CHAPTER 207: CHAPTER 207 - THE PATH OF TRUST

Dawn broke in hues of gold and rose over Lusimba. The air carried the scent of damp earth and smoke from cooking fires, mingling with the faint tang of iron from the soldiers’ polished weapons. Birds stirred in the trees above the palace courtyard, their songs blending with the rhythmic beating of drums that signaled the beginning of a new journey.

The delegation to Buganda stood assembled in neat formation before the royal dais, banners of deep blue and white fluttering in the cool morning breeze. Camels, horses and oxen shifted restlessly beside a long line of wagons heavy with goods: bales of finely woven cloth, jars of scented oils, carved figurines, medicinal herbs, and baskets of dried fruit. Each gift had been carefully chosen, tokens of peace, strength, and trade.

At the head of the company stood Minister Juma, tall and deliberate in motion, his diplomatic robes a deep indigo trimmed with silver. Beside him, Minister Achieng’ adjusted the strap of her travel satchel, the morning light catching on her golden bangles. Behind them, the three Shadows: Waweru, Cherono, and Nia, stood quiet and vigilant, their expressions unreadable beneath their traveling cloaks. A small but disciplined unit of guards completed the party, their spears gleaming like shards of sunrise, rifles hidden beneath their cloaks.

The courtyard was alive with farewells. Families embraced, soldiers clasped arms, and children darted between the legs of oxen to catch a final glimpse of their loved ones. The scent of fresh bread wafted from a nearby stall where early vendors had gathered to see the grand send-off.

From the palace steps, King Lusweti stepped forward, his cloak of white lion fur draped across his shoulders. The murmurs quieted instantly. He regarded the gathered men and women with pride and gravity.

"I trust all of you to return successful," he began, his deep voice carrying easily across the courtyard. "Nuri has grown from the tiny village it once was to a mighty kingdom that now seeks friendship beyond its borders. Today, you represent not only your clans or your families, but the heart of our nation."

He paused, sweeping his gaze over the delegation. "Your words will carry our values. Your actions will carry our name. Remember that Nuri stands for unity and peace, but never forget, peace must walk beside strength."

A cheer rippled through the crowd, the sound swelling like a wave. Drummers beat their instruments louder, and the horns of farewell blared three times, the traditional blessing for safe travels and victorious returns.

Khisa, still walking with the help of a cane, stood beside his father. His injuries had not healed fully, but his spirit burned bright as ever. He leaned slightly on the cane, smiling faintly at Juma and Achieng’.

"Make sure Buganda sees Nuri for what it truly is," he said. "A land reborn, not a kingdom begging for favor. Our strength lies in our unity, and the ideals that built it. Do not forget the pride of this Kingdom."

Minister Achieng’ smiled knowingly. "We’ll make them want to stand with us, Prince. We might have earned some respect from our previous actions, but we will show them that we are trustworthy as well."

Juma bowed his head. "And Kongo will see that our interference in their matters was only for the sake of the innocent. We will make sure our kingdoms are strengthened but our unity."

Lusweti stepped closer to each of them, placing a firm hand on Juma’s shoulder. "Your journey will not be an easy one. The roads through the west are long and sometimes treacherous. But know this, Nuri’s prayers follow you. The ancestors walk with you."

Beside the royal dais, Nanjala handed small gourds filled with water to the delegation leaders, the water of remembrance, symbolizing home and loyalty. "Wherever you drink from this, remember where you come from," she said softly.

The Shadows bowed low to her, each taking a gourd. Nia, the youngest, tucked hers carefully into her belt and whispered, "For Nuri."

As the delegation mounted their camels and wagons, the courtyard erupted in song, a powerful, rhythmic farewell chant led by the women’s chorus. Drums thundered. Spears rose in salute. The people of Nuri shouted blessings to the travelers, their voices filling the air like the beating of wings.

Children ran behind the departing caravan for several paces, laughing and waving strips of blue cloth before the guards ushered them back. The caravan moved through the western gate, the banners of Nuri fluttering in the wind, a line of color against the rising sun.

Khisa watched them go until the last wagon disappeared beyond the hill. For a long moment, he stood silently, his expression unreadable. Lusweti glanced at him, then at the empty road.

"They carry more than just trade," Lusweti said quietly, his gaze still fixed on the horizon where the last of the caravan dust shimmered in the morning sun. "They carry our future." He turned to Khisa with a small, knowing smile. "I am sure you are itching to go with them."

Khisa gave a soft laugh, though his eyes betrayed his longing. "You know me too well. I wish I could go, to see it through to the end, to make sure everything goes right."

Lusweti chuckled, placing a steadying hand on his son’s shoulder. "I understand that feeling more than you think. But as Nuri grows, we cannot pack up and leave as freely as before. There was a time when the chief’s son could ride to every battle and join every mission. That time is gone." His tone softened, fatherly yet firm. "Your presence in Kongo showed us that. You almost died in a foreign land, and had that happened, Nuri would have lost not just a prince, but the mind that shapes its tomorrow."

Khisa frowned slightly, looking down at his cane. "I just hate sitting here while others do the work."

"That is what trust demands," Lusweti replied. "You’ve trained these people, guided them, inspired them. Now let them prove that Nuri’s strength is not built on one man alone. It’s built on a people united under a single dream."

Khisa’s lips curved into a faint smile. "You always know how to make it sound simple."

Lusweti laughed softly. "That’s because I’m your father. It’s my job to remind you that leadership isn’t just about moving forward, it’s also about knowing when to stay still and let others move for you."

The two stood in silence for a while, watching the fading dust on the horizon. The drums had stopped, the songs had quieted, and only the wind whispered across the courtyard.

The drums faded into the distance.

Nuri stood still once more, hopeful, watchful, and ready for whatever came next.