Chapter 19: Morning of Realization

T

The first light of dawn crept into the dim room where Káòù lay, the rough bedding beneath him a stark contrast to the silken sheets of his past. Yet, despite the unfamiliar surroundings, he had slept soundlyperhaps for the first time in ages. The echo of Bídèmí's words still lingered in his mind, giving him a strange sense of peace. There had been no nightmares, no shadows of the past haunting him. For a moment, he almost forgot that he was no longer been taking care of like a prince, there were no maids to wake him with gentle whispers and take him to the stream to have a soothe bath. But on the bright side, he not locked in the princely prison and he can now try to prove his worth and become like a special one in this realm.

A rooster's crow shattered the morning stillness, its call persistent and loud, drawing Káòù from his peaceful slumber. He opened his eyes slowly, a smile playing on his lips as he stretched his arms wide, the muscles in his bare chest flexing as he yawned.

Káòù: [Yawning and stretching] "What a night... No nightmares... just sleep. I could get used to this."

But the tranquillity was short-lived. As Káòù began to gather his thoughts, he realized the room was eerily quiettoo quiet. He looked around and noticed that the other soldiers who shared the space were gone. The sheets were neatly packed, and the room bore no signs of recent occupancy. Panic set in.

Káòù: [Eyes wide in realization] "I'm late! No one woke me... No one told me the rules... What do I do?"

He bolts upright, the sun's harsh rays piercing through the open doorway, momentarily blinding him. He squints, realizing just how late he is. His heart races as he scrambles to his feet, his thoughts a jumbled mess.

Káòù: [Fumbling with his clothes] "I haven't even taken a bath... What do I wear? What if Lady Adélá finds out? She'll... She'll..."

The thought of Lady Adélá's wrath makes his blood run cold. Just as he is about to decide whether to risk a bath or run out as he is, he hears a voice call out, harsh and loud.

Soldier 1: [From a distance] "Half-caste! Hey, half-caste!"

Káòù's heart nearly stops. The voice, combined with the clanking of Armour, sends him into a panic. He looks to his side and sees two soldiers marching toward him, one gripping a spear, the other with a sword at his side.

 

Káòù: [Muttering to himself, eyes wide with fear] "It's her... Lady Adélá sent them for me!"

Without a second thought, he turns and sprints, his feet barely touching the ground. The soldiers yell after him, but he pays no heed, his fear fuelling his speed.

Soldier 2: [Shouting, frustrated] "Stop! Where do you think you're going, half-caste?"

Káòù: [Shouting back, not stopping] "Leave me alone!

Soldier 1: [Shouting, frustrated] "Why should we leave you alone are you trying to escape you fool!!"

Káòù: [Shouting back, not stopping] No! I am not

Soldier 1 & Soldier 2: [Shouting, frustrated] Then why are you running?

Káòù: [Shouting back, not stopping] "Leave me alone! I'm not going back to the lady!"

The soldiers exchange a glance, suddenly understanding the source of his panic.

Soldier 1: [Shouting after him] "That's not why we're chasing you, fool! Lady Adélá isn't looking for you!"

Káòù: [Sceptical, still running] "Why should I believe you?"

Soldier 2: [Panting, but still shouting] "If the lady wanted you captured, you'd already be in a prison cell mumu!"

Káòù slows down, considering the logic in their words. His breath comes in heavy pants as he finally stops, waiting for the soldiers to catch up. When they reach him, they are bent over, hands on their knees, cursing under their breath.

Soldier 1: [Gasping, annoyed] "You... You insolent fool! You make us pursue you like we are pursuing a thief at ba!"

Káòù: [Sheepish, but defensive] "But I didn't steal anything..."

Soldier 2: [furious at his response, still catching his breath] "Who says you steal anything? You dumb boy"

Káòù wants to react as they called him dumb but takes a glance at the soldiers, noting their middle-aged twin faces and the exhaustion in their eyes. They look more tired than angry, and a pang of guilt hits him.

