Chapter 135 - Home, at Last
After an entire month at sea, the salty winds finally began to change. The air grew warmer, scented with the mingling spices of the coast—clove, cardamom, dried fish, and the distant hint of burning sandalwood. As the ship creaked through the glittering waters of the eastern shore, the skyline of Malindi unfurled like a grand tapestry—gleaming towers of brick, tall watchtowers, and sails of docked ships swaying in the breeze like flags of unity.
Ahead of them, sleek navy patrol boats closed in, their hulls painted in Nuri’s deep indigo and sun-gold. Soldiers with polished spears and finely cut tunics hailed the approaching vessel, signaling the inspection protocol.
As the ships drew close, the lead patrol officer peered across the rail with narrowed eyes. But when Khisa stepped forward, his cloak fluttering behind him and the royal pendant glinting on his chest, the officer’s expression changed instantly.
"That ship is one of ours, I will go greet them." he whispered to his comrades. Murmurs spread among the patrol. Some stared in awe.
The patrol ships surged forward, they quickly boarded the ship.
Ndengu stepped forward, his posture calm but firm. "I am Ndengu wa Mwana. I served in the royal campaigns and I am also part of the shadow guard. We carry Prince Khisa Lusweti and the rest of the Shadows from Assab. We request docking permission and escort to the central palace."
The navy officer blinked. "Prince Khisa?" he repeated uncertainly. "We’ve... we’ve heard whispers from the coastal towns. That he built these ships. That he sent messages through the freed clans. We thought he was a myth—some visionary ghost."
Khisa stepped forward then, his cloak swirling in the sea breeze, the royal pendant gleaming against his chest. He met the soldier’s gaze with quiet confidence.
"I am no ghost," he said. "Just a son returning home."
There was a stunned silence before the soldier saluted quickly. "Forgive us, Your Highness. We didn’t expect— Please, we’ll escort you in."
Others nudged each other as if to confirm what their eyes showed them.