After Renny's visit to Elimina Castle, her mood was stable, and she seemed to be more refreshed and at peace than she usually was.
School continued to go on as usual. Unknowingly, a month had passed by.
Today, the four friends were seated in their spot under the tree shade, cooling off with some cold drinks.
"Ewe, are you going for the trip too?" Nandi suddenly asked.
"What trip?" Ewe asked in confusion. Renny and Edi also turned to look at her in the same state.
"You remember Chedi? He added me to the school history forum. There was an expedition that was offered to our university to explore the Sahara Desert. Spots are open to any history major who is interested," Nandi explained before sipping her cola.
"Of course I know Chedi; I put him on the blacklist," Ewe grumbled as she picked up her phone, removing Chedi from the blacklist.
Nandi snorted at her response and turned to face Renny and Edi.
"So what do you say? We are not archaeologists, but as historians, we might find something like the Great Wall of Benin that was discovered; it can add to more African historical data," Nandi expressed.
"When is the trip?" Edi inquired.
"Next week," Nandi replied.
"Next week! And you are just telling us now?" Ewe exclaimed.
"So, are you guys interested?" Nandi inquired.
"I am in!" Ewe said through gritted teeth. She was short of funds, but trips were better than staying on campus; she couldn't afford not to go.
"Me too," Edi answered.
"I will also tag along," Renny said.
"Alright, let me send Chedi our details," Nandi said as she started texting away on her phone.
The matter passed just like that. After their details had been confirmed, the list of names of those who were going was sent on the official school forum on Thursday morning.
Nandi, Renny, and Ewe made a hair appointment to get braids to be ready for the journey; it was bound to be dusty so afro hair was a no-go in those conditions.
The group of four then went to shop for turbans and clothes that could withstand harsh desert conditions.
When the following week arrived, they were all set and ready for the trip. A meeting was held to brief students who were going to travel in the school auditorium, so they followed other students there and took their seats.
Other students were also seated with their friends and discussing the upcoming trip with excitement. Murmurs and whispers could be heard all around.
A middle-aged professor in a plain white shirt and suit pants walked in holding a small file. Suddenly, all murmurs quieted down in an instant.
Nandi sucked in her breath, making Renny turn in her direction with an inquiring look.
Nandi immediately picked up her phone and typed away. Renny received her message and understood her reaction.
That was the vice chairman of Moon University, a top researcher in Ghana, Professor Obeda Tundi!
The silence was almost deafening. Suddenly, another person walked through the door: a tall, muscular, extremely handsome young man.
He was wearing a white woolen sweater and simple black pants, but due to his physique, he looked like a real-life sand sculpture, delicately modeled to perfection. He headed directly to the front row and sat down, not before greeting the excited students beside him.
Suddenly, murmurs and whispers couldn't be silenced. That's because that was Alu Asantehene III!
"I can tell you are super excited; we old people can't compare to the young," Mr.Tundi jockingly said in self-pity, igniting laughter from the students.
"Alright, let the briefing begin. So from Ghana to the Sahara, over 22 km are covered by buses. We shall take the...." Professor Tundi started laying out the structure of the trip.
"Alright, let's welcome Oheneba to say a word; he helped with some, if not most, of the funds for this trip," Mr. Tindi said after finishing his speech.
Alu stood up and headed to the podium. He stretched out his right hand and shook Professor Tundi's hand, then bowed with respect, which startled the middle-aged man. He quickly attempted to straighten Alu, but Alu had already stood tall and turned to address the crowd.
"Professor Tundi is one of the finest products of Ghana; his words and input can't be compared to those of the youth," Alu spoke, his voice strong but not rough.
"Professor, please have a seat," Alu said, making Mr. Tundi smile helplessly like an elder facing a well-behaved child, and he sat down in the seat opposite him.
"I don't have much to add; my elder has said everything. All I request is that we all be on our best behavior and don't wander far away from the rest when we arrive. I wish for us to get along well," Alu said.
A loud applause echoed throughout the auditorium at his words. Some girls let it slip that he was handsome amid the claps, making Alu shake his head helplessly.
He headed back to his seat, and the briefing came to an end. Professor Tundi immediately headed in his direction and began talking to him politely; they then headed out.
No one could dare move out before them! Who had the guts to offend the two?
"Prince Alu is so handsome! I wonder who will be his future wife. Even if I become the third wife, I don't mind!" Some girl screamed as she passed by Renny and her friends.
"Girl, wake up! That is the prince," the girl's friend remarked as they exited the room.
"Well, what can I say? I don't mind if I become the fourth wife," Ewe dreamily said.
"Really?" Nandi jokingly teased.
"Really!" Ewe emphasized.
"I will get going; I really want to have enough rest before the journey since I can't sleep on the bus," Edi said as he stood up.
The girls followed behind him and went to their different places of residence.
In Professor Tundi's office, Alu held a cup of coffee and slowly sipped it.
"Oheneba, thank you for the opportunity. If it wasn't for you, our university wouldn't have gotten a spot," Mr. Tundi enthusiastically said.
"It's not a big deal; I just thought this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Why not seize it?" Alu politely replied.
"You're right. Please let me know if you need anything," Mr. Tundi said.
"No need to burden yourself. I already made some arrangements."
"I will tell my father about the idea you told me earlier," Alu said, making Professor Tundi smile brightly in gratitude.
"Thank you, Oheneba; this old man is really thankful," Professor Tundi said.
"No need for polite words between us, Uncle. By the way, what is the progress on what I asked you?" Alu asked as he placed his cup of coffee down.
"Well, there is really nothing strange around this university. Are you sure your speculations are true?" Tundi answered.
"They are not my speculations; it's the seer. I have to put Father's heart to rest," Alu said with a sigh.
"I understand. Anything to help the king. I will dedicate myself to your assignment, Oheneba," Tundi replied.
"Don't stress yourself too much; the kingdom still needs you, and so does Ghana," Alu said as he picked up his cup of coffee again and took a sip in thought.