Káòù: [Hesitant] "Why are you looking for me?"

Soldier 1: [Still annoyed, gesturing sharply] "Come with us, fool. You're late."

Káòù: [confused] "late? For...…"

Before Káòù lands his question, the guards starts to move so he follows them, curious and nervous, his mind racing with questions. As they walk, he finally musters the courage to ask.

Káòù: [Quietly] "Where are you taking me?"

Soldiers 1 & 2: [Simultaneously, annoyed] "Shut up and follow us."

Káòù falls silent, trailing behind them until they reach a familiar place, an open field filled with soldiers—hundreds of them double the number from the last time he was here. His heart sinks as he recognizes the place where he had fought and nearly lost. The soldiers' eyes turn to him, some filled with disgust, others with thinly veiled annoyance. He is confuse about why the soldiers still look at him that way since he is already one of them, is it because his eyes are different or his body attracts the palace maidens more? Then he remembers he is half naked, Káòù feels exposed; embarrassed by his bare chest and the simple blue adìr trousers he wears. "This must be the reason why they are all staring at me" he said to himself. To avoid any distractions he stayed at the back and decides not to move forward. He mind is filled with confusion, to clear his doubts he asks the soldiers.

Káòù: [To the soldiers who brought him, voice low with embarrassment] "Why did you bring me here?"

Soldier 1: [Grinning slightly] "For Ọ̀rọ̀ Ìkànsí."

Káòṣù: [Frowning, confused] "What's Ọ̀rọ̀ Ìkànsí?"

His British intonation only seems to annoy the second soldier more, who rolls his eyes in exasperation.

Soldier 2: [Gruffly] "It's an induction speech given by the commander to new soldiers. You're supposed to be here, idiot."

Shame floods Káòù as the realization hits him. The stares, the whispers—it all makes sense now. He is supposed to be here, part of the ceremony, but instead, he is standing out like a sore thumb, underdressed and unprepared.

Káòù: [Voice tinged with frustration] "Why didn't you tell me this earlier?"

Soldier 1: [Smirking, annoyed] "We tried, but you made us chase you down like a headless chicken. Now we're late, thanks to you."

Káòù: [Groaning, running a hand through his hair] "You could've at least brought my armour."

Soldier 2: [Snapping back] "We're not your maids' boy! As a soldier, you're supposed to handle these things yourself. Your armour should've been sent to you last night. Your dorm mates should've told you, or woken you up!"

Káòù pauses, the words sinking in. He hadn't seen his dorm mates—they must have left without him, leaving him to fend for himself.

Káòù: [Muttering, more to himself] "I didn't see anyone... I was alone when I woke up."

The soldiers exchange a glance, realizing the situation.

Soldier 1: [Sighing, resigned] "Well, it's too late now. You're here. Just stay at the back and try not to draw attention to yourself."

Suddenly, a loud voice booms from the front of the assembly, cutting through the murmurs like a blade.

Voice from the Front: "Soldiers of Isédòkan!"

The entire field falls silent, the air thick with anticipation. Káòù can't see the speaker, but the voice sends a shiver down his spine. It isn't the commander's voice, or the grand general's. It's someone new, someone intimidating.

Káòù: [Whispering to the soldiers beside him] "Who is that?"

The soldiers beside him stand at attention, their faces serious, their fingertips trembling slightly.

Soldier 1: [Whispering back, almost reverently] "That's Bàlógun Ọ̀dàráyọ̀. Shut up and listen."

Káòù's curiosity is piqued as Bàlógun ̀dàráỳ continues, his voice resonating with power and authority.

Bàlógun Ọ̀dàráyọ̀: [Loud and commanding] "It is an honour to congratulate you all. You are no longer the child that sucks from your mothers' breasts, but the man who will protect her from chaos. Unfortunately, Kwamanda na Tsaro, the commander of guards, is not available, as he faces pressing issues at the capital. But I am honored to see and speak to the men here."

