JamesKudooski:
Prepared for new episodes?

Ha, since oya na abeg sir

JamesKudooski:


Really?

Yes bro
Try watch it

Chapter Eight
The Origin
(Episode 18)

Commander Hayakharet bent low and began to loosen my fetters. She instructed the other two warriors in their language to free the others too. She did so in a hushed tone and urged them to hurry up. This didn't look like they were taking us to the slaughter.

She perhaps saw the confusion on my face and assured me, “You, no fear. Me help you.”

The shock of my life hit me. “You speak English?”

She nodded.

“Why are you helping us?”

“Shut up! And follow me. You outside people ask many many questions.”

I kept quiet and did as I was instructed. I could see the others very well now. They, too, were as confused as I was. The prison guards bowed to her as she led us past them. She guided us through a door that I suspected was a secret door known only to the royal household. “We hurry must. Time we not have plenty,” she whispered. The door led to a tunnel with many turns and curves. It led to an exit at the foot of the mountain not far from the palace. We hid behind the rocks and watched what was going on outside the palace. Things didn't seem right.

It seemed the supreme commander was accusing the king of something. It did go on well with the king, and an altercation ensued between them. In a surprising twist, the supreme commander ordered the warriors to seize the king and the chief priest. The royal guards drew their weapons, and there was a bloody battle. However, the supreme commander had the upper hand since he controlled the entire army. The royal guards fought well but couldn't match the supreme commander's army in numbers. They all died protecting their king. Finally, the warriors seized and dragged both the king and the chief priest away. The warriors then charged into the palace, bursting every door open. The crowd scattered about in different directions.

Hayakharet bit her lips and clenched her fists.

“What is happening?” Confusion got the better of me.

“Hayakramah just usurped power,” she said.

“Hayakramah?”

“Yes, the supreme commander.”

Ubong and Michael exchanged looks. “But why?” Ubong asked.

“Hayakramah bad man. He want be king. I know. I tell father. Father not believe. I always know this day will come,” the warrior princess explained.

Hayakharet further explained that Hayakramah was her father's only sibling. He became the supreme commander when her father became king. Both of them had been seasoned warriors since when they were young princes. They had fought together in many battles and loved each other so much. She told us how the king had said to her that neither he nor his brother would have survived those fierce battles if they had not watched each other's backs. Together they were formidable in combats.

Things changed when her father became king. Hayakramah became bitter and had coveted the throne ever since. However, the king, blinded by love, had not always seen that even when it was apparent. Hayakharet, being a commander herself, had uncovered his plots to usurp power several times but her father had never believed her until now. Such was the trust he had for his brother. No wonder the expression on the king's face was more of a shock than anger.

Hayakramah was a cunning man. Over the years, he warmed his way into the hearts of the elders—the councilmen—and the generals in the Hayakite army except for Hayakharet and a few who were loyal to her and the king. He had always controlled the military and was only waiting for the right time to strike. Tonight provided him with a golden opportunity!

The story and the horror I was seeing touched me. “And you are not going to fight? You will allow them to take your father and the household away?” I charged her. I did not even understand why I was feeling such compassion for a people that almost sacrificed us to who-knows-what god minutes ago and had killed Biggie and my Fiona.

“A warrior not act on impulse,” was the reply I got.

Then we saw Hayakramah storm out of the palace. He looked left and right as if he was searching for something. His chest moved up and down as he ground his teeth. His eyes glowed like embers. He barked orders, and a handful of warriors ran in the direction of the dungeon.

“We go now!” Hayakharet said like the commander she was and made a swift turn.
She gave instructions to one of the two warriors that were with her. He bowed and disappeared into the darkness.


To be continued ... Watch Out for the Next Episode!

NB: The book is NOW AVAILABLE on online stores. For those who can't hold the suspense, get the book here:


1. BAMBOOKS: https://bambooks.io/Book/BookDetail/The-Last-Bus/12725

2. OKADABOOKS: https://okadabooks.com/book/about/the_last_bus/33597

3. LITIRESO: https://litireso.com/library/B-530ykalgylh2

4. SMASHWORDS: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1024020


Àdùkẹ́!
...My Story, My World.

