THE FINAL EPISODE OF DIAMOND IN THE FOREST.
Before they left Mikai whispered to Remi’s ear “your brother is too shy but he is so cool…
“hahahaha…Dami is only shy because of you…he is never like this, maybe you have effect on him…don’t worry with time he will adjust to your presence, I will see you tomorrow at the palace. You will get to meet the kind princess, my good friend Ope and so many others there, I’m glad you and Pah has adapted to the environment already, Ore will stay here with us.
“please forgive the prince and marry him, he likes you and he is so handsome…Ade has his features…he will make a great father and a fine husband too…
“shhh…what do you know…I have told you before that you act like an over grown adult…oya..je ka lo…be going…
Mikai laughed out before leaving with Sipah and others to the palace that evening to spend the night there.
The following day Remi was at the palace with Ademide her son and did exactly what her grandma instructed, the Oba got up on his own as his health was restored back, so also is the Queen. The land was totally healed as the Oba mount his throne again.
Few days later Leja and Nike was brought out as their judgement began
After the Oba, the Queen mother and the cabinet men has pleaded for Remi forgiveness of which she forgave everyone of them as Sipah encouraged her to do.
Leja and Nike was brought out and Nike was telling Leja as they were escorted towards the Oba’s throne hall.
“Remi will forgive me, she is my sister after all, blood is thicker than water, she will not let them cast me off…because we are family and I am carrying your child too…Remi is not so heartless to allow them to pass a harsh judgement on me…she will consider my condition…I know I wrong her but she will let it go…what are sisters for…she has always have a soft spot for me…and forgives me anytime I offends her…she is not wicked…she will soften up when she sees me…is only you Leja that will go and suffer…if I had my way on time I would have terminated this pregnancy but it was too late after the plan with the prince did not work out…well I’m at Remi’s mercy and I know she will plead on my favour because we are family…
“you are very crazy…you think with your anus, look at the kind of trouble you brought me into, I curse the day I agree to join hands with you to do harm…I curse you and everything about you…whatever trouble awaits me yours will be double because it was a grave sin you committed, the land curse you for so many evil you and your mother has done…who knows if the land has strike her dead already for all the evil she did….so because Remi was soft you kept taking advantage of her…you will suffer Nike…the gods indeed has vindicated her and she will marry the Prince and become the next queen, I couldn’t even stop what the gods of the land has instituted…the forest couldn’t stop her…she is a destiny child and I was digging my own grave when I started messing up around her…had I know I will never have involve in such evil…you should be regretting all your evil now…not looking for a way of escape and think Remi will consider you because you are related or being pregnant as if you consider that when you planted so much evil against her…you are so evil and I hate you so much…I just plead to the gods to forgive me…I wish I will be giving another chance to right my wrongs….and make it right….i just wish…
The guards hush them to keep quiet as they approach the throne hall.
Guards were sent to go and fetch Iya Nike to join her daughter and get her own judgement but as the guards got to Iya Nike’s place she was dead and swollen in her room, they found out she drank poison
Iya Nike couldn’t bear the pain of her sickness, she has tried different herbs but keep getting worst, the pain increased everyday, her leg started swelling up and began to decay which made her unable to work, when she hard that Nike and Leja have being locked up after they were found guilty of a crime against Remi and the Oba, Iya Nike knew that her end was near and decided to kill herself before anybody would.
Her sin was heavy and she knew the gods were punishing her for them, she did not only kill her husband but also Iya Remi and planned with her daughter to kill the Oba and destroy Remis’s family.
She was tired of life and ended it with her own hands with the remaining poison she used for Iya Remi.
She died and was there for days without anybody noticing, Nike was in cell and did not even know that her mother was dead.
The guards took message back to the palace and they have to take her out and bury her immediately and burn down her house because it was a taboo in the land the way she died.
Nike was weak from wailing, she cried out her eyes when she hard her mother was dead, she pleaded to Remi to have mercy and forgive her but Remi told her that she has forgiven her and Leja but their other crime was with the Oba and the entire land and not with her anymore.
Judgement was pass on Nike, and Leja. They were to be banished into the evil forest, same place they sent Remi, Nike gave a heavy cry pleading.
Remi begged the Oba to reduce her punishment and that of Leja and the Oba gave them five years to live in the forest, they can return after that if they survive the forest
Sipah aske Remi to give Leja the direction to their forest home so they can live there. Remi did. She described the place for them. Leja thanked her and left with Nike to the forest, Remi asked Ore, the monkey to go with them so that he can guide them to the forest house
Ore understood the sign and jumped on Leja’s shoulder as they head to the forest.
Sipah picked interest in Ope and the Oba approved of their union, they got married.
Everything Leja had was giving to Sipah includes the land the Oba gave him. He built a house and live with Ope as his wife.
The princess got married to Tunde.
It took time for Remi to love the prince again as the prince did everything possible for it to happen and he won her back. She fell in love with the prince after Sipah got married to her good friend Ope
Remi married the prince in a grand ceremony that lasted for days.
Mikai was living in the palace with Remi
Years later, Sipah sometimes visit the forest and spend days with Leja and Nike who was pregnant again for Leja after she gave birth to his daughter, Sipah taught them the word and how to forgive their selves of their pass wrong, he was always going to visit them in the forest.
Leja and Nike later return back after their five years was over, Nike changed greatly and wish she has never allow her mother’s hate towards Iya Remi to influence her, she regret all her evil deed and Leja was happy to see a new Nike as they returned back to the kingdom and the live in the outskirt of the kingdom.
Leja became a good friend to Sipah and from there the entire family let go of the past as Sipah preached to them non stop
Many came to know the truth and embraced the light. Sipah became the first man of God in the kingdom and Leja was following his every step, Nike and Ope found friendship again as their children grow up together, Ore was not left out as he was always found with Sipah.
Grandma later kissed the earth goodbye and she was greatly celebrated with the good years she helped the kingdom.
Dami and Mikai feell in love and got married years later.
after the Oba and the Queen joined their ancestor the Prince became the next Oba and Remi was the new Queen and all the people loved her.
They had two daughters after Ademide.
And years to come we all know that Ademide , the diamond child, who is the seed of crown will take over the throne as he was born to do
Until then, let’s enjoy the kingship of the new oba with his Queen, Remi who is filled with wisdom as she rule along side her husband, in love and fair judgement to all.
THE END.

DIAMOND IN THE FOREST. Episode 33.
Remi and her Squad arrive the kingdom, some of the guards has already gone ahead of them to inform everyone of Remi’s arrival with the prince son who is believed to be the diamond child.
People came out of their houses as the news began to go round that the pregnant maiden who was innocently banished returned with a son she had for Omooba. A Diamond child and a seed of crown.
News travelled so far as every one came out to watch and rejoice, the men came to welcome them with gangan and dundun (talking drum) they played fine music and the happy women dance, some other people came to hug Remi, others came to see the diamond child which was foretold.
They came with different harvest from their farm yard. They gave different gifts, like goats, fowl and so many other gift to Remi and her Squad.
The small crowd gradually turn into a big crowd as different people came to join to welcome Remi and the strangers with her.
Mikai exclaim happily as she saw lots of people gathering up around them as they gently walk down, they greeted them warmly in their dialect, some wanted to touch Ademide, the Diamond child. Who was securely tired on Remi’s back. Some threw their wrapper on the floor in honour to the diamond child.
“Wow, so many people…Pah can you see…I feel like I’m a celebrity…like a princess in the means of all this people…oh my God…I have never seen so many people like this…they are giving Remi the honour of a Queen…this is awesome...see all her people they are huge… Pah, I like it here…I like to be in the means of all this people…they are singing and dancing and is all unique… Pah can we live here…maybe for sometime…please don’t go anywhere….Remi’s people are all warm and inviting…I want to be among them…
“hahaha…this is like a triumphant entry…I never expected it…I like it here too, if you like it here then we all can stay, Mikai, we will stay here together if God wills it, I feel God is giving us another home among this great people…I feel so glad that God Remembered Remi and Emmanuel. We will pitch our tent and bring light to those in darkness…God is giving us another home…taking us away from the forest into this Kingdom…
Remi and the squad went down to her grandma’s place while the remaining guards return to the palace. The prince who was standing with the princess and wondering what was happening outside the palace. The singing the multiple gangan sound.
“My heart want to boast out…maybe Remi has returned…oh the gods be praise if it happens to be true…do you think she will ever forgive me….how do I even approach her now…after all we put her through…oh Remi…I feel so happy yet so scared that she may not forgive me…or allow me to hold my son…well I deserve every of her judgment…I wronged her…the land owe her greatly…I wish I can take her away from those crowd and draw her into a warm embrace…I really miss her…i…I do…I just hope I’m right and I am not ridding ahead of myself…what if she refuse to come back…what if she swear never to set her feet here again what are we going to do…what I’m I going to do without her, I could have gone into that forest and plead with her myself but I can’t leave the throne, is not right. Father and the cabinet men are all done, mother too…I have wanted to go, but it was not a wise decision, that was why I stayed back, everyday that passes without any news of her return gives me heart ache …oh I just hope she is the one…
The princess looked up at his brother and started laughing as he placed his hand on his chest with a confused face
“I’m certain that Remi has return…there is no other way the kingdom will be this lively and happy, she took the colour of this place when she left now everything is coming back, there has being cry of sadness and one bad news or the other ever since she left, now there are shout of joy on her return…I wish I can run out there right now…I am so happy my heart want to boast…Remi is back with your son…relax…she will forgive you…she maybe angry for some time but she will forgive you…le…
The guards who were with Remi came into the palace and the Prince breathed deeply as they came to him with Remi’s return.
The prince screamed excitedly and also the princess, Ope ran out as the news got to her. She came to the princess
“I was hearing music and singing…I thought is coming from my head because is being a very long time we rejoice over anything in this kingdom…oh the gods be praise…
The princess was happy as she and Ope talked, the prince was rejoicing as he ask the guards
“Do you see my son…how is he…did Remi return with a stranger…tell me more
“The diamond child as people call him has your look, my prince he look so much like you. And Remi came back with some stranger not just one, a very young girl and a tall, huge man, his name is Sipah. He has a monkey on his shoulder, Remi seem to be so fond of him…he is a man with a deep scar on his forehead but strong arms and good looks too.
