Episode Ten: Alive, But…

Adeyeri was more alert than ever before. He had started his journey through the bush path, but for some reason, the hair at the back of his neck was standing, and he knew he couldn’t risk going further. Besides, he kept missing his steps, almost falling off.

Were the gods trying to tell him something? Was he walking into a trap? Shouldn’t he try to find out? What if he could apprehend the assassins today?

Even as the thoughts formed, he knew he couldn’t catch the killer or killers without a strategy and support. These were experienced killers, and they would stop at nothing till they accomplished their goal. Also, whoever was wielding the arrows or the poison was a mere figurehead, an errand man who had probably sworn an oath of silence.

“Today is not the day that I die!” Adeyeri said and retraced his steps. He walked through the village, maneuvering through homes and the market, in plain sight of villagers because he knew that he would be hard to follow or kill there. 

He was right!

But the solution to that problem created another one. Everyone wanted to greet him. Women in the market were leaving their wares to come and offer condolences, farmers were racing down from their farms to come and catch a glimpse of their Prince, and young girls and children literally followed him, staying glued to his side, and whispering sweet words. There was no doubt that Adeyeri remained the beloved, and citizens of Iludoyin could not wait for him to be King, and they said as much, hailing him. 

Shaking them off to continue his trip was a nightmare, so much so that a twenty minutes’ walk took him three hours, but at least he was safe. When he finally stood, staring at the hut that housed Tade, he was almost sure that the wisdom that brought him through this route was from her god – this Jesu of hers! And Adeyeri wondered if he didn’t need to meet this so-called King of kings because he was tired of trying on his own, tired of the uncertainty of his life, and he definitely couldn’t trust that the gods of Iludoyin had his best interest at heart.

Shade pretended that she was trying to fill the jar of palm wine as she listened to some of her customers talk about the mysteries that had befallen the town since King Adeyanju died, but the scenario they painted sounded so familiar that she did not know when she dropped the jar and listened with rapt attention.

“You won’t believe they were both struck dumb,” the man with the story said.

His companion shook his head in pity and disbelief. “Maybe the affliction has been ailing them.”

“Adio is my distant cousin. We have no trace of such in our family,” the story man insisted, and his evidence convinced his companion, who nodded sadly. 

“The gods are angry. They are avenging the late King.”

Shade sighed and wished that she had not decided to trust Anike with her story. All this could have been avoided, she surmised, and went back to refilling the palm wine jar when Ajadi, the town crier, summoned her to his table. She swiftly went to him, but was not fast enough for his usual impatience. Ajadi spanked her buttocks fondly and smiled at her as she poured palm wine into his calabash. If Shade took any offense, she kept it to herself.

“I have been calling you since,” he complained, attempting to spank her buttocks a second time, but she dodged him, leaving his palm swinging in the air. This offended him slightly. “You were listening to story, abi?”

Shade shook her head in denial. “No, my mind is just busy.”

Ajadi smiled seductively, touching his crotch.  “Is there anything I can help you with?”

Shade smiled politely and walked away, but swore under her breath. Her son Dele, who caught the end of the conversation, came rushing in, scowling at Ajadi.

“This your son needs a younger sister to play with, even though I have been known to give only boys,” he said and laughed.

Shade maintained her smile. She had learnt to remain positive to keep customers coming. “Call me when you need a refill,” she replied, but Dele walked forward and addressed Ajadi

“No, call me instead,” he said.

All the customers in the shed burst into laughter at Dele’s declaration, and Shade pulled him out by the collar of his shirt.

“What is wrong with you? I have told you never to come in when we have customers.” Dele looked into the stall through the window, sadness evident in his face. Shade noticed, and pulled him into a hug. “Don’t worry about me. I can take care of myself. Please stay outside.”

“But I need to tell you something,” he said, easing out of her arms.

“What is it?” Shade inquired, concerned, and not wanting to add to her current sorrow.

“Aunty Tade is still not back.”

Shade hissed. “Don’t worry about her. She has made her choice, and we won’t kill ourselves for her.”

“But…” Dele started to say.

“But nothing. In fact, if anyone asks about her, tell them you don’t know her like that. We just helped her with accommodation when she arrived in Iludoyin.”

“Haaa!” Dele started to say, but one scowl from his mother and he kept quiet, torn.

The Chiefs were practically glued to the throne room, unable to leave. Villagers kept bringing matters to the palace for attention, but this final one was scary. To them, it was a sign that the gods were angry.

“You people should keep this story to yourselves before you spread panic in the village,” Chief Otun said to the palace guards who brought the news.

“Is it their fault that the gods are striking?” Osi countered, waving at the guards to leave, but they remained on their knees, pretending not to understand his gesture so they could glean the plans of the Chiefs and share with the villagers who wanted to know their fate.

“Obviously, the spirit of the late King is seeking vengeance.”

Chief Otun rolled his eyes and bellowed to the guards. “Leave us”. They didn’t need to hear him twice; they ran as fast as their legs could carry them.