Like my Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/adukestories/

JamesKudooski:




Ah ah Lilly4endu! This is just fiction. Feel free to make your trip ooo. Just take necessary precautions and pray to Jehovah.

That's all. No need to fret.

are you a JW?

Thanks a lot for the update sir

Tominix:
Ha, since oya na abeg sir

You have it already, Tominix.

Josipov:

Yes bro
Try watch it

I will, bruv.

Remite011:

are you a JW?

Yes, I am.

Are you too?

becca2017:
Thanks a lot for the update sir

You are welcome, Becca.

Thanks Boss for the update.

Being King is a position everyone envies, the moment you add jealousy to the list of toxic emotions, the more disastrous you can be.. Such is the case of the Supreme Commander, he better watch his back..

Hayakharet speaks English, wonderful, that's an advantage.. She has to tell us where she learnt it from..

With Hayakhramah barking orders to his platoons of warriors, Akin and the rest are far from being safe.. I can only imagine what they'll go through if they are caught..


BRAVO JAMESKUDOOSKI..

JamesKudooski:

Yes, I am.
Are you too?

Yes my brother! it's nice meeting a fellow bro here.

Thanks for the update Boss

Nice one op keep it coming

Thanks for the update boss

JamesKudooski:

You have it already, Tominix.

Ha yum yum, ayaf belle full

lahrra:
Thanks Boss for the update.

You are welcome, Lahrra.

Also welcome to My Story ... My World.

EkopSparoAyara:
Being King is a position everyone envies, the moment you add jealousy to the list of toxic emotions, the more disastrous you can be.. Such is the case of the Supreme Commander, he better watch his back..

Hayakharet speaks English, wonderful, that's an advantage.. She has to tell us where she learnt it from..

With Hayakhramah barking orders to his platoons of warriors, Akin and the rest are far from being safe.. I can only imagine what they'll go through if they are caught..


BRAVO JAMESKUDOOSKI..

Nice one as usual, bro.

Yeah, Hayakharet spoke English! Was pretty surprised too.

Remite011:

Yes my brother!
it's nice meeting a fellow bro here.

Wooooow!!! Glad meeting you here too, bro.

Ann2012:
Thanks for the update Boss

You are welcome, dear.

Kaycee9242:
Nice one op keep it coming

Thanks, bro.

Hope we are friends now?

skubido:
Thanks for the update boss

I sight you, Skubido. Your head is there, baba.

Tominix:
Ha yum yum, ayaf belle full

Chapter Eight
The Origin
(Episode 19)


She gave instructions to one of the two warriors that were with her. He bowed and disappeared into the darkness.

She led the way, and we followed. She walked like a seasoned warrior and wore a calculative look all the time. For us, our strength had suddenly returned. She knew the forest like the back of her hands and assured us of leading us out of the jungle before Hayakramah, and his soldiers found us.

We soon came across Michael's rucksack that had dropped off when we were attacked earlier. After that, we turned into a path Hayakharet explained was not known to many but her and her regiment. She assured us that Hayakramah and his men would not find us. I soon realised why the path was so unpopular. The track was rough and challenging to navigate. We continued trekking far into the night. The full moon illuminated our pathway. Michael and I took turns in carrying Amitabh while Ubong lent support to Sister Elizabeth and Lilian as much as he could. At this time, I had lost all sense of time. All of our phones that served as our clocks were all gone. We eventually arrived at a place that served as a secret hide-out for Hayakharet's regiment.

Hayakharet lifted a lid that opened into an underground store where the regiment kept extra supplies. She informed us that we would pass the night here and brought out animal skin mats and covers for each of us. The other warrior made a fire in the middle of the camp, and we gathered around it for warmth. Soon, the warrior that Hayakharet had given instructions earlier when we were leaving the settlement joined us now in the company of five other warriors.

They all bowed and knelt before Hayakharet. “Hahutaka, komitunga mi prinzeka,” they hailed. Greetings, commander, my princess.

“Hahutaka.” She motioned to them to rise.

They gathered around her and watched as she drew several plans on the ground with a twig. Their attention was rapt, and they nodded from time to time. She asked for their inputs at intervals, and they were generous with their contributions. They were her trusted and loyal generals. They deliberated at length after which they joined us around the fire. The aroma of the dear that they were roasting over the fire made my stomach rumble. I looked at Ubong, and he was already licking his lips. I smiled.

