Folashade sat at the back of the hut, washing the earthen pots her mistress instructed her to clean before her arrival. Soon, she was joined by Omolara, her newest friend among the slaves. The two girls greeted each other before Omolara settled down to work. She rinsed the pots as Folashade washed them. “You promised to tell me a story today, do you remember?” Omolara said, nudging her friend in the ribs. “You never forget, do you?” “What else do we have to look forward to in this forsaken place? Please, make my day by telling me an interesting one today. We won’t be able to do that once madam comes now. Omolara, come here, Folashade, have you done today’s work,” Omolara said in a voice surprisingly like her mistress’ own. The two friends collapsed against each other in laughter. “Ok, I will tell you one. Once upon a time when the people of Modakeke and Ife had one of their numerous civil wars…” *******************************************************************************