Chapter 34 - The Path of Fire
The last of the delegation vanished beyond the horizon, leaving only dust in their wake. The people of Nuri stood in uneasy silence, their hearts heavy with uncertainty.
The whispers grew louder, spreading through the gathered crowd like dry grass catching flame.
"Have we not suffered enough?"
"Why must we bleed for people we have never met?"
"Kilwa is far. If their people fall, will the enemy even reach us?"
"The King should have protected his own first!"
The tension swelled, thick in the air like an impending storm. Some among them crossed their arms, their faces set in quiet resistance. Others looked down, torn between duty and doubt. A few, warriors by nature, stood rigid with their hands on their weapons, ready to follow their King without question.
Lusweti stepped onto the raised platform at the heart of the square. He saw their fear. He understood it. But Nuri was built on something stronger than fear.
He took a deep breath and spoke.
"When we built Nuri, it was not just for ourselves." His voice cut through the murmurs, firm and unwavering. "Each of you standing here has known pain. Some of you lost your families to war. Some of you were forced into chains. Some of you watched as your lands burned and your people starved. And yet, we stand here today."
The crowd listened, but their uncertainty lingered. Lusweti took a step forward, his gaze piercing through them.