Before long, the meal was ready, and we all ate to our full. One of the warriors served us drinks. I didn't know what kind of drink it was, but it tasted delicious, and my throat longed for more. It must be their local drink. I knew my friends too enjoyed the meal because I saw the way they were licking their lips and fingers. Ubong further confirmed that with the way he belched like someone who had constipation.

As we sat eating around the fire, we became relaxed and shared our stories. I watched Hayakharet from where I sat. The flickering flame illuminated her face and features. Examining her at such proximity made me appreciate her beauty. Without her nose mask, I could see her facial features now. God! She was savagely beautiful. Her hair was long thick braids that were styled to one side of her face. Her breasts, though covered by her animal skin armour, were round and firm. When she stood up and walked towards the store, the moonlight bounced off her curves, and I saw her behind. Chai! My thing grew hard between my legs. The way she looked at me before she stood up, only God could tell what was running in her mind. She soon returned and rejoined the group.

“My princess, please tell us about Hayakunnah,” Lilian asked.

Hayakharet explained that Hayakunnah was the annual celebration of the birth of their principal deity, Hayak, the Great Hunter—the god of fertility and games. The festival was usually celebrated in the tenth month of each year and marked by great merrymaking, eating, drinking, dancing, and gifting. The hallmark of the festival was the offering of human sacrifice during the full moon. Whenever it was time for the celebration, Hayak usually provided the sacrifice. Someone would always wander into the forest and get lost.

“Ewwwww!” we all echoed at once.

“And that was what we were supposed to be tonight?” Sister Elizabeth asked.

The princess nodded.

“Blood of Jesus!!!” Sister Elizabeth screamed.

The generals looked at each other and laughed as if they understood what she said.

The princess continued her explanation. This year was different because it marked another fifty years of the celebration. And every fifty years, five human sacrifices would be required instead of one. She then narrated the origin of the Hayakites.

“Many, many, many years ago, the outside people—your people—chase my great, great grandfather enter this forest. He very very rich man and many servants have. The outside people not like him ...”


To be continued ... Watch Out for the Next Episode!

NB: The book is NOW AVAILABLE on online stores. For those who can't hold the suspense, get the book here:


1. BAMBOOKS: https://bambooks.io/Book/BookDetail/The-Last-Bus/12725

2. OKADABOOKS: https://okadabooks.com/book/about/the_last_bus/33597

3. LITIRESO: https://litireso.com/library/B-530ykalgylh2

4. SMASHWORDS: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1024020


Àdùkẹ́!
...My Story, My World.

Like my Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/adukestories/

Chapter Eight
The Origin
(Episode 20)

According to the story, Hayakharet's great, great grandfather, Omoluabi, was a very successful merchant who acquired many servants and wealth. He was a good man and did many good things for the people and the community. But some people were not happy with his progress and out of envy framed him up. Sadly, it was the same people whom he had done so much for that turned against him. While he and his household were asleep one night, the villagers ganged up and set his house on fire. He barely escaped with his family and a few servants. The angry mob did not stop there. They chased them far into this forest that was considered an evil forest then and threatened them never to return. Omoluabi and his people ran deeper into the woods, and even when their pursuers had stopped, they continued running deeper and deeper out of fear. Eventually, he and the small band that was with him settled in this forest.

Life in the forest was tough and scary, considering the belief that the jungle had evil powers. Fortunately, Omoluabi met a mighty hunter named Hayak here in this forest who protected them from wild animals and provided for them. He taught Omoluabi how to hunt and defend himself and his loved ones. He taught them how to listen to the trees and leaves and how they could heal all sorts of illnesses with herbs. He taught them all there was to know about the forest until they became one with it.

Omoluabi, out of the pain of the betrayal, vowed never to have anything to do with the people. They adopted Hayak's language and gradually, their original language—Yoruba—faded away. However, one of Omoluabi's sons who had obtained primary education taught his son secretly the English language against his father's wish, and that was why vestiges of the language remained. Nonetheless, it was only the king, Hayakramah, his sons, and Hayakharet that could use the language at this time.

