BORN TO RULE

CHAPTER FOUR

Writing

Chapter Four: The Kingdom in Crisis

The troubles that had begun with the stolen gold did not end there. As rumours continued to spread throughout Aderin, another danger appeared at the kingdom's borders.

One morning, a messenger arrived at the palace covered in dust. He immediately rushed into the throne room and knelt before King Adewale.

“Your Majesty, I bring terrible news.”

The king stood.

“Speak.”

“The army of Zamora has crossed the northern border. Several villages have been attacked, and the people are fleeing toward the capital.”

The room became silent.

Zamora was one of Aderin's strongest neighbouring kingdoms. Its ruler, King Baraka, was ambitious and determined to expand his territory.

King Adewale immediately summoned his generals and advisers.

“We must protect our people,” he declared.

Lord Kadir was quick to speak.

“Your Majesty, there is only one answer. We must declare war and destroy the Zamoran army before they reach the capital.”

General Akinwale disagreed.

“An immediate attack may cost us thousands of soldiers. We should first understand their position.”

Kadir frowned.

“Every moment we wait gives them more time to advance.”

Damilare listened carefully.

His father turned toward him.

“What do you think, my son?”

Damilare stood.

“We should defend the villages and protect the people, but we should not rush into a battle without a plan.”

Kadir laughed.

“Young prince, war is not a classroom lesson.”

Damilare remained calm.

“Perhaps. But soldiers are people too. Sending them into danger without a plan would be irresponsible.”

King Adewale nodded.

“Continue.”

Damilare studied the map on the table.

“Most of Zamora's soldiers are travelling through the mountain pass. Their supplies must come through the same route. If we can stop their supplies, their army will become weaker without us having to fight them directly.”

General Akinwale examined the map.

“That is a clever strategy.”

Kadir remained silent.

The king finally made his decision.

“General Akinwale, prepare the army. Damilare will accompany you.”

Damilare looked surprised.

“Father?”

“You wanted to learn what leadership means. Now you will see it.”

The following morning, the Aderin army marched toward the northern border.

Damilare travelled beside General Akinwale and watched the soldiers carefully. Some were young and frightened. Others were experienced warriors who had defended the kingdom for many years.

Before the battle began, Damilare gathered the soldiers.

“We are not fighting because we hate the people of Zamora,” he said. “We are fighting because our families, farms, and homes must be protected.”

The soldiers raised their weapons.

“For Aderin!” they shouted.

That night, Damilare's plan was put into action.

The soldiers secretly moved toward the mountain pass. They blocked the roads used to transport food and weapons to the Zamoran army.

At first, King Baraka's soldiers did not notice.

But after several days, their supplies began to disappear.

Without enough food and equipment, the Zamoran army became weaker.

King Baraka ordered his soldiers to attack Aderin's forces.

The battle was fierce, but Aderin's soldiers were prepared.

General Akinwale led the main force while Damilare helped coordinate the defence.

Eventually, the Zamoran army was forced to retreat.

Aderin had won.

When the soldiers returned to the capital, the people celebrated.

“Prince Damilare saved us!” they shouted.

But Damilare shook his head.

“No single person won this battle. The soldiers fought bravely, and General Akinwale led them wisely.”

King Adewale was proud of his son.

“You have learned another lesson,” he said.

“What lesson?”

“A good leader gives credit to others.”

However, while the kingdom celebrated its victory, Lord Kadir became more determined than ever to destroy Damilare.

The prince's popularity had grown.

The people trusted him.

The soldiers respected him.

If Damilare became king, Kadir knew there would be no place for him to control the kingdom.

That evening, Kadir secretly met with several nobles.

“The prince has become too powerful,” he told them.

One noble asked, “What do you intend to do?”

Kadir looked toward the palace.

“We will remove him before he becomes king.”

The nobles became silent.

Kadir smiled.

“Tomorrow, we begin.”

Unknown to them, someone was standing nearby.

His name was Tunde.

He had heard everything.

And he knew he had to warn Damilare before it was too late.