The news of Benin’s fall reached King Tarhaqa at the Meroe soldiers’ camp in Nupe. Without hesitation, he strode toward Erhahon, who was seated outside the tents, speaking with his fellow soldiers.


    “Erhahon!” Tarhaqa’s voice rang out with urgency. The soldiers flinched at the sudden call, and Erhahon turned sharply to meet the king’s gaze. His expression shifted, humbled by the weight behind Tarhaqa’s tone.


    “Come with me,” Tarhaqa ordered before turning away. Erhahon hesitated only briefly, glancing at his comrades, who murmured amongst themselves, wondering what the matter could be, before rising to follow.


    They walked a fair distance away from the camp, stopping in an isolated clearing. Tarhaqa wasted no time. “Benin has fallen,” he announced.


    Erhahon’s eyes widened. “What? How?”


    “From what we’ve gathered, your mother acted swiftly and silently,” Tarhaqa explained. “She cut off all outside help before striking, ensuring no one could aid your aunt, Nosaze. Now, she holds Benin and its people captive—including Nosaze herself.”


    Erhahon staggered back, shaking his head. “No… it can’t be.” He sat down on a nearby rock, burying his face in his hands. “She’s gone too far. Her vengeance has consumed her. I knew she was ruthless, but to attack her own homeland… her own blood?”


    Tarhaqa sighed. “Yoname had long set aside the path of war—until she had you, Erhahon. She found reason to stop. But now, I believe you are the only one who can reach her.”


    Erhahon lifted his head, determination hardening his features. “You’re right. But I’ll have to find a way to do it." He stood, then added, “And what about King Sonni? I thought he was protecting my aunt. Where was he when this happened?”


    “They split ways,” Tarhaqa answered. “Sonni went to seek reinforcements, and Nosaze returned to Benin to secure her kingdom. From what I’ve heard, things were going well—until someone from within aided Yoname’s forces.” He narrowed his eyes. “Whoever it was ensured Benin’s downfall.”


    Erhahon clenched his jaw. “Whoever is responsible must pay.”


    Tarhaqa nodded. “More importantly, we need to act before this spirals further out of control. If Benin appears weak, the kings Yoname has allied with will take it as a sign to press forward, spreading more terror across the West. Even she won’t be able to stop them. In truth, I believe they are using her.”


    Erhahon smirked bitterly. “I know my mother very well. If anything, she’s the one using them.”


    Tarhaqa placed a firm hand on his shoulder. “Then we need to be ready. I’ll send scouts to track Sonni’s movements. We need to know his next move—so we can plan ours.”


    The weight of their conversation lingered in the air. Erhahon inhaled deeply, steeling himself. He knew his mother’s mind was not easily swayed, but if there was even the slightest chance of stopping her before more blood was spilled, he had to try.


    As they made their way back to camp, Erhahon’s resolve solidified. If Yoname wouldn’t stop herself, then perhaps it was time for her son to remind her of who she once was.


    Counsel of the Wise


    Sissoko finally returned to Gao with the soldiers from Djenne-Djenno. The people lined the streets, cheering and hailing them as they passed, but Sissoko’s eyes kept scanning the crowd, searching for King Sonni. When he couldn’t find him, he approached one of the generals and asked, “Where is the King? I have an urgent message for him.”


    The general sighed. “He’s in the garden. Ever since he returned, he has refused to address the people. He remains there, burdened with sorrow.”


    Sissoko frowned. “The garden? He’s been there all this time?” He exhaled, glancing toward the palace. “Alright… I’ll go to him.”


    He made his way through the palace grounds until he reached the garden, where he found Sonni seated on a stool, gazing silently at the horizon. The air was thick with stillness, disturbed only by the rustling of leaves in the gentle wind.


    Sissoko stood behind him and broke the silence. “My King, may I have a word with you?”


    Sonni turned, a faint smile appearing on his weary face. “Sissoko, you’re back. Come in, my friend.”


    Sissoko stepped closer and stood beside him. “My King, King Demba and his brother were displeased by your sudden departure from the celebration. It caused a panic in their kingdom. They wish to see you again.”


    Sonni rose to his feet, his expression thoughtful. “I wish to see them too,” he admitted. Walking toward the stepped pool, he dipped his hand into the cool, sparkling water and watched the ripples spread. “We need more forces to rescue Benin. I intend to return to Djenne-Djenno and ask for their help in this war. They once assured me they would stand by us.”


    Sissoko’s brows furrowed. “I will accompany you, my King. Given the current situation, your life is at risk.”


    Sonni shook his head. “No, Sissoko. This is something I must do alone. You and the others are exhausted—you deserve to rest. Let me handle this myself.”


