Demigods(book one) - Episode 8

 

The weather was quite bipolar, threatening to fall only to be bluffing. However, that did not deter Remi. His mind was filled with unsolved puzzles. What was the truth? Was his mother not dead? He suspected the secret might change the course of his mind. At last, he arrived at the checkpoints of his village. It was more fortified than before . This was probably for the coming war. When they noticed his presence, they made a stance attempting to attack the intruder before they saw the mark on his cheek, a symbol that reminded them of their people. Remi went in undisturbed, searching for his father's hut. He found it and secured midnight to a strong pole. He knew the door would not be locked. It was one of his father's weaknesses. The door opened with ease. His father turned to see the visitor andcthe answer to his eyes held shock. "The prodigal son returns." He mocked while sipping mint juice to suppressed his cold. Remi held his resolve. If it were up to him, he would leave. What did he even have to fear? He was a grown man. "I'm hear for answers. The truth." Remi said maintaining his hero pose. The Man's expression changed before he burst out in laughter, "The truth. Which truth?" He returned. Remi didn't know what came over him

All episodes of this story can be found here >> https://www.ebonystory.com/story/demigods-book-one

. He released his sword and pointed it directly to his Father's face. "The answers, now." Remi ordered, his eyes glowing bright blue. He saw his father shiver. Fear, for the first time in his eyes. "What are you?" He asked more out of fear than curiousity. Remi did not fear his gift anymore, he was different and he knew it. Perhaps his father knew why. "Drop the sword. I'll tell you" his father said,"everything". "I'm not your father",he began." Your mother instructed me to keep you when she was gravely injured. I worked as a palace guard then. She told me to protect you...

***

The castle's fire was wildly spreading. The head of the guard's screamed," Protect the queen and her children." Soji ran to the Queen's chambers avoiding heated bricks and dangerous flares. The chambers was still there standing. Soji knocked down the door and saw the panicking queen. Her babies were beginning to suffocate in the smoke filled room. The queen saw him and called him. She quickly carried one of her triplets, "Take him. Keep him as your own. He wants them dead. Promise me you'll keep him." She said in gibberish. Soji could not disobey his queen. He took the baby. The queen waved her hands and a medallion appeared on her palm. "Give him this when he is of age." She said as the fire began to spread into the room. "My queen, come... i... can.." Soji tried to say but the queen cut him off, "I can't make it. Leave" She commanded as a mist enveloped Soji and he found himself home. He turned around and from afar saw the last bit of the castle burn.

***

Remi listened as the man finished his story. He was royalty. He had two siblings and a mother that perished in a rogue flame. It was too much. He ran out before tears poured out heavily. "Why?" He screamed at the heavens. A warm sensation coursed his body. He turned and saw the man he had always seen as his father. He pointed a medallion to him. Remi accepted it. It was made from an outworldly metal and had an engraving of a viper. "Son of viper,Thou shall..." The words of Ifadoju hit him anew. He put the medallion on feeling the last thing his mother touched to feel her, see her face, her presence. He felt nothing. In dejection,he asked: "Did you love me? Did you care one bit?" Remi needed a sense of belonging, to feel like he still had someone. The old man shook his head, "I'm sorry, but Ladele and Afolabi were my life." Before the man finished, Remi saddled his horse and sped off. He felt hurt in every way. It was like the universe had dejected him then he saw something. It was like a black-hole enveloping him and he slowly began to lose conciousness as his world faded to black. Remi's eyes fluttered as rays of the sun bath them. He was somewhere else. A great castle similar to Ayetoro. He was at a carnival as everyone celebrated apparently not noticing him. Some even passed through him. Where am i? Am i dead? Remi was still emersed in his thought when a woman held him. She had golden eyes and unusual long hair, a perfect epitome of beauty. "Mother?" He said. The woman returned a smile and tried to speak. Suddenly the whole place began to die. Swallowed in a black hole and Remi saw himself on the ground drenched and wet as Midnight nozzled his face. He stood up and brushed the dirt off his cloth out of habit than necessity. Swaddling midnight and continuing his journey back to Ayetoro, he thought to himself. Was that really my mother? He suspected the medallion had amplified his powers as he could not only see the past but he could also travel too.

