CHAPTER 190: CHAPTER 190 - THE COUNCIL AT DAWN

The walk back to the catacombs felt endless.

The smoke from Soares’ compound still clung to their clothes, and every step stirred fresh pain. Blood and ash streaked their faces, but none of them spoke. The only sound was the crunch of boots on gravel and the labored breathing of the wounded.

By the time the shadows descended into the tunnels, the first faint light of dawn had begun to creep across the city above. The air underground was cool and damp, a welcome contrast to the inferno they had just left behind.

Waiting for them were Father Nzuzi, Lord Mvemba, Bishop Malembe, and the healers Joyi and Sarai.

Joyi was the first to move, rushing forward the moment he saw them. "By the heavens, what did they do to you?" he muttered, already reaching for his satchel. Sarai followed, her eyes soft but steady.

"Sit down, all of you. Now."

Zara and Kiprop obeyed without protest, exhaustion etched into their every movement. Joyi began to clean Kiprop’s wound, his hands practiced and firm.

Kiprop winced but managed a tired smile. "He’s finally dead. Soares is gone," he said through a breath. "You’ll need to send people to his compound — search his things. We don’t know what else he was planning."

Sarai wrapped a fresh bandage around his arm, her voice quiet. "You made it back. That’s enough for tonight."

Lord Mvemba stepped forward, his expression grave but relieved. "Thank you, Kiprop. Without your people, Kongo might have fallen to their schemes. You’ve done more for this land than you realize."

Kiprop shook his head slowly. "We did what had to be done. Now it’s your turn. We’ll rest here. The rest is up to you."

Father Nzuzi placed a hand over his chest and bowed deeply. "Nuri’s courage will not be forgotten."

Lord Mvemba nodded, turning toward the others. "I will find the ministers still in hiding. At sunrise, we tell the people the truth. Lumingu will be declared a traitor of Kongo — he and his followers will be arrested before they can spread more poison."

Zara’s tired voice drifted from behind him. "Then Kongo can finally begin to heal."

Mvemba paused, looking back at the battered warriors — the men and women who had fought not for their homeland, but for the freedom of another. "Yes," he said softly. "Because of you."

He turned and climbed out of the tunnels, his steps echoing into the dawn.

The palace was eerily silent when Mvemba arrived. The corridors, once filled with servants and laughter, now felt hollow. The scent of smoke from distant fires lingered in the air.

A carriage had brought in the surviving ministers, their faces pale with uncertainty. They gathered in the council chamber — the great table that once served as the heart of the kingdom now dimly lit by the morning light.

Lord Mvemba stood at the head, resting his palms on the wood. "Gentlemen," he began, his voice steady, "Soares is dead. Lumingu’s treachery has been exposed. The people of Nuri have done their part — now we must do ours."

One of the older ministers frowned. "And how do you propose we do that?" he asked. "The army is gone. Our soldiers have marched with the king. We are vulnerable."

Mvemba nodded, acknowledging the concern. "We will call upon every able-bodied man in the capital to keep order. Send word to the guards still stationed near the harbor — they are to return immediately. As for the rest..." he drew a slow breath, "...we search every home tied to Lumingu and his allies. Any document, any letter, anything suspicious is to be brought here."

Another minister leaned forward. "And when the people ask where the king is?"

"He is with General Kazadi," Mvemba replied. "They march against Lumingu even as we speak. By the time the sun sets again, this city will know the truth."

There was a murmur across the table — fear, disbelief, and exhaustion blending into one.

"Can we really trust those people from Nuri?" one minister asked suddenly. "They fight like shadows, appear and disappear like ghosts. How do we know they’re not just playing their own game?"

Mvemba’s gaze sharpened. "Nuri has done more for Kongo in two weeks than some of our soldiers have done in years. Without them, we’d be standing under a foreign flag right now."

Silence.

He straightened, his voice growing firmer. "They fought and bled beside us when others ran. We owe them our survival, not our suspicion."

The ministers exchanged uneasy glances, but none argued further.

"Good," Mvemba said, nodding once. "Then we move before the day grows old. Prepare the statements — by afternoon, Lumingu’s crimes will be read aloud to the people. Let them see the truth for themselves."

He paused, looking around the table. "We are not out of danger yet, but dawn has finally broken. Let’s make sure it lasts."

As the ministers dispersed, the first sunlight streamed through the high windows, cutting across the dusty chamber in golden slants.

Lord Mvemba lingered a moment longer, gazing at the throne — empty, but no longer tainted by deceit.

"For now," he murmured, "Kongo stands."

By morning, the palace courtyard began to stir.

Messengers raced through the streets, calling out that the council would address the people. Curious citizens poured in from every corner of the capital — merchants, soldiers’ wives, servants, even beggars.

Whispers filled the air.

"What’s happening?"

"They say Lumingu betrayed the king."

"No, it can’t be true."

"I saw the soldiers march out last night — something’s wrong."

"I heard we are being attacked by a neighboring kingdom."

Guards held the restless crowd back as Lord Mvemba and the remaining ministers stood upon the balcony overlooking the square.

The sun had fully risen now, painting the city in pale gold. The people below moved like a living tide — anxious, hungry for truth.

Lord Mvemba took a long breath and stepped forward, feeling the weight of the kingdom settle on his shoulders.

It was time to speak.

And to reveal everything.