    Sissoko hesitated but eventually nodded. “What about the Meroe soldiers? Will they join us?”


    Sonni exhaled deeply. “As for Meroe… my failure weighs too heavily on me. I cannot face Tarhaqa just yet.” He turned to Sissoko. “But send heralds to Nupe. Inform Tarhaqa that we march in two weeks.”


    Sissoko bowed. “I will see to it immediately, my King.”


    As Sissoko left, Sonni wandered deeper into the garden, where his uncle, Fadiga, usually sculpted. The place was peaceful, the golden sunlight filtering through the tall trees, casting long shadows over the statues both great and small. The scent of fresh earth and blooming flowers filled the air, mingling with the sound of birds singing softly. It was a place of reflection, a place where Sonni had often found solace as a child.


    Yet, despite the beauty around him, his thoughts remained heavy. Nosaze. He had failed her. He had left her to suffer for his mistakes. The weight of his choices crushed him, making him question everything.


    A voice interrupted his thoughts. “It’s peaceful, isn’t it?”


    Sonni flinched and turned to see his uncle, an elderly albino man, walking toward him with a steady pace, his wooden staff tapping softly against the ground.


    “Uncle Fadiga!” Sonni rushed forward and embraced him tightly. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”


    Fadiga chuckled, patting his back. “It’s alright, son. I only went to gather a few things.” He pulled away slightly to meet Sonni’s gaze. “But tell me, what troubles you? It is written all over your face.”


    Sonni lowered his head. “The path ahead is unclear to me, Uncle. I don’t know if I can carry the weight of my responsibilities anymore.” He stepped away, moving toward the tall statues. His voice was heavy with guilt. “The one I love, I failed. I abandoned my duty. And now she suffers for my mistakes. I feel unworthy of this crown. I feel like stepping down.”


    Fadiga shook his head. “Stepping away won’t solve anything, Sonni. You may have failed, you may hate yourself, but running from the responsibility of fixing your mistakes will only make things worse.” His voice softened. “That is something your father always understood. Despite the storms that threatened to break him, he never wavered. That is what made him the greatest among my brothers.”


    Sonni exhaled, his shoulders tense. “There is more, Uncle,” he admitted. “The Nightmare of Gao now fights alongside Yoname. Their soldiers are mixed within her army. They have grown stronger, and I swore to my father that I would never make war with them.”


    Fadiga’s expression darkened. “The giants of the north… they have no shame. But we cannot allow them to spread their terror any further. We must keep them from the west.”


    Together, they turned to gaze at the towering statue of King Kadi, Sonni’s father.


    “If your father were alive today, he would fight them,” Fadiga said firmly. “And we can defeat them too—but only if we cast away our fear.”


    Sonni took a deep breath. “I am considering seeking aid from Djenne-Djenno, our former ally.”


    Fadiga nodded in approval. “That is wise, Sonni. Strengthen the forces you have, then strike back. Drive those monsters away from the west.”


    With that, he turned and walked back to his sculpting. Sonni remained standing before his father’s statue, lost in thought. The weight of leadership pressed down on him, but for the first time in a long while, he felt a spark of clarity.


    The path was still uncertain, but he knew one thing—he could not abandon it.


    At Benin, Yoname’s generals, along with King Massinissa and King Mpande, indulged in a small feast, drinking and laughing as they celebrated. But Yoname sat apart from them in an Isolated corner, her daughter, Irene, by her side. She barely touched her food. Instead, she sent for her maids to bring Nosaze to her.


    When the maids arrived with Nosaze, the warrior queen was bruised and wounded, but her strength remained unbroken. She was seated across from Yoname, her posture rigid, her expression unreadable—her face shadowed like a silhouette in the dim torchlight.


    Yoname leaned forward, gently dabbing a cloth against the healing wound on Nosaze’s forehead. Nosaze flinched and pulled away.


    “Easy, sister…” Yoname murmured, her voice calm, as she resumed cleaning the wound. “I know I once told you to never to let me get this close again. That if I did, I would be forced to draw my blade. But that doesn’t apply now. Besides, you’ve never really wronged me.”


    Nosaze tensed, but after a long pause, she allowed Yoname to continue tending to her wounds.


    Yoname’s voice softened, tinged with pity and guilt. “Look what you’ve made me do to you, Nosaze. Why didn’t you shield yourself better in battle?”


    Nosaze scoffed. “Stop acting like you care. You’ve done the evil you set out to do.”


    Yoname flinched but held her ground. “Evil?” Her tone darkened. “My mother served this kingdom, yet your father let those monsters he calls generals burn her to ashes. And you don’t see anything wrong with that?”


