Adetunji’s Restless Night
The night after the promise, Prince Adetunji could not sleep. The sound of the forest roar stayed in his ears. It was deep and angry, like thunder from under the ground.
At dawn, he went to see his friend Babatunde.
“Babatunde,” he said quietly, “something is in the forest. I heard it after I met her.”
“Her?” Babatunde asked. “The spirit woman?”
Tunji nodded. “Her name is Aramide. She is not evil. She is under a curse.”
Babatunde looked afraid. “You should not go there again. If the king finds out, he will send hunters. Spirits bring death, my friend.”
Tunji sighed. “I cannot stop thinking about her. I made a promise.”
Babatunde shook his head. “Promises to spirits bring trouble.”
Babatunde’s Warning Shadows
Later that day, strange things began to happen in Ile-Oro. The river level rose even though there was no rain. Fishermen said they saw shadows moving under the water. The air felt heavy, and birds stopped singing near the forest.
When night came, the roar returned louder this time. It made the walls of the palace tremble. The people screamed and ran into their houses.
King Adeyemi called his guards. “Find out what causes this noise!” he ordered.
Tunji stood beside his father, heart beating fast. He knew what it was.
Adetunji’s Return to Aramide
That night, he left the palace again and ran toward the river. The forest was dark, and mist covered the ground. When he reached the riverbank, he called out, “Aramide!”
The river was wild, waves moving without wind. Then she appeared, rising from the water, her face filled with sadness.
“Aramide, what is happening?” he asked.
Her eyes glowed faintly. “The gods are angry, Adetunji. You made a promise under their sky. They do not forgive such things.”
Tunji stepped closer. “Let them be angry. I meant my words.”
Aramide shook her head. “Your love has broken the peace between our worlds. The guardian of the forest has awakened.”
Aramide’s Battle with Eru Oba (The King fear)
“The roar?” Tunji asked.
She nodded. “It is called Eru Oba, the King’s Fear. It protects the line between spirit and man. It will come for you.”
Suddenly, the ground shook again. The trees bent, and a loud growl filled the air. From the darkness, two large red eyes appeared. A shape moved between the trees — tall, heavy, with smoke rising from its back.
Tunji froze, staring at it.
Aramide shouted, “Run!”
But he did not move. “If it comes for me, I will face it.”
The creature stepped forward. Its body looked like stone, but fire burned under its skin. It roared again, shaking the forest.
Aramide raised her hands. Light came from her palms, forming a wall of water between them and the beast. The creature hit the water barrier with its claws, sending sparks and mist everywhere.
Aramide’s voice shook. “Go, Adetunji! If you stay, you will die!”
Tunji reached for her hand. “I will not leave you!”
She pushed him back with the water’s force. “You must live!”
Adetunji’s Mark of the Gods
The last thing he saw before falling unconscious was Aramide standing alone, her light fading as the beast roared once more.
When Tunji woke up, it was morning. He was back near the palace walls, weak and cold. The forest behind him was silent again.
But the mark of a strange hand was on his arm glowing faintly blue.
He knew the gods had seen him.
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