The King's Sceptre by Edgar wallace

Name: The King's Sceptre
Author: Edgar wallace

The narrative unfolds in a colonial setting where breakfast discussions at the residency often lead to debates about local legends, particularly the mythical sceptre of a great king. Captain Hamilton dismisses the idea of such artifacts, while Lieutenant Tibbetts and Bones, a more optimistic character, believe in the sceptre's existence. The story introduces M'turi, a hunter from the Isisi tribe, who, despite lacking magical powers, is embroiled in local politics and prophecies. M'turi's journey begins when he is expelled from the Akasava tribe after failing to deliver prophecies. He seeks refuge with Bosambo, the chief of the Ochori, who is skeptical of M'turi's claims of power. M'turi's ambitions lead him to steal a magical rod that supposedly has the ability to clear a blocked river, which he believes will elevate his status among the tribes. As tensions rise between the Akasava and Ochori tribes, Sanders, the colonial commissioner, becomes involved, seeking to maintain order. He dispatches Bones to investigate the situation, leading to a series of events that intertwine local politics, magic, and the quest for the sceptre. The narrative explores themes of power, belief, and the clash between colonial authority and indigenous traditions. The climax occurs when M'turi's actions inadvertently lead to the uncovering of the sceptre, which is revealed to be a stick of dynamite. This twist highlights the absurdity of the characters' beliefs and the consequences of their actions. Ultimately, the story critiques colonial attitudes and the misunderstandings that arise from cultural differences, all while weaving a tale of ambition, deception, and the search for significance in a rapidly changing world.

By Edgar wallace · First published 1921 · Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Colonial Fiction · 5,116 words

First lines

BREAKFAST time was the hour of controversy at the residency. It was most vehement when Captain Hamilton of the King's Houssas had a little touch of liver, or was recovering from the effects of a bout of fever.

Lieutenant Tibbetts could also be very annoying. He was constantly rediscovering obvious things, or revivifying theories that had been decently interred in the year dot. Never a trip did he make to hinterland but he brought back some marvellous recovery of that which had never been lost.

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The King's Sceptre is listed on Textopian as a novel by Edgar wallace, dated 1921 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Edgar wallace
Date: 1921 CE
Language: English
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Colonial Fiction, Mystery, Drama
Length: 5,116 words
Structure: 1 section, 100 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Adventure — The plot revolves around exploration, discovery, and the pursuit of a legendary artifact, which are central elements of adventure narratives.
Fantasy — The themes of magic, prophecies, and mythical elements, such as the Great King's sceptre, align with fantasy genre conventions.
Colonial Fiction — The setting in Africa and the interactions between colonial figures and indigenous tribes reflect themes common in colonial literature.
Mystery — The quest for the sceptre and the various characters' motivations create a sense of intrigue and suspense typical of mystery stories.