Adetunji Under the Moonlight
The moon was full over the kingdom of Ile-Oro. The light from the moon covered the palace in a soft glow. Prince Adetunji, the first son of King Adeyemi, stood alone in the royal garden. He looked at the dark forest that stood behind the palace walls.
Adetunji and the Forest Voice
Every night, he heard a strange voice from the forest. The voice sang softly, calling his name.
“Ọmọ ọba, ọmọ ina, ọmọ ti o mọ́ mi...”
(Prince, child of fire, the one who does not yet know me...)
The voice was beautiful but also strange. It made his heart feel heavy and curious.
Tunji had seen the same thing in his dreams — a woman with glowing eyes standing beside a shining river.
“Your Highness,” someone said from behind him. It was his friend Babatunde. He carried a small torch. “You are here again, listening to that strange sound?”
Tunji gave a small smile. “Yes. I want to know who sings in the forest.”
Babatunde shook his head. “People say a spirit lives there. Some call it a monster.”
Tunji looked at the trees again. “Then I will see it myself.”
Adetunji Enters the Forest
Late that night, while the palace was quiet, Tunji climbed over the wall and went into the forest. The air was cool and full of mist. The trees were tall, and the sound of the river came from far away.
He walked until he reached the sacred river — the River Òsun. The water shone faintly under the moonlight. As he stood there, the singing came again, louder and clearer.
Aramide Appears by the River
Then he saw her.
A young woman rose slowly from the water. Her skin shone like silver. Her eyes were bright, like two small stars. Her hair floated around her like smoke. She was the most beautiful being he had ever seen.
Tunji’s voice was soft. “Who are you?”
The woman smiled gently. “My name is Aramide. Some call me a monster.”
Tunji shook his head. “You don’t look like a monster.”
Aramide looked at him sadly. “That is because you do not see with fear.”
Aramide’s Warning
She stepped closer. The water around her feet moved like it was alive. Tunji’s heart beat fast, but he did not move away.
“Why do you call me every night?” he asked.
Aramide looked up at the moon. “Because our lives are joined together, Prince of Ile-Oro. But the gods will not like it.”
Before he could say anything, the wind blew hard. A bright light flashed across the river, and Aramide disappeared.
Tunji looked around. The forest was silent again. Only the soft sound of the river remained.
He stood there for a long time, not sure what had just happened. But he knew one thing — his life would never be the same again.
That night, the story of love and curse began in the heart of Ile-Oro.
You must be logged in to post a comment.