A Slave’s Ascension

Chapter 8: Arrival at Orlu

Tall red walls stretched as far as the eye could see, built from hardened earth and reinforced with stone, wood, and iron. The walls towered high, crowned with sharp stakes at the top. Thick wooden gates, carved with intricate patterns, stood proudly at the entrance, guarded by soldiers in gleaming armor.

Ikenna slowed his steps behind the carts, his cloudy eyes widening as he took in the grandeur. Even he, who rarely showed emotion since his mother’s death, couldn't hide his astonishment. The walls were like nothing he had ever seen before—sturdy, unyielding, and majestic. Only the gods could bring down such walls.

The wall wasn't just high; it was also wide and thick enough to accommodate soldiers patrolling on top. As they walked past the gates, he saw wooden and clay steps built into the walls, allowing soldiers to move up and down easily.

"Is this... all for one kingdom?" Chizaram whispered beside him, her voice filled with wonder.

"It must be," Ikenna muttered. "No village needs walls this big."

"They are favored by the gods. That is the only way they could build something so majestic." Ikenna’s heart beat faster as he imagined the possibilities that lay before him.

He was already determined to become a warrior as strong as Obinna, a warrior who could protect the things he cared about and never lose a loved one again.

With a spring in his step, Ikenna walked forward, eager to uncover the adventures and mysteries awaiting him in the kingdom.

Behind them, the other children murmured in disbelief. Some had never even seen a hut taller than two stories, let alone walls that seemed to touch the sky. The paved roads leading into the city shimmered underfoot—smooth and clean, made of clay mixed with stones polished by countless feet and wheels.

Obinna, riding at the front, turned to address them. "This is the capital of Orlu," he announced, his voice carrying over the crowd. "The heart of the kingdom. Your new home."

The children exchanged nervous glances. Their homes had been simple—mud huts with thatched roofs, narrow footpaths winding through farmland and forests. This place was different. It was grand, intimidating, and alive with a rhythm they didn't understand.

They passed through the gates, which creaked open to reveal a vast expanse of farmland. Different crops grew in neatly divided sections, and various animals grazed in the open fields. Farmers tended to the crops while shepherds watched over the animals, working hard to ensure that everything ran smoothly.

Some boys packed animal dung into bags and baskets, carrying it to the farmers to mix with the soil, thereby increasing the kingdom's crop yields.

Ikenna and the children had expected to see buildings and bustling streets, but the sight of fields left them confused. None of the soldiers offered any explanations.

They journeyed for another hour before they saw it—another wall, even higher and sturdier than the first. More guards patrolled this wall, and even General Obinna had to remove his helm to reveal his face and secure their passage. The security was tight, and identities had to be confirmed before anyone passed through the second wall.

A minute later, the iron gates creaked open, revealing a bustling city to the procession of soldiers, carts, and children. The streets were wide and neatly arranged, flanked by large, solid buildings made from clay.

Everywhere they looked, there was something new to see—bronze statues, intricate carvings on walls, and ivory decorations that beautified the streets. The air smelled of roasted yams, spices, and the faint metallic tang of iron from the blacksmiths' forges.

"Look at that!" one of the boys shouted, pointing to a procession of villagers standing by the streets, cheering in happiness at the soldiers' return. Wives ran to their husbands, mothers embraced their sons, and fathers beamed with pride at seeing the soldiers return victorious from their conquests.

Women and children threw beads and flowers into the air, and some kind-hearted women even offered food to the confused children.

Chizaram's eyes were wide as she clung to Ikenna's side. "It's like a place from the stories my grandmother used to tell," she whispered.

Ikenna didn't respond, but he understood what she meant. Orlu was a world away from the simple village life they had known. It was a place of power, beauty, and danger all at once.

They continued down the main road until they reached a third gate. Behind it stood a grand palace, its towering walls adorned with intricate carvings that seemed to tell stories of ancient battles and victories. The palace walls gleamed with polished bronze tiles, and at its gates stood fierce-looking guards with swords strapped to their waists.

Obinna dismounted from his horse. "This is where your new lives begin," he declared. "Remember what I said—loyalty will be rewarded. Treachery will not be tolerated."

The children were silent, the weight of his words sinking in.

"Come and meet your new king," Obinna said, gesturing toward a man standing before them with a huge smile on his face, flanked by his chiefs.

Obinna knelt on one knee, placing his fist on his right shoulder in deference to the king. The soldiers did the same, prompting the children to follow their lead.

“My king! May you live long, and your reign prosperous!” Obinna said with passion, the soldiers echoing his words.

"Obinna, my general, and wonderful warriors, welcome back home," the king said in a booming, joyful voice.

"Thank you, my king," Obinna responded as he rose to his feet.

"My king, we have raided and conquered many villages in your name. These are the spoils we brought for you," he said, waving toward the carts filled with resources that would strengthen the kingdom.

"And these are your new loyal subjects, here to swear their loyalty to you," Obinna concluded, gesturing toward the still-kneeling children, trembling in fear, except for one.

Ikenna stood defiantly, his eyes fixed on the king.