The drift (fiction)

"I am not interested in this kingship role; you can have it, brother." I said this to my older brother with all seriousness as we sat across from each other at the dining table in his living room. His house was a two-bedroom apartment in Lajiki community, a settlement with a little below a thousand households, and my family happened to be among the four ruling classes. Our people have quickly improved in trade and commerce, attracting investors to the town, which already had the popularity of having the first school set up by the colonial leaders in the neighborhood. Lajiki had other smaller settlements under it and received tributes from them. The immediate past king died three months ago from one of the other ruling classes, and the choice for the kingship role had been zoned to my clan, of which my brother and I were the only ones qualified.

My brother, Adewale, had lived the majority of his life in the town, occasionally visiting the city where I attended school. I always looked forward to coming back to the community where my brother lived for my holidays. Our dad had passed away long before now, leaving most of his inheritance to my brother. Adewale had exhibited a fatherly role even though he was older than me by only 4 years.

"The kingmakers do not see it the way you do. It seems they want you to be king." Adewale said to me with a sad tone.

"Hehehe, brother, I'm not even interested; I've just graduated from college, and I want to further my studies." I replied. Adewale was mute for a while, making me wonder if I had said something wrong. While we were younger, he had opted to stay back to support our father in the village and on his farm. He is a successful farmer and trader, but admittedly, his level of education is not as sound as mine. Though, at 24 years old, I had my life mapped out to obtain additional educational qualifications, becoming the King of Lajiki was never on my to-become list. "I'm sure we can talk with them, brother. I have plans to further my studies, and you have been much around; you will be most fit." I reassured him, even though his countenance looked otherwise. "Let me go have some rest, brother." I continued, ignoring his awkward silence. I walked into the guest room and retired to sleep.

The following morning, Adewale's attitude became awkward as he seemed to avoid having conversations with me. I was least concerned, thinking perhaps he was not convinced of my disinterest. The remaining two days we spent together were as though we were strangers under the same roof. I sought avenues to further clear the air with Adewale, but he hardly gave me an audience. I left for the city with little or no farewell from my brother, and all efforts to mend our relationship proved abortive. "He was the older one, and I have no interest in this quest; why then should I suffer this attitude from him?" I thought to myself while traveling back to the city.
A month after I had left the community, I was summoned by the kingmakers to present myself to the palace. I had received various calls from relatives and friends in the community about how my brother had gone campaigning and soliciting for the kingmakers' support. These bothered me the least, for I desired the crown to be given to him so as to have the relationship with my brother restored.

"You have been chosen as our next king, and the coronation will be in a week's time." The spokesman for the kingmakers, an elderly man with gray hair, announced A cold chill ran through my spine, fearing the worst from my brother. Shocked at their decision, I thought of how best to decline the offer.

"Thank you for this great opportunity; however, my brother, Prince Adewale, is in the best position to lead the great people of Lajiki; he has wined and dined with you, and the tradition and culture of our people are at his fingertips. I desire most to continue my studies and contribute to the community's growth and development." I replied with all the humility I could foster. I noticed a few whispers among the kingmakers for about a minute before the spokesman continued.

"Thank you, Prince Adeboye. You have spoken well. However, the decision of the kingmakers is unanimous and cannot be upturned. May your reign be long and prosperous." The spokesman said it with a gentle bow.

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I knew my life was about to take a new turn that I was not ready for. What worried me more was my brother's state. He refused to heed my call, and even during the coronation, he chose to be absent. I made inquiries only to be told he had relocated to the back of beyond, staying alone in a cabin abandoned by the colonial masters. As much as I longed to reach out to Adewale, he stayed off Lajiki and would not heed my summons. Despite the decades that passed, rumors had it that Adewale lived in solitude and would not welcome the love extended to him by the people of Lajiki.