The Bead of Destiny

Cento One: “Shadows of Deceit” 
In eldritch times, 
Ori's companions did weave a tangled web of guile, 
—their hearts beset with malice. 
With cunning guile,
they did solicit the king, saying:
"Grant Ori the precious coral bead, 
that he may keep it safe till the festival's appointed day." 
The king, in his simplicity, 
Did entrust the bead unto Ori, 
Who, with diligence, 
Did conceal it within his chamber's wall. 
Yet, unbeknownst to him, 
Ekute, that perfidious friend, 
Did observe his actions with hawk-like vigilance.
Ori's Lament (After discovering the bead's absence):
"Oh, woe is me! 
Why hast thou dealt me such a grievous blow, 
O fate? 
The bead, my heart's treasure, hath vanished
—leaving naught but despair's bitter gall. 
Shall I, a mere mortal, suffer thus, while justice slumbers? 
Nay!
I shall not rest till truth's radiant light illuminates the darkness."

Cento 2: “Shadows of Providence” 
Ori, in his distress, 
Did seek the counsel of the ancient wise one,
Who did bid him procure a murrel fish 
—a sacrifice unto his creator. 
Ori, with faith's unshakeable resolve, 
Did comply with the wise one's behest. 
And lo! The bead, like a lotus flower, 
Arose from the depths, nestled within the fish's belly. 
Ori, with joy unspeakable, did reclaim the bead, 
And his heart was filled with hope anew:
"Ha! Deceitful friends, 
your schemes are unraveled, like a threadbare cloak! 
The gods, in their infinite wisdom, have vindicated me. 
Behold, the bead, shining like a star in the firmament! 
Your treachery shall be your downfall, 
while I, Ori, shall rise, like the morning sun, 
to claim my rightful place."

Cento 3: “The Verdict of Eternity”
The day of the festival arrived, 
and Ori, with confidence's unshakeable stride, 
did present the bead unto the king. 
Eleda, the divine arbiter, 
did descend, like a celestial judge, 
to pronounce judgment:
"Conspirators, your guilt is manifest! 
Ori, thou shalt ascend to greatness, 
while Ekute's fate shall be thine no more. 
Aja, thy blade shall drink the blood of sacrifice, in Ori's stead." 
Thus, justice, like a mighty river, did flow, and the fates of men were sealed.
"Thus shall it be, mortals! 
Ori, thy name shall be etched in the annals of time, 
as a testament to faith and perseverance. 
Ekute, thy curse shall be the thief's lot, 
forever bound to the wheel of deceit. 
Aja, thy sword shall serve the gods, 
but not as thou hast planned. 
The murrel fish, a symbol of providence, 
shall forever hold a place of honour. 
Let this judgment stand, 
as a monument to justice and truth!"

Copyright © Akinloye Gbajero Sunday | Year Posted 2025

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