    Nosaze fell silent, processing Yoname’s words.


    Yoname continued, her voice filled with quiet bitterness. “Nosaze, I have lived a difficult life… even when I became a mother, the struggles never ended. Nehikhare was the only one who understood and comforted me. But you brought war upon him. And now… he Is no more.” She exhaled, her gaze flickering with pain. “That broke me more than anything.”


    She reached out, pulling Irene closer. “This is my daughter, Irene.”


    Nosaze’s gaze shifted to the young girl. Irene barely met her eyes, her small hands gripping the fabric of her mother’s dress.


    Nosaze frowned. “Your daughter?”


    “Yes,” Yoname confirmed. “And I hear you’ve been seeing Tarhaqa. Which means you’ve also met my son, Erhahon—a fine soldier, the personal officer of King Tarhaqa.”


    Nosaze’s eyes widened. A memory surfaced—Tarhaqa introducing a tall, imposing figure, his face half-covered by a scarf. His gaze had lingered on her for longer than she realized. And then, another memory struck her—Nehizena’s last words as he died in her arms.


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    “My son… my son… forgive your father.”


    Nosaze lowered her gaze to the table, whispering, “Nehizena… he was trying to apologize to his son. He had a son all along…”


    Yoname gave a faint smile. “So he gave you a clue. Actually, he had two sons. The wickedness of mankind took one of them from us when he was just a child. Now, do you see the cruelty of the very people you fight to protect?”


    Nosaze clenched her jaw. “My people are not like that.”


    Yoname scoffed. “Nosaze, I’m doing you a favor here. Because I promise you this—these people of Benin you think love you will turn their backs on you. Mark my words.”


    Nosaze’s eyes flickered with doubt. “They’re not ruthless like you.”


    Yoname turned to Irene. “Can you excuse Mama for a moment? She’s having an important discussion with your aunt.”


    Irene hesitated, her shoulders slumped, fear still lingering in her eyes. She glanced at Nosaze one last time before walking away.


    Nosaze watched her go, then said, “She doesn’t want to be like you. And you’re forcing it on her.”


    Yoname’s gaze softened. “I don’t want her to be like me either, Nosaze. The terror I’ve endured has broken me. I don’t want the same for her.”


    Nosaze leaned forward, her voice sharp. “Yet you killed Zuri. Why?”


    Yoname flinched. “I killed Zuri?” She shook her head. “Nosaze, I never killed her. Yes, Zuri was defiant, like you, and I fought her, just as I fought you, but I would never raise my blade to end her life. She was my friend.” Her tone hardened. “The same person who killed your brother killed her. And I have already taken my retribution.”


    Nosaze sat back, trying to connect the dots as Yoname continued. “If I had wanted her dead, I would have also killed Kesia and Keyamano. But I didn’t.”


    She leaned closer, her voice urgent. “Nosaze, don’t be stubborn. Join me now, because if you don’t…” She gestured toward Massinissa and Mpande. “These men… once they see you are not under my protection, they will take you. And they will do the worst to you.”


    Nosaze met her gaze, unwavering. “I will never join you, Yoname. Besides, Sonni will come for me. And when he does, this will all be over.”


    Yoname let out a bitter laugh. “Sonni has his own battles to fight. He might not come. And even if he does, you might be long gone by then. Please, Nosaze… accept my proposal.”


    Nosaze’s eyes were firm. “My answer remains the same. I will never accept your proposal. Your allies can do their worst, but I will never give in.”


    Massinissa, who had been keeping a watchful eye on them from across the room, set down his cup and rose to his feet. His generals followed.


    Yoname sighed and stood as well. She met Nosaze’s gaze and said, “Then I can’t do anything to save you. You are no longer my responsibility.”


    She reached out, running her fingers through Nosaze’s locks, her hand lingering just long enough to slip a needle into the strands without her noticing. She whispered, “If they take you, don’t panic. Use your head.”


    With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Nosaze alone.


    Massinissa strode forward, his presence looming over her. His men seized Nosaze without warning, yanking her from her seat.


    “Let me go!” she yelled, struggling against their grip. “Let me go!”


    Her strength was formidable, but the soldiers held her fast. Massinissa led the way as they dragged her out of the hall.


    Nosaze was taken to the dungeon of the manor, a dimly lit, cavernous space where countless people of Benin were locked behind rusted bars. The stench of despair filled the air. At the far end of the dungeon, she was led to a wooden door—not barred like the others.


    The guards opened It and shoved her inside. She stumbled, then spun around, trying to escape, but the door slammed shut in her face.


