The Lost king

---

EXT. SECLUDED FOREST – AYO BORDER – NIGHT

The moonlight peeks through the thick canopy of trees, glinting faintly on the armor of the rebel army led by Femi, Damilola, Ayomide, and Adeola. Their faces are set, their movements precise. The forest breathes quietly around them, almost aware of what's to come.

DAMILOLA walks a few paces ahead, her expression unreadable. Her eyes flicker, restless—caught between calm and storm.

FEMI glances at her, sensing the conflict in her silence. He says nothing. Just watches. Just... listens.

AYOMIDE (low voice) We split here.

(he points to a path leading deeper into the border territory)

AYOMIDE (cont'd) Femi, take Damilola and some of the men. Durojaiye keeps his slaves in a nearby village. That's where he'll be.

Femi nods. But he doesn't move until Ayomide meets his eyes—subtle, quiet, firm. Go with her.

FEMI (softly, to Damilola) Ready?

DAMILOLA (flatly, without looking) Let's go.

She moves like smoke, silent and sharp, her emotions tucked beneath her armor. Femi follows, motioning the rebels to stay tight. They vanish into the woods—moving like shadows.

---

EXT. SLAVE VILLAGE – BORDER TERRITORY – LATER

A haunting stillness lies over the village. The flickering of torches reveals Ojora guards and suffering women, caged, chained… brutalized.

DAMILOLA stops abruptly. Her breath catches. Her eyes widen.

FLASHBACK – YEARS AGO

Durojaiye, cruel and mocking, forces Damilola's sister down in front of her. Damilola screams, chained, helpless, as her sister is violated before her eyes.

Her heart races.

BACK TO PRESENT

Damilola doesn't speak. Her fists clench. Her jaw tightens. Her face remains expressionless—but her soul is boiling.

FEMI, just behind her, notices. Hesitant, unsure… but he gently pats her back.

She stiffens. Blinks. Looks at him.

FEMI (softly) I'm always here for you, Damilola.

She holds his gaze for a breath. Something flickers in her eyes—a mixture of pain and gratitude—but she hides it.

DAMILOLA (quiet but sharp) Draw swords.

(beat)

DAMILOLA (cont'd) We end this now.

Femi nods.

The rebels draw their blades.

DAMILOLA (YELLING) FOR THOSE THEY BROKE!

A warrior cry bursts out as they charge into the village. The clash begins—steel meets steel, shouts fill the air, Ojora guards scramble, caught off guard.

---

EXT. EDGE OF THE FOREST – SAME TIME

Ayomide and Adeola remain on the ridge, overlooking the quiet path ahead. Both are alert, watching for signs.

ADEOLA (low, thoughtful) You think Yemi's plan will work?

AYOMIDE (shrugs, calm) Hope is better than waiting.

ADEOLA (chuckling) You've been watching Femi and Damilola lately?

AYOMIDE (grins) Now you're just noticing?

ADEOLA (smiling, surprised) You think something's there?

AYOMIDE Even a blind man would feel it.

(beat)

What about you and Moremi?

Adeola tenses.

ADEOLA What?

AYOMIDE (chuckles) Come on, even Bayo and Yemi noticed. Since day one.

Adeola avoids eye contact, then shifts the subject.

ADEOLA Yemi and Bayo reconciling… it brought strength back to the legion.

AYOMIDE It did.

(beat)

But you didn't answer the question.

Adeola smiles faintly but his eyes drift away, lost.

INT. ADEOLA'S MIND – QUICK MONTAGE

Moremi's smile.

Moremi standing defiant with her blade.

Moremi kissing him on the eve of battle.

---

EXT. IREBU – BATTLEFIELD – SAME TIME

The Ojora Empire soldiers clash with the rebel forces, led by Moremi and Akinmule. Blood stains the field. War cries echo.

A female warrior spins, another cuts through the enemy line. The rebels fight with fierce rhythm.

AKINMULE (calling out) Hold formation!

In the distance, Moremi sees a familiar figure near a stream—Adedayo.

Her eyes sharpen.

MOREMI (to Akinmule) There… I see him.

AKINMULE (grinning, bleeding) Then go.

(beat)

We'll hold here.

Moremi nods silently, a soft acknowledgment only a warrior gives another. A rare smile flickers between them.

She sprints. Fast. Focused.

Two Ojora soldiers ambush her from the sides—but she doesn't slow. Her blades spin like wind, cutting them down in three moves.

Blood sprays. She keeps running.

She reaches the stream.

Adedayo stands there—waiting, armored, blade in hand.

Adedayo (coldly) You came.

MOREMI I never forget the face of a murderer.

They stare.

The sounds of war drown behind them.

Only the rustle of water and wind now.

Two warriors. One reckoning.

They raise their swords.

And then… they clash.

---

TO BE CONTINUED…