The prince breathed deeply, he robbed his too sweating palms as he wonder about Remi and the stranger that the guards said she was fond of, Leja has lied to him that Remi was his love and he believed him but not again, he will plead with everything possible even to the stranger to let Remi go, he doesn’t want to take chances again and loose her and he doesn’t care if Remi and the stranger lives as husband and wife in the forest all that matters is that he will fight for the woman he has never stop loving and for his son.
He asked few guard to follow him so that he can go over to Remi’s grandma place, where Remi and her squad were lodging.
The princess and Ope followed happily but the prince chased them back. He asked them to wait when he return they can go and see her. All of them can not leave the palace at once
Oba and the Queen mother may need one of them.
Leja looked out from the breeze block where they were kept, he wonder why there was so much noise. Nike sat on the ground, eating the left over food that a maiden served them earlier.
She also hard the noise and wonder what they were celebrating, she and Leja has not being talking to each other, Leja almost slapped her the other day as she provoked him, and ever since then she has being keeping to herself. anytime she want to ease herself she inform the guard station on their door and he will unlock the cell for her to go and ease up and return back, four guards were stationed around the cell, where she and Leja was.
Leja called one of the guards to ask him what the noise was all about
“Remi has returned with her diamond child…a son for the prince...everyone is celebrating her return…
Leja was stunned, he stood puzzled, Nike left the food that she was eating, she quickly lost her appetite, she turned to Leja
“Remi is dead…she was banished and she died in the forest…how come…how possible is it for her to survive the forest with wild animals and return back to the kingdom with a son for omooba…I doubt it…that guard is high on cheap wine…he is lying…
Leja ignored her as he began to think of his life whatever that awaits them, what will be his fate, he had great fear of the unknown, Nike wasn’t his problem and he hates her so much for making him to be in such a mess. He silently prayed to the gods to help him as Nike kept talking to herself….
Remi was seated with her happy grandma and excited Dami, Sipah and Mikai.
Dami collected Ademide from her back, Remi knelt before her grandma as the older woman filled with smile opened her arm in an embrace and Remi went and remained there as her grandma held her like a child, she released her and there were tears of joy pouring from Remi’s eyes. The older woman wipe the tear from Remi face and pat her cheek gently before asking Dami to bring the little boy.
As grandma carried the boy on her laps, she smile and gave a sigh of relief, Remi introduce Sipah and Mikai to her, and Ore the monkey was sitting beside Sipah.
Grandma asked them to come closer and when they did, she showered prayer of blessing on their head in Yoruba dialect, Sipah and Mikai did not understand but they joined everyone to say “Amin” after they stood up, Mikai felt Dami looking at her, she look in his direction but he quickly looked away shyly.
Mikai smile, as she focused on the moment. She noticed Remi’s brother was so homely and so happy, he wasn’t so tall but he was good looking and very shy unlike Remi who is so bold.
Whenever she found him looking at her, Dami will look else where and dodge.
“I thank the gods for their mercy, welcome home Remi and my great grandchild, the seed of crown, birthed in the forest and brought home to his great kingdom where he will mount the throne of the great men in years to come and judge wisely and fairly. He will be the people’s best king….I’m also glad to have you home with us Sipah and your daughter Mikai….feel at home, thank you once again for all your kindness, you are indeed a good man and you are already blessed... This will be your home from now on because you are the answer for the future generation of this land…and our monkey frined…hahahaha, even the animals took likening to you and guide you home…what a monkey with human intelligence...
Ore waves it tail and made a funny noise as if he was saying “thank you” which made everyone to laugh.
Men playing the ganagan increased the volume and singing voices went high as they saw the prince coming with his guards.
When Remi saw the prince and every one prostrating, she did not move from where she sat in between Sipah and Mikai.
Remi looked at the Prince and know that Ademide took after him so much, she noticed that the prince has slimed down, and he was counting his every steps as he move closer to where she was, she was having the wrapper she took from him on her laps, she looked away from him as he was looking at her.
The prince went to grandma and greeted, he looked sty the boy who look so much as him in his younger days. He breathed deeply and smile. He wanted to touch him but decided to make peace with Remi first.
He greeted the man sitting beside Remi and he responded warmly, the tall strong man with a warm smile introduced himself as Sipah and his daughter as Mikai.
The prince welcomed them, he looked at Remi who has refuse to look at him, he breathed again and looked back at the grandma who smiled and urged him to go ahead
He looked at Sipah as if he was trying to take permission and Sipah nodded him forward, the prince greeted Remi and thanked her for Returning home to them, he pleaded for her forgiveness, for the injustice done to her but Remi was sitting acting unconcerned
The older woman spoke
“no wasting time, Omooba you have all the time to beg my grand daughter but right now let’s start with the most necessary, as you can see they just returned from a faraway journey, give her time to rest and think but most importantly first thing tomorrow, the diamond child will be taken to the palace, Remi carry him to Oba’s chamber and allow the Oba to hold the child’s hand, do the same for the Queen. Oba is the ruler of this kingdom and once the ruler is well again then every other sick person will get their healing, the cabinet men inclusive.
The prince stayed behind until the evening was turning into night, he spoke with Sipah on the forest life, Remi did not allow him to touch her son but he was a very patient man, he knows his sin against Remi was heavy and he will try to make it all right. The prince found out that Sipah does not have anything to do with Remi in terms of relationship, it was a great relief for him as he plan on what to do to gain Remis’ forgiveness and to win her back to himself.
Mikai joined Dami in the kitchen, but Dami was shy and started blushing
“I came to help you make the evening food, hope you don’t mind…please tell me what to do…
“aaa…ok…ay…there is nothing much left to do…thank you…may be you could tell me about the forest life…
Mikai was happy as she started telling Dami what her old environment was like and how to make an arrow and bow.
The prince asked Sipah and Mikai to join him in the palace and they obeyed.

DIAMOND IN THE FOREST EPISODE 32.
“I’m not going anywhere…I’m not moving an inch…all of you should return back to him and tell him that I said so…my home is here and there is nothing any of you can do to make me change my mind on this…
The guards who were already well feed by Sipah thanked him for his kindness before going to speak to Remi who sparked up angrily at them.
“the kingdom is in deep crisis, the Oba, the Queen mother, the cabinet men and so many others are down, Leja confessed to everything, him and Nike the evil maiden has being locked up by the prince. Their judgment will start when you return back to the kingdom. the kingdom owe you an apology, we are just servants sent to guide you home…please listen to us…our kingdom lies in your shoulder and everyone wants you home…
“what if I was thorn apart by the wild animals, dead and rot away with my unborn child…do you all ever imagined such happening…if I was dead I know the kingdom will still survive without me…I just don’t want to go and I told the prince if he rejects my unborn child then he should never come for him later…I told him exactly that and I still hold onto my word…let non of you speak to me of this again…return back to the kingdom first thing tomorrow morning and tell your prince that I refused…I was cast out, humiliated, nobody believed me or gave me a chance to speak….now they want me back…that is never going to be possible.
Remi stormed out angrily and went into her room. Sipah was seated with the confuse guards who did not know what to do. Sipah turned to them.
“I will speak to her…is very normal for her to be angry, it was a great injustice done to her but I’m happy that she has being vindicated…I will speak with her later, she is still very angry now and will not listen…my name is Sipah…your kingdom will be restored again…do not panic...
“Thank you Sipah, may the gods bless you mightily. please, kindly help us speak to her…she may listen to you, our kingdom needs her, the gods have vindicated her already, we know it was a great wrong that was done to her and the whole kingdom feels sorry for such unrightful sentence, we can’t leave here without her or the prince will send us back or angrily punish us, please…
Later that night after Sipah showed the men where to sleep for the night he went to Remi’s room and knocked on the door before going in.
“Pah, if you are here to speak to me about going back with those guards then you have come to waste your time…except you have to kick me and my son out yourself…
Sipah ignored her and went to sit on a chair close to her wooden bed. He was quiet for sometime before speaking up
“You don’t need to fight or be angry…nobody will force you out of here without your consent…you should be happy the truth finally came to light…the almighty has judged in your favor, anger will not do you any good…I understand everything… I totally do, but the book of proverb says that anger labels us a fool…I mean anger does no good to us but sometimes is okay to be angry but don’t make decision in anger…sometimes we should use wisdom in our daily thoughts…
“Somebody once say that to me…anger labels you a fool…ooh is my grandma…she says a lot of things about anger…
“Your grandma was right…don’t you miss her and also your brother…because I know she will be looking forward to having you back…maybe your main purpose on earth is now...for such a time as this. Your people needs you Remi…the prince is just a man, he isn’t perfect, he made a mistake and he regrets it all, he must have died inside with guilt and sadness, for denying you and his child. He is a nice man to have realized his mistake on time, your purpose in life is right there in your kingdom, a service to humanity…maybe beside the prince and our little Emmanuel will have a better home than this ….the prince needs you…ejoo…what does please means again in yoruba…I can’t remember
Remi smile as Pah pretend not to know what please is but just wanted to cheer her up.
“please is jowo or ejoo which is generally used, you just said it now Pah, don’t make me laugh I’m not in a good mood, I don’t want the prince, we have nothing together, he rejected me and Ademide just when I needed him…I just don’t want to leave here…what of you and Mikai, even if I have to leave then I am not leaving without you, Mikai and Ore too. We all must go together if not then I am not going anywhere.
“I may come visiting later, you may take Mikai along if she want to go with you, but I have my big farms here to attend to and I like it here, my world is not outside there…is right here and I feel comfortable here Remi…jowo…
Remi insisted on not leaving without Sipah, she said she can’t leave him alone in the forest that he must come along or she won’t go anywhere. It took time before Sipah agreed to go with her maybe after sometime he will return back to the forest but Remi told him if he was going to return back to the forest that she will also come along with him. Sipah smile and told her that she was about to find her purpose in life which will keep her very busy.
Remi was having double mind of leaving the forest, she began to think of the whole thing before sleeping off that night.
