Chapter 19

Hearing Kito's words of remembrance, the elders, one after the other, nodded, some reluctantly, but all acknowledging the truth of Kitos's words. They knew that Loye's quest, potentially meant facing an uncertain future for their clan. And so they sat in silence once more, contemplating the return of the mage warriors and what it might mean for their people.

Finally, one of them spoke up. "Very well, Kuye. We will trust in your son's abilities and hope that he returns safely. But we must also prepare ourselves for the possibility that he may not. We will need to be strong and united as a clan, no matter what happens."

Kuye nodded in agreement, grateful for the elders' support. "Thank you, my friends. I will make sure that Loye is well-prepared for his journey and that he understands the risks involved. And we will do everything in our power to ensure the safety and prosperity of our clan, no matter what the future holds."

With that, the meeting came to an end, and the elders began to make their way back to their homes. Kuye remained behind for a few moments, lost in thought. He knew that his son's journey was not going to be an easy one, but he also knew that it was the right thing to do. Loye had always been special, with a wisdom and insight far beyond his years. If anyone could bring back the wisdom of the mage warriors, it was him.

Kuye left the hut and made his way back to his own home. As he walked, he thought about the journey that lay ahead for his son, and for their clan. He knew that there would be many challenges to overcome, but he also knew that they would face them together, as a family and as a community. And with the return of the mage warriors, they might just have a chance to overcome even the greatest of obstacles.

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As the meeting of elders drew to a close, Ojo, the eldest of the group, quietly slipped out of the hut and made his way towards Kuye's compound. He had promised to convey the outcome of the meeting to Ronu's mother, Jasi, the first wife of the Clan chief. who had been growing increasingly anxious about the fate of her son. Ojo had known Jasi for many years, and he had always found her to be a woman of great intelligence and resourcefulness, but he could not shake off the feeling that something was amiss.

When he arrived at the compound, he found Jasi waiting for him in the shadows. She greeted him with a nod, and they exchanged a few words before she got straight to the point. "Did they talk about Loye?" she asked, her voice low and urgent.

Ojo hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Yes, they did. Kuye spoke of Loye's journey. However, we were bound by oath before the gods not to reveal the real matter discussed".

Jasi's eyes narrowed. "If you cannot reveal what was said precisely, can you at least tell me if the matter will affect my son's chances of becoming the next clan chief?"

Ojo pondered before cautiously replying, "Perhaps it might. Loye's status and importance has increased in the eyes of the elder's council".

Jasi hissed sharply when she heard this, her mind already racing with thoughts of what this could mean for her plans. She had always favored her own son, Ronu, over Loye, and the prospect of Loye becoming a prominent figure endorsed by the elder's council threatened to upend everything she had been working towards. She thanked Ojo for his information preparing to leave immediately, however, Ojo grabbed her before she could take a second step and said to her in warning, "You should be careful Jasi, Loye is one favoured by the gods and spirits alike, do not visit calamity on yourself and your son with greed and ambition". Saying this, Ojo released Jasi and disappeared into the darkness.

After Jasi returned to her hut, she kept thinking about what she had heard and her mind was troubled about whether the assassin she had sent previously was successful. She had always known that Loye was a formidable opponent, but the idea of him being blessed by the gods and spirits was something she had no idea how to contend against. She knew that Ronu would never be able to compete with Loye on a level playing field, and she was beginning to feel more certain that Loye's journey could threaten everything she had been working towards for her son.