The envoy's disappearance sparked a frenzy of whispers, as Ife's people grappled with the reality of Zathor's wrath. Kaya stood tall, her chest heaving with exhaustion, as Afolabi approached her with a solemn expression.
"We've ignited a fire," he whispered, his eyes scanning the crowd. "Zathor won't forgive this insult. We must prepare for war."
Kaya nodded, her grip on her sword tightening. "Gather the warriors," she commanded, her voice firm. "We'll not wait for Zathor to strike. We'll take the fight to him."
As the drums of war began to beat, Ife's people rallied behind Kaya, their spirits aflame with defiance. The city's gates swung open, and a tide of warriors poured out, bound for the unknown...
In the shadows, a lone figure watched, his eyes aglow with malevolent glee. Eshu, the trickster god, smiled to himself, sensing the perfect storm brewing...