Remi found herself talking with her grandma as she urge her to come home
“I am not leaving without Pah, Iya… I owe him my life…
“Sipah, is an angel on assignment which is to help you, his work is done and yours has just began…Sipah and his daughter Mikai and also the monkey whom you call Ore are ready to do anything for you to come home… your people needs you, the land needs the diamond you carry…that is the only remedy to heal and purge the kingdom of this evil that has befallen our land…bring the diamond child home let me hold him before I pass on…I have waited for this…now is time…do not delay…I don’t have much time left on this earth…I want to see you and the diamond child…the seed of crown. I have missed you my daughter…Remilekun…come home. Your place is beside omooba, he is deeply sorry, I know you love Sipah but is okay to love a good man as that but he has his own race to run, you have yours…I’m about to fulfill mine and kiss the earth good bye….Sipah and Mikai has a place in our land…they will live and marry among us…Sipah is coming with the truth of light…many will come to believe…come home my daughter, the evil has being exposed and the enemies has being put to shame…you are the answer the kingdom seek…come home…
Remi woke up and sat quiet on her bed, thinking of what to do when Sipah knocked on her door that morning, Remi was arranging her things, he greeted her in a funny way that made Remi to laugh…
“eka aro…ba wo ale?… I got it right…please rate me…
“Not so perfect but you tried…you are a fast learner…good morning Pah…and my night was fine…I have made up my mind…we all are leaving this place, I am not doing It for the Prince or the Oba, I am doing it for everyone who stood by me all this while, my grandma, my brother, the princess, Ope my good palace friend…I miss them all, you, Mikai, Ore my monkey friend and most important for my diamond child…as my grandma will call him and to everyone out there who stood by me and supported me…they are the reason why I am doing this…
“thank you for doing this…I am so proud of you Remi…I couldn’t sleep last night as I pray that God should touch your heart and make you see reasons…I’m glad he hard my prayer. We, the forest squad are strongly standing by you, hahahaha…let’s go and get your kingdom working again…let’s go and restore the color back to your kingdom…bringing real change and smile to everyone’s lip. I will gather enough food in sacks, those guard will have to carry load as we journey to the kingdom…your kingdom should get ready because the forest squad will be landing soon...
Mikai who suddenly woke up started laughing at Sipah’s tone of voice, Remi joined in and little Ademide awaken and was looking at everyone as they all laugh at Sipah, he also started giggling in laughter which made Remi to laugh even more.
They left the forest as evening approach, Mikai was hanging her bow and arrow, Sipah carried Ademide on his shoulder and later gave him to Remi who backed him with the same prince's wrapper which has being so helpful to her and still retains it’s color except for the stain that wasn’t so obvious now.
Ore, who was jumping from tree to tree jumped on Sipah’s right hand shoulder as they kept on moving, they rested severally on the road and built fire and shelter when night came then continued the following morning
Mikai was so happy as she look forward to changing environment for the first time in her life.
The journey lasted for three days, they met another set of five palace guards coming to the forest. They said the prince has sent them into the forest for another search since the second set of guard has not returned for over five days.
Everyone was happy as they travel back to the kingdom.

DIAMOND IN THE FOREST. Episode 31.

Story written by AMAH HEART
The guards who were sent into the forest to search and bring back Remi and her son returned back empty handed in the evening with the news of they searched everywhere for Remi but did not find her or any sign of her.
The Prince was furious,he selected five stronger guards and send them into the forest, he told them not to return to the kingdom without Remi, he warned them seriously that they should not return back without her and his son.
The five guards gathered enough food and water and every necessary weapon and entered the forest again in a heavy search for Remi and son.
Remi was with Mikai that evening teaching her Yoruba dialect, before Sipah came out from his room to join them, Mikai left to make fire for the evening food. Remi continued with Sipah, Ademide, who has already started taking a step was playing with the toy Sipah made for him, Ore was beside him keeping an eye on him as he plays around.
Remi began to teach Sipah who avoided making eye contact with her, Remi wanted him to look at her but he was looking at somewhere else
“One is Okan, Two is eji, three is eta four is erin five arun, six is efa, seven is eje….are you listening Pah, is there a problem…you are not looking at me…it makes me doubt if you are really listening to me…
“I am listening, not looking at you doesn’t mean I’m not listening to you, you have my ears, please continue, is hard to remember all of this numbers, they seem to sound familiar, eta, erin, efa, eje eji…you can see that I’m actually listening, please, teach me another thing aside the numbers…maybe wild animals…
“Okay, I’m glad you are paying attention to me, just keep looking at me as you are doing right now so that I will know that you are listening…Animal means Eranko. Birds is eiye. Elephant is erin. Lion means kiniun. Tiger is ekun. Pig is elede. Monkey means obo. Come is wa. Go is malo. Family means ebi. Son is omokunrin. Daughter is omobinrin. Mother is iya and father is baba. Grandmother is iya-iya, husband is oko and wife is iyawo. Hunter means ede. House is ile, kitchen is ile idana. Bathroom is ile iwe. Toilet is ile igbonse. Backyard is ehinkuule. Key is kokoro. Fire is ina o, good morning is eka aro. Afternoon is ekasun and night is eka ale. Welcome is ekabo. King is Oba and a prince is Omooba. Queen is Olori. God is Oluwa and thank God is Oluwa ese n. thank you means ese or ose depending on the person. Oremi means my friend. Please is ejoo, love is ife. Give me is fumi. Stop is duro nbe. Ligh…..
“ejoo…duro nbe…I have learnt enough for today…let me think of the few I can still remember…is sound so interesting and I’m so eager to learn more…let me check up on Mikai and how the evening food is going…ese Remi…Ore mi…your humble student is grateful…
“hahahaha..your welcome Pah…I will be happy to teach you anytime… any day.
Pah wanted to stand up but Remi stopped him
“you seem to be avoiding me and only stays around me when Mikai is around…I noticed that…what exactly is my offence…did I do anything wrong…
“Not all...i have never pick a fault in you Remi, is not because you are perfect but I refuse to see any spot in you. I am not avoiding you…I have no reason to do that…
“you are, Pah. you keep far distance from me…you recline more to your room, you stay far in the forest cutting wood or doing one thing or the other, during your free time you carry Ade and play with him, whenever you are talking with me and Mikai you try to avoid looking at me…why is that..i can’t help but voice out…
Sipah was quiet and Remi gently took is strong palm and watch him look up at her and then pull away his hand from Remi’s touch.
“You are a good man… Pah, I don’t need to talk or say much on that because deep down you know that yourself, we have being through a lot in the hands of people who tried to break us but never knew that we got a strong shell, we can’t be easily broken, people who can not turn one hair white or black took it upon their selves to take a life they never create…but we all here are survivals, you told me that God have plan and reason for everything and everyone, nothing ever takes him unaware, he knows the number of our hairs and every soul on this earth. You said God is love and want us to love one another and I believe you, everything you said I took it to heart…you preach more with your actions to me than with your words…so what then happen when it comes to expressing your feeling, the way you feel about me…because I feel it too and God must have brought us together for such a time as this…to love and care for each other and to be together as a lovely family…
“Remi…God is God, don’t add or remove from his word, the feeling is mutual but it doesn’t makes it right, I try to help you and also to help myself by not being too close to you so that we don’t fall into temptation…
“Nobody is tempting us, is not a temptation is the right thing to do, why can’t you see that, you want me don’t you, why do you hide your feeling, we are the only one living in this forest and is just right to be together and let out all our feeling without hiding it…Pah, do you love me…
Sipah tried to get up but Remi held him, begging him to remain seated, Mikai looked at them stylishly as she walked past with a plate in hand. Sipah swallowed hard and sat down again
“Is just a simple question…do you love me Pah…
“yes, with God kind of Love, I think God may have another plans for us, I was going ahead of myself as your thought fill my head everyday so I decided to pause and know what God think about all of this and after praying that night and woke up the next morning I have some heavy emotion of you crowding my mind lifted, my mind still wonder far when I’m close to you and it sends a negative message to my body but I try not to dwell on such, I don’t think God wants us to be together he probably has a better plan for you and I, trust me one more time...Remi, let God’s will be done over us, if eventually we are meant to be then I will be so glad to have you close to my heart but if not we will be running ahead of ourselves, if we decided to do things without God’s consent it will be disastrous…do you still trust me?
“hmmm…yeah…I do but nothing will make me change my mind…how will you know how long will that take Pah, every woman deserve a fine, hardworking, strong and God fearing man like you and I will be so bless if God approves of this… I will pray and beg God to make it happen quick…
“hahahaha…God doesn’t work with your time…he works according to his plans and purpose for us all… and every man deserve a good, kind, beautiful, funny, strong woman like you beside him…
“Please don’t make me blush, I’m trying not to do that most especially Mikai may see me doing that…do you have a dream of leaving this forest someday…or you like it here…
“I like it here…and I don’t want to leave to anywhere…this is my own world, a world of peace and tranquility. Outside here is chaos, revelry, anger, jealousy, backstabber, killing and so many evil, I don’t want such world I want a world of my own and I have everything that I will ever need…
“Mikai said she will like to leave here someday, she want to mix up with other human, interact with them, and visit places…
“every child has a dream that is her dream and if God wills it then it will come to past…but for now this is my home, our home…I have enough acres of land to farm, the forest is big enough to hunt and we have spring…I’m grateful for all of this…how about you…do you have a plan to leave…
“I want to be close to you…I don’t want to leave without you…if I ever leave this forest then you are coming with me…but for now this Is our home and I also likes it here…
Sipah sense something and quickly stood up, Remi was surprise the way he rushed up. he went inside and grabbed a machete, he called Remi to carry Ade, Sipah called Mikai to leave the kitchen area and go inside with Remi.
Remi asked him what is going on but he didn’t say anything as he moved towards his compound exit gate but pause as he got closer, Mikai stood with Remi who was carrying her son, and Ore was up the tree and was making strange noise which they understood that a stranger or something was close by. Remi hard the noise coming deep down from the forest and wonder what was happening
Sipah whistled loud and got a respond which was a scream of Remi’s name.
The men from the palace who have spent two days ransacking the bush for Remi, they have ran out off food and water and was almost giving up when they saw a human track they followed and continue to shouting Remi’s name.
As they got closer they discovered a big mold building in the heart of the forest, highly fenced with tall trees and big wood all around it and secured with all kinds of sharp spin which was like a weapon, the compound looks so big and wide, the guards where afraid wondering the kind of men that live inside there to have being able to do such a heavy job and it was located in a deadly place, an abode of the wild, whoever is living here must be greatly feared and he might has sense their presence.
