The only child

CHAPTER 11

The following morning, the Chiefs came to see the King concerning Kune. They paid obeisance and sat down. They were silent for some seconds before a Chief finally broke the silence.

" We hope the guards did their job well?" the chief asked.

"They did," the King replied.

" Okay. We are highly happy" another Chief said.

" I still have a feeling that this girl is innocent," a female chief said.

"Hey…Madam, don't take us backward ," another Chief confronted. (sighs)

They all leave for their various homes.

Kune kept wandering in the forest for six days. Soon, she sat under a tree. She started soliloquizingto herself.

I am so lonely, I am sick

I am tired, somebody help me

I need help, I am hungry

I need food, I need food

Will I die here? I have no hope

I have nobody, I have no people

I am all by myself, save me

Help!!! Help!!!Help!!!

"Oh, I am very tired and hungry. What do I eat now? I need food. Let me look around to see if I can find any edible plant or fruit," she said while looking around. She finally came across a tree with fruits. She plucked some and ate. Then, she slept off. She slept like a newborn baby. When she woke up, she continued moving. As she was moving, she kept soliloquizing .

Kune, keep moving

Don't give up

Keep moving

You are a strong girl

You are determined

You are courageous

Never give up, until death comes

Fight till your last breath

While wandering in the forest, she saw a hunter and she called out to him.

"Hi…hello sir, please, help me. I am famished," Kune called out.

"Who are you? What are you doing in this dangerous forest all by yourself?" the hunter asked.

" Sir, I……….( Immediately, she fainted).

The hunter quickly ran to her rescue. He accommodated her and gave her herbs to drink. After long hours, she finally woke up.

"Welcome. You are in Lare town. The city is a few minutes drive away from here. You fainted in the forest some hours ago, I saw you and brought you back," the hunter said.

He continued,"My name is Nuga. I am an indigene of this town. Where I met you was very dangerous. What brought you there? Did you miss your way? What happened? Talk to me," Nuga asked.

" My name is Kune '', She started amidst tears," I am from the village of Akumi. I had a very happy family. We were just three, my dad, my mom and I. We were not rich but we were satisfied with all we had. My dad was a palm wine tapper and my mom was a businesswoman. My dad died when I was just thirteen, after he fell from a palm tree. I had just my mum. We were still living happily. After some years, my mom became very sick. A competition was held in the village and I won. So, I became a maid in the Palace. Everyone liked me including the King. But, my whole life changed in just one evening. The Prince traveled and he came back sick from the trip. I was the maid assigned to always take medicine to the Prince. I was the one taking care of the Prince since he fell sick. As usual, I took his medicine to him. He drank it and slept. I never knew that he would never wake up. If I had known, I would not have gone to give medicine to him. When everyone realized the Prince died of poison, they accused me of killing him. The accusation was terrible. The king had me imprisoned. When my sick mother heard of my imprisonment, she immediately died of a heart attack. The king took me to the village council where it was judged that I would be killed in the Butu forest. That was how I found myself there. Somehow, the guards started fighting. A God-sent guard among them helped me. He told me to run as far as I can. I was still running when you found me ," Kune explained.

"Hmmm...Your story is very touching. Mine is also similar because I'm an orphan also. But, don't worry. I will take good care of you. I am a hunter as you saw in the bush. So, we will manage what I have. I am coming, let me bring you food to eat.," said Nuga.

"Thank you ," Kune said.

"You are welcome ," he replied.

He then went in to bring food for her. He also gave her some medicine.

The next morning, Homa and the Queen are in the palace. The Queen was busy writing down some things she needed. Homa knocked on the door and the Queen gestured to her to come in. Homa walked in.

" Good day, ma. How was your night? I came to see you concerning one matter. This matter is about Kune. You see, like I told you earlier, Kune is a very wicked person. She is not just a murderer but a thief also. Before the competition was held, she went to meet one wicked man to perform voodoo for her. She is not the one who was supposed to win the competition. She stole the position from the rightful owner. It ought to be Koge not Kune. She stole the position from her. I just thought of informing you since I was aware of Kune's wicked scheme. Since Kune has been killed because of her wicked attitude, why don't you give the position to whomever it deems fit? The rightful owner is still waiting to take what rightfully belongs to her," Homa cunningly suggested.

" Get out!!!," the Queen shouted at Homa with a stern look. Homa immediatelyran out of the room. The Queen was so annoyed.