Chapter 8: Kingdom for Sale?

Musa Adigun continue, point Mount Idanre side. "Umuola still get Bala Yusuf, abi? With Bala Yusuf, why we dey negotiate?"

The gesture broad, full of confidence. The mention of Mount Idanre call up memory of rough terrain, legend of warrior spirit wey dey dwell for hilltop. Chief Chinedu see seriousness for Oba face, begin sweat for palm.

Chief Chinedu look am, dey suspect. "Your Majesty, no be me talk before? General Bala sabi lead soldiers, but think am—just two years ago Gidan dey pursue us, we no fit fight back. Even Bala Musa no fit go north. Why Bala Yusuf go fit go straight to their palace?

E no possible. So all this General Bala talk, e fit be lie."

His voice carry small frustration, tinged with respect. He sweep hand as if to dismiss old stories, but his eyes dey scan Musa Adigun face, try gauge reaction.

Musa Adigun squeeze face again, point Chief Chinedu. "Wetin no possible for there? That time, when my fa—when Oba Garba of Okpoko die for Baidi Hill, Okpoko generals don finish, soldiers no reach, food and money no dey. But few years later, Chief Olumide with just one province still make mighty Gidan dey fear Okpoko like say dem see lion."

The memory of Baidi Hill pain, voice tremble small at the start. Then pride take over. Musa Adigun chest rise, the story of Okpoko battle become big for room. Guards shift, faces light with old-school respect.