They decided to stay far for there own good and kept shouting Remi’s name
When Remi hard her name she was shock, she began to think within herself
“is probably guards from the kingdom, they have come to take me and my son but i will not go with them, never, not after everything they did to me and took my loving mother away, what if I was dead too… maybe the truth was out as Iya has predicted and they want me home but there’s no place like home here..if i ever have to leave here is will be because of Iya and Dami...but i'm sure they will understand if i stay back with Sipah.
Remi went to Sipah who was trying to walk out to meet whoever it was.
“Pah, don’t go… stay here…they maybe evil spirit calling my name…or trap….
“hahahaha…you make me laugh…evil spirits are afraid to cross my lane…aside what your ordinary eye can see here.... the angels are also safeguarding us, don’t be afraid because no evil person can cross this lane…they are men, shouting your name and they sound like tired men…from your kingdom I guess…let’s invite them in, because if they get closer to the fence they may not see the traps I set for the animals and may fall into it… maybe you leaving this place is closer than we thought…
Sipah went out and called the men who were scared and raise their weapon up in surrender
“ ejooo…We came in peace not for war…we journeyed from a far away kingdom and has spent two days already in the forest, this is a very deadly place to stay and we were almost giving up when we discovered the track…we are searching for a maiden, a young woman with a son…her name is Remi, the prince of our kingdom sent us to tear down the forest in search of her and we should not return without her…ejoo sanu fun wa (have mercy on us)
“hahaha… sirnu fun what? I just started my Yoruba class…I have not gotten to that stage yet…please you are welcome to my world…follow me in…don’t be afraid, you all needs something to eat and drink, you will finish a whole zebra for your strength to be restored…please come….
Sipah smile and nodded at them making them to feel safe and at peace, some of them laugh at Sipah’s last word, despite he was right about them needing something to eat and drink, but they were afraid.
The strange man has an obvious scar on his forehead, and with the way he looks, with a heavy body built, he can beat them all up if they decided to gang up against him. They silently prayed that the man should truly be a godsend to them or they will all be doomed.
They were so famished, tired and tasty, all the food and water they left with is all gone, no sign of water in the forest.
It was a good invitation and they silently thanked the gods.
They followed the tall, strong looking man into his big compound.

DIAMOND IN THE FOREST. Episode 30.
Story written by AMAH HEART
“…so the kingdom has being torn apart and the gods are silent in all of this…Oba is on sick bed and the Queen mother joined in, the king makers are not left out in this and so many other people are equally affected…no English or native doctor have being able to give a positive answer in all of this…I’m place in between and I am not handling it the way I should because I am deeply troubled… when my sister, the princess came to give me the news of your granddaughter I was shock…Iya. I understand the calamities that befallen you and yours, most especially your granddaughter being banished,i am so sorry about everything, it was not in my power to save her but I could have still do something, I was confuse that period on what exactly to do and when I later went to speak to the Oba…it was already too late…like you know she was caught trying to poison the Oba, that was her sin, and a sin against the Oba is a sin against the entire land…and judgement was passed on her, I know she was pregnant, she got entangled in a love web with one of the guard, Leja, who is the head of the guard and my right hand man. Leja told me they were lovers and she later became pregnant for him…he asked her to keep the child but she had other plans of her own which is to get me into the scene, she came to me claiming I laid with her and I couldn’t remember such happening…well, it was all exposed that Leja was responsible…I can’t deny the fact that I use to feel something strong for her…yes, I wanted her but I never knew she belong to another man and when I found out I washed my hands off…she was banished and i noticed that the palace has not remain the same ever since…everyone believe she was long dead with her unborn child not until few moment ago when the princess came with the news of Remi being alive and living in the forest…it baffles me on how she survive the forest…I thought you could throw more light into this and I will send my men into the forest at once to bring her back…even if she is not the answer to this kingdom…it sound funny but I’m trying everything and anything possible on the restoration of this great kingdom…so if Remi got nothing to do with all this trouble hovering around our kingdom at least I will be glad to have her safe here with us…I will be happy to save her from the forest suffering…
“shhhh…my grand daughter is not suffering, you have said enough already and you need not say more…but my grand daughter is safe and well cared for, her son…ohh her diamond child, the seed of crown is doing perfectly well…don’t act like you are doing her a favor by saving her…because you are not…rather the gods has place her to do so….now move closer to me…yes Omooba…move closer and close your eyes…shut it…
The prince obeyed and moved closer, he closed his eyes and Remi’s grandma gently placed her hands on his head, she held his head on both side, she put her finger to his ears and stayed that way.
The prince memory went back to the party day, when he whispered something to Remi’s ear and she blushed, he called her to take him to his chamber because he was drunk, Remi lead him to his chamber.
It was like his past sin staring right at him. His eyes remain shut as he saw himself with Remi, everything he has told her that night came rushing back to his memory
“I told you earlier that I love you, I whispered it into your ears and you didn’t take me serious because you thought I was drunk, am not drunk or maybe I am, the fact still remain that I love you…yes…is true…you got into me right from that first day at the festive dance…when I first set my eyes on you…I have always wanted to tell you this but I don’t know how you will take it…so today I decided to drink so much…yes…I drank enough to get high…so that I can find my boldness and voice to declare all my stored up feeling for you.…I wanted to tell you this when you came to clean my chamber the other day…that was more reason why I told my sister to send for you but I still couldn’t find my gut…but today I have a full gut to tell you that I love you Remi…and I will tell the Oba that I want to marry…marry you…you will be my queen…come…come closer to me…are you afraid of me…don’t be afraid of me because my love for you is real…it can cast fear out of you…aaah…look at you...ni fe mi...emi ni ore re (my love, I am your friend) your real friend, don’t see me as a prince, son of the Oba of this great kingdom, see me as your friend, if I have a son with you I will call him Ademi, my crown…because he came from a beautiful maiden who is after my heart. oruko mi ni Aremo, yes that is my name because am a heir to this great Oba’s throne, and I need a queen like you to compliment my kingship when the time comes…with you by my side I will rule with honor…you said you love your grandmother because she was also a good dancer when she was young…right Arewa…(beauty)
“Remi…my name is Remi, you are drunk my prince you need to lie down, I will tell them to bring cold water for you…stop talking…the drink is taking too much effect on you…you don’t even know what you are saying again…
“shhh…I know what am saying…I still need more drink, I was talking about your grandmother…one day you will take me to her…I will like to meet her and I will also love to meet your father and your mother…
Remi’s grandma held him tight as he began to breathe hard. The prince saw everything being played right to his face again and when he vomited and mess up his chamber, when he grabbed Remi and made her to sit on his lap before pulling out her breast cloth, when he gently lay her on the bed right on top of his favorite wrappers given to him by his mother. he carefully laid her on the bed and he push himself into her, he saw the blood after the hymen of her virginity was broken but was too weak and slept off.
The prince started screaming and Remi’s grandma released him and he fell back, he opened his eyes while still breathing hard, the prince tried to understand exactly where he was.
One of the guards came to help him to sit properly, he was shaking all over
“She was right…I did it, the blood stain on my trouser, my missing wrapper which I never took notice off. The child was mine, yes Remi was carrying my child…I laid with her and broke her up…oh the gods I have being a terrible person, the child was mine…I… I saw everything…all the things I can’t remember I remembered them now…Remi…oh Remi…I knew something happened…I felt strange when I woke up that morning and the blood stain on my trouser confirmed it…I called and asked her but she denied it….she told me nothing of such happened…oh the gods…I should have known…I should have known…I truly loved her Iya, I wanted her not to just warn my bed but my heart truly beat for her until Leja came with…wait Leja…that means Leja was lying…could that be possible…did Leja and Remi’s step sister feigned her up…Iya…
“when you return to the palace you ask Leja…this time maybe he will tell you the real truth…hold onto what you just saw and ask…It will surprise you to discover more hidden secret…which will lead you to my grand daughter’s innocence, and you have to hurry because the kingdom are counting on you to rectify what has being damaged…
The prince left quickly as the older woman instruct, with a heavy heart rush back to the palace and asked the guard to fetch Leja and Nike quickly.
After the guards brought them and stationed them before the prince. The prince looked at Leja for a long time before asking
“…one more word of lie from you I will have them chop off your arms and your legs, I will make you cripple so that you will suffer…where you truly in a relationship with Remi and who has the child she carry…
With fear and trembling, Leja’s heart began to beat like a drum. Over five guards where stationed around him and Nike as if they were criminal.
Nike was shaking in fear as she bent her head in shame
“…guards strike him hard for delaying with his answers…
One of the guard double strike Leja across the face, the princess hard the scream and ran out with Ope and the other maiden came to watch the scene. Ope saw Nike kneeling along side Leja and she silently began to thank the gods. “Nemesis has finally caught up with her” Ope said while smiling.
“If I ask a question, I expect the answer immediately, any delay from you will be tasting my patients...i remembered that night..Leja, the night with her in my chamber and everything you have ever told me was all a lie…I feel terrible right now and do not worsen my mood or I will unleash terror on both of you…speak up quickly…
“I have nothing with her…I wanted her my prince…but she did not want me…I did everything possible but yet she refused me…I got jealous when you started showing interest in her…and the worst is that she was also interested in you…I know the night you took her virginity…I knew it happened and I was very angry when I discovered she was carrying your child…after she kept on denying it…I hated her and I hated you too…I was willing to do anything so that you won’t end with her and that was why I…
The prince screamed in terror and asked the guards to hit him severally and they did until Leja tasted blood in his mouth, he fell and they pulled him up…Nike craw away from where the guards where beating Leja she doesn’t know what to do or what to say, she has never expected things will turn sour.
Leja tried to hit one of the guard but two other pounce on him, blood poured from Leja’s mouth as he looked up at the prince and said angrily…
“I saw her first…she was suppose to be mine not yours…I saw her first before you, even before she came to serve in this palace, I have already made my intentions known to her…I wanted her and you took her away from me…how do you expect me to feel, you laid with her and got her in with a child…I couldn’t take it anymore…you are a royalty, you are omooba…you could have all the royal maiden and any kind of woman you desire…why must it be the only one I wanted you decided to pick interest in and you want me to fold my hands and watch…I fight for what I want because I am a man like you...
“I hands off from her when you told me she was yours, you lied to me about everything Leja, no…Leja I trusted you…and that was why I believed you over her…what exactly was my sin for you to have gang up against the innocent maiden, so you could have killed me if you have the gut to do so…and her step sister supported you…you planned with her…she is your alibi…and I guess you also have a hand in the poison…Leja you planted that poison in the Oba’s eating room and make Remi the escape goat…oh the gods…you…
“I have nothing to do with the poison… but this small witch called Nike has... She wanted to kill the Oba so that you will marry her and make her your Queen, she master minded with her mother and when she told me of the plan the gods bear me witness I refuse to join in such evil but she went ahead anyway and while she was trying to do that Remi caught her and she turned it against Remi…
The whole people screamed in shock as Leja kept talking, the princess held onto Ope from falling from the shock, some guards and maiden placed their hands on their head while others opened their eyes in shock. Everyone was shock to know that Remi was innocent all this while, a great wrongs was done against the innocent girl, the prince tighten his first in anger as he kept breathing hard. Leja’s confession was like a bomb to him. He looked at Nike and she was crawled up like a cat. Leja kept talking
“...this Nike you see here is so evil…she talked me into making out with her, I have to lay with her severally until she became pregnant so that she can say the pregnancy is for the prince which will make the prince not to have a choice than to settle with her but her plans failed and she wanted me to make it right…Nike and her mother are the master mind behind the evil done to Remi, her mother has more to do with Iya Remi’s death. They wanted to destroy the whole family out of jealousy…my sin was that I knew this evil but I couldn’t talk because I was also involve…and I was angry with the prince for taking Remi from me so I said if I can not have her then nobody will…
Nike manage to speak up
“is a lie…he is lying, I don’t know what he is talking about…he told me he hates the prince and would have left him in the river to drown. He said he wish nothing but death for the prince…Leja is an evil soul…and he is lying against me and my mother…I am innocent…
Ope rushed angrily and slapped her right on eyes, then another heavy slap to her ear, Nike screamed and held her ears in terror
“I have being wanting to beat you up like this for long, I have waited for this opportunity to come and is finally here. … because you wanted to be Queen by all means you decided to poison a whole Oba of this great kingdom Nike, you have no fear to do such evil, aaah… you made them to banish Remi who was innocent…if the land did not kill you Nike and the gods delay in striking you dead…I will personally do that myself…you and your mother are doomed…your end has come…what goes around comes around…the gods has fought for Remi…she has being vindicated…curse is yours… you are even pregnant…very good…your suffering is yet to begin..
The prince asked the guard to lock Leja and Nike up. He stationed ten hefty men to go into the forest in search of Remi and his son, Leja and Nike will remain there until Remi is found and returned back to the kingdom safe with the son that she bore for him.

DIAMOND IN THE FOREST. Episode 29.
More people began to fall sick in the kingdom, the Queen was not left out and no medicine man have a cure for the sickness outbreak, the Prince took over in place of his sick father, he invited different healers from faraway kingdom and they all came and yet none could place a name for the sickness or the cure to it.
The kingdom was torn apart as several people went into panicking and fear, they prayed to different gods to help them out but nothing was done.
English doctors where invited, after administering all the drugs they could think off and still no positive result they packed and left.
Things were becoming more complicating and the whole kingdom was in disarray
Ope was with princess that hot afternoon as she tried to cheer a saddened princess up
“Maybe we should go for a walk…in that way you will feel better…my princess…
“I don’t feel like going anywhere, do you wonder if this sickness that is taking over the kingdom is in the air…when we go out there and breath in the wrong air then we will also fall ill…just like many out there….Father, mother, the kings maker and so many other people…sometimes I’m afraid….i wonder who will be the next victim, maybe the gods are punishing us for some unknown sin we did in the past…can you imagine that no doctor…no medicine man has a cure for this sudden sickness…the English came and tried their best, the native doctors are doing all they could but yet nothing….what could be our sin, father has being ill for too long…Tunde is a very patient man, he is ready to wait until everything is in order again, I can’t marry him when my father and mother are dying….this is really strange…my brother is now in charge of everything in place of father…he is worried sick and the last time I saw him he is deeply troubled…mother who was caring for father is seriously down…who will save us apart from the gods…I pray for their mercy everyday…and to purge our land and restore the peace of this great kingdom…
Ope thought of Remi’s grandmother and all she has told her about Remi being alive and a diamond child she bore which may be the answer to the troubled kingdom, maybe the gods saw her innocent and the injustice being done to her and decided to raise a trouble dust in the kingdom, she and her son maybe the cure to this kingdom
Ope decided to speak up
“I once visited Remi’s grandma one day after meeting her brother in the market…
“oh really, is really sad…how are they doing…Remi’s death must be a very sad one to them…thinking of the way she was banished and has to die in the evil forest…with her pregnancy…sometimes I do think of her and it saddens me anytime her thought crosses my mind…she left with the beauty of this kingdom and I know she was innocent and the baby she carried belong to my brother who refuse to admit to the truth. maybe…just maybe her death was part of the punishment of the kingdom, I don’t have any right to say that father did not judge her well and the cabinet men worsen the issue, but I can’t help but admit to the fact that is just the bitter truth, Remi is innocent, I was the one that sent her that day to go and tell the queen mother that I will be leaving for the stream the following morning, she was with me the whole time before I sent her to mother and the next news was that a maiden tried to poison the Oba, I saw them hitting and even trying to force her to eat the supposed poison, I saw her fought for herself despite her condition, no one judged in her favor, no one stood in her defense, everyone condemned her, they all condemned her to go and die in the evil forest….is very sad, it was a cruel sentence and her death…it must have being painful, think of the wild animals tearing her apart and digging there claws into her…aaaahhhh…is terrible Ope…just imagining that alone makes me sick…is so terrifying …
“Yeah…it is...don’t imagine such my princess because it never happened…Remi’s grandma told me that Remi is alive and she has a diamond child…she is being taking care by total strange whose feet is filled with light….she said that…
“duro…duro…ki lo soro (wait, what did you say)
“ Remi lives with her son whom she bore in the forest….and she is cared for by a good stranger who will later live and marry among us…that was what iya agba told me….and it sound too good to be true…but with the way she said it…I’m certain that Remi is truly alive…
“is she a diviner…how did she know…the gods must have revealed that to her….yes…Oh the gods be praise…I need to see my brother immediately and tell him this good news…and I also need you to take me to see her grandma….this is indeed too good to be true…is something good to hold onto…maybe Remi’s grandma will have more to say…
The princess rush out to see her brother, the prince.
Nike waited for Leja outside the palace and when Leja came walking down the road Nike came out of her hiding and started insulting Leja
“I have waited for you here all day, because I was certain you will pass here today, what did you tell the Prince, I went to resume back to work after one week and the guards at the gate refuse to let me in, I asked to see you but they said you are with the prince and you can’t see me…I was dismissed from the palace not because of my pregnancy but because of whatever you told the prince…you are a foolish man…what did you tell the prince…you sold me off to him so that you will remain a guard and trustworthy servant right…idiot…you lied to the prince and spoil all the whole plan i took time to construct…all my hard work on how to become the next Queen you spoil everything with that your wide mouth like basin….
“why all this insult Nike, I never told the prince anything, you sold yourself out by going to seduce the prince and even lied that the child you carry belong to him, your head was filled with rat brain which made you not to calculate well, you spoilt your plan with your own hands, if you are smart enough you could have known that the prince will find out the truth one way or the other…he is a prince, the next Oba of this great kingdom…he is not a fool…and for your information, I’m not interested in that child you carry, I have washed my hands off it even before the prince threw you out…I don’t want to have anything to do with you or the child, you wanted to be pregnant…you got exactly what you asked for…so carry the burden but never you include me in it because I will deny that I ever know you or have anything to do with you…bear your child and become a mother…but I’m out of this…if I ever want to have a wife or a child it will never come from you…you and your mother are a dangerous venom… and non of my seed must come from you…
“you are an unfortunate he goat Leja, smelly he goat like you…fool, since the prince rejected me and this child there is no hiding place for you…you are the rightful owner of this pregnancy and you must take responsibility of your action…you can not escape it…never…and I will tell every one the whole truth, I will let them know all the evil that you did…let’s bet…just bet with me and you will see how I will mess you up…
“I don’t bet with the devil…I have no business with a witch like you…get lost Nike, you are not even capable of telling the truth…the word “truth” has being killed and buried in your conscience…so go ahead and tell everyone because in that way you will be exposing yourself…all your atrocities will be exposed… go ahead…I dare you to go and tell the prince or anyone who cares to listen…I am daring you Nike…if you have such gut then go right ahead…we will both suffer…and thank the gods your mother will be inclusive because she was the one that gave you the poison for the Oba and she also killed Iya Remi with same poison…and am sure she also killed your father because he favored Iya Remi more than your mother…evil run in your blood…transferred from your mother to you so I don’t want to have anything to do with that child you carry because you will transfer same evil to him or her…
As Leja tried to leave Nike who was so pained and was boiling in anger raised a hand to slap him but Leja pushed her aside, she staggered from Leja’s push but hold onto a tree from falling, Leja walk pass her.
Nike searched around for something to stone Leja but she miss her first throw and Leja dodged the second stone from her, Nike fired another stone and it hit Leja on his shoulder Leja started calling Nike “omoobirin Iya laje” (daughter of a witch) while Nike kept on firing stones at him.
The prince left with some guard immediately to see Remi’s grandmother, the princess wanted to go with him but he asked the princess to stay behind and watch out in his absence.
After the princess told him that Remi was alive and she have a baby in the forest, she and the baby are both alright, well taken care by a stranger. It sound unbelievable to the prince so he decided to go and see the fortune teller which is Remi’s grandmother, she may also have answer for the troubled kingdom.
“Alafia, ni fun ile yin, lati odo Oba….(peace be unto this house hold, greetings from the king)
Dami who was in the kitchen, fanning coal to boil water for his grandma’s bath ran out as he hard the royal greeting. His grandma was at the backyard planting crops in the ridge he dug up for her
Dami prostrated as he saw the prince in their compound. The prince asked him to get up and he did
“ ikini irelemi (my kind greetings) we are her to see your grandmother…is she around?
“Bee ni Omooba…let me go and call her
And just then grandma was coming out from the backyard, the prince greeted her in respect.
Dami rushed and brought seats for everyone to sit down after his grandma was well seated.

DIAMOND IN THE FOREST. Episode 28.
Ope walked round the market to make sure she has gotten everything the princess sent her to buy.
As she was about going she sighted a young boy, she recognized the boy very well, despite he has increased in height and body she still know who he was
He wanted to buy fufu from a older woman who seem to be smiling while talking with him
Ope quickly walked up to him and tapped him on the shoulder, he quickly turned and looked at Ope with a confused face before greeting her
"Eka sun (good afternoon)
"Ba wo ni (how are you)
"O wa pa (I'm fine)
"Do you know me...or let me say do you remember me...?
"Rara o (not at all)
"Are you through with what you came to buy or you still want to buy other things?
" I'm through...I just want to wrap up the fufu and I will be on my way...
Ope nooded as he collected the fufu and greeted the woman cheerfully and they both Left the market together.
"Oru ko mi ni Ope (my name is Ope) I work in the palace...and I was close to your sister Remi before she was banished... I'm deeply sorry for your late sister and also your late mother, Remi was a nice maiden but she has so much enemies than friends and they plot together to destroy her...I am sorry... what is your name again..
"My name is Dami and I live with my grandma now, she sent me to buy somethings at the market, the woman you saw me talking with use to be Maami's friend, they usually sit together in this market and sell their fufu but ever since maami passed on she has never stopped giving me and my grandma free fufu, she refuse to collect money from me, she said maami was kind to everyone including her, maami will give her last meal to a total stranger and go hungry... Maami's death is still a shock to her and to those she was close to, it sound so unbelievable because she was looking healthy on the last day she came to market and the following day she was gone... followed by my pregnant elder sister being banished, I thought the world has come to an end but I'm glad to be among the living. well, I think remember you now. My sister do mention your name sometimes back then... how's the palace and the Oba...we hard that he is very ill, hope he is getting better?
"The palace is cold as usual...it was as if your sister took the color along when she left... the palace is never the same but we all go about our rightful duty as we called to and as for the Oba... we are still hoping on the gods for him to get better...I hard this morning that two of the cabinet men are also sick and the native doctors has gone to attend to them...no one knows what is happening... only the gods sees in secret...
"My grandma said so... she said many will become sick and the kingdom will be torn apart... the seed of crown which happens to be the diamond in the forest will be sorted after... she said the oba Will not die.. he will live to see the seed of crown...
"What seed of crown and diamond are you talking about...I don't seem to get what you are saying Dami.. what are you really talking about...
"I can't even explain myself I'm just quoting my grandma...but she say certain things that ends up being true. She makes me to believe that Remi is alive and well... she has a son and they live in the forest with with a stranger...I believe her because she has the ear of the gods...
"Can you take me to her, I mean iya agba... your grandma ...
Let me greet her before going back to the palace
Dami took her to the house, the grandma was making ewedu soup with a short bunch of broom. She has prepared Amala already as Dami went to assist her after introducing Ope to her.
Ope knelt down and greeted her before Iya asked her to stand up
"Remi was my good friend back in the palace before the disaster struck... she was a kind person, I just wanted to greet you Iya and to also sympathize with you...it must be very hard loosing both daughter, grand daughter and even a great grand child if Remi's had given birth...but the gods knows the best...Remi was selfless when she was alive...
"Yes, and she is remain selfless because she is alive. she trusted too much but that was because of the kind of person she is, enemies in a friendly clothing were surrounding her... it wasn't because she was cold or foolish that sent her to the forest... my grand daughter was wise and bold yet too soft...
"You mean she survived the forest and bore her child right in the wild...
"Yes, a son, diamond in the forest...he is the seed of crown... a remedy for the kingdom...
"Oh... the gods be praise...so Remi will eventually return back to the kingdom alive with a son... wow...it sound too good to be true...I can't wait Iya... I can't wait for her return... how long will it take for It to happen...
"The gods did not reveal the time or hour, I use to guess maybe it will be upto five years before all this will take place but I feel the time is close... she is not coming alone... she will be coming with total strangers... they have shining light around their feets, they came before and built The first school here for us but the Oba chased them away because he felt they brought new strange teaching that may corrupt the people's minds but this time the stranger coming with my grand daughter will come to stay, he will pitch his tent here and many will come to believe in his teaching...he is a good man with a pure heart and so is the little girl with him... they will marry our own and multiply... the troubled kingdom will be peaceful again because the wicked will not stand the heat... they will be exposed soon...
"Amin... Iya, even though I don't understand everything but it all sound too good...I am so happy to know that Remi is alive and I will keep pleading to the gods to keep her and her son safe until there return...iya I have to run back to the palace now...I met Dami in the market and decided to stop by and greet you..
"Please wait and eat something my child, the soup is almost ready... you can't come over without eating or drinking from me... the princess is not in need of you right now so eat before running back...you are a good child and the gods are smiling towards you... your fight for justice will be greatly rewarded...but in all your doing be wise because the enemies plan is only to kill and destroy anyone standing on their way...
Ope nooded and waited as grandma served her Amala and Ewedu soup with dry fish.
As Ope silently ate, Dami sat beside her eating his own Ewedu with fufu, grandma kept on talking to her about things that are yet to be
Ope did not understand every thing but she nodded anyway
The food was so delicious that she ate up the plate of Amala before thanking grandma
Before she Left she promise to always stop by any day she was sent to the market just to check up and to know if iya agba cooked Amala and Ewedu
They all laugh before Ope Left.
Nike's mother became sick, Leja came to give the prince message to them but found out that Nike's mother was critically ill, he passed the message anyway and left without wasting time, he tries to avoid any suspense or questioning that will come from Nike.
Leja reported back to the prince
Nike couldn't return to the palace after the prince warning, she doesn't know what Leja said to the prince which made him to dismiss her from the palace maiden, she was angry at Leja and planned to find out what he told the prince ones her mother's health improves.
She wanted to be in the palace where she will get to see the prince daily but she can't leave her mother in her condition
She planned to deal with both Leja and Ope if she is allowed back to the palace.
Nike wondered why people were falling ill in the kingdom, first it was the Oba, then two cabinet men now her mother who knows who will follow next.
But she wasn't afraid, she must try to achieve her aim by becoming the next Queen of the kingdom, and Leja has to help her achieve that other wise he will expose him.
Remi worked with Mikai in Sipah's farm, as they harvest the corn.
Ademide was securely at her back with the stained wrapper which has become almost everything to her in taking care of her son
Sipah has gone into the forest to cut woods for his farm.
Ore was with Remi and Mikai as he follows them everywhere they go wanting to assist but don't seem to know how
When Ademide started whining and crying, Remi decided to drop him close by, she spread the corn ear first on the farm land before spreading the wrapper over it to make it soft.
She sat Ademide on the ground and asked Ore to play with him
Ore was happy to have baby Ademide to himself as he jump up and down making the little boy to giggle.
Ademide stopped crying and started laughing as Ore started entertaining him.
Mikai looked over to where the baby and monkey was playing and started laughing
"Ore will make a great baby sitter...he act like a human atimes...he likes playing with Ade... The baby is fond of him...
"Yea, Ore is an intelligent animal, the first day he showed me the spring I was shock... my throat was patched...I really needed water and Ore lead the way to the spring, it was from that day I gave him the name Ore...
"Someday I pray to also have a baby...I love babies...I grew up here with Pah, he told me the stories of my real parents burning in a house fire set up by wicked people, Pah saved me and he became a parent to me, he taught me to read and write and how to do so many things like my own weapon, he is my father and my only family I have on earth, I'm use to this environment and I'm not afraid... I'm use to pah and the animals untill you came here, pah has said if I come of age he will take me to a faraway village where I will be able to have a suitor... maybe marry and have children...he doesn't care much about himself, but I pray every night that God will protect him and send a woman who will become his wife... do you know that when you came it looks like you were an answer to my prayer... you and pah were getting close I was happy but recently i notice that pah seems to be distancing himself from you... do you know why?
"Well, not really... you know pah can be weird and he prays alot... maybe he likes having quiet time where he can communicate with God without any distraction...
"Maybe you are right... Pah prays too much, almost all the time. you said you also lost your father and mother, the only people alive is your grandma and your brother... you are still blessed to have a grandma and a brother...I wish I have a grandma and a sibling too...but is all good... the Lord's ways are far different from ours... he sees and knows all things. Pah thought me to be thankful in everything... forgive those who hurt us and pray for those who hates us...
"He is a good man...I mean Pah and he really brought you up in the right way but forgiveness doesn't come easily for people like me...I still hate those who hurt me and I wish them nothing but pain and suffering...
"When you forgive you do yourself a great favour because hate is a great burden and it can weigh you down...
"Your words are too matured... let's talk about something else. will you like to leave this forest someday...I mean with Pah...?
"Certainly, I will love to live among humans, I will love to visit the market and see lots of people, I will like to go to the stream and see people there... not just me and pah but living in the means of plenty people and blushing when a handsome man looks at me like you blush when ever pah looks at you...I have seen you blush before...
"Whaaaat...oh mine... do I really blush... was it that obvious...oh Mikai.. now you have caught me..
"Yes, you do blush and I wish I can get a fine, God fearing, hardworking, fearless man like pah who will also make me blush... hahahaha..oh my God...I sound like a broken record..
"Yes... you really do, but my younger brother can actually fit into your description...he can make you blush, he is handsome, strong, hardworking, God fearing too...
"I'm not sure your brother will like a girl from the forest but we are running ahead of ourselves...we are still in the forest... let's wait untill we out of here first...but this place is so cool unlike the noisy crowded world... Pah says that alot. The hunter he once saved brought different things to thank him, like the crops we plant, cloths and foot wears... many other things. Is being years now we never hard from him. Pah told him not to come to this part of the forest at night again because is dangerous for him and he is an elderly man, unlike pah filled with hot strong blood, he has being through alot but I'm glad God kept him... everything in this world may fail but God's word stand firm forever...look... look... Ore is trying to lift Ade from the ground...I think he has peeled on himself and Ore want to move him.... hahahaha... this is so funny...
Remi laughed at the scene before going to carry her son from the ground.
Sipah was carrying wet wood which he plan to use for his yam and other crops like vegetables, beans, groundnut and melon.
Ore saw him coming and ran to him
He was happy to see him as he jump up and down.
Remi and Mikai watched and laugh while Sipah kept on smiling with the heavy wood which he later dropped down, he breathed heavily.
He waved at Remi and Mikai before leaving again to cut down more wood.

DIAMOND IN THE FOREST. Episode 27.
“You sent for me my prince…I’m sorry I was out on palace patrol…I just returned…
“You are talking with the maiden I sent out on suspension, I was told so…what business do you have with her..
“Nothing my prince…she told me that she was suspended and i wanted to know why…that was all…
“Leja…I trust you and I hate to have doubt in anyone I trust totally…you are close to me and it was because of your hard work and sincerity that made you to become the chief guard and the Oba has rewarded you greatly for all your labour and when you saved me from drowning at the river. you have serve well and you know almost everything that goes in and out of this palace…why I’m saying this is because I have few question for you and I need a truthful answer, you have never lied to me so don’t start now….Nike came to me with the news of being pregnant and the funny part is that she said I’m responsible. the night I woke up and saw her naked in my chamber and all my cloths were off…that was the night she said it happened….now tell me is this true, did I send for Nike because I don’t see any reason why I will do that…I have no interest in her at all and I won’t even in my dream…why will I specifically send for Nike and then lay with her…because I remember all that happened that night, you kept on filling my cup until I passed out and the next thing is a naked maiden in my chamber…and she is claiming that I laid with her…and I’m certain…so certain that I did not do such…so tell me the truth…what happened that night…
Leja breathed in, he wish he can say everything without covering anything up, but if he has to that then the real truth about Remi’s pregnancy and so many other things will be revealed and the prince will never forgive him, he may end up being punished or banished, “may the gods forbids, being banished and die in the evil forest is not my portion and the gods will not allow such thing to befall me”, Leja prayed in his mind.
Leja bent his head not knowing how to start but he has to end this evil seed that Nike has started planting before something else goes wrong, he will leave Remi’s part out of it, she is dead and long gone, so she has become a history but Nike was running with speed with this her evil plans and he can’t bear it any more, he has to tell the prince everything that happened that night
“Leja…soro…kilo sele…I asked a question and I need a sincere answer…why are you quiet…all I want is the truth, if you have lied before to me then say the truth now before I start digging, say the truth because that is the only way to my heart…you know that.
“my prince… i….i mean…I uhmmm...imabinu…you are right my prince…you never sent for Nike that night neither did you lay with her, the child that Nike is carrying is not yours…I don’t know how she sneak into your chamber that night and I was surprise to find out when you asked her to fetch me that night…she was obsess with you and wanted you, most maidens admires you greatly my prince but Nike took it too far and all I did was to cover her up and not for her to get into trouble with you, I never knew she will come up with this pregnancy thing…she took it too far and I am deeply sorry for not saying the truth when you asked me and I did not bother to come all this while to clear what happened that night…I know you trusted me, I betrayed that trust and I felt bad after lying to you that night please for give me my prince…e joo
Leja knelt down and the prince asked him to stand up and he quickly did.
“Is there any other thing you aren’t telling me…Leja…I feel there is more to this…tell me more…. Everything I need to know.
“That is all my prince, if anything needs to be told you will be the first to know…this is all
“Leja…Leja…why will you agree to such...she pulled off my cloth because I woke up without my cloths on, what an insult to my person, she was standing right here naked…real naked, Leja…and she did not make any attempt to cover up until I asked her to…why will I see such thing, you strongly lied to me and said I sent for her when I know fully well I never did, you made me look like a fool and I did not know what to say except to ask two of you to leave my chamber that night…why will you agree to such, your duty is to the palace not to a maiden, why will you even defend her unruly act…who is responsible for her pregnancy…
“..i…I don’t know my prince…maybe is from outside the palace…but…I uhmmm don’t know…all I know is that she was obsess with you and she took it too far…i am so sorry…deeply sorry, I plead for your forgiveness my prince, please…I’m pleading…such will never happen again…I promise…I will do my work as I’m trusted to do…with all sincerity…I will…
“enough…when that maiden returns from her suspension she will be totally dismissed from the palace, such people should not be here…they have no place in this palace…they are desperate and dangerous and before she will be finally dismissed ask her to bring her mother to the palace…in fact go to their house tomorrow and give her my message, tell her while she is resuming back from her suspension she should bring her mother along, I need to see the kind of woman that gave birth to such maiden, I will love to know if the woman gives advice to her daughter at all, that maiden is wayward and unrestrained that was why she has the gut to do what she did, and as for you Leja, my trust for you has gone below my legs, I will have to weigh everything you tell me next time, until I’m certain is the truth, it will be hard for me to believe you…you failed in your duty and you deserve to be suspended too but I will let you be for now, leave my chamber at once..
Leja bowed and left immediately, he wish he has not allowed his jealousy to get the best of him, he wanted Remi but when the Prince started showing interest and Remi never gave him a second look, it prompted him to get involve with Nike and the result so far has being disastrous, innocent lives has being lost and now the prince has doubt in him, he wish there was a remedy to everything he has done, he wish he can totally confess everything but that will be dangerous, the prince is angry with him for just this, that means if he has told the prince everything, the truth about Remi and all that he has gotten involve in, the prince will want to have his head in a platter, he will do worst things to him.
And Nike may want to get back at him if she finds out that he have spoilt the whole plan, she and her mother will not take it lightly with him, but she will also be getting herself into a bigger mess if she decided to tell the prince what happened, Leja knew Nike can not tell the whole truth. But whatever that may happens he silently prayed it will not get worst than it seems already.
Remi held Ademide as he feed in her arm, she watch him with a smile and suddenly hard Sipah’s voice who was watching her from the door, she startled
“Sorry…I scared you….i just wanted to know how he is doing, I was out the whole day and didn’t get a chance to play with him…
“He is asleep now, he looks so beautiful Pah, and just watching him alone gladdens my heart…
“Sure, he is, you are beautiful Remi…so is only normal to breed your kind…you have a warm heart, when I say you are beautiful I mean every word of it...inside and out.
Remi looked up at him and they locked eyes for sometime, the native handmade lamp burn at one corner, Mikai sleep soundly, Ore was out, he sometimes sleeps on the tree or in the house that Sipah built for him, Sipah also built a house for Mikai’s birds, rabbits, squirrels and other pet animals that Sipah caught for Mikai
Sipah looked away, as he felt the heat of his emotions
“I just wanted to check up…i will wash up and go to bed, good night Remi…good night Emmanuel…I pray the almighty God, keeps us all safe through out the night as always and may morning bring the blessing of the new day to us…
“Amen…thank you…goodnight…
Sipah turned to leave and Remi spoke again making him to pause.
“Pah, you are also handsome, even your scar can not hide the fine man that you are, you are a good man with a large heart, sometimes I mistake you for an angel in human. Thank you Pah….i love…I mean I love the environment you created for us here…
Sipah smiled, he nodded before walking away, he washed up and return to his room, he lay down in his bed and watch the fire from the clay pot in his room, burn quietly.
Remi has occupied his mind and he forgot to pray, he sat up from his bed and silently started praying
“heavenly father, I thank you for your numerous blessing everyday, I can’t tell it all, even if my body is filled with mouth is never enough to say thank you father, thank you for Remi and Emmanuel, thank you for Mikai, Ore our monkey friend, the beauty and quietness of this place, where people dreaded most you created a beautiful home out of it for us. Night has come and I ask for your protection over us, send your angels to surround us, no evil is allowed close here because we are under your wing of protection. Thank you so much for your love and kindness so far, I tell you everything because you are a good listener and a loving father, today I decided to talk to you about Remi, my emotions and the way I feel for her, I don’t know if this is right or not but I don’t want to do things you won’t approve off, keep me in check and don’t let me run wild with this, it may seem normal to be together but I am not counting on what seem normal in my eyes but what you think about it all. Have your way in our lives and perfect that which concerns us….may we find our purpose in life and live as you want us to live…this and many more I pray in Jesus name…. Amen.
Sipah returned to bed and slept with peace in his heart
Remi lay with Ademide in her own room, she wish she can express how she feel about Sipah, he looks at her the way she love, she melt at his gaze and love having him around, he makes her have this warm feeling that she can’t explain, she wonder if Sipah feels the same way too, she wish Sipah could just tell her the way he feels about her, she almost said that she loves him earlier which was what she had wanted to say but caught herself, Sipah maybe feeling different from that.
Remi breathed deeply as she tried to think of something else, she thought of the prince and frowned, she has had same feeling for the prince, same feeling that she was having for Sipah, the Prince has joined many other to hurt her, only the princess and Ope stood by her in the palace.
Remi wondered what life was like for them, they all probably thought she was dead.
Remi thought of her late mother and wiped a tiny tear off her eyes, she wondered how her grandma and Dami are doing.
Her grandma’s riddle has never left her heart “two will want you, only one will have you, then disaster will struck and the gods will take you far away with the seed of crown…which will become a Diamond in forest…sorted after….
She understand her grandma’s riddles but not fully, the only part she is yet to understand now is “diamond in the forest that will be sorted after…by who, Remi asked her self silently, she looked down on her son and covered him up properly. “the only good thing I got from the palace is Ademide, the prince broke me up even without knowing, and when I thought the world has come to an end for me I found a new home here and another beginning… I’m glad the gods kept me safe until I brought my Ade forth. This is my present, Sipah, Mikai, Ore and everything here is my present and I find peace here, no trouble, just us living in our own world. All I wish is that Sipah will open up to me on how he feels or maybe I should tell him…no I can’t, I will rather remain quiet and allow whatever will be to be…but I feel something strong for him…same as I have felt for the prince.
Remi breathed again before shutting her eyes, as she allowed sleep to take over her.

DIAMOND IN THE FOREST. Episode 26.