Iyalode sat up. “This is what we were saying ooo. Now, it has begun. Two lovers struck dumb without prior symptoms.”

Chief Otun rose as he addressed his colleagues. “What exactly are you saying? Didn’t we bury the late King immediately like you suggested?”

Iyalode looked away from Otun, confused, then faced Osi. “He is right! We did our best. I don’t understand what is happening anymore oo!”

“The gods are angry, the late King is angry, and pandemonium will continue until we get to the root of the matter,” Osi replied, and Iyalode screamed in fear, but Otun wasn’t having it.

“And you know this because you are the oracle himself? Can it not just be a mere coincidence?” Otun asked Osi, who now rose to join him.

“Is it also a coincidence that all the goats in Akinwumi’s compound ran away?”

“He has always been careless,” Otun countered 

“But why does it have to be now?” Iyalode asked, and Osi nodded in agreement to her question.

“You have just asked the perfect question,” he said, and Otun looked from one Chief to the other then sighed, looking confused too.

Adeyeri walked towards the hut, whispering prayers for Tade to get better when he saw Yemi walking out of the hut. As soon as their eyes met, he knew that Yemi wished that he had left before he arrived. 

Yemi avoided meeting Adeyeri’s eyes, smiling politely as he rushed towards the Prince to give him a shaky hug to prove his loyalty. “You have been through a lot, my Prince, but don’t worry, we are in this together. Banji told me everything. You can count on both of us this period.”

Adeyeri nodded in gratitude, trying to hide his displeasure. Yemi was not one to trust.

“We are in this together,” Yemi reiterated, yet he was looking over his shoulders, looking like he would bolt at the first sign of trouble. “The head of the youth vigilante’s association, Bogunde, is my friend. I am going to him now. We will launch an investigation immediately, my Prince,” he added, struggling to be gallant.

“Hmmm…” Adeyeri muttered as Yemi began to depart.

“You have nothing to fear. Go and take the throne, we are behind you.”

“Yemi!” Adeyeri called, and Yemi paused in his stride.

“Yes, Your Highness!”

“I thought you were going to your friend in the vigilante group to start investigations.” Yemi nodded and scratched his head, hoping that Adeyeri would not make him take a message to Bogunde. “The vigilante settlement is on this side,” Adeyeri said, pointing in the opposite direction of where Yemi was moving.

Yemi laughed sheepishly and continued to scratch his head, but changed his route to the direction Adeyeri was pointing. “I am bursting with so much passion for justice, I am not thinking straight.”

His deception was hilarious. Yemi had always been a coward, Adeyeri mused, then entered the hut. 

Banji held a calabash of water and was trying to pour some down Tade’s throat when Adeyeri entered, relieved him of the bowl, and began to do it himself. Banji, who had not expected to see Adeyeri so soon, stared in surprise. 

“Just say what is on your mind,” Adeyeri said, as he adjusted Tade’s head on his lap to give her more comfort.

“What are you doing here?” Banji asked, going to the window to see that no one had traced Adeyeri to the hut.

“I passed a route that will not be easily traceable. Don’t worry. I am not stupid,” Adeyeri said, and dropped the calabash in frustration because the water kept spilling.

“What are you doing here?” Banji asked again, worried lines on his face.

“What is that supposed to mean? Am I a child?” Adeyeri asked, offended by the irritated look on Banji’s face.

Banji, on seeing Adeyeri’s reaction, calmed down. “We had an agreement. Remain in the palace, or move with escorts. You have ignored both, my Prince. I am worried about you. You are making it easy for the assassins.”

Everything Banji said was right, yet as Adeyeri moved his hands through Tade’s hair, he had no regret. “I can’t trust anyone,” he whispered, but loud enough for Banji to hear.

“That is why you need to be more careful. For all you know, the killer followed you here,” Banji said as he sat down and held Adeyeri’s hands, hoping to get through to him.

Adeyeri shrugged gently from Banji’s hold. “I can’t bear to stay away. She saved my life.”

“Then stay alive. You are the only shining light in all this mystery.” 

Adeyeri had no words. Instead, he picked up the calabash again to pour water down Tade’s throat. Banji sighed helplessly, not knowing what he could do to make things better.

“You need to…” Banji started to say that Adeyeri needed to leave, but the Prince did not let him complete his thoughts.

“You need to leave, my friend,” Adeyeri said, holding Banji’s shoulders in a plea when he began to shake his head to say he couldn’t. “I cannot keep you here till she wakes up, especially when we don’t know when that will be. It is evening already, and Tade’s family may be on the search for her amongst other scary things happening in the village. I cannot add you to the list of those unaccounted for.” Banji heard Adeyeri’s points clearly, yet he couldn’t imagine leaving the Prince now. As if reading his thoughts,

Adeyeri continued. “Please go. I will feel better knowing that you are safe from whatever evil the forest will bring tonight, and that your family is not worrying unnecessarily.”