As Bàlógun ̀dàráỳ speaks, Káòù feels a surge of emotionpride, fear, and something else he can't quite name. The words stir something deep within him, a sense of purpose that resonates with his very soul.

Bàlógun Ọ̀dàráyọ̀: [Continuing, passionately] "Fighting for Isédòkan is not just about defending Ìkùn, but about protecting our mothers, sisters, and children here in the capital. We remember the stories—how our realm was nearly destroyed by chaos, and how the three blessed Orisha, ̀rúnmìlà, and the y Òrè Ìnà àti Èrè, saved us. Their emblem graces our armour and shields even today. The battle against chaos has been the battle of generation by generation since the Orishas ascended to the sky; the more it gets stronger the more our will to defeat it gets stronger and when it got to a point where all hope were lost, when the gates to chaos opened once again we were blessed by Olódùmarè and he gave us the special ones to protect us doing our hard times as I speak presently the special ones are at the gate of chaos fighting for us as we speak.  We all know chaos is not the only enemy we have; there are enemies everywhere which main goal is to destroy our purpose and goals. That we must not accept; we must and we will crush our enemies' bones by the sword and digs it to the ground"

Káòù feels goose bumps rise on his skin as Bàlógun ̀dàráỳ's words wash over him. He doesn't fully understand the language, but the passion and conviction in the man's voice are unmistakable. Still he has question to ask what is chaos? What happened in this realm? How strong are the special Ones? What is their major role in this realm? He has many questions that needs to be answered from this Bàlógun speech.

Bàlógun Ọ̀dàráyọ̀: [Raising his hand, voice booming] "Bí àwn Òrìà bá wà lórí wa, ìḱs̀ wa lòdì sí ìrèj́ kì yóò dá!"

The soldiers stomp their feet in unison, fists to their chests as they echo his words, their voices a powerful chorus.

Káòù: [Thinking to himself, awestruck] "I don't understand what he's saying... but I can feel it. The passion, the power... No wonder their fingers were trembling. Who is this man?"

As the speech draws to a close, silence once again falls over the field. Bàlógun ̀dàráỳ's final words hang in the air, a reminder of the responsibility that now rests on each of their shoulders.

Bàlógun Ọ̀dàráyọ̀: [Commanding] "I will be in the capital for a while until Àrẹ Ọ̀nà returns. Go to your dorms, your official post will be sent to you, be prepared and protect your mother's house, for we do not know when thieves will come to steal her gold. You are dismissed."

As the soldiers begin to disperse, Káòù tries to slip away unnoticed, eager to avoid further attention. But then, Bàlógun ̀dàráỳ's voice rings out once more, sharp and direct.

Bàlógun Ọ̀dàráyọ̀: [Firmly] "Who is Káòù?"

Káòù freezes, his heart dropping to his stomach. He doesn't need to raise his handeveryone's gaze is already on him. The whispers stop, the eyes burn into his back as he slowly makes his way to the front.

As he stands before Bàlógun ̀dàráỳ, he feels the weight of his mistake—the absence of a proper uniform, his bare chest, the shame of being late. But what surprises him most is the expression on Bàlógun ̀dàráỳ's face.

Bàlógun Ọ̀dàráyọ̀: [Disappointed, shaking his head] "This is not the Káòṣù Àrẹ Ọ̀nà spoke of."

Káòù stares in shock, the words cutting deeper than any blade.

Káòù: [Whispering to himself, confused] "What does he mean by that...?"

Balogun Ọ̀dàráyọ̀, towering and formidable, stands before Káòṣù. The air is thick with tension, and Káòṣù keeps his head bowed, unsure of what to expect.

BALOGUN Ọ̀DÀRÁYỌ̀ (stern, observing):

This is not the Káòṣù Àrẹ Ọ̀nà spoke of.

