Chapter 107 - The Pillars of Tomorrow
Following the proposal to restructure the government, Nuri was on the cusp of unprecedented transformation.
It took only a day for the letter to reach the western provinces.
As expected, the elders were incensed.
Just the other day, they had been a small village. Now here was yet another attempt—so they saw it—for the King to consolidate even more power. Many had fought for their status, clawed their way into positions of influence. Now, with the stroke of a quill, that influence could be diluted—dismantled.
A council meeting was swiftly summoned in the high chamber of the western assembly. Present were Queen Nanjala, Captain Shikuku of the Watchers, and several prominent elders—Namwamba, Naboka, Mwinji, Mumia, Wafula, Amisi, Mwanzu, Owino, and Jabari. Wairimu the priestess sat silently, fingers steepled in thought, while Sangolo the shaman muttered softly to himself, casting runes of ash on a small gourd.
A few seasoned warriors lined the walls, their expressions unreadable. The tension was palpable.
At the center of the long wooden table lay the letter.
Few dared to touch it.
"It is tyranny dressed in silk," Elder Mwanzu spat, his voice hoarse with age and fury. "This is not governance—it is domination."
"Once again, change comes wrapped in promises. Always promises," Owino added, shaking his head. "We built this system with our hands. And now it is to be torn down overnight?"
Queen Nanjala, weary but composed, rose to her feet. Her voice was calm, but there was steel beneath it.