Festival turned funeral.

With women chattering about the latest gossip in town amidst talking drums, with babies strapped to their backs like some kind of armor worn on the back rather than front, young boys whistling, men passing the beer around, little girls chasing one another around, the gathering seemed more like a marketplace place rather than what it truly was: a festival. Not just any festival but the King's, his wife has just given birth to a baby boy!! That's all he's ever wanted in his life, all he has ever wished and longed for, a heir to his magnificent throne. Aftee several trials by different physicians and shamans in the whole town, it finally happened!!

Even nature seemed to be jubilating with them. The air blew gently like it never did before, the sky was a deep shade of blue, the leaves on the trees appeared fresher even though it was the harmattan, a bird chirped happily from one of the tree branches as if celebrating with the crowd, so did the swans in a lake nearby which perform some awesome stunts in unison, nodding their heads towards the crowd and flipping upside down until their submerged head popped up again. The sun shine brightly but didn't scorch. In short, the weather was just in synchronity with the blissful events.

As the majestically dressed king came out of his court, silence befell the whole crowd like a sudden rain. They all fell silent as they gazed at the king in awe, with a smile plastered on his face: something they haven't seen in a long while. It was no news that the kig is approaching old age and has been worried about not having a heir. His much known frowning face had made him grow extra wrinkles more than was necessary. All seemed to have disappeared this time around. He addressed the crowd in a bold, kingly and happy tone :

"Today signifies a cry great day for me, as well as the people. Today, I have become a happy and better man. Today, I have become ready for whatever it is that comes my way; death inclusive. Today, I have a son that shall become the next king to this kingdom; my heir apparent :Jasper!!".

A belated king raises his son up to the sky for all to see as the sun shone against him, looking like an view of the statue of liberty when seen from a distance. The already cheerful crowed consisting of thousands of people became more cheerful, erupting into a cacophony of praises and hails, eulogies and exaltation for both father and son.

Just as he was about bringing the son to his chest, an arrow flew above the heads of the crowd, piercing right through the cheerful air and headed directly towadss the king. The two mouthed arrow pierced through Jasper neck, separating the head from the rest of the body. A horrified crowd scurried in different directions bumping into one another creating a commotion that soon turned a cheerful atmosphere into a dreadful one. The king, petrified, clutched Jasper's bloody remains unto his chest, the blood was still fresh and flowing only now it was now mixed with the King's tears, dropping unto the severed neck. His source of renewed inspiration and happiness has now been taken away from him, the only thing that has renewed his will to live, his pride, his one and only son. The thought of avenging his son crossed his mind, but his growing feeling of weakness got the better of him. Bringing out his dagger from his cloak, he thrusted at his heart, dropping backwards with his son still clutched to him..

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Thanks for reading guys,

Yours Layly,

❤❤❤❤❤❤