Chapter 144 - The Ripples of Responsibility
As the morning sun broke over the capital, its rays dancing across rooftops and the grand stone walls of the citadel, Prince Khisa stood in his study, reading the letter from Queen Nanjala with a deep furrow between his brows. The paper still smelled faintly of eucalyptus—Nanjala’s personal seal.
"We received visitors from across the lake. A disease afflicts the people of Buganda. The death toll is only rising per day. It may spread fast and might reach us. Wanjiru has departed with a team. More medics may be needed. I trust you will act swiftly."
He lowered the letter and turned sharply to the watcher nearby.
"Summon Naliaka. Tell her to come at once—with the Shadow Guard commanders."
Minutes later, Naliaka arrived, still wearing her training gear. Behind her came two senior Shadows, Wasike and Tiriki, silent and focused.
Khisa wasted no time. "Guests arrived in Lusimba, they need our help. A mysterious illness is sweeping through their land. Queen Nanjala has already sent Wanjiru and her team. I want a small unit of our medic trainees to go with them. This is their chance to gain experience under pressure—but they are not to take unnecessary risks. Their task will be more than just medical, they will need to investigate the origin of the disease. If we know what caused it, prevention will be easier."
Naliaka’s sharp eyes glinted with understanding. "How many should we send?"
"10 medic trainees. Two Shadows to escort them—preferably quiet ones. You will not interfere with their mission, your job is purely to observe and just help out the others in general. The medic trainees will need to form deductions on their own. If they make mistakes do not interfere as well. This is their chance to learn."
Wasike stepped forward. "Tiriki and I will go."
"Are you sure you want to go Tiriki? Your last mission was not an easy one. I will not refuse if you want to take it easy a bit longer." Khisa said.
Tiriki stepped forward and offered a salute, "My job as a shadow is to help Nuri as much as possible. My training was hard and my mission taxing, but that does not matter. When Nuri needs me, I will go whenever it calls."