When Hayak eventually died, Omoluabi and his people deified him, and that was what gave birth to HAYAKUNNAH. The people became known as Hayakites and referred to others as Outside People. As generations passed the story of the villagers betrayal to younger generations, the animosity towards the Outside People grew, and that birthed the inclusion of human sacrifices into the celebration.

As Princess Hayakharet narrated the story, all our eyes were fixed on her lips. Traces of suppressed pain were evident in her eyes. Intermittently, the five generals and the other two warriors nodded as if they understood her. I laughed at the one with the biggest head amongst them because of the way he was nodding and smiling the whole time. Well, it might not be intentional. The head might just be too big for his neck to hold in place. When I first saw him, I screamed in my head, ‘Oh my God! What kind of head is this?!’ If they had asked me, I would have advised his parents to name him Headward—oh, sorry—Edward or Hammerhead of Horror!

“Hmmm ... Is that why you are called Hayakharet?” Sister Elizabeth asked.

“Yes. Many our names start or end with Hayak. Hayakharet mean Hayak Give Us. Hayakramah mean Hayak Bless Us. Kammahayak mean Vengeance of Hayak, and so on.”

But I had something else in mind. “Then why are you helping us if you people hate Outside People so much?” I asked her.

“The Prophecy!” she answered with so much enthusiasm. “For many many years, my people have prophecy. The Great Prophecy say one day the moon and sun meet together and saviour come.”

Hayakharet explained that she had always wondered how possible that would be, but when she saw the crescent moon shaped pendant and the shining sun buckle, then she knew that the prophecy was not to be taken literally. However, at the council meeting, the king and the chief priest saw the wisdom in her explanation, but Hayakramah disagreed and instigated other members of the council against the king. She explained that she knew that if Hayakramah succeeded they were going to kill us and she feared that would incur Hayak's wrath. I rubbed the buckle of my belt and marvelled at how a bend-down-select belt I bought for three hundred Naira at Oshodi Market had saved my life and those of five others!

After answering the question, Hayakharet stood up and said, “Now night well along. We sleep now. Tomorrow will be long day.” She then faced Kammahayak, one of the two warriors, and told him to take the first watch.

Rather than lying down, she moved some distance away and sat on a log, backing the rest of us. When I saw her, I got up and walked up to her. She stared hard at the vacant space before her. Deep inside her eyes, resided the confidence of a commander who knew what she was doing. I asked her if I could sit, and she nodded. I sat down beside her, and both of us said nothing. After a while, I shifted uneasily on the log and asked her what she was going to do.

She shared the plan she and her generals hatched with me. The generals would return in the morning to prepare their soldiers. She and Kammahayak and the other warrior would lead us back to the outside world and rejoin her army at a designated place. From there, they would launch their attack, free her father and mother and reclaim the throne for her father. The plan was more elaborate. She only summarized it the best way a non-warrior like myself could understand.

I fiddled with the pendant hanging from my neck and asked, “Are you sure about this prophecy thing; I mean the fulfilment?”

“Yes. Three days ago. I dream about prophecy and Hayak tell me something strange will happen,” she replied with an unshakable conviction. Then I saw her brow become crocked. “But what I not understand yet is how you people is saviour.”

That was a serious thought. How could we be these people's saviours when we needed one ourselves. I began to think. Suddenly, something struck me. I remembered that some of the inscriptions we saw on the stones before our capture were drawings that told the plights of a people haunted by a giant gorilla.

“Are your people afraid of a giant gorilla?” I asked.

She gasped and stiffened immediately I asked the question. I looked at her with bulging eyes. “What is the matter, princess?”

She caught her breath and answered, “Yes, the Annaukun—”

“Annaukun?”

“Annaukun is a big big gorilla that kill kill kill my people for many many many years. Annaukun is messenger of Shaikan Hagun, the god of evil. Annaukun cannot be killed. My people fear Annaukun very, very much.” She was practically shaking as she explained. Merely mentioning the beast's name filled her fill with terror. I could imagine how much the people feared it if it could have such an effect on a fearsome commander like Hayakharet.

“What? That thing? We killed it yesterday afternoon,” I said like it was a piece of cake.

“You serious?” She jumped up.

“Michael blew the crazy thing up. It killed one of our friends.” My eyes blazed with anger. Remembering how the bastard killed Fatima filled me with rage.

“You mean it? Annaukun kill all best warriors we send kill it!”

