Season 1
Episode 3 Outline
The Declaration
The Legend
Many warriors have seen the bodies, know the stories about Layla of Taremu. Guards approach cautiously and prepare her for transport, as she is summoned to the king’s court. Layla enters the court bound and led by four of the king’s guards. The room erupts with murmurs and reviles from visiting citizens. Order is called.
Nassori orders Layla’s restraints removed but not without pushback and much reluctance from guards and Imari. Nassori persists. Layla is freed. Nassori orders a guard to arm Layla. Gasps amongst the people. Awe from the guards. Imari deeply confused but now intrigued by her father’s choice, understanding his “madness” must have a purpose.
“The king has gone mad” is the unspoken consensus. Imari watches calmly, patiently. Nassori moves past his guards unarmed as Imari reassures them but stays near the king. Nassori tells Layla to fulfill her heart’s desire. She refuses to attack him when he is unarmed. He admires her respect for the code but tells her if he had a sword, it wouldn’t be a fair fit.
“I don’t need a sword to kill you” she says, and attacks with her bare hands. She is no match for him and ends up on the ground constantly. Each time he commands that she stands, until she can’t anymore from the beating.
Nassori makes a declaration that changes everything.
“What we have before us is not a prisoner or a slave. She is a legend. She is walking history. Few soldiers have done in a lifetime what this woman has done by age thirty. We will not revile her. We will not have hatred towards her. She fought to defend her kingdom and her family. That is what a good soldier and a patriot does. That is what I hope all of us are willing to do if ever faced with certain death.”
He publicly gives permission to Layla make attempts on his life as often as she’d like with no consequences regardless of the outcome. The king signals for Layla’s guards to restrain her and take her back to her quarters.
Meeting of Minds
One late night, guards escort Layla into Nassori’s private chambers. He is sitting at a chess table. She sits on the other side. He makes the first move without a formal invitation. She response. They debate principles of war and rulership over casual games of blitz chess where any one of them will start resetting the pieces in the middle of the game as a sign of resignation. He challenges her ideas of war. She challenges his idea of forced cooperation being true peace. She calls his philosophy the fallacy of mad men. He says her lack of experience as a ruler has given her the luxury of arrogance on the matter in discussion.
“What do you want from me? I’m not free to go, yet I am not your prisoner. What am I?” she asked him.
“You’re my student, and you won’t leave here until I know you’re prepared to.”
“Student of what?”
“Your lessons start when you know the answer to that question.”
“Why? This makes no sense.”
“If it were my daughter sitting in your place, I would hope a king would respect me and her enough to do the same.”
“Chess and kind words don’t change the fact that you took everything from me. I will kill you, king Nassori.”
“I respect your honesty. You’re an honorable warrior, which I why I invite you to try, until you learn better.”
“Learn better?
“Good night, princess Layla.”
She exits. The guards are waiting.
Law and Council
Word has spread among the castle guards that Layla threatened the life of the king. Again, the public learns earlier than they should. Outrage. Questions about why Layla has not been sentenced to execution after verbally threatening the king. Speculation and rumor that Nassori is having illegitimate relations with Layla are circulating.
Still, Nassori remains resolute.
Layla has not broken. She has not pleaded. She has not tested her restraints. Balogun articulates concern, saying her quietness is more unsettling than defiance. It means she is measured, and even more dangerous when she eventually chooses to be.
“A warrior like that is never idle. Silence is preparation.”
Most agree with him out of concern for the king’s safety. Key members discuss challenging the king’s declaration on legal grounds and seeking an execution order for Layla. By law, if the king makes a decision that puts his life in immediate danger without reasonable cause, the council may vote to override his declaration.