Scene 1: The Alliance Gathers
Envoys from Irebu, Ondolu, Owulo, and Ibadi arrive at the rebel stronghold. Dusty cloaks, sunburned faces, and guarded stares fill the chamber. These are leaders who have lost too much — and trust too little.
> Ayomide's POV: "They came not because they believed in us... but because they had nothing left to believe in."
Secret councils unfold in tight corners. The elder from Irebi recounts the burning of five villages in one night. Ondolu's youngest commander speaks of lost siblings, dragged away in chains. Owulo's quiet priest offers names of warriors executed for refusing Ojora taxes.
> Damilola's POV (watching): "This is not politics. This is grief wearing armor."
Tempers flare. Old grudges rise — Ibadi's elder voices doubt:
> "Another Ayo child with a crown? What stops him from becoming a tyrant like his uncle?"
Before Adeola can respond, Bayo steps forward, his voice steady:
> "I once fought Ayo. Lost everything to them. But this one?" He points at Adeola. "This one gave me something I thought I'd buried: hope."
Silence follows. Then slow nods. The alliance is sealed.
---
Scene 2: The Scars of War Begin to Burn
A montage follows — rebel legions and new warriors unite under a single banner. Strikes are launched on supply lines. Captive soldiers freed. For each victory, Adebayo retaliates, burning whole paths to slow them.
But the rebellion grows — like fire on dry leaves.
> Femi's POV (after a skirmish): "For each brother we bury, ten rise in his place. The empire doesn't understand what it's awakened."
---
Scene 3: In the Dark Hut — The Tyrant and the Traitor
At the Ojora Palace, inside a dark thatch-roofed hut lit by oil lamps, Adekunle stares at the war table, unmoving.
Adedayo enters, bowing low.
> "The rebels are spreading. I'm ready for orders—"
> Adekunle cuts him off, voice sharp as a blade:
"You're ready? You were ready when Wale trusted you. And you buried a knife in his back."
He steps forward, rage in every step.
> "You kill shadows, Adedayo. But now the sun is up, and you're blinking like a child."
Adedayo's hands clench, voice low:
> "I did what was needed for the empire. For you."
Adekunle spits at his feet.
> "If you truly want to serve me, then bring me the boy. Bring me Adeola's head — or I'll find someone else who can."
> Adedayo's POV (leaving): "He calls me a coward. But I've bled more than he ever knew. I'll show them all what loyalty looks like."
---
Scene 4: Nightfall – The War Rite
The eve of war. At Akinwumi Village, the rebel camp gathers under moonlight. A sacred fire is lit. Drummers from Owulo beat a slow, solemn rhythm. Women of Irebi sing an old mourning hymn.
Yemi steps forward with a gourd of palm wine. Each warrior places a hand on a carved "Ọpa Ogun" (Staff of War), swearing to fight with honor.
> Morenike leads a chant:
"Let the gods of the land and sky hear us. Let the soil drink no innocent blood. Let no man return with shame in his eyes."
Adeola kneels before the shrine stone, holding his father's blade.
> Adeola's POV: "This is no longer about thrones or revenge. This is about freeing breath from chains. About ending what my father could not."
Tears are shed. Sand is rubbed on brows. Swords are anointed with camwood.
---
Scene 5: March of the United
As dawn breaks, the armies begin to move.
Moremi places Wale's pendant around her neck.
Bayo wraps a cloth with his kingdom's crest around his wrist.
Damilola sharpens her twin daggers in silence.
Ayomide prays with his people.
Femi and Yemi walk side by side, no words needed.
Adeola, in full armor, lifts the rebel standard.
> Narration:
"The time for mourning has passed
. The drums no longer cry. Now, they call for blood."
---
Final Line:
> "Let the war of five kingdoms begin."
Author's thought
The war have started be prepared for what is to come, if Every vote, view, or read tells me that this story matters. If you're enjoying it, drop a comment or Power Stone — let's take The Lost King to the top, together. 🔥👑 to go the Next big arc, The War of the Five Kingdoms.