SYNOPSIS:

Centuries ago, Obong Emem Eyo-Iboku, the celebrated king of OBUTONG, becomes bothered with thoughts of which of his three sons - EKPEYONG, IYKE and ELEMI would be his best successor. His right hand man and adviser, EDIDEM AFIA, also known as MASTER WHITE, brings up a plan that would bring out the true personas of each of the sons. They are sent on a mission to the endlands known as Nsim-Nson to find and kill a bird known as the PHEONIX-a bird storied to be capable of renewing itself even from its own ashes. They travel through several kingdoms but get separated when the boat lent to them by a neighboring ally capsizes and sinks. On return to Obutong, the king is happy with Elemi’s ideology, agrees with his belief in the regard for THE SUPREME BEING, and eventually declares him the successor to the throne. An offer bluntly rejected by Elemi – much to the admiration of his lover INI while Iyke assumes the kingship after the death of Obong Emen. One year later, Adaeze arrives at the Highlands of Obutong with Iyke’s child, and this sparks a rebellion by Ekpeyong against the King. Elemi talks to both of his brothers to avert a war, but when they would not listen, he reaches within and orchestrates a plan to save the kingdom from destruction, and also keep his brothers alive.