    She leaned against it, breathing heavily, her hands trembling. Then—


    “Nosaze.”


    She froze.


    That voice…


    She turned, eyes wide.


    There, at the end of the dimly lit room, sat Asemota.


    Nosaze’s breath hitched. “Oni…”


    She ran forward, embracing Asemota tightly, her body shaking. “I don’t understand what’s happening. I don’t even know where we are. I don’t know if this is a curse upon this kingdom.”


    Asemota held her close. “It’s okay, Nosaze. Help is coming. We just need to stay strong.”


    Nosaze shook her head, her voice breaking. “I can’t be strong, Oni. It’s over for me. It’s all over.”


    Asemota pulled her closer, whispering, “No, it’s not. Not yet.”


    The Call to War


    King Sonni rode down to Djenne-Djenno alone, reaching the city by dawn. Ignoring the welcome and salutations given to him, he rode straight through the gates, his focus set on one man—King Demba.


    Inside the grand hall, King Demba and his brother, Sogolon, sat in conversation. Demba stood up the moment he saw Sonni.


    “King Sonni! It’s good to see you again.”


    Sonni nodded. “It’s good to see you too, Demba. You’re looking well.”


    Demba’s smile faltered. “Your sudden disappearance shocked me to the bone. My brother and I feared you had been kidnapped. But then I thought—who would dare take the great and fearless King Sonni?”


    Sonni scoffed. “You have a way with words, Demba. But now is not the time for flattery.”


    Demba raised a brow. “Slow down, brother. What has you so tense this time?”


    Sonni’s voice was sharp. “While we feasted, the worst happened—Benin has fallen. Nosaze and her people are being held captive. The days I spent celebrating with you were a nightmare for the one I love.”


    Demba’s expression darkened, his gaze dropping to the ground. Turning away, he muttered, “That’s not good. If Benin fell, then the force they faced must have been overwhelming. This is terrible news.”


    Sonni stepped forward. “Now is not the time for fear and pity. We must drive these invaders out of the west. And the one leading them… is Yoname.”


    Demba’s head snapped up. “Are you serious? Yoname—Nehizena’s wife?” He let out a heavy breath. “Nehizena’s forces alone were difficult for us to handle, but Yoname… That woman is a monster. The terror of mankind. Nosaze made the mistake of stepping on her toes—now she must deal with the consequences.”


    Demba turned towards his throne, but before he could take a step, Sonni seized his arm, gripping it tight.


    His voice thundered through the hall. “Don’t you walk out on me, Demba!”


    Demba hesitated, but then sighed. “Sonni, I can’t take such a risk. This battle… it will be too brutal. It’s best we sit back.”


    Sonni’s eyes burned with anger. “So you’ll let her die? Because you fear Yoname? Or because of your grudge against Nosaze?”


    Demba lowered his head in guilt. In a barely audible voice, he muttered, “I don’t know.”


    Sogolon stood and walked over to them. “Sonni, steady your anger. We are family. This shouldn’t be an argument.”


    Sonni released Demba’s arm, exhaling sharply before turning to Sogolon. “I could have been there to help her. But I sacrificed that time for your daughter’s marriage. For your happiness. Because we are family. Was that the wrong thing to do?”


    Sogolon shook his head. “Not at all. In fact, we owe you.” He paused, then asked, “When do you plan to march to battle?”


    Sonni answered firmly, “In two weeks.”


    Sogolon considered this. “That’s soon. Our soldiers are not as skilled as yours, but that doesn’t mean we’ll stand idle.” He turned to Demba. “Brother, lives are at stake. If we wait, the situation will only worsen.”


    Demba ran a hand through his beard. “It’s a dead end.”


    Sogolon’s voice grew firmer. “We’ve been through countless wars. And with Sonni on our side, I don’t see why we should fear defeat. We cannot let Yoname’s forces crush us without a fight.”


    Demba looked at Sonni, conflicted. After a long silence, he finally spoke. “We will see what we can do. But I won’t lie to you, Sonni—each time I remember Nehizena’s face, it strikes an unexplainable fear in me.”


    Sonni nodded, his voice steady. “I trust you both will stand with me. Please, don’t fail me. My life is already on the line.”


    Sogolon placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “We won’t, Sonni. We’re in this together.”


    Sonni exhaled, his tension easing slightly. “That’s all I ask.”


    With that, he turned toward the exit. “I must return to Gao immediately.”


    Without another word, he left the hall and rode back into the morning light, heading straight for his kingdom.