Káòṣù feels a jolt of shock but quickly lowers his head, pretending he hasn't heard. His heart races, but he forces himself to remain calm.

BALOGUN Ọ̀DÀRÁYỌ̀ (firm, questioning):

Are you not Káòṣù?

Káòṣù slowly raises his head, meeting the Balogun's piercing green eyes.

KÁÒṢÙ (nervous, but trying to remain composed):

Yes, I am.

As Káòù looks up, he takes in the full presence of Balogun ̀dàráỳ. The man's broad chest and thick legs make him as imposing as an ancient ìrókò tree, a symbol of strength and endurance. Káòù can feel the energy radiating from him, a force so powerful it reminds him of the Special Ones when he first met them.

The Balogun stands tall, his stature reminiscent of a warrior forged in countless battles. His armor, crafted from golden metal and black cloth with white stripes, gleams with authority. Yet, Káòù notices something oddthe man is barefoot. His massive feet, twice the size of a normal foot, are bare against the ground, contrasting with everyone else's footwear.

The Balogun's face, marked by three lines on each cheek, carries an air of intimidation. Káòù recognizes these marks, familiar from the outside realm, but they seem more ominous on this man. The Balogun's aura is overwhelming, and Káòù feels small in comparison, as though he's standing before a force of nature.

 

BALOGUN Ọ̀DÀRÁYỌ̀ (scrutinizing, slightly skeptical):

You are Káòṣù, right?

Káòṣù nods, trying to steady his voice.

KÁÒṢÙ (cautious, but determined):

Yes, I am.

The Balogun scrutinizes him, his gaze heavy with judgment.

BALOGUN Ọ̀DÀRÁYỌ̀ (disappointed, contemplative):

You look like what Àrẹ Ọ̀nà described, but I don't see what he sees.

Káòù is shocked by these words. Who is Àr ̀nà? he wonders, feeling a surge of confusion. Summoning his courage, he asks.

KÁÒṢÙ (curious, slightly anxious):

What do you mean by that?

The Balogun does not answer directly. Instead, he studies Káòù with a look of disappointment, his eyes narrowing.

BALOGUN Ọ̀DÀRÁYỌ̀ (disapproving, critical):

Why are you like this?

His tone carries a weight of disapproval as he looks at Káòù in a way that makes him feel small, almost pathetic. Káòù lowers his head once more, too ashamed to meet the honourable man's eyes. His appearance, not dressed properly, fills him with regret. He stammers, trying to apologize, but the words stick in his throat.

The Balogun, as if reading his thoughts, presses on.

BALOGUN Ọ̀DÀRÁYỌ̀ (inquisitive, firm):

Who brought you here?

KÁÒṢÙ (hesitant, honest):

I don't know who they are.

The Balogun considers this for a moment, his expression thoughtful.

BALOGUN Ọ̀DÀRÁYỌ̀ (analytical, probing):

Were they new recruits?

KÁÒṢÙ (thoughtful, reflective):

No, by the look of it, they are not new recruits.

The Balogun pauses, his eyes narrowing slightly as he continues to assess Káòù.

BALOGUN Ọ̀DÀRÁYỌ̀ (persistent, curious):

Do you know any of your dormmates?

KÁÒṢÙ (regretful, resigned):

I do not know them. I have not seen them at all.

The Balogun's expression remains stern as he asks his next question.

BALOGUN Ọ̀DÀRÁYỌ̀ (serious, determined):

And the soldiers who brought you here—will you recognize them if you see them?

Káòù nods confidently.

KÁÒṢÙ (assertive, confident):

Yes, I will.

Hearing this, the Balogun instructs Káòù to describe the soldiers. Just as Káòù begins to provide details, two soldiers approach from behind, drawing the Balogun's attention. Instantly, his demeanour softens as he recognizes them.

BALOGUN Ọ̀DÀRÁYỌ̀ (delighted, smiling):

Ejire! It is so nice to see the both of you.