***

Aremu had conquered two small villages but now he had bigger goals, Desuda. The peace loving kingdom would not expect it. He had made new soldiers during his last escapade. Raw men he was going to turn to unforgiving monsters. "Call the new recruits", he commanded. The recruits arrived late dragging their feet and as they came. This angered Aremu. He reached for a spear and hurled it at the one that annoyed him the most. The spear impaled his arm with ease rendering it useless. He looked at Aremu in horror before he screamed in pain. Making his point known, he spoke: "There will be worse if you slow me down." They all loved at him overwhelmed with fear. Done with the issue,Aremu changed the topic. "We attack Desuda in a week." "What?" A voice rang out from the crowd. Aremu sent a killer gaze to the speaker, if only looks could kill. "What do you mean?" He asked the speaker who was trembling. "They're not human anymore" he replied unable to mask his fear. Aremu was not a man to fear easily but the Desuda's were very spiritual and it was very possible. But he could not show weakness, he was a leader after all. "I'll send a small troop to Desuda. The rest will follow me on a full assault on Aguze. It's time i pay chikwe a visit." He said, a malevolent glow in his eyes.

***

Adetoye met with Amaka after his encounter with Aje. He needed a celebration to achieve his goal. "How was your fertility rite?" He asked despite knowing the answers. "It was successful. I can't wait for a child." She replied full of glee. "That's great. We should celebrate."he continued. "Are you sure? I mean it just a small thing. Our wedding would be finalized soon" Adetoye knew he couldn't convince her anymore but there was one more trick he could play. His friends had told him how Aremu had invaded the triangle. He didn't know how true this was but he was going to use it. Adetoye tracked his father down to the royal garden and began his act. "Father... There's bad news." He said making a genuine sad face. Adetoye noticed his Father's face was pale. He had even lost his glow. Serve's him right, he thought. "Tell me son, what happened?" Adeleke asked. Fool. Adetoye sang to himself, if only he knew What will befall him. "I heard Aremu had conquered the force-shield." He replied, keeping his act and well. Adeleke cautioned him to keep his voice down and pulled him close, "I know. You mustn't tell anyone." "But he needs to be stopped." Adetoye continued. "I don't know how." Adeleke said in disappiontment,"u never knew this day would befall us." Adetoye knew it was time to stick his idea into his father's head. He was weak, the perfect timing: "We have to send the hundred for their last training at Desuda and officially initiate them to the legion. It's the only way we can stand a chance." Adeleke knew his son was right, at least he thought. "You're right," he said,"I'll hold the farewell feast tomorrow." Yes, Adetoye thought to himself. His plan had worked now he could achieve his aim. Now all he had to do was end his father's regent, his sister. *** Remi finally arrived at Ayetoro. He raced to Ifadoju's home. Finding the invisible door, he entered. "Ifadoju! Ifadoju!" He boomed unable to contain himself. The old appeared. He looked drowsy, he had probably been sleeping. "At such an ungodly time." The old man humoured. "I know everything. I also saw my mother."Remi said bouncing around like a child. He was happy. Remi saw the old man's mood change.

Read " Allure " by the same author ( samuelade. )

. "What?" he asked. The old man took a deep sigh and spoke, "Remi, i sent you home for a reason." "What reason?" "The gods have instructed me to tell you who you are." The seer replied. "And..." Remi asked. "The identity of your father." The old man said. Remi could feel his heart beat faster. He had also wanted to know whom his father was. He forgot to ask Soji,his alleged father. "Your Father is... your father is... none other than Aremu." (now you know one secret. say your mind oh)