    The Betrayal of Tagama


    Khamis, after betraying his master Juba, fled to the woods with his wife, Tanin, and their two children. He had hoped to escape the consequences of his actions, but King Massinissa, a close friend of Juba, was not willing to let the betrayal go unanswered. Relentless in his pursuit, Massinissa tracked Khamis down to the secluded woods where he had taken refuge.


    That night, while Khamis sat alone in their small room, Tanin entered, concern in her voice.


    “You’ve been in here for too long. Why don’t you come outside and take in some air?”


    Khamis barely glanced at her. “It’s best for us to stay inside. The woods can be dangerous, especially at night. Where are the children?”


    “They’re outside. It’s a beautiful night, Khamis. You should come see it.”


    “I can’t,” he replied, shaking his head. “I have work to do—there’s too much on my hands.”


    Tanin rolled her eyes and turned away. “You always have work piled up,” she muttered as she stepped toward the door.


    But before she could leave, a piercing scream shattered the night.


    Khamis jolted upright, his breath caught in his throat. “The children!”


    Without hesitation, he and Tanin rushed outside, their eyes darting frantically in the dark. But there was no sign of them.


    “Tihya! Maher!” Khamis shouted, his voice laced with desperation.


    Tanin joined him, calling their names, but only silence answered. Panic surged through her, and before Khamis could stop her, she hurried deeper into the darkness, searching for any sign of their children.


    Then, without warning, a strong arm seized her from behind. A rough hand clamped over her mouth, muffling her scream.


    Back near the hut, Khamis continued searching, unaware of what had just happened. But suddenly, shadows emerged all around him—Massinissa and his men. Khamis turned, his blood running cold.


    From behind him, a low, menacing voice spoke.


    “Well, well, well… if it isn’t the traitor of Tagama.”


    Khamis stiffened, recognizing that voice. He turned slowly, his eyes widening as he met Massinissa’s cold stare. But what truly froze him was the sight of Tanin, struggling in Massinissa’s grip, while his men held Tihya and Maher captive.


    Massinissa smirked. “Surprised? You thought you could run from the deed you committed?”


    With a swift motion, he threw Tanin to his men. She tried to resist, but the cold blade of a sword pressed against her throat forced her into submission.


    “I have eyes everywhere, Khamis,” Massinissa continued. “Did you really think you could escape me?”


    Khamis swallowed hard, fear tightening around his chest. “I swear, I’ve done nothing wrong! You have the wrong man!”


    Massinissa’s smirk faded. “Then why did you flee from Tagama?”


    Khamis had no answer. His silence was enough.


    Massinissa stepped closer, his gaze sharp. “Juba was my brother in arms. If he had been selling our information to Meroe, I would have known. But you… you and I both know he was innocent.”


    Khamis dropped his gaze, unable to meet Massinissa’s piercing eyes.


    Tanin’s voice trembled. “My love… what is he talking about?”


    “It’s nothing, Tanin,” Khamis said hastily. “Stay calm. I’ll handle this.”


    Massinissa’s tone darkened. “Tell me, Khamis… what do you know about Yoname?”


    Khamis shook his head, trying to feign ignorance, but Massinissa saw through the lie. He stepped forward, his patience wearing thin.


    “You better start talking before I lose my temper. And hurry—your family’s lives are at risk.”


    Khamis clenched his fists. “Please, I don’t want any trouble, Your Highness. Don’t hurt my family!”


    Massinissa’s eyes were merciless. “Then tell me what I need to know.”


    Khamis hesitated, but the terrified screams of his wife and children shattered his resolve. His shoulders slumped in defeat.


    “She forced me, Your Highness,” he confessed. “Yoname made me betray my master… she threatened to kill my family.”


    Massinissa narrowed his eyes. “I suspected as much. But why? What did she want?”


    Khamis swallowed hard. “Her son… a fine soldier. He often dwelled among us—King Nehizena’s personal officer. But he lives in Meroe, under King Tarhaqa. When my men and I discovered the truth, we were ambushed by Ekundayo and his army. They slaughtered my men and spared only me. I had no choice but to comply… I had to protect my family.”


    Massinissa’s eyes widened slightly. “So, Yoname has a son… a personal officer to the late King Nehizena?” He exhaled sharply, deep in thought. “I’ve seen him before.”


    Khamis nodded. “Yes, Your Highness. You have.”


    A dark understanding passed over Massinissa’s face. He then turned his gaze back to Khamis, his voice cold.


    “But as for you… you must pay for your treachery. And why should I kill you myself when the people of Tagama would relish the chance to make you pay for your betrayal?”


    Khamis paled.


    Massinissa motioned to his men. “You’re coming with us to Mpande to testify.”


    With that, Khamis was seized and taken away, leaving Tanin and their children sobbing as they watched him disappear into the night.