Scene 1 – A Gathering Cloud (Yemi's POV)
The village of Akinwumi is quiet, but not peaceful. The drums of war do not beat, but the silence between Yemi and Bayo thunders louder than any bata rhythm.
Yemi sharpens his blade beneath the Iroko tree, eyes narrowed on Bayo across the courtyard.
> We bled together… but the fire in him grows wild.
When Chief Alade announces the next mission—to Ibadi, Bayo's lost homeland—Yemi knows trouble is coming. The chosen: Yemi, Bayo, Adeola, and Moremi.
> "I hope you've learned to listen," Yemi mutters as they pack.
"I hope you've learned to lead," Bayo replies coldly.
Chief Alade sighs, watching both with heavy eyes.
> "Ibadi does not need more anger. It needs warriors with wisdom."
---
Scene 2 – Secrets in the Wind (Tunde's POV)
In Ojora Palace, Tunde paces before a map of Ibadi, candles flickering like his fury. A whisper reaches him from his informant:
> "They're moving. To Ibadi."
He clenches his jaw.
> Bayo. The exile with a crown that never sat. The one they love... instead of me.
He rides hard toward Ibadi, promising himself one thing:
> I will make him break. And I will make my father watch him fall.
---
Scene 3 – The Road to Ibadi (Adeola's POV)
The wind carries dust across the broken lands. Adeola walks beside Moremi, silent. The roads to Ibadi stir something deep in him—memories that feel like dreams.
> "I know this place," he whispers. "Even though I've never been here."
Moremi looks at him.
> "Maybe you're remembering what your blood does not yet accept."
Their eyes linger—softness blooming amidst the thorns.
---
Scene 4 – The Burning of Ibadi (Bayo's POV)
Ibadi.
What's left of it.
Bayo hides in a cloak among the trees. His home, once full of singing and yam festivals, is now smoke and screams. Tunde's men have begun burning homes, dragging elders into the square.
> He wants me to break. He thinks I'll crack like clay.
But I am Ibadi stone.
Then he hears a woman scream—the same market vendor who once gave him roasted maize as a boy. Her stall burns.
> "No more," he breathes. "No more!"
He throws off his cloak and storms into the chaos, sword drawn.
---
Scene 5 – Fire and Fury (Group Scene)
Tunde smirks when he sees Bayo.
> "There he is. The little prince playing rebel."
"And you," Bayo snarls, "still hiding behind your father's name."
Their duel is raw—clanging steel, sweat, fury. The village burns around them, but Adeola, Yemi, and Moremi fight through the flames to reach him.
Yemi grabs Bayo mid-swing.
> "This isn't the day, Bayo!"
"Then when is it, Yemi? After they burn everything again?"
They drag him away—wounded in pride, not flesh.
---
Scene 6 – Aftermath in the Forest (Moremi's POV)
They rest under the wide palms of the forest.
Moremi tends Bayo's bruised hand, but he jerks away.
> "I didn't ask you to stop me."
"No, you asked us to bury you," she replies, sharp as her knife.
Femi tries to lighten the mood but is silenced by the tension.
Later, Moremi watches Adeola alone by the river. His expression distant.
---
Scene 7 – The Dream (Adeola's POV)
That night, Adeola dreams again.
A baby cries.
A man runs through fire.
A river glows silver beneath a full moon, and a woman chants his name:
> "Ọmọ ọba… ọmọ àtàárọ̀run…"
He wakes in cold sweat.
Outside, Chief Alade stands waiting.
> "There was once a king in Ibadi. Brave, wise… and betrayed. You remind me of him."
Adeola's throat tightens.
> "Is that supposed to be comfort… or warning?"
"Maybe both."
---
Scene 8 – The Lone Path (Bayo's POV)
Before the sun breaks the sky, Bayo stares into the fire. His thoughts are heavy with memory: his mother's voice, his brother's laughter, the ash where his palace stood.
He straps his sword, silent.
He walks into the woods.
Not a word. Not a goodbye.
Just grief… and vengeance.
---
Final Line (Narration Over Tunde's POV)
Far in Ibadi, Tunde sharpens his blade, smiling faintly.
> "Come back, little prince. I'm waiting."
> 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.