Chapter 10: Awakening to a New Reality

Káòṣù finds himself trapped in a nightmarish battlefield. Gunshots echo around him, the air thick with the desperate cries of the wounded, each one stabbing at his heart with a potent mix of fury and dread. The chaos grows louder and more intense until he shakes, drenched in sweat. Suddenly, he jolts awake.

To his surprise, four stunning maidens with dark complexions greet him, each bowing in reverence. Their beauty is striking, and their gestures fill him with wonder and admiration.

Maidens (in unison): Good morning, my lord.

He's bewildered by their deference. Why do they address him as "my lord"? They're all clad in strikingly similar blue attire, each adorned with a blouse meticulously tailored to fit snugly around their figures and a wrapper that drapes gracefully, swirling with intricate patterns and symbols of the Yoruba culture. The deep azure hue of their garments evokes a sense of calm authority, contrasting against their warm, dark complexions. Two of the women appear visibly fearful, their eyes darting nervously and their bodies tensed, perhaps intimidated by the situation or unsure of how to act in his presence. Another maiden appears shy, her gaze lowered, possibly feeling overwhelmed by the unexpected encounter. In contrast, the leader exudes a calm confidence, her smile bright and demeanour assured.

Despite their initial apprehension, Káòṣù isn't perturbed by their hesitance. He understands that rumours about him may have preceded this meeting, spreading tales of his deeds or reputation.

As Káòṣù attempts to rise, a sudden wave of dizziness overwhelms him, disrupting his equilibrium. The sensation leaves him momentarily disoriented and vulnerable. Sensing his struggle, the confident maiden, with a poised and empathetic demeanour, moves closer. With gentle hands, she supports him, easing him back into a comfortable seated position. Her gesture is not just one of physical assistance but also carries a sense of reassurance and care, embodying a quiet strength that contrasts with the chaotic scene he recently woke from. Her presence becomes a stabilizing force in the midst of his disorientation, fostering a moment of calm amid the unknown.

Confident Maid: "Be careful, my lord. You just woke up from a long sleep."

Káòṣù: "How long have I been asleep?"

Confident Maid: "You have been asleep for five days, my lord."

His shock deepens.

Káòṣù: "Five days? How is that possible?"

Confident Maid: "You were between life and death my lord but thank the gods oooooo your life is safe, my lord."

Hearing "my lord" made Káòṣù uncomfortable.

Káòṣù: "Can you please not call me that?"

Confident Maid: "What, my lord?"

Káòṣù: "That word. I am nobody's lord."

Confident Maid: "I am sorry, but I cannot do that."

Káòṣù: "What are you all doing here?"

Maidens (in unison): "We are your palace maids, my lord. We are here to take care of you."

Káòṣù is surprised by this,

Káòṣù: "I do not want your help. Tell the person who sent you I can take care of myself."

Maidens (in unison): "We cannot do that, my lord."

Káòṣù: "Why not?"

Confident Maid: "Lady Adéọlá told us to decline any of your orders that are similar to such."

Káòṣù: "Who is Lady Adéọlá?"  His British intonation making the name sound off, this made the maids chuckle

Káòṣù: "What is so funny?"

Maidens (in unison): "Nothing, my lord."

Káòṣù feels bad for making them uncomfortable and asks again,

Káòṣù: "Please, who is Lady Adéọlá?"

Confident Maid: "You met her yesterday."

Káòṣù remembers.

Káòṣù: "So, the crazy woman that wanted to kill me instructed you?"

Maidens (in unison): "Yes, my lord."

The maids' loyalty to Lady Adéọlá suggests she has significant authority, which both intrigues and unsettles Káòṣù. He wonders about her power: is it from tradition, fear, or something else? Her influence over the maids caring for him makes him curious and cautious about what she can do in this new place.

Lost in his thoughts, Káòṣù's stomach rumbles like distant thunder, a stark reminder of five days without food. The confident maid, as if attuned to his silent plea, steps closer, her presence a comforting beacon amid his growing hunger.

Confident Maid: You must be hungry. We have prepared something for you to eat. (she said, and then called out) Mú un wọlé.

The door creaks open, releasing a mouth-watering aroma that envelops the room like a warm embrace. Káòṣù's stomach protests loudly, a primal rumble echoing through the silence. With measured grace, the maids enter, each bearing a calabash laden with sustenance. One vessel holds a generous portion of pounded yam, its texture creamy and inviting, like clouds softened by a gentle rain. The other calabash overflows with a vibrant array of vegetables and succulent slices of beef, their colours a feast for the eyes. Together, they present a tableau of nourishment, promising comfort and replenishment after days of deprivation.

Káòṣù: Is this what they call ìyàn? (again with his accent, making the maids laugh)

Confident Maid: Yes, my lord.

Káòṣù: What is your name?

Confident Maid: My name is Bídèmí, my lord. (she replied with a smile)

Káòṣù: Bídèmí. (he repeated correctly) Thank you for the food.

Káòṣù eats hungrily, unable to hold back. The food is delicious, and he quickly finishes.

Bídèmí: Do you want more, my lord?

Káòṣù: Is there more? Bring more.

He savours five hearty servings, each spoonful of pounded yam and savoury vegetables easing the ache in his empty belly. By the sixth serving, his satisfaction mingles with a burgeoning fullness that makes him reluctantly push the plate aside. A loud belch escapes him, a reflex of contentment that he instantly regrets in the quiet aftermath.

The maids, perceptive to his discomfort, clear the plates with a hushed efficiency that speaks volumes of their attentiveness. As they quietly leave the room, Káòṣù sits alone once more, his senses still filled with the lingering aroma of the meal and a newfound sense of gratitude for their care.

After some time, Káòṣù rises from his seat and ventures into the room, his curiosity piqued by the lavish surroundings. The walls and furnishings are adorned with intricate gold textures, their warm, golden-brown hues reflecting the flickering light and creating an ambiance of regal splendour.

The bed he had awoken in draws his attention with its opulent design. Its edges are skilfully embellished with gleaming gold accents and adorned with delicate red beads, each bead a testament to meticulous craftsmanship. The sheets, a plush and thick wrapper, drape luxuriously over the bed, offering a cocoon of comfort that embraces him like the soft embrace of wool on a chilly night.

As he continues to explore, tracing his fingers along the ornate details, the room seems to whisper tales of wealth and tradition, leaving Káòṣù both captivated and contemplative in its opulent embrace.

As he marvels at the opulence around him, the maids return, their quiet footsteps blending with the gentle rustling of their attire.

Women (in unison): My lord, it is time for you to take your bath.