Characters in the play
Queen Ibe
Gideon---- Mrs Ibeh's son
Uchechi...........Gideon's uncle
Onunka............ Gideon's friend
Elder Iweke
Elder Edochie
Elder Ike
Elder Akam
Guards
Act 1
Scene 1
The scene is opened on an elderly woman in her queen attire in the palace when her son enters.
Queen Ibe: (sees her son) Ah!My son, how are you?
Gideon: Mama I am fine.
Queen Ibe: When did you return from the University? I asked your friend about you but he said you haven't yet returned. I was worried.
Gideon:We had some difficulties with the vehicle, that's the thing that delayed us. Well, I returned last night and slept at my friend's house. Traveling from here to the city is not an easy thing.
Queen Ibe: Thank God for safe journey
Gideon: Has papa been buried?
Queen Ibe : Yes, of course.
Gideon: I wish I was around.
Queen Ibe: It is a sad thing and the elders are accusing me for his death.
Gideon: They do not know what they are doing. They are accusing the Adorable Queen of Ndiama. Forget about them.
Queen Ibe: Your father was a good King and would be known by all.
Gideon: Yes Mama, you are right. May his soul rest in perfect peace.
LIGHTS OFF
Scene 2
Two elders are sitting on a bench discussing.
Elder Iweke: It has been a sad thing since our King's death. I wonder how the Queen and our Prince will cope.
Elder Edochie: They will learn how to cope but didn't he will his throne to someone like his son?
Elder Iweke: I really don't know. We would meet the Queen and confirm the will.
Elder Edochie:(laughs)Ike said we shouldn't see that woman. He also said that she killed her husband.
Elder Iweke:Ike jumps into conclusion anyhow without investigating the matter.
Elder Edochie: Ike doesn't also speak the truth.
Elder Iweke: Let's leave his matter and talk ahead. We would meet the Queen tommorow.
(Enter Elder Ike)
Elder Ike: I have sought for you in the palace but I didn't see you.
Elder Edochie: What would I be doing in the Palace when there is no king?
Elder Ike:(sits down) Do you people know how much is in the treasure box?
Elder Edochie & Iweke: No....
Elder Ike: Hmm.. it is up to a million naira.
Elder Iweke: How did you know about this?
Elder Ike: The gaurds told me.
Elder Edochie: You're a liar, Ike, you searched the palace and I must report you.
Elder Ike: Are you trying to call me a theif?
Elder Edochie: Yes
Elder Ike: You're insane.
Elder Edochie: You're telling me what you are.
Elder Iweke: Pls, this shouldn't bring trouble among us.
Elder Edochie: He insulted me first.
Elder Ike : You accused me first.
Elder Iweke: He didn't accuse you. It was what you said that sank the boat.
Elder Ike: (angrily leaves their presence)
Elder Iweke: I have said this and will say it again, Ike doesn't in any way, look into the progress of this village. See how he left.
Elder Edochie: I regret ever knowing him.
Elder Iweke: It is okay before water will be more than garri,as they say.
Elder Edochie: I have heard you.
Elder Iweke: Remember....
Elder Edochie: I know. We will meet tommorow morning.
(They stand up to leave)
LIGHTS FADE
Scene 3
The Next day,
Elder Edochie and Iweke at the palace with the Queen.
Queen Ibe: You are welcome.
Elder Edochie: It is our pleasure.
Elder Iweke: We request for the will.
Queen Ibe: I am with it. I wasn't with it earlier, it was with a lawyer so I had to collect it after his death.
Elder Iweke: That's okay. Let us see it.
(Queen Ibe goes in and brings out a box, in it was a document, she opens it and hands to them)
Elder Iweke: Here, it shows that his throne will be given to his son called Gideon.
Elder Edochie: Wow
Queen Ibe: My son is not aware of it because my husband did not tell him.
Elder Iweke: Take. Thank you for telling the truth. Your son will become king in place of his father.
Queen Ibe: Thank you my elders. I am delighted.
(The two elders exit the stage)
(soloquizing)I knew he will become the king. I knew it.
(Gideon enters the scene)
Gideon: Mama, are you talking to yourself?
Queen Ibe: My son, you would be king soon. Your father willed his throne to you.
Gideon: Will?
Queen Ibe: Yes!
Gideon: Wow
Queen Ibe: Follow your father's footsteps and rule well. May God guide you as you pilot the affairs of the village.
Gideon: Thank you Mama.
( They hug each other)
Scene 4
Gideon and his friend are licking Cherry under the tree.
Onunka: I wondered why you came to see me that night.
Gideon: I was excited when my mother told me the news.
Onunka: Which news?
Gideon: I am replacing my father as the next king. I never knew he willed the throne to me.
Onunka: I hope this is not a fallacy.
Gideon: No
Onunka: I hope you wouldn't forget me right?
Gideon: (laughs)Never will I do that.You are my very good friend.
Onunka: Thanks so much. Through you, I have forgotten so many of my problems. God will bless you.
Later, Elder Ike sent for Gideon
Elder Ike: I heard you will become the king soon.
Gideon: Yes sir.
Elder Ike: I want you to do something for me. I want you to give me information about the palace and also tell me the amount of money in the treasure box.
Gideon: Nothing concerns you with the palace.
Elder Ike: Don't worry, I will explain it better to you when you become the king.
Gideon: Alright sir, till then.
(Curtains draw)
