book she held fell to the ground and said towards Esu.
Esu quickly moved back from the book, he slightly screeched, and looked at the book and then Emi.
Emi knew Esu was scared of the book, or it posses something stronger, Esu couldn't move forward, crosing over the book seemed a burden.
"Scared" Emi said and grinned. He charged his beast soul and threw it Esu. The force threw Esu against the wall, bursting out of the shrine.
Emi leaped after Esu, and his sword found its way into his chest. Esu screeched loudly, a dark soul rose out of the child and zapped itself in again.
"I will force you out" Emi shouted and ran into the shrine to get the book.
Esu knew what he wanted to do, and picked himself up, he stretched his hand, and Emi felt heavy on the legs, moving was really hard for him.
"What are you doing? " Emi muttered trying to move his legs.
Esu walked u to Emi and punched him on the stomach.
Emi tried hard not to groan, he raised his head and tightened his lips trying to subdue the pain.
"Stupid" Esu said and nodded him
Esu suddenly flew some meters away from Emi, and landed roughly on the ground.
"Stay away from him" IRETI shouted and charged her beast soul.
Eri pulled out an arrow and placed it on his bow.
"Stand back"
"Eri, the book in the shrine get it" Emi shouted, still struggling with his legs.
Eri dashed into the shrine is search of the book. Esu gathered himself and with speed of light he dashed at IRETI. IRETI also dashed and met herself pinned to the ground, also finding it hard to move. Esu moved his neck sideways and walked into the shrine.
Eri walked near to Gloria trying to get her back into consciousness. He gently laid Gloria and stood up facing Esu.
He sighted the book laying at the tall idol for Obatala. He slid towards it and attempted to take it, but his hand felt heavy, pain running through his veins, his hand immediately began looking pale.
"That makes two of us"
Eri quickly headed away from the book, and crawled back to where Gloria laid.
Esu walked up majestically and raised Eri up into the air by the neck. He tore his cloth and moved his hand towards the region where the hell Stone laid on Eri's chest.
Esu slowly pushed his fingers into Eri's chest, he dipped his hand further, letting Eri give a loud cry as hot steam of tears flowed from his eyes. Blood dripped freely from Eri's body. Esu felt the stone and gasped trying to catch his breath, he wickedly pulled the stone out slowly.
Gloria slightly opened her eyes, seeing what Eri was going through, she summoned her strength and slowly crawled towards the book, she picked it up and grabbed Esu on the leg, and also laid the book against his leg.
Esu screamed loudly "Take that away" he shouted and dropped Eri to the ground. The dark soul struggled not to leave the body of its host and screeched loudly
"I cast you into total darkness" Gloria shouted
Esu screamed loudly and with a loud burst, he was nowhere to be found, slowly the darkness that filled the shrine, faded away.
Emi felt relieved and walked into the shrine and IRETI also stood up to her feet. Emi pulled Eri on his back and hurried towards the palace.
Emi took Gloria to where Ajanaku was and went back to attend to Eri, to help him heal faster.

Emi and IRETI placed their hand on Eri's chest, their hands glowed, and they both groaned, as Eri's pain entered into their own body, and as his wounds healed.
"Am alive" Eri said smiling from where he laid.
"You didn't finish the spell" Ajanaku said from behind "I caught a white skin lady, I locked her up in the prison" Ajanaku said feeling proud.
Everyone in the room tried to hide their expression, trying not laugh.
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Esu growled angrily he tore the neck of one of his hell beast. He looked at the gathering and spoke.
"in 4 years time, Emi's children will be the problem we have, a seed greater than all of them will rise and one by one he will destroy all of us. "
Esu said as darkness flowed from his eyes.
"let's end them" Okunkun said, his voice echoing repeatedly
"It's not as easy as you, they now know about the greater power"


THE END.

NEXT ON THE TREND WILL BE
REMI(HEROES FROM BEYOUND)
Remi is the sees Esu talks about.
Watch out.
.......loading........ In.... A..bit..
Thanks to everyone for following so far.


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TBC