Darken Melody

In a certain village of Owo lived a wealthy and influential man. His name travelled far and wide that even the birds from far away Nchedon fly to sing and behold him walk through his beautiful garden every morning. Rumors travelled faster than lightning and stories had it that he was preparing a banquet. The banquet was made for the king’s and nobles who were expected to grace the ceremony from all the nooks and crannies of the world.

Ochendo the man whom the gods fight for, the heart of the ancestors, the man with the soul of a lion, the breeze that got heavy fire extinguished ,the only egg that cracks the stone.

Ochendo was widely known and before the gods, claimed to be born without a “chi” for he is the spirit guild of his own creation and existence. He was regarded as the undefeatable Craft man, one whose wisdom surpassed all that ever lived. Kings bowed before his judgement and paid tributes.

But in this village of Owo also lived a king . The king was a good man and everyone spoke good of him and revered him for he walked with gait and faith. He had fought in battles against the formidable communities of Adoka and Oyo', whoever knew these towns would understand the prowess of their warriors. Men of dreadful height and courage. Rumor had it that Oyo' people migrated from the far away Western part of Sudan , conquered the former inhabitants of Oduwa and took over their land. Oyonuwa was the first king and warrior, a man of terror ,for he desires war and bounty, he speaks of nothing but adventures and took more delight in slaughter. Leaving men of his kind velour died in his own sword for he forbids dying in the hands of an enemy.

King Kosoku was born by an aged queen in her late 40 when all hope in a woman was lost. Her husband who confirmed not visiting her bed for years attributed the pregnancy to the wonders of odumaga the god of fertility. He has seen the vision as revealed to him fifteen years ago when he was still young. The eye of the gods once told him “that the throne of his kingdom shall never be lost, for the gods will put smiles on his home in his old age”. Though he went further to marry other wives, he kept the revelation a secret to himself.

King Kosoku became king when his father was on sick bed. He has been prepared for his kingship right from his infancy. His father knew of the jealousy and hatred that would come up if he jumped the progenitor line and crowned the rather seventh son king. Thus, he created a new system of choosing a king which can only be done by the king in the throne. Kosuko became king after defeating the olulunkwa the chief warrior of Adoka and sacking their domination of their land across the border.

The fame enjoyed by Ochendo got to his head that he now cleaved for the throne of Owo. He summoned his advisers and friends and asked them what they thought about his dream.

“You deserve it ,you deserve it of course” They all chorused simultaneously except Ogiriga the son of onigba the eldest and head of onika kindred Ochendo belonged.

“My good brother, we all know you to be famous and have everything desired of all man, for whom the gods have blessed ,even the birds of the sky honored with their songs. Permit me to advise you to leave the crown for it belongs to an aged long family of kings. He that eyes the tree of the gods always ends up being carried as a corpse across it during his burial” Ogiriga spoke and sat down .

The advice didn’t go well with Ochendo,for he called another meeting ,but this time didn’t invite Ogiriga. They had a very good time and time and set up plans and promised to keep it to themselves until the day it will be unraveled. Among the Ochendo's birds was Nsa the tiny but clever bird. It listened to all the conversations and flew to Ogiriga home at night to reveal the deadly trap set up against the king to him.

On the D-day Ochendo planned to execute his plan with his well-wishers, he opened his gate for people from all kinds of life to come and merry. Fifteen native cows were slaughtered and assorted foods prepared. Different kinds of musicians and dancers could be seen rehearsing in every corner of his home and neighborhood. All of a sudden, the drum of war was heard, it became so loud each minute depicting the seriousness and intensity of an upcoming war. People could be heard screaming and running helter skelter, women running inside their hut, men shutting the entrance door, warriors rushing to their armor and sharpening their swords. Far away the King Kosoku dressed in his war regalia and beside him stood his men of velour. He walked majestically and in the midst of warriors singing war songs that thrilled every being that heard it. Goosebumps ran through every soul that beheld his glory ,he was out of fear .

Ochendo, who knew after hand of the sudden war ran into his abode, dressed in his armor and ready to walk to the war front. He had every assurance that the Adoka People whom he had paid handsomely and promised to return the land across the border taken away from them by Kosoku will not betray him. He gathered for himself men from other town who covered their faces to avoid been noticed as strangers to the community and matched to the front, he assured the people who had graced his summon not to panic for Owo kingdom has been known for its velour and success and since he was joining the war, his wisdom, insight and crafts potential will give them upper hand in a few time.

When the Adoka People sighted the warriors of Owo kingdom across the border dividing them with Owo, they intensified their zeal and morale to subdue. They attacked with force and killed the leader of the first battalion and his men. The plan was to subdue the first led warrior which the king might lead, then the second warriors which Ochendo will lead will attack a defenseless and weak replaced slaves stationed by Adoka warriors to fight after they have withdrawn after killing the king and his troops. But the first group was so easy to conquer, they were left with no chances to defend themselves or make any chances of negotiation or pleading. It was a surprise attack without much reprisal.

As they were about to pull back ,the Adoka Olulunkwa warrior leader requested to have the head of the king as a victorious gift to the Adoka king and a trophy of his victory even though it wasn’t a hard battle. His hands trembled and sweat ran through his forehead as he uncovered the masked head armor of the Owo warrior leader. It was Ochendo, he was bewildered and wondered how the mistake happened. He was still in akimbo when he overheard the heavy footsteps of incoming Owo warriors. They were many and outnumbered. In their front stood the King Kosoku in the same war regalia as Ochendo. Someone has leaked their secret he thought to himself and gave order for retreat.

“After them and into their lands, leave no soul alive” ordered King Kosoku as he ran after Adoka warriors towards their land.

Hope you enjoyed the story? I also enjoy writing to your delight. Hope to see you here again 🤗😀

Mmadu Elochukwu Stanley