CHAPTER TWENTY

Jr’s words began to bang on the back of his mind. He became completely sober. He sensed he was on the verge of losing everything that took him years to build. The little boy was threatening to even kill his loyal soldiers. He had already killed three, Alijha’s heart began to pump faster.

He looked at his palace and recalled Jr’s words, and he wondered, “will this magnificence fade away from my sight like a somber moon, is this the end of me?” Is it now a time for me to receive the hot coals I used to heap on top of others. How many days or weeks, months left for me to step into my grave? Who is going to inherit my throne?’

A knock at the door startled Alijha.

“Who is it?” “It’s Jad, sir.”

“OK, Jad, come in please.” He slowly entered and was offered a seat.

Before Jad could say anything, Alijha said, “Please tell me everything you know about Jr. Don’t hide anything please.”

“I know him as a brave young man, a trained assassin, he always tells me that life is a journey of risk-taking. He is always talking about his late father, and he always remarked that he wishes he was alive.” Jad said courageously.

“He is a trained assassin? Why have you kept this as a secret all along?” The furious Alijha asked.

“I thought you knew since he is your grandson.” He said innocently.

“No I didn’t know... nonetheless it’s OK you can go, by the way, what brought you here?”

“Nothing I just wanted to greet you, sir.”

“Ooh really? I doubt... were you not sent by Jr to spy me?”

“No! No! I can’t do that to you, my boss?”

“I no longer trust anyone of you?” Jad bowed then left.