“But what about you? Are you going to stay here tonight? Tongues are already wagging at the palace.”

“Leave me!” Adeyeri said firmly, and finally Banji got the message, rising reluctantly. He walked to the door slowly, hoping that Adeyeri would change his mind. “Banji!” Adeyeri called out.

“My Prince!” he replied, hoping his wish had come true.

“Thank you for everything,” Adeyeri said and turned away. Banji, not wanting to disobey his monarch and friend, opened the door, and walked out.

Adeyeri sighed at the sound of the closed door, and said a prayer to the gods for protection; Banji’s and theirs. “Why is she still sleeping so deeply?” he asked out loud, watching as she kept breathing in and out, but oblivious of everything around her. “Why were you foolish, Tade? Who jumps in front of an arrow? Why? Why? Why?” He kept repeating himself, trying to make sense of everything happening. He removed his neck bead and put it around her neck then sat up, using the wall to rest his back, before raising Tade up into his arms. “Please, wake up! I need you! I need answers! I need help! I need your god! We need Jesu!” he whispered to her, but got no response, so he buried his head into her hair and wept like a baby.

Once the floodgate of tears opened, Adeyeri couldn’t keep it at bay. It just kept flowing, and he mourned his father, pitied his mother, worried about his killers, and also the woman in his arms. He was crying so much, he didn’t hear the whisper of his name till she touched his face and softly wiped his tears with the back of her hands.

“Adeyeri!”

Adeyeri grabbed the hand on his face. “Tade, you are awake!” he said, stating the obvious, and in response, she began to cough profusely.

Adeyeri adjusted her weight so as to allow him to carry the calabash of water and bring it to her lips. She drank the whole content of the bowl then tried to lean away from his arms, but he held onto her firmly, an unspoken declaration that he needed her to remain with him.

“Adeyeri” she said again, and wiped remnant tears from his face.

“You seem to like my name,” he said, and Tade smiled shyly, trying to recollect all the events that had led them there. “Are you okay?”

“Do I look okay?” she replied, suddenly remembering that he had been walking away from her when the killer got a chance to target him.

“Why, Tade? Why did you run into an arrow?”

“I saw it,” she replied.

“I am lucky to have such a brave woman in my corner,” he said, taking her hand to hold it.

“I saw it,” she said again, and Adeyeri raised his brows in confusion. Why was she saying it again?

“There is no debating that you saw it,” he said, and Tade coughed. He pulled her closer into his arms, her head resting on his chest. “You should rest,” he said gently.

“I saw it in a dream before it happened. That is why I came to you at midnight to warn you.”

Adeyeri lifted her face to look at him, gratitude in his eyes. “You knew it would be bad, yet you saved me!” 

Tade looked away from him. “I have not saved you.” 

“What do you mean?” 

“It is going to get worse,” she replied, and Adeyeri’s heart skipped a beat, but he put up a brave front, smiling.

“Did you see that too?”

“Not yet, but I can feel it.”

“Let’s not focus on what you feel just yet. The things you see are bad enough,” he muttered more to himself than in response to her. 

Tade turned to face him. “I see you,” she said, and he smiled, holding her hand.

“I see you too.”

Tade sighed in frustration, not knowing how to explain herself, but desperate to let him know. “It is beyond physical. Even when you are not here, I still see you,” she said, and slowly began to shiver.

“Don’t worry about what you are seeing for now. Focus on getting better, I am sure it is one of your witchly gifts.”

“I am not a witch!” she wanted to scream, but was shivering badly now, her teeths rattled.

“Okay!” Adeyeri concurred, trying not to aggrieve her further.

“But I am so cold,” she said, her eyes already shutting of their own volition.

“Banji will come with a blanket tomorrow, please hold on. Get through tonight,” he pleaded, his voice shaking with panic at the sight of her shivering uncontrollably. “I will go and get firewood outside to start a fire here. It will keep you warm,” he said, getting up.

Tade held on to his sleeves tightly, using the only power she had left to keep him there with her. “Please don’t leave. There is danger outside,” she begged, her words slurred.

“You saw it?” Adeyeri asked, already trying to look through the window.

“I can feel it,” she replied, and suddenly couldn’t form clear words.

Adeyeri sighed. The poison was still in her system. Her body was fighting it, but he did not know if she would win. Yet, he couldn’t afford to lose her, so he pulled out his upper garment, wrapped it around her then laid her flat on the bed, but she was still shaking. Adeyeri looked out through the window to see if anyone was coming, but he saw no one. Yet, he couldn’t disobey Tade. She was always right. If she said trouble loomed, he had to believe her. 

Without anything else to do, he joined her on the mattress, and added his body heat to the little his garment was providing by pulling her into his arms.

“What do you think you are doing?” she managed to ask, struggling very weakly to wiggle out of his arm.

“Save your energy. I am keeping you alive, and the gods help me, I will die trying.”