Ochiagha
SWOOSH–!
The whistling sound of arrows followed Uche's orders, and they found their way to the throats of the mounted prison guards, with Ikemba as the only exception.
Uche frowned at the sight of a guard clutching his throat while blood squirted through the gaps between his hands. His eyes were wide with shock and he gave Uche the 'how-could-you' look before falling off his horse.
BUZZ–!
Chaos erupted at the crossroads as civilians scrambled in different directions while the horses neighed and kicked the air. Ikemba jumped off his horse; taking advantage of the chaos to unlock Uche's shackles.
"I almost didn't think you would do it," Uche said calmly while looking down at Ikemba's figure undoing his chains.
He glanced to the east where Okafor and about thirty mounted soldiers all dressed in their war attire and armed to the teeth; just as Uche had commanded.
Leading the group was Okafor, a man as black as charcoal and with a thick Afro hairstyle. He looked heavy and buff, over 6' 2'' in height, but still inferior to Dike in all criteria.
Dike had a right and a left-hand man. While Azubike was inferior in combat terms, he was resourceful, and that earned him a spot as Dike's vice, a decision that would haunt him.
If only he had kept this man by his side, instead of that greedy swine, all this stress could have been avoidable.
Anyways, Just like Uche said earlier, the only advantage he received from the world tree was Dike himself; a living legend. He was respected by all and feared by many. As much as many people wanted him dead, the men whom he led into battle directly were more loyal to him than the crown.
Dike didn't take advantage of his influence because he knew the ramifications if they got involved with him. He was considerate and selfless like a true leader, but Uche's reasoning was different.
If Dike dies, this kingdom falls and tens of thousands of lives will be lost, including the lives of these men and their families. If the death of these men was necessary so that he may live, then let them die.
A young soldier approached, pulling Dike's war steed which he named Amadi, a short form for Amadioha; God of thunder & justice. He was truly a cocky man.
Amadi's raven black mane was magnificent and its emerald eyes had a deep look that could pierce the soul. Its body was thick and heavy with muscles while its hooves were covered in smooth grey hair which grew from its ankles. In its presence, the other war steeds stepped aside and lowered their heads.
A horse befitting a great general.
Amadi walked over to Dike, brushing its head against its master's chest with excited huffs. Only this beast could match the size of its master.
The young man pulling the lead rope was Dike's weapon bearer, the 23-year-old Chigozie.
Even though he was going and barely 5' 10'', Chigozie had a receding hairline. The left side of his face was decorated with white nzu while he struggled with a polearm and had a sword strapped to his back.
"Ochiagha welcome back!" Chigozie fell on a knee.
With immense effort, he lifted the two-handed 6 kg polearm with the golden lion-motif Langet. Uche couldn't tell why but he felt his blood boiling; it wasn't him but Dike's warrior spirit burning with passion.
"We take the west road and force our way through. Remember the men you slay today must die for Prince Ikemefuna to live!" Uche said and snatched the lion-polearm like it weighed nothing.
The dispersed crowd watched as the mighty general mounted Amadi, flanked by fifty heavily armed men. They rode off towards the western road at full speed; heading for the western gate.
That was their way out of the capital!
No one was sure who cheered first but soon the crossroad was buzzing with cheering villages who seemed to forget three prison guards were killed recently.
While no one voiced it, many hoped the general would take this bold move. They didn't want to see this great man hanging from the town square century-old iroko tree.
___________
Uche felt strange; the experience of riding his war steed felt familiar yet new. He was excited but calm as he watched the world from the eyes of a general.
The wind brushed against his face, blurring out the edges of his vision. Only the path ahead was clear. Five riders flanked his sides, with Okafor and Chigozie riding beside him. Ikemba followed behind, somewhere mixed with the remaining twenty mounted lancers and archers.
The streets were narrow but they raced at top speed, knowing it was only a matter of time before the royal family and the military caught on to their searing escape. That explained why he hadn't reached a checkpoint yet because his life was still in danger.
This was the system's way of telling him he had not escaped death yet. He may even die here.
Villagers jumped out of the way, everyone cheering as Dike and his most loyal soldiers charged past them, leaving plumes of dust in their wake.
"Ochiagha, what is the plan?" Okafor broke Uche's train of thought.
He has only received word from Ikemba of Dike's call to arms and nothing else. This man didn't even know what would happen next after they saved him but he followed without question.
Dike's influence was unparalleled.
"We will save Ikemefuna and prove my innocence," Uche responded firmly.
There was a reason he didn't attempt to stop Prince Obiora's death. Ikemba would have been more than willing to smuggle messengers into the palace to warn him of the plot against him.
Uche needed to increase the value of the crown prince. With the second prince dead, the king was going through a difficult heartbreak. The news of the crown prince's death would cripple him.
However, if they can save the crown prince, the king would owe a debt of gratitude, plus it would prove he never harbored negative intent against the crown as the evidence suggested.
"If I could kill the third prince and increase Ikemefuna's value, I won't hesitate but he's out of reach." Uche sighed regrettably in a low tone.