Betrayal in the Palace

The moon cast an eerie glow over Ama-Ogbo, its silver light painting long, distorted shadows on the palace walls. The wind carried the whispers of rustling palm trees, a gentle hum that masked the treachery unfolding behind closed doors.

Deep within the royal chambers, King Amananaowei stood by the open window, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. His mind was clouded with unease. Reports of Seiowei's approach had reached him days ago, but the true enemy, he feared, was not outside the gates.

It was within the palace itself.

Shadows in the Hall

In the grand hall, the king's trusted council gathered, their faces etched with concern. Chief Azuama, ever the voice of reason, spoke first.

"My king, there are whispers among the guards. Some say that Seiowei has allies within these very walls."

The words hung heavy in the air. Amananaowei's fingers tightened around the hilt of his ceremonial dagger. "Who?" he demanded.

No one answered.

Amananaowei's eyes scanned the faces before him. Men he had trusted for years now appeared as strangers. Any one of them could be the serpent in his midst.

"We must act swiftly," General Ebikade said, his voice steady. "If there is betrayal in the palace, we root it out before Seiowei strikes."

Silence followed. The torches flickered, their glow revealing the tension in the room. The weight of uncertainty pressed on the king's chest. Trust had become a luxury he could no longer afford.

A Meeting in the Dark

Beyond the palace walls, in the darkened corridors of the servants' quarters, a shadow moved with purpose. The traitor knew the risks, knew that if discovered, his name would be forever cursed. But the promise of power was stronger than loyalty.

A single candle flickered in the hidden chamber beneath the great hall. There, cloaked in secrecy, the traitor met with Seiowei's envoy. A silent exchange, gold for information. The enemy would not be stopped at the gates because the gates would be opened from within.

"Tomorrow night," the traitor whispered. "When the king sleeps, the doors to the eastern tower will be unguarded."

The envoy nodded, slipping a pouch of gold into the traitor's hands before disappearing into the night.

The First Strike

The next morning, a scream pierced the stillness of dawn. Guards rushed into the main hall, their hands gripping the hilts of their swords. Servants stood frozen, their faces pale with terror.

The head of Commander Tuari, one of the king's most trusted warriors, lay at the foot of the palace steps.

A scroll, tied to the hilt of a bloodstained dagger, bore a message: The fall of a king begins with the fall of his sword.

Amananaowei's fury was absolute. "Seal the gates!" he bellowed. "Double the guard! No one enters, no one leaves!"

But it was already too late.

The Poisoned Cup

As dawn approached, a sharp cry echoed through the palace.

"The king has been poisoned!"

Panic erupted. Servants rushed to the royal chambers, finding Amananaowei clutching his stomach, his face pale, his breath labored. He gasped for air, his eyes searching for answers. The cup of palm wine lay spilled beside him.

The traitor had struck.

Outside, beyond the city's walls, Seiowei and his army stood ready. The first battle had already been won.

The kingdom would fall, not by siege, but by betrayal.

The Fall of Trust

General Ebikade stormed into the council chamber. "We must find the one responsible! The king may not survive the night!"

The council members murmured in fear. No one dared meet each other's gaze.

Tarebi, the youngest warrior among them, clenched his fists. He had served the king since childhood. He had seen the rise of Amananaowei's reign, the golden era of Ama-Ogbo. And now, he watched as it all unraveled before his eyes.

Outside, the city remained unaware. The people of Ama-Ogbo still believed their walls were impenetrable, their king untouchable. But the storm had already begun.

And soon, the Uncrowned Tyrant would take his throne.