“Where do you get those oso..? (Oranges)
“From your backyard Iya…I climbed up the tree and got all this…
“I never thought there was still more fruits in it…the leave are too crowded…one won’t easily know there are still big oranges in there…peel and bring some here for me…
Dami quickly peel the oranges and gave it to his grandma. Who was throwing corn seed to a hen with its chicks…
“Here is the orange Iya…you will over fed that hen…and it will become so fat and lazy to go and find food for her children… if you keep feeding it all the time…she won’t have strength to even protect the little chicks from the yellow eye hawk…
“hahahaha…what do you even know…the hen reminds me of your sister…she is being taking care of, well fed, supported and loved by total strangers…and the seed of crown is growing in good hands…
“Iya…do you see all this things while sitting here or the gods reveal them to you while at asleep…because I don’t even understand most of them…Remi being cared for by a stranger…do the stranger live in the forest or is he a hunter who took her home…and allowed her to…
“shh shhh…don’t say a word…
Dami kept quiet, he continued with his orange as he watch his grandma shut her eyes and raise her face upward…a strange wind blew and suddenly stopped. Dami felt cold and the orange in his hand fell to the ground, everything suddenly became normal again, he felt his normal self and started peeling another orange, he was use to his grandma strange behavior, she sees and hear things from the gods. Dami wondered what she was seeing or hearing again this time
Grandma return back to her orange, after sucking off the juice she started eating the inside of the orange, Dami watched silently, he wanted to speak but doesn’t know if is okay for him to talk now, but he spoke out anyway
“Iya there are still more oranges here…just in case you want more…
“I know…I’m fine with this my child…hmmm…ose gan…
“So…what did you see or hear…that made you to hush me to be quiet…
“All I live for... is for you and your sister…my being alive is mostly because of your sister…she has a diamond…
“Really…is that what you saw…real diamonds…wow…if she sell it she will become wealthy…are the diamond much…do they grow in the forest…aaah…Remi is so lucky…but is unfortunate that she can’t sell them…nobody will go to the evil forest to go and buy a diamond…
“The Diamond I'm talking about is her child…I told you the day Remi gave birth…it was same day that the Oba fell ill and I doubt no medicine man can cure him…most of them know this, they are aware that the medicine they are administering to him does not have any effect on the king yet they keep on doing same thing all over because they don’t want to be the one to give the sad news but just to be around the Oba… the truth will be out soon because many will fall sick…not just the Oba, the Oba’s cabinet men will start falling sick one after the other and many other will follow, the kingdom will be torn apart and the prince will be heart broken and confuse, and they will come running…then he will remember…
“running to where and he will remember what exactly Iya?….will the Oba die…and why…why did the Oba become sick on same day that Remi put to birth…is strange Iya…and you said more people will follow in the illness…why is that…will the Oba die…
“Just ask one question at a time my child…The Oba will not die yet…not now…the diamond in the forest will come to him and he will see the seed of crown…
“I don’t understand Iya…
“you should understand because I am not speaking latin to you…I speak in a clear and a very understandable tongue…try to clear your mind so that it will be easy for you to understand certain riddles and few of my saying, you are growing into strong man with a strong mind but not so strong like your sister…you are smart, strong and has a good heart for mankind…Damilola, your future lies in the heart of the forest…
“Iya…if I say I don’t understand again you may start complaining but I serious don’t…I sometime get scared from this riddles...my future in the forest…how is that possible…my future is here…right here in this kingdom…I’m not going anywhere…I don’t want to go and live in the forest…no Iya, I’m not at strong as my sister…if I’m sent out like Remi I will just die even before I get to the forest…at the mention of forest I have great fear because I will remember egbo mi (elder sister) but you said that she is happy and she is well taken care off with her child and that alone is all that matters to me, just for her to be fine…but my own future is right here please…
“hmmm…nobody is sending you out of the kingdom…your sister was chosen by the gods and that is why she in the forest, you have no business going there but you still have business there… when the time comes my child you will love everything from the forest…
“I will love egbo mi and her child… then the bush meat and fruits that I have not tasted before…that is the only thing that will interest me there nothing else…I wish egbo mi will return back now with my nephew…so I will teach him how to climb tress and swim in the river, I will teach him how to make ridges and how to be a great farmer…
His grandma laugh before asking Dami to go and fetch firewood and he left immediately.
Nike did not see Leja, she was told he went out, but as she got to the gate she saw Leja coming in, she pushed Leja to one corner
“I have being suspended…so I’m going home right away…I will be away for one week…
“Suspended by who and what was your offence…what happened..
“Omooba…he gave me one week suspension…and he said you should report to his chamber immediately….i went to tell him about the news of being pregnant but it didn’t go down well because he calculated from the last time i was seen in his chamber to the present day, he added everything up and it did not make sense at all…I never thought he will have time to start calculating all that and I was surprise when he brought it up Leja…I don’t even know how to convince him, so you can try to do that because everything lies within this child I’m carrying...i will discuss with Iyami and know what to do next….the Oba is critically ill and can’t attend to anyone…I would have suggested that me and Iyami come down to speak with the Oba if he will listen to us but as the whole thing is now we have to think of another way to get the prince into this…is the future I’m carrying here, I know is your child but the prince has to believe is this otherwise we are doom…
“Omooba is not foolish Nike…if he can remember what happened the night he caught you in his chamber then there is nothing I will say or do that can convince him…
“Don’t say that Leja, the prince trust and believes everything you tells him, you are the chief guard here too also the Prince right hand man….only you can convince him, make him believe that this child is his…I don’t know how you will do it but do it anyway you like…all that matters is for him to believe you…Omooba has no doubt in you…he trust you…
“yes, he trust me and I have betrayed him severally already, I took his trust for granted…I wish I can get off this, I wish I never even get involve with this whole mess….the fact is he will not believe me and I don’t want him to start suspecting me in anyway…I will try to clear my head and…
“clear which head…your head…hahahaha…you are a joker Leja, mind whatever you say to the prince before it backfires…clear your head and also clear mine because I am carrying your child, you can’t get away with this…the pregnancy did not enter when it was suppose to, and you contributed to it…I will make a solid plan you will scatter it…what is wrong with you…if you have laid with me continuously like I asked and wanted you to… the pregnancy wouldn’t be this late, I have to force and kept on disturbing you just for us to get here finally now the ball fall back to you…play it well Leja…play it well and don’t try to be smart with me…remember we are in this together…we have gone deep and can’t get out until the purpose is all achieve…think of what to tell Omooba so that he can believe you…
Ope saw Leja and Nike whispering something to their selves close to the palace gate as she tries to spread the princess wear, she wonder what they were always talking about in a whisper, she watched them for sometime and felt anger building up as Nike talked with Leja, Ope frown as she stood at a distance watching them, Nike looked like she was pregnant and Leja is responsible no doubt, maybe the queen mother found out and sent her home because she looked like she was going home, Ope thought within her as she turned and walked away with some of the princess dry cloths
She breathed deeply as she thought of Remi, she really missed her and it saddens her that she is no more, Remi has a warm presence, beautiful and hardworking but Nike was always jealous of her and she succeeded in making the Oba to banish her.
The princess was suppose to be getting married soon but since her father is ill they have to postpone the wedding until the Oba gets better.
Ope has become the princess personal maiden, the princess chosed her and asked her to be her personal maiden in place of Remi, and she has tried to serve with all her heart just as Remi had done, she is taking Remi’s step to serve the princess wholeheartedly.
Ope knew that she will never be able to fill the gap or the emptiness that Remi left in everyone’s heart.
The prince walked along the corridor and Ope who was carrying some of the princess dry cloths ran into the prince unknowingly and quickly knelt down to apologise
“ejoo…I mabinu omooba…(I’m sorry my prince)
“kosi wahala… (No problem) you serve my sister now?
“ben ni, (yes, I do)
“Good, and hope you serve well just as Re…Remi when she was here. Be sincere in your dealing and also be trustworthy and you will win the princess heart…by the way have you seen Leja around…
“Yes, my prince…he is at the palace gate side…talking with Nike…
“Nike, the maiden I sent for one week suspension?, what are they talking about…go and call Leja immediately…and tell that Maiden to leave the palace at once…
Ope dropped everything in her hands and ran off to the gate, she wondered what Nike did wrong for the prince to send her home on suspension, she was glad that Nike was sent home.
on getting there, Nike pause from what she was saying to Leja to face Ope…
“Witch…what do you want here...what are you looking for…
Ope decided to drop few insult for Nike first
“Getting pregnant for Leja is that the way you intend to become the next queen, you told me that I should watch out and you will become the queen of this kingdom…and I am still watching and all I can see is that you are pregnant for Leja and the prince sent you home on suspension…what a pity,…
“You are an idiot Ope, who told you I’m pregnant for Leja, I’m proudly carrying the Prince son in my womb, and I am not going on suspension but to visit my mother as the prince asked me to…deal with it jealous fool, because I will become the Queen of this great kingdom and people like you will become my footstool, I will banish you from this kingdom when the time comes, just like Remi was banished…enemies like you are threat to this great kingdom, you are meant to become food for the wild animals in the forest…that is where you will belong…is a matter of little time and it will happen…
“hahahaha…may the gods curse that your lying mouth for saying you are carrying the prince child, the prince said it himself that you are on suspension and I should tell you to leave the palace at once. Leja, he asked you to report to him immediately…so Nike, go home and serve your punishment and all your evil deed will catch up with you one day, Remi deserve to be a Queen, she was truly carrying the prince child just as the princess has even testified but you feigned her up and got her banished with a child in her womb…you are so heartless, and mind you…the gods maybe crazy but they are wise and they will bring judgement to you and to the womb that bore you…Leja the prince is watching and he wants you to report to him at once and he said you should push Nike out of the palace, push her so hard or better still drag her out of this gate before going to omooba…Leja do it…the prince is watching you now…
Leja got scared as he hard that the prince was watching him which wasn’t true. He turned to Nike and asked her to leave, Nike slapped his hand off her shoulder
“so you want to push me out…you are crazy…can’t you see I’m pregnant with the prince son and this evil witch is so bitter because of that fact…she will die of jealousy…don’t touch me before the gods strike you down…
“Nike, just cooperate and leave…the prince is watching us…don’t make this more complicated than it is already, just leave at once as the prince commanded….please.
Nike quietly started walking towards the gate as Leja followed her to make sure she was out, Nike pause at the gate to look at Ope angrily from head to toe, she gave a heavy hiss before walking out.
Ope started laughing at her as she walked away.
Leja went to see the prince while Ope went back to the princess chamber.