It all made sense now. All those skulls and bones we saw in the cave were Hayakite warriors that had been sent over the years to hunt the monster down.

I held her shoulders and looked into her eyes, “Well, warrior princess, we killed that monster yesterday. To confirm, send some of your men to the cave, and you will find it dead there. Cut off its head and show it to your people. It can help you win the support of the rebellious generals and take back the throne without much bloodshed.”

She stared straight into my eyes. She was convinced I was telling the truth. She hugged me tightly, resting her head on my chest. The warmth fired up something within me. My heart began to drum GBUM! GBUM!! GBUM!!!

“Thagum,” she told me softly.

“Thagum? What's that?”

“Thank you, silly.”

“Oh, where did that come from?”

We both laughed and sat down on the log again, looking at each other's eyes. Passion burned in her eyes. A kind of heat crept up inside my body, and my heart thumped against my rib cage again. Our faces started getting closer until our lips almost touched. But we restrained ourselves before the passion consumed us. She stood up and walked back to her mat. I shook my head and smiled. Minutes later, I got up and headed to my mat too.

At daybreak, I woke up to see the generals squatting around Hayakharet. She was scribbling some plans on the ground with a twig. She had apparently shared the information I gave her about Annaukun with them, and they were restrategizing. I knew this because immediately I got up I saw the generals turned in my direction with some form of reverence. Others too woke up one after the other.

“Hahutaka,” the generals greeted and bowed to us with respect.

“Hahutaka,” we replied. That was not a difficult one. Even little Amitabh knew that hahutaka meant greetings or hello.

By the time Hayakharet stood up, she wasn't like the innocent girl who almost kissed me in the early hours of the morning. She was a fierce-looking warrior princess and commander. Her nose mask now shrouded her facial features. A quiver full of arrows hung on her back. Her arm guards were in place and two daggers dangled from both sides of her curvaceous waist. She carried her bow in one hand. Moments later, the generals left. We gathered the provisions Hayakharet had given us, and we got ready to proceed with our journey.

The sun soon began to climb higher in the sky, and our shadows became shorter until the sun was right over our heads. Perspiration popped out of our foreheads. The path was not helping matters at all. It was rough and hilly, making us groan with each step. I pitied Sister Elizabeth the most. She was panting like a dog now. Surprisingly, it was like a jolly ride to the warriors.

After some hours of the arduous trek, we saw a hut in a clearing at a distance. Hayakharet told us that we would stop over at the place to get some rest before continuing the journey. I was relieved. Others too felt the same way judging by the expressions on their faces. Lillian's full lips curved themselves into a broad smile. “HALLELUJAH!” Sister Elizabeth shouted. Ubong looked at her, shook his head, and couldn't hold back his laughter. Amitabh too smiled from Michael's shoulders on which he sat.

As we approached the hut, I caught sight of a lady seated on a log. She was backing us and covered herself with a wrapper made from animal skin. Two women were attending to her, and two guards stood like statues with their spears close by. They were tall and muscled. They heard our footsteps, and the lady turned around.

Our eyes met, and I gasped.


To be continued ... Watch Out for the Next Episode!

NB: The book is NOW AVAILABLE on online stores. For those who can't hold the suspense, get the book here:


1. BAMBOOKS: https://bambooks.io/Book/BookDetail/The-Last-Bus/12725

2. OKADABOOKS: https://okadabooks.com/book/about/the_last_bus/33597

3. LITIRESO: https://litireso.com/library/B-530ykalgylh2

4. SMASHWORDS: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1024020


Àdùkẹ́!
...My Story, My World.

Like my Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/adukestories/

JamesKudooski:


Thanks, bro.

Hope we are friends now?

I don't know Jaree, what u will write in d next episode will determine

Gasped ke,

oya comma continue ooo


Thanks for the update boss, how ya side

JamesKudooski:
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Wow, it's been a while here. I really came late this time. Oga James, many thanks for informing me. Let me go nd read nd also try to catch up with the LAST BUS

Ann2012:
Thanks for the update Boss

Ann, I sight u dear. Thanks for the mention so far, av been quite busy recently. I would try nd see if I can read some of the stories

I smell the death of one or two more persons ooo
Op pls do not let this happen.... Well-done Sir