Chapter 2: Unspoken Dialogue

 As Káòṣù was knocked out by Adéjinéré's blow, he found himself in a nightmare that felt all too real. In the darkness, he wandered through a twisted landscape engulfed in flickering purple flames. The fire licked at the air with menacing tongues, casting eerie shadows that danced around him.

Everywhere he turned, he saw people trapped in cages of despair, their cries for help echoing in his ears. Men, women, and children alike were huddled together, their faces contorted in fear and anguish. Some reached out to him with trembling hands, pleading for salvation. Others simply stared with hollow eyes, their silent screams piercing his soul.

Feeling overwhelmed, Káòṣù couldn't help but wonder if he had somehow crossed into the realm of the dead. The scenes before him seemed too horrific to be part of the living world. He reached out to touch himself, half-expecting to find that his own body had become cold and lifeless.

But then, as his fingers made contact with his skin, he felt the warmth and solidity of his own flesh. Panic surged through him as he realized that he was still very much alive. With a desperate cry, he screamed out and jolted awake, his heart pounding in his chest.

Breathless and disoriented, Káòṣù frantically checked himself over, reassuring himself that he was indeed alive and awake. The memory of the nightmare lingered, vivid and unsettling, leaving him shaken to the core. It was a wake-up call to the harsh realities of the world he inhabited, a reminder that danger lurked around every corner.]

Káòṣù: *[Panicked]* "Help me!"

[Checking himself over and touching all part of his body reassuring himself that he was indeed alive and awake.]

*[As Káòṣù regains his senses, he realizes he's inside a cage surrounded by soldiers with striking green eyes. He was shocked by what his seeing he has never seen people like this before in his life.]*

**Soldier 1:** *[Mocking]* "Look who's awake! Why are you shouting?"

**Soldier 2:** *[In Yoruba]* "Haha! Ode! " Fool *[Laughter]*

[As the strangers laughed at Káòṣù, calling him "Iyawo! Aba! Ode!" he felt a sense of helplessness wash over him. Unable to do anything but wonder how he got here, he was suddenly jolted by a flashback of the earlier events—the horrific scenes of chaos and violence that had unfolded before his eyes. The memories filled him with fear once again, remembering the memory of the mysterious girl's whispered words came rushing back to him. He recalled the intensity of her gaze and the chilling effect of her voice as she murmured into the soldiers' ears. Though he couldn't decipher her words, they seemed to carry an otherworldly power that sent shivers down his spine. It was as if she held the key to understanding the strange events unfolding around him, a knowledge that eluded him in his current state of confusion and fear.

Leaving him questioning whether he was dreaming or if this nightmare was real.

In a desperate attempt to snap out of it, Káòṣù slapped his cheek, hoping to jolt himself back to reality. However, the soldiers noticed his actions and continued to make jests at his expense.

As Káòṣù panicked more, he looked closely at the soldiers. Something about them seemed strange. Their clothes and how they acted were different from anyone he'd seen before.

Their armour had weird symbols and glowed in places. It didn't seem like normal armour. And the soldiers moved with a kind of carefulness that made Káòṣù uneasy. Their eyes, too, were a strange green colour that felt like it was staring right through him.

Even though they spoke different languages, they seemed to understand each other perfectly. This made Káòṣù even more worried.

Feeling like he was losing his mind, Káòṣù couldn't contain his frustration any longer. With a surge of panic, he began yelling, his voice echoing through the air in a desperate plea for answers.

Káòṣù: [Confidently] "Release me."

Soldier 1: [Laughing] "Eh Look at this one, talking big but shaking like a leaf!"

Soldier 2: [In Yoruba] "Ode o ro boya ohun lọgà ọ dé wà nní nù tú bú." (Translation: "Foolish person thinks he's the commander when he's locked up in a cage.")

Soldier 3: [In Hausa] "Wai, ji ka, shi ne (spits to the ground) wani ombatse mai yawa." (Translatesion:"Well, look at him, he's a pathetic fool.")

All the soldiers around heard this and they started laughing this only made Káòṣù's frustration increased.

Káòṣù: [Demanding] "Tell me what he called me! Why are you all laughing?"

