The Wrath of the Unchained

Doubt was natural. Even expected.

Some of the new members of the Nuri Kingdom—former captives, refugees, and even some of the Angwenyi—were uncertain about following Khisa's commands. To them, he was still a child, no matter his title as Prince.

But time and time again, he proved them wrong.

Khisa never hesitated to lead from the front. He did not demand blind obedience; he earned it through action. His strategies worked. His decisions bore fruit. And slowly, skepticism turned into respect.

Yet, he knew respect alone would not build a kingdom.

"The foundation of any kingdom is literacy," he declared at a council meeting. "If our people can read and write, no one can trick them in trade. They will not be cheated out of their land or wealth. Knowledge is power, and we will wield it."

The villagers murmured among themselves. Some nodded in agreement, while others scoffed.

An elder named Mwanzu, a man known for his skepticism, crossed his arms. "Books will not build houses, boy. They will not put food on our tables. You speak like a man, but you think like a child."

Khisa met his gaze without flinching. "A fool signs a trade deal with only his thumbprint because he cannot read. A fool gives away his land because he does not understand the words on a contract. We will not be fools."

The murmurs grew quieter.

Still, education required teachers.