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)