Soldier 1: "He called you a fool, fool."

Soldier 2: "Oloshi! (Idiot)"

Soldier 3: " yin Magana (Nuisance)"

This made Káòṣù's very angry.

Káòṣù: [Defiantly] "Release me this moment, or else..."

Soldier 1: "Or else what? You'll bark like a dog?"

Everybody laughed again

Their laughter echoed around him, a cruel reminder of his helplessness. Despite the mockery, Káòṣù remained resolute, his pride unbroken, even as fear gnawed at his insides. Their laughter echoed around him, a cruel reminder of his helplessness. Despite the mockery, Káòṣù remained resolute, his pride unbroken, even as fear gnawed at his insides. The soldiers continued making fun of him, and he felt annoyed at his inability to break out from the cage. Suddenly, a man appeared in their midst. As General Ọkwụlụọcha moved forward, his presence seemed to fill the space around him, drawing the attention of all who were present. There was something about the way he carried himself that immediately commanded respect, signaling to everyone that he was a figure of authority. Though Káòṣù couldn't quite place a name to the man before him, he could sense the weight of his significance. It was evident in the confident stride, the way his gaze swept over the room with a sense of purpose, and the air of quiet assurance that seemed to envelop him.

Despite his uncertainty about the general's identity, Káòṣù couldn't help but feel a sense of awe in his presence. There was a palpable energy about him, an aura of strength and leadership that was impossible to ignore. It was as if he were a force of nature unto himself, standing tall and unwavering amidst the chaos that surrounded them.

As General Ọkwụlụọcha drew nearer, the flickering torchlight cast dancing shadows across his imposing figure, accentuating the intricate details of his armour. Each piece seemed to tell a story of battles fought and victories won, bearing the marks of countless skirmishes and encounters with foes. The way the metal gleamed in the dim light spoke of careful craftsmanship and a keen eye for detail, hinting at the wealth of experience and knowledge that lay behind it.

With each step, the general exuded an air of quiet confidence, his demeanour unwavering in the face of adversity. It was clear that he was a man who had seen his fair share of challenges and overcome them with grace and determination. As he approached, Káòṣù couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation, wondering what the general's intentions might be and how they might affect his own fate.

The general looking at Káòṣù's facial expression, noticed Kaosu is annoyed by the jokes of his soldiers; He faced his soldiers, talking to them with his voice strong and commanding

General [Furious]: This is not how we treat our guest; you need to show him kindness. He's new here, and we have to be hospitable

The soldiers nodded together, their faces serious now. "Yes, sir," they replied in unison, understanding the importance of the general's words.

The general approaching Káòṣù with a smile.

General [Smiling]: I'm sorry about my soldiers' behaviour. They're usually good people, they are just joking with you, and sometimes their jokes become serious. Will forgive us?

Káòṣù with no concern ignoring the general, The only thing in his mind his where he was going.

General [Amused]: Very well then [with a nod he ordered the soldiers] let's go before it gets dark. The city is no longer far from here!

The soldiers quickly obeyed, lifting Káòṣù's cage from the ground as they prepare to move out. Under the watchful eye of the general, they moved efficiently, ready to continue their journey.

As they moved along, Káòṣù couldn't stop thinking. He wondered about these people,

Káòṣù: [thinking] where are they taking me, who are these people, what kind of place is this, why are they so different from others?

Everything felt mysterious to him. Watching the soldiers closely, Káòṣù noticed they were from different tribes, yet they spoke different languages but still understood each other. Their green eyes stood out to him,

Káòṣù: [thinking] I have never seen such eyes like these in my entire life, why are their eyes green? Can it change just like the girl in the forest? Do they have powers like her or like me? All my life I always think I am the only one different people call me names, even my kind don't want to be or talk to me because of my eyes. Not like this, [murmuring] I am not supposed to be locked in a cage like some common criminal. But look at me [looking at himself with disgust] I cannot free myself from this cage, Things like this which I can do with ease is now a problem to me. Those soldiers were right I am a pathetic fool.

Thinking about his situation, Káòṣù felt frustrated. He knew he could break free, but the poison in his body held him back. He cursed himself silently for being so helpless.

