The Wrath of the Unchained-Chapter 92 - The Banner of Hope

Naliaka and Ndengu sunk into the crowd, their cloaks dusty and their feet aching. They had never been to this part of the coast before, and weren’t even sure if the rumours that Nuri had taken it were true. Still, they kept their heads down and ears open.

The port city was alive—vibrant, noisy, bursting with movement. Buildings were being repaired, markets hummed with laughter and haggling, and soldiers strolled by on patrol, relaxed but vigilant.

The difference between here and Massawa was like night and day. Where Massawa had been drenched in misery—cages, chains, and rowdy pirates—Kilwa was freedom wrapped in stone and song. Merchants shared jokes with passersby, children played freely in the dust, and for a moment, the world felt untouched by war.

Naliaka’s eyes shimmered as the atmosphere soaked into her.

"I wonder if we can bring this to Abyssinia?" she muttered.

"We will do our best," Ndengu replied quietly.

Then they saw it.

The flag.

The glorious flag of Nuri, rising proudly above the tallest building in the city.

Ndengu nearly collapsed from the weight of the journey, the tension in his bones finally loosening.

The former palace of the Kilwa Sultan—now a command center for the Nuri government—stood tall in the city’s heart. The sight of the Nuri colors flapping in the breeze confirmed everything. Relief came like a tidal wave.

They slowly approached the palace. Two soldiers stood guard at the entrance.

"Can we please see King Lusweti?" Naliaka asked, her voice cracking.

"What business do you have with our king?" one of them asked, skeptical.

"We have information from far-off lands. Please. We’ve been through a long journey," Ndengu said.

The guards exchanged glances. Under the old Sultanate, beggars wouldn’t dare come near these gates. But under Lusweti? Everything had changed. The king welcomed the forgotten and broken, gave food and work to slaves, and taught that survival meant unity.

One soldier finally sighed. "King Lusweti is in town overseeing the construction. You’ll find him there."

"Thank you."

Despite their exhaustion, they pressed on. Every muscle begged for rest, but time was running out. The pirates weren’t far behind. From what they’d learned, the fleet headed toward Kilwa was massive.

As they walked through the streets, a voice rang out, high and trembling.

"Ndengu! Naliaka!"

A woman rushed forward and embraced them tightly.

Ndengu froze. "Mother?!"

His mother clung to him, sobbing. He dropped to his knees, holding her. He hadn’t realized how deeply he’d missed her warmth. Naliaka, too, collapsed beside them, tears streaking down her cheeks at the sight of a familiar face.

"What are you doing all the way out here, Mother?" Ndengu asked.

"We came to help rebuild. The war broke this city," she said gently. "You must have traveled far. Come, take a bath and rest."

"Mother, please. We need to speak to the king. It’s urgent."

"The king can wait. You’ve been through too—"

"That’s exactly why we can’t wait," Ndengu said, his voice firm.

She studied him a moment—then nodded. "Alright."

She led them through narrow streets to a modest but busy building—the king’s temporary office. Inside, King Lusweti stood surrounded by construction maps and blueprints. His face was drawn, exhaustion written deep into his eyes, but his mind was alert.

"Excuse me, King Lusweti," she said. "Ndengu and Naliaka wish to see you."

At the sound of their names, Lusweti looked up sharply. The children they had sent off to train, now grown. He stepped forward and pulled them both into a tight embrace.

"Welcome home, children."

They broke into quiet sobs, comforted by his strength.

"Tell me," Lusweti said gently, "what is so urgent that you came straight here?"

Naliaka and Ndengu placed parchments on his desk—blueprints and a sealed letter, bearing Khisa’s name.

The parchments were worn, crinkled from travel, but legible.

"As you know, we went north to train," Naliaka began. "A few months ago, we encountered a village under attack. We fought off the insurgents and later learned the kingdom’s name—Abyssinia."

Ndengu continued, "Khisa hoped to forge an alliance to help with the war. But the situation is worse than expected. Abyssinia is surrounded—the Adal Sultanate, the Ottomans, and now the Portuguese are circling like vultures. Adal and the Ottomans plan to wipe Abyssinia out. The Portuguese... we don’t know where they stand yet."

Naliaka unrolled the largest parchment, revealing a detailed naval design.

"Prince Khisa is helping them build a navy. These blueprints show what he’s developing, but he needs Nuri’s help. We can’t let them fight this war alone."

Ndengu tapped another scroll. "Here are formulas for gunpowder, new training drills, and even upgraded weapons. If we act now, we can hold the sea."

"There’s more," he said, his tone darkening. "Nuri is now a direct threat to the Ottoman slave trade. A fleet of pirates has been dispatched. They’re coming for your head. A few weeