A Tale Of Five Bandits

Read Story: SEASON 1 EPISODE 11

“Ah! Look at them wiggling like worms. The gods be pressed”, Ajala the herbalist laughed, “Look at this one”, he said pointing to a tied warrior that was trying to squirm away. “Why are you going to? Tell me? You’ve been disgraced”. He turned and sneered at the incapacitated soldiers that were tied to three poles, “All of you disgraced. Bested by a woman

. I’m sure you must be shocked. How can one little woman do this? Should I tell you the secret?” he said smiling excitedly at them, “She’s a champion of the gods. They enforced their will through her. Their spirit possessed her and took control of her body, granting her immensurable strength and speed!” the herbalist exclaimed with his hands to the heavens.

“I’m very sure I was in total control of my body”, Sewa interrupted with an arched brow.

“Baba, don’t forget about me”, Goke sulked hitting his chest, “We arrived late, if not, I would have beaten them senseless singlehandedly” he bragged.

“I’m sure you would have. The gods made it so because they wanted to show that they don’t need two or more of their servants to do their work. Don’t you see how great they are? They used just Adesewa to conquer most of our enemies

. How is it possible that a woman her size could defeat hefty men like them. It could only be the gods. They are indeed wondrous!”, the herbalist cried.

Goke nodded in head in approval “Hmm, you are right baba”.

The relieved villagers went on their knees in humble supplication with their hands raised in the air as they thanked the gods for their mercy and protection.

Sewa shook her head in irritation and turned her back on them.

“I have to confess I wish we had arrived on time. I miss the thrill of battle. I was only able to face three men and they weren’t much of a challenge”, Leke said sadly.

“Don’t worry, we will find more of them on the way”, Monifa smiled wistfully.

Duro shook his head and he wiped the trail of blood on his sword, “You people are strange. It’s even stranger that we are friends”.

The villagers poked and jabbed at the restrained soldiers with sticks as the children danced around the pole throwing stones in the faces of their adversaries.

“This is an offence against the crown and the King. Release us immediately and we will make your deaths quick!” a soldier said.

Ajala bent towards the man and slapped his face, “Who is the King before the gods?”

“Old man, you don’t understand. The King means well, this is the only way to save the people. Sacrifice a few to save more. It is an offering to the gods and we must obey”, the man blurted out.

“The will of the gods”, Ajala mimicked and spat at the man, “The King is confusing the voice of the gods with his own insanity”.

“Move, move, quickly”, a deep voice called across the courtyard. All eyes turned to face a man lifting his agbada over his shoulder with two men in shorts behind him carrying a basket full of jewelleries and folds of purple-dyed fabrics.

The man approached the bandits and flashed a forced smile, “I am Adebowale. The only merchant in this village and I also have servants that weave the most beautiful clothes”, he bragged, “A token of my gratitude for saving the villagers and in turn my business from these marauders” he gestured at the bridled warriors with disgust.

Duro stepped forward, “Thank you for your gift but…”.

Goke shoved him aside and coughed “As the leader of this little group…”.

Duro raised a brow confused “who made you the leader?”

Goke rolled his eyes “I’m the tallest, biggest” he jested, flexing his muscles, “and obviously the strongest”. Shifting his attention back to Adebowale, “I accept your gift on behalf of this little group”.

Leke frowned “What are we doing with all that? We are always on the road. The extra load will only wear down the horses”.

Goke nodded, contemplating his choices “Okay.

Read ” Outcast ” by the same author ( Obinna Tony )

. Keep it safe. I shall return at the end of my heroic journey and claim my reward”.

Adebowale bowed “Of course”.

Monifa hissed and shoved Goke aside, “What we really need now is a feast and a place to sleep”.

“You are all welcome to spend the night in my home. Come with me”, he said as he led the bandits to his house.

The gawking crowd followed the bandit as they strolled to Adebowale’s home. He turned back and glanced at the approaching crowd, “Back, you peasants. Where do you think you’re going? My house is not the village square”.

The lingering crowd dispersed grumbling and disappointed to their various homes.

“Wait, what about the soldiers? What are we going to do with them?”, Sewa asked.

“Don’t worry, leave that to me. There’s a cave not far from the village. My servants will confine them there. They will starve and suffer with no hope of escape. Let the beasts of the wild feast on them”.

“I and Leke will question them later to see if we can learn anything valuable”, Duro said.

“Good. You have my permission”, Goke blurted out. The other bandits rolled their eyes at him.