Upon hearing of the death of her husband, Arielle felt helpless and hopeless. She knew she had nowhere to go and the fact that the Kambuwa kingdom was far from her home made her feel even worse. She was even afraid of returning home and bringing shame on her parents who raised her as their own. Although the servant tried comforting her, she had no hope and therefore decided to follow her husband.

One morning this servant found her hanging dead outside. She allowed emotions to take control of her life so she ended her life by committing suicide. Seeing poor young Akothi helpless, the servant took him home and raised him on his own. The servant could have taken him to the palace but he was afraid nobody would believe him. He was even afraid that the cruel king would kill the child together with him. There was pain and suffering under the leadership of Silumbe.

Being a husband to the queen, Silumbe declared himself the king after the death of Abuna, who wanted to be king. Silumbe ruled with greed and cruelty and the villagers cried to their gods. He put to death everyone who stood against him. Akothi grew up as a hunter in the house of the loyal servant to his deceased father.

There came a time that the Kambuwa kingdom was hit with drought. The elders, together with the villagers, believed that the gods were not pleased with the leadership. It was believed that drought was a punishment and therefore a sign of anger and disgust of the gods and ancestors.

During this time, a lot of people and animals lost their lives. People started killing each other for food and suicides were also high. King Silumbe became afraid so he asked for a gathering of elders to consult for advice. The elders plainly told the king that the ancestors were not happy so there was a need for a sacrifice to beg for forgiveness and guidance onto the right path. The elders added that only a man from the royal family was permitted to offer the sacrifice to the gods on the mountain.

Seeing the drought affecting himself, the king agreed to what the elders said. The king had three sons and believed that they were fit enough to make the gods forgive them. The village priests prepared the three sons of King Silumbe for the journey up to the mountain to offer the needed sacrifice. The three sons of the king started the journey to the mountain and it took longer than expected. The villagers were waiting for their return. Having no hope for their return, the king called the elders and the village priests. After carrying out some prayers, it was known that the three sons of the king had died. Upon hearing of the death of his sons, King Silumbe fell to the ground and died.

The villagers were suffering so they didn’t mourn the king. Instead they wondered what to do, since the sons, together with the king, were dead. It was one morning when the loyal servant visited the palace holding Akothi by the arm. The servant explained everything, and after hearing what he said, the queen called a gathering of village elders. The servant explained everything to them and the priest prepared a sacrifice for Akothi, though they doubted the young boy.

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Tell us: Do you think they will allow Akothi to be the king? Why or why not?