The Heart of Òsun
Prince Adetunji and Babatunde ran through the forest as fast as they could. Behind them, the loud roar of Eru Oba shook the trees. The ground was hot under their feet, and the air smelled like smoke and river water.
The blue light from the mark on Tunji’s arm showed them the path. It glowed brighter whenever they turned the right way.
After a long run, they reached a small open space in the forest. In the middle stood an old stone gate covered with carvings of snakes, fish, and rivers.
Babatunde stopped, breathing hard. “Is this it?”
Tunji looked at the carvings. “Yes. The gate of Òsun.”
Adetunji and the Gate of the Goddess
As he stepped closer, the carvings began to move slowly, like they were alive. A calm female voice filled the air.
“Who dares to enter the path of the goddess?”
Tunji stood tall. “I am Prince Adetunji of Ile-Oro. I seek the Heart of Òsun to break the curse.”
The voice replied, “Only a heart without fear may pass. What do you offer in return?”
Tunji looked at the glowing mark on his arm. “I offer my life if I must.”
The gate opened slowly, shining with golden light. Warm air flowed out, and they stepped inside.
Babatunde in the Valley of Gold
Behind the gate was a hidden valley filled with tall golden trees. In the middle of the valley, a river formed a circle around a stone altar. On top of the altar rested a glowing stone — the Heart of Òsun. It looked alive, beating softly like a real heart.
Babatunde whispered, “It is beautiful.”
Tunji nodded. “Stay here. I must go alone.”
He walked toward the altar. As he stepped into the circle of water, he felt something pulling him down — memories, voices, pain.
Aramide’s Voice and the Heart of Òsun
He saw images in his mind: Aramide, long ago, kneeling by the same river, crying as the gods turned her into a spirit. He saw the anger of the gods, their faces cold and full of power.
Then he heard a soft voice — Aramide’s. “Do not be afraid. Love is stronger than fear.”
Tunji opened his eyes and reached for the glowing stone. The water rose high around him like a wall, but he did not move back. He took the stone in his hands. It felt warm, like holding a beating heart.
Suddenly, light flashed across the valley. A loud sound came from the ground, and the golden trees began to shake.
Babatunde shouted, “Tunji! What’s happening?”
The Sacrifice of Prince Adetunji
Tunji held the stone close. “It is the power of the goddess!”
From the light, a tall woman made of water appeared. She looked like a queen, her crown shining like the sun.
“You are brave, child of men,” she said. “But to free the river spirit, you must give something in return — your soul or your throne.”
Tunji’s heart beat fast. “If I give my soul, will Aramide be free?”
“Yes,” the goddess said. “But you will never see the human world again.”
He looked down at the Heart of Òsun and then thought of Aramide.
“I will do it,” he said.
Babatunde shouted, “No!” but it was too late. The light grew brighter, covering everything.
When the light faded, the valley was silent. The stone was gone. The gate closed by itself.
And Prince Adetunji was no longer there.
Bravo 👏
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