OSUPA DUDU (Black Moon)

ACT 7: Rivals

Outskirt of orun-funfun bridge. Whiles Gbade and his men surveys the area, Raven on the other hand expresses signs of boredom.

Raven: I have always wanted to go on adventure, or tour around ancient villages and states, make new discoveries. But nothing of this nature came to mind. I still do not know if this a chance for a fresh start or if I am being trapped. (stares at her palm) if only this could reveal a way out of here.

(suddenly shouts and battle songs from osupa-dudu warriors erupt the whole area, carrying drums and dangerous arms to attack, behind them Ajadi enters, his shoulders and head raised so high. With a single wave of his hand, his men takes charge screaming while few others stays behind hailing, singing and beating drums rhythmically. Likewise, Gbade orders his men to attack. Raven peeps at the commotion.)

Raven: (faces the audience) men are fighting! I have never seen anything like before, except at the royal festivals on TV, where two warriors pretend to fight each other. (as if whispering) this is not acting though. There are no pauses for corrections or fake grunting, and the swords are definitely not wooden! (turns around ans sights Ajao) osupa-dudu’s men being here will not go well for me. Dream….it is a dream. Get me out of here CR!

(suddenly blood splats on her face from one of the warriors.Raven screams at the tops of her voice causing Gbade to turn back. Gbade stretches his arms towards towards Raven in attempt to seek safety. Ajadi sights them, and with a swift movement in rage, he rushes forward, striking his enemies on the way. He catches Gbade and draws him back by the hand, his sword on Gbade’s neck. Raven watches in horror.)

Ajadi: Take another step and your head will be made as trophy. Let the aje go!

Gbade: You dare threaten the ruler of orun-funfun with your filthy sword?

Ajadi: Filthy you say? you test my patience.

Gbade: (laughs out loud) you! Patience! You violent, un-mannered and arrogant beast. You are never known for patience.

Ajadi: (strangles Gbade in anger. Gbade beats his hand vigorously, chocking) spit more nonsense and I will surely have your head. Release the aje I said, she is mine.

Gbade: (looks around, sadness envelops him as majority of his men are lying lifeless, some injured, the drums and music has stopped. He releases his grip on Ravens arms, in defeat,in turn, Ajadi removes his and from his neck) let the aje decide with whom she prefers, that is only fair.

Ajadi: Fair? (he shifts his gaze towards Raven expectantly, Gbade follows. Both of them studying her, waiting for her response)

Raven: (faces the audience) what am I supposed to say? Gbade is not perfect but at least he not violent unlike Ajadi, ferocious indeed. He might also be good looking but I would rather not belong to an handsome woman-beater. But if I chose Gbade, Ajadi might have his head right here. I do not want to be the cause of an additional grief to his to people. I appreciate the interest and willingness to fight for me, which Daniel never did but what do I say?….. no options left, I must leave here. (back to them) gentle-men, I am indeed honored and I appreciate both.….

(she sights an unknown figure far across the battles field, as if in hiding, unknown to Ajadi or Gbade. The figure motions for her to follow. Raven squints her eyes forward. Faces the audience, faces the two warriors. Then in a swift motion, she runs after the figure out. Leaving Gbade’s men helpless, and Ajadi’s men confused. Gbade looks perplexed at the situation while Ajadi watches the foolishness of his men in anger)

Ajadi: Why did you all just watch her leave! (to Ajao) what are you waiting for follow her! (Ajao bows to Ajadi as an apology and quickly leads the others out. Ajadi turns back eyeing Gbade, then runs after his men)

(blackout)