But even as he railed against his circumstances, a part of him knew that his own actions had led him here. But his will his strong and his ready to face any problems he may face.

Káòṣù [murmuring]: This is not the end I cannot lose now I still have a long way to go; no matter what I face I will overcome it. The poison in me has not killed me because my will is stronger than the poison I am not dyeing now and I will not die tomorrow or the day after.

As the general's gaze lingered on him, Káòṣù couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. What did this man want from him? And more importantly, how was he going to get out of this mess?

As the journey continued, The General approached Káòṣù, attempting to strike up a conversation because he cannot hold what he is thinking about him he has never seen a man with purple eyes before and he notice Káòṣù keeps murmuring. He asked a few questions, trying to be friendly, but Káòṣù remained silent. The general' voice was soothing, but Káòṣù showed no signs of engagement. It was as if a wall had been erected between them, blocking any attempt at communication. Despite the general's efforts, Káòṣù's silence persisted, leaving an air of tension between them.

Top of Form

Top of Form

General: Forgive me, but I couldn't help but notice the intensity of your contemplation

The general remarked his tone gentle yet probing. However, Káòṣù remained stoically silent, his gaze fixed on the horizon.

Undeterred, the general tried again.

General [Smilling]: Surely, there must be something weighing on your mind.

The general remarked, his tone gentle yet insistent. Despite Káòṣù's stoic demeanor, the general sensed an underlying turmoil, a silent struggle that begged to be heard.

In an effort to break through Káòṣù's walls, the general adopted a more casual approach.

General [Smiling]: Tell me, traveller, have you ever been in to a forest as breath-taking as this?

As the General spoke to him, Káòṣù's attention wandered, drawn to the captivating beauty of the forest surrounding them. Despite the gravity of their conversation, Káòṣù couldn't help but be mesmerized by the wild allure of his surroundings.

In the fading light of the setting sun, the forest seemed to awaken with a life of its own. Káòṣù's noticed how the trees swayed gently in the evening breeze, their leaves whispering secrets to the wind. Shafts of golden sunlight filtered through the canopy above, casting intricate patterns of light and shadow on the forest floor below.

Birds flitted from branch to branch, their colourful plumage catching the dying light as they called out to one another in joyful song. The air was alive with the sound of rustling leaves and the distant murmur of flowing water, creating a symphony of nature that enveloped Káòṣù's in its embrace.

As the sky shifted from hues of orange and pink to deeper shades of purple and blue, the forest took on an otherworldly beauty. Fireflies emerged from their hiding places, their soft, twinkling lights adding to the enchantment of the evening.

Lost in the beauty of the forest, Kaolu found a sense of peace amidst the chaos of his situation. Despite the uncertainty of his circumstances, he couldn't help but feel a profound connection to the natural world around him, as if the forest itself was offering him solace and comfort in his time of need. Káòṣù enjoyed this but still ignored the general. The general noticed this then he changed his tactics. Realizing he hadn't introduced himself, the general extended his hand.

General: silly me, allow me to introduce myself; I'm General Ọkwụlụọcha, and you are?

Káòṣù offered no response.

General Ọkwụlụọcha [Smiling]: I understand the allure of solitude, but even the most solitary of souls yearns for companionship.

Káòṣù offered no response, his silence a formidable barrier that defied the general's attempts at connection.

General Ọkwụlụọcha [compassionate]: There is a story written in your eyes, traveller, if only you would allow me to read it. Where do you come from? How did you end up here?

General Ọkwụlụọcha: Why are your eyes a different colour?

This time, Káòṣù met the general's gaze and replied in a rude manner.

Káòṣù: Maybe I should ask you the same

The general chuckled softly, finding Káòṣù's response intriguing. But Káòṣù offered no further explanation, leaving an air of mystery between them.

Káòṣù: Where are you taking me?

General Ọkwụlụọcha [laughed]: You will see soon enough.

Káòṣù keeps wondering where they are taking him and it seems they are close to getting to getting to their destination, he can tell from the excitement from their faces then the general told him "Welcome" as they got out from the forest. What Káòṣù is seeing is beyond his expectation he did not know when his jaws dropped.