Káòù watches as the Balogun warmly greets the twin soldiers, Taiye and Kehinde, with an enthusiasm that seems to momentarily erase Káòù's presence. The Balogun, lost in conversation with the twins, appears to forget about Káòù entirely. Feeling abandoned, Káòù tries to interrupt, but the three soldiers pay him no mind. Frustrated, he raises his voice, pointing directly at the twins.

KÁÒṢÙ (louder, frustrated):

These are the soldiers that brought me here!

The Balogun, startled by Káòù's outburst, turns to the twins, his curiosity piqued.

BALOGUN Ọ̀DÀRÁYỌ̀ (curious, slightly puzzled):

Taiye, Kehinde, do you know this man?

The twins exchange a glance before turning to Káòù with a look of feigned confusion.

TAIYE & KEHINDE (in unison, feigning ignorance):

Who are you?

Káòù is stunned. His heart sinks as he realizes they are lying. Desperately, he waves his hands, refusing to accept their deceit.

KÁÒṢÙ (frustrated, pleading):

No, no, no! It was the both of you that brought me here! Have you forgotten this morning's race? When did you leave? Why did you leave?

Káòù turns to the Balogun, his voice filled with urgency.

KÁÒṢÙ (insistent, desperate):

They are the ones that brought me here!

Kehinde, annoyed by Káòù's persistence, snaps back in irritation.

KEHINDE (furious, dismissive):

Abi nkan se ẹlẹ́yìí ni? Taiye, do you know him?

TAIYE (feigning ignorance):

I do not.

Káòù, frustrated beyond belief, raises his voice, his anger boiling over.

KÁÒṢÙ (angry, defiant):

I have not seen any twins since I got to this realm! You are the first, so don't come with your ridiculous lies. And why did you two vanish the moment the speech was over? In fact, you both disappeared the moment he called my name!

Káòù points his finger accusingly at the Balogun, but as he meets the Balogun's stern gaze, he immediately stops, realizing he has overstepped his boundaries. He lowers his voice, his anger turning into a plea.

KÁÒṢÙ (calmer, but firm):

I know what I'm saying. (Facing the ground, calmer) They are the ones.

The Balogun gives the twins a long, stern look—a silent warning that needs no words. The twins exchange a nervous glance, realizing they've been caught. Finally, they give in.

KEHINDE (reluctant, muttering):

Stupid brat.

Turning to the Balogun, Taiye speaks with a tone of reluctant admission.

TAIYE (apologetic, resigned):

We are sorry, Balogun, for not telling the truth earlier. We brought him here.

The Balogun's stern gaze remains fixed on them, his disappointment palpable. The tension in the air is thick as Káòù watches, feeling a small victory but still unsure of what will happen next.

The Balógun's stern gaze remains fixed on them, his disappointment clear. The air feels heavy, thick with tension. Káòù watches, feeling a small victory, but he still does not know what will happen next.

For a long moment, silence fills the room. The Balógun's presence is like a storm about to break. He shifts his gaze from Káòù and looks at the twins. He takes a slow breath, his chest rising and falling like the waves of the ocean.

Just as he opens his mouth to speak, the twins, Kehinde and Taiwo, drop to their knees in unison. Before he can utter Èjìŕ..., they quickly interrupt him.

Kehinde: [Urgently] "We are so, so sorry for not telling the truth!"

Taiye: [Nodding quickly] "We were asked by someone we owe a debt to... to check up on him before your arrival, Balógun."

Kehinde: [Rushed words] "We just didn't want to be in trouble. Because anywhere this half-caste goes, trouble follows." "Bí y bá l, gbogbo igi ni yóò m̀ pé ó ti l." Translation: "When the bird flies, all the trees know it has flown."

Káòù clenches his fists. He wants to argue, but a part of him knows there is truth in their words. No matter where he goes, chaos always seems to follow.

