The council of Sakoma left the shrine in anger, yet deep within their hearts, they still believed that in the next market day the gods would provide an answer.
Chief Okere broke the silence.
"What if the gods refuse to speak? What will happen then?"
Chief Araba replied firmly, "The gods cannot abandon us at such a time. They know we need someone to fight for us and rule this kingdom. If other kingdoms discover that since our king's death, we have no one on the throne, we shall be like a farm without a fence—every goat will come in to destroy it."
Chief Odele added, "Let that day come. If nothing happens, then we shall sit together and decide what to do. I believe I also speak the mind of the Prime Minister. However, may the matter not turn against us."
They all lifted their hands in prayer:
"May the gods hear us."
Then each chief returned to his home, heavy with thought.
The long-awaited day finally came. They gathered at the chief priest's shrine with great expectation. But the priest, his face downcast, said solemnly,
"I am sorry to announce this… the gods are still silent."
The chiefs erupted in anger.
"You mean silent?" they echoed.
"Silence," the priest repeated.
They left the shrine in fury, heading straight to the house of the traditional Prime Minister for an emergency meeting.
When all were seated, the Prime Minister rose.
"My fellow chiefs of Sakoma, we cannot continue like a tortoise without a shell. If the gods remain silent, then something must be done. Let us reason together. As for me, I suggest Egado, the head of our warriors, who fought side by side with the late king. He is a man of courage. He can defend this land as the king once did. I open the floor for deliberation."
The others responded in unison, "You are right! Let us call him. We need a brave man who will not let Sakoma sink like a canoe without a paddle."
They agreed to meet again the next day in the palace.
Meanwhile, Paramodice and his wife still waited in the forest for the old man's next instruction. That night, while his wife slept peacefully by his side, Paramodice remained awake, troubled.
Suddenly, the old man appeared before him.
"You must go to the Peninsula Kingdom in two days. The Lord is sending you to accomplish His task there. But know this—you and your wife will suffer, even to the point of death, yet you shall not die."
The man vanished like mist at sunrise.
Paramodice's heart was heavy. He feared not for himself but for his wife, who had known only the comfort of the palace.
Princess Oasi stirred from her sleep.
"My love, why are you still awake? Has something happened?"
Paramodice sighed. "The old man just left."
"You mean the same one who has been protecting us?" she asked eagerly.
"Yes," he answered.
"That is good news then! Surely he brought us a message of hope."
"Yes, he did," Paramodice admitted. "In two days, we must leave this forest for the Peninsula Kingdom."
The princess frowned. "But why, my love? Why can we not remain here? This place is peaceful enough."
Though Paramodice knew the trials ahead, he forced a smile. "Do not worry, my jewel. A bird does not abandon its nest unless it is time to fly. We are safe."
"If you say so," she whispered, and lay back to sleep.
At the cock's crow, the chiefs assembled once again in the palace. The Prime Minister ordered a palace guard,
"Go and summon Egado, the great warrior of Sakoma, who fought beside our late king."
The guard hurried to Egado's house.
"Great warrior," he greeted, "the council requests your presence at the palace."
Egado raised his brows. "Is there trouble? There is no battle, no festival, and the king who sometimes called me is no more. Why am I needed?"
The guard replied, "I know not, but you will understand once you arrive."
"Very well," said Egado. "Give me five minutes, and I shall follow you."
When the guard returned, the Prime Minister asked, "Did you meet him at home?"
"Yes, my lord," the guard replied."He promised to come immediately."
Soon after, Egado entered the palace.
"I greet you, noble council of Sakoma."
"You are welcome, great warrior," they chorused.
The palace attendants withdrew, leaving only the council and Egado.
Chief Brutata spoke first.
"I know you wonder why we have summoned you. Since the death of our king, no one has sat upon the throne. The late king left behind no son or daughter. The kingdom is like a drum without a drummer."
"Yes," Egado agreed, "it is a painful thing. But how can I be of help?"
Chief Araba leaned forward. "Because you fought alongside the late king, we wish you to be the next king."
Egado staggered back. "The next king?"
"Yes, the next king," the council affirmed.
Chief Brutata declared, "We cannot fold our arms while Sakoma rots. The gods may speak tomorrow, or never. But hunger does not wait for the farmer to sharpen his hoe."
Egado bowed his head. "If it is for the safety of this kingdom, then I accept."
The council rejoiced and sent the town crier to announce the date of Egado's inauguration.
When the High Priest heard of the decision, he stormed into the palace, his eyes blazing with fury. The entire cabinet trembled.
"You have angered the gods!" he thundered. "By this foolish decision, you have invited suffering upon yourselves. Why could you not wait? Patience is the mother of wisdom. Now you shall pay dearly for this reckless act."
With that, the priest turned and left in anger, leaving fear hanging over the council like a dark cloud.