The arrival of Bankode casts a chilling shadow over the Ojora palace. His presence is like cold smoke drifting through fire—unnatural, silent, and consuming. Even the boldest guards lower their eyes when he passes.
In the royal chamber, King Adekunle Ojora greets him with stiff contempt.
> "You only appear when the blood has already been spilled," he mutters.
Bankode smiles thinly, unmoved.
"I come when I am needed, not when I am welcomed."
Watching silently from an upper balcony, Wale clenches his fists. Something about Bankode feels wrong — like a wound reopening. Later, he pulls Adedayo aside.
> "Watch him. He is not just a sorcerer. He is something older."
---
Tunde – Buried Resentment
Alone in his chamber, Tunde drinks, brooding. A flashback haunts him: his mother—a forgotten concubine—dying alone, ignored by the court. His father's coldness. The need to be seen. That pain, buried deep, has twisted into wrath.
Later that night, Bankode visits him.
> "You are a prince in name… but a shadow in your own father's eyes," he whispers.
He speaks of breaking the rebellion by targeting Bayo's pride and sowing doubt among the rebels.
"Divide them… and they will fall."
Tunde listens, silent — a dangerous fire already lit behind his eyes.
---
Akinwumi Village – Tensions Rising
As the rebels regroup in Akinwumi, peace proves temporary. The elders call for a mission to Ibadi, Bayo's homeland. Yemi wants to lead it. But Bayo protests—angrily.
> "It's my kingdom. My blood spilled there first."
The two men argue in full view of the legion, pride clashing with responsibility.
Later, Chief Alade pulls Bayo aside.
> "Anger is the enemy's sharpest blade. Do not point it at your brother-in-arms."
Bayo doesn't reply—but the message strikes home.
---
Damilola & Femi – Hesitant Distance
Femi, during sword training, tries again to approach Damilola. She watches him fail to land even a simple strike. Her voice is flat, unimpressed.
> "You'll die in the first swing."
He mutters a clumsy joke. She does not laugh. Instead, she turns away.
But that night, she sits across from him at the fire. Nothing is said. Yet for a brief moment, her guard lowers—not in affection, but in shared silence. A small crack in her wall, not yet an invitation.
Femi says nothing. But in his eyes is quiet determination—to grow stronger, not just for himself, but perhaps, one day… to stand beside her.
---
Adeola, Bayo, and Moremi – Memories and Secrets
Adeola, haunted by his past, sits under the moon with Moremi and Bayo.
> "I was raised by a man with no blood claim… but more honor than most kings."
He speaks of his foster father's death—how Tunde murdered him—and how a strange woman in the forest called him "ọmọ ọba…" son of a king.
Moremi listens, placing her hand gently on his arm.
Bayo watches, says nothing… but something shifts in his gaze. Doubt. Conflict.
---
Final Scene – The Omen
In the distant forest, the mysterious glowing woman stands beneath a tree of flame-colored leaves.
She gazes skyward.
> "Bankode walks the earth once more… and the fire remembers."
Her words vanish with the wind—along with her form.
> The Lost King © 2025 by (Idris Bilal Adavize).
This is an original work protected by copyright. No part of this story may be reproduced or used in any form without the author's written permission.
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