The Balógun exhales sharply through his nose, then does something unexpected—he smiles. His deep voice fills the room as he begins the Èjìŕ Oríkì, the praise poetry of twins:

Balógun Ọ̀dàràyọ̀: "Ejìrẹ́ ará Ìṣokún!

Ẹyin méjì tí kò le jèrè dídùn, ṣùgbọ́n tí kò ní gbà gbèsè!

Àwọn méjì tí ńṣe àròkan, tí ó sì mọ bí a ṣe n rìn!

Kehinde tó sàgà, Taiye tó mú àlàáfíà wá!"

Translation: (Twins of Ìṣokún!

You who enjoy sweetness but never owe a debt!

Two who are mischievous, yet know how to walk wisely!

Kehinde who causes trouble, Taiye who brings peace!)

His voice carries through the chamber, wrapping around them like an elder's embrace. The twins, touched by his words, lift their heads with smiles forming on their lips. Despite the joy, tears slip from their eyes.

Káòù watches in disbelief. How can such a mighty man be so kind to these twins? How can someone with so much power shows such softness?

Balógun Ọ̀dàràyọ̀: [Firmly] "I am not angry with you, but honesty must never be abandoned. Our mother never taught us to lie. If we lie before a forgotten child, how will we teach truth to our own children?"

Balógun Ọ̀dàràyọ̀: "Àìsìn èké kìí dà bí àìsìn ọba; bí a kò bá tàn aráyé, a ò ní tàn ara wa."

(A life without lies is better than a life without a king; if we do not deceive the world, we will not deceive ourselves.)

The twins lower their heads again, taking in his words.

Then, the Balógun turns his attention back to Káòù. His expression is hard, like iron cooling in a blacksmith's hands.

Balógun Ọ̀dàràyọ̀: [Mutters] "You still look disgraceful. Do you even know where you are? What you are? Who you are?"

Káòù frowns, confused by the Balógun's shifting behavior. Is he always like this? One moment stern, the next kind, and then cruel again?

Káòṣù: [Uncertain] "I... I know."

Balógun Ọ̀dàràyọ̀: [Darkens, stepping forward] "You clearly don't know, you imbecile! You do not know what your presence has done the moment you stepped your foot on this realm, our fragile your life is and easy it can be taken away from this realm yet!!! (takes a deep breath) YET YOU LIVE !!!! standing like a hopeless citizen waiting for the people to be sorry about his story and not fight like a soldier to prove everyone wrong. So, I ask you again Káòṣù "DO YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE"

Káòù flinches. The insult stings. Anger flickers within him, but fear quickly smothers it. Why is he words so annoying, I never let any man talk down to me—not even when I am about to die. But this man... his words is so harsh yet he speaks the truth, do I really know myself anymore? His hands tremble, but he says nothing.

His head lowers in shame. His voice, though steadier, is quieter.

Káòṣù: [Softly] "I am not sure."

The words make the Balógun furious. He steps closer, his footsteps echoing like drumbeats.

Balógun Ọ̀dàràyọ̀: [Mocking] "And you call yourself a one-man army?" [Exhales sharply, shaking his head.] "Sigh... I still do not see what* Àrẹ Ònà*sees in you."

He turns on his heel, dismissing Káòù as if he were nothing more than a shadow in the firelight facing another figure enters the hall—the Commander of the Guards, the same man Káòù had fought earlier.

Balógun Ọ̀dàràyọ̀: [Without sparing a glance] "Take him back to his quarters and dress him properly. I still have words to discuss with him."

The twins bow in response and move toward Káòù. He does not resist as they lead him away, but his mind races.

Káòṣù: [Thinking] What is happening to me? Who am I, really?

As they step out of the large chamber, Balógun ̀dàràỳ watches them go. A knowing smile plays on his lips before he turns to the Commander of the Guards.

Balógun Ọ̀dàràyọ̀: [bowing] "It is nice to see you commander."

The air hums with anticipation. Whatever is said next will change the course of fat