Chapter 2
Episode 2: The Goldsmith’s Revelation
The village was just stirring to life as I made my way to the goldsmith’s shop. My heart hammered in my chest, every passing face a potential threat to my secret. I clutched the stone tightly, hidden in the folds of my dress.
The goldsmith, an old man with eyes like hawks, peered at me over his spectacles as I entered. “Sade? What brings you here so early?”
I glanced around, ensuring we were alone before approaching his workbench. “I need your expertise,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. “But I need your discretion as well.”
His bushy eyebrows rose with interest. “Intriguing. Show me what you’ve brought.”
With trembling hands, I placed the stone on his bench. The goldsmith’s eyes widened, a sharp intake of breath breaking the silence.
“By the gods,” he muttered, reaching for his loupe. “Where did you find this?”
“On my land,” I replied, watching anxiously as he examined the stone. “What is it?”
He looked up at me, his expression a mixture of awe and caution. “This, my dear, is a raw diamond. And a fine specimen at that.”
The world seemed to tilt beneath my feet. A diamond? On my land? The implications were staggering.
“How… how much is it worth?” I asked, my mouth dry.
The goldsmith shook his head. “More than you can imagine. But listen to me, Sade. This kind of wealth… it can be dangerous. You must be careful.”
I nodded, my mind reeling. “Thank you. Please, don’t tell anyone about this.”
As I turned to leave, a floorboard creaked outside the shop. I whirled around, catching a glimpse of a familiar figure darting away. My blood ran cold. Bidemi.
