The air in Ama-Ogbo was thick with the scent of the river, the dampness of the mangroves curling through the ancient streets like unseen fingers. The sky was clear, stars flickering like distant spirits, but within the palace walls, shadows loomed darker than the night itself.
Amananaowei sat on his throne, his fingers drumming softly on the intricately carved armrest. His expression was unreadable, but his mind was anything but calm. The whispers had reached him, whispers of treachery, of a man he had trusted plotting to seize the throne.
Seiowei.
The name rolled bitterly in his thoughts. The warrior had been more than just a soldier; he had been a brother-in-arms, a protector of Ama-Ogbo. Yet, ambition had clouded his heart, turning loyalty into betrayal.
The king's chief advisor, Okoma, stepped forward, his voice low and urgent. "My king, the rumors grow louder. Seiowei gathers men in secret. He speaks of your rule as weak, of a kingdom that has grown complacent."
Amananaowei exhaled slowly. He had ruled with wisdom, with kindness. Yet, it seemed that kindness had bred arrogance in some. "And you are certain?" he asked.
Okoma hesitated. "A loyal informant saw him meeting with warriors at the old docks. They swear an oath to him."
The king's jaw tightened. The docks. The very place Seiowei had defended with his life in past wars. He was gathering strength from the shadows, just as a cobra coils before striking.
Amananaowei's decision came swift and sharp. "Send for him. Tonight."
Seiowei was in the courtyard when the guards arrived. The firelight flickered against his hardened features as he polished his sword, lost in thought. He had always known the day would come when he would be more than a warrior. He had dreamed of it since childhood, of ruling a kingdom forged through strength.
He did not flinch when the king's guards surrounded him.
"Seiowei," the captain of the guards said, his tone carefully neutral. "The king summons you."
Seiowei sheathed his sword, his mind already calculating. The summons was unexpected, but not surprising. He had been careful, too careful, to leave traces. Had someone betrayed him?
He nodded. "Lead the way."
The palace was eerily silent as Seiowei entered the great hall. The guards closed in behind him, their presence heavy with unspoken intent. The torches flickered, casting long shadows against the walls. Amananaowei sat still, watching him.
"My king," Seiowei said, bowing slightly, though his eyes remained locked on Amananaowei's.
"Seiowei," the king replied, his voice steady. "Do you know why you are here?"
Seiowei did not answer immediately. He measured his words, knowing the wrong one could be his last. "I assume it is important, for you to call me at this hour."
Amananaowei's gaze sharpened. "Spare me the pretense. I know of your plans."
For the first time, Seiowei's heartbeat quickened. He kept his face unreadable, but his mind raced. Who had spoken? How much did the king truly know?
"I have only ever fought for Ama-Ogbo," Seiowei said carefully. "I have protected this land, shed my blood for it."
The king's voice was cold. "And now you seek to claim it."
Silence stretched between them like a blade. The guards tensed, waiting for the moment their king would give the order.
Seiowei inhaled deeply. "You have built a great kingdom, Amananaowei. But a kingdom is only as strong as its ruler. You have chosen peace when war lingers at our borders. You see contentment, but I see weakness."
The king's face darkened. "You think yourself stronger?"
"I think Ama-Ogbo deserves a ruler unafraid to seize power when necessary."
Amananaowei's expression hardened. "And so, you would betray me?"
Seiowei held his ground. "I would do what must be done."
The king exhaled, disappointment flickering in his eyes. Then, with the weight of judgment in his voice, he spoke. "Seiowei, for your treason, you are under arrest."
The words struck like thunder. The guards moved swiftly, closing in around him. Seiowei's instincts screamed at him to fight, to reach for his blade, but he knew the odds. There were too many. To resist now would be to die without purpose.
Instead, he lifted his chin, his voice unwavering. "You imprison me, but you cannot imprison my cause."
Amananaowei did not respond. He simply watched as the guards seized the warrior who had once been his most loyal protector.
The dungeon was damp, the air thick with the stench of mold and decay. Seiowei sat against the cold stone wall, his wrists bound in iron. He had seen these cells before, but never from the inside.
He knew this would not be his end.
Beyond the heavy doors, whispers stirred. His men were out there. His loyalists would not let this stand. And when the time came, when he was free again, he would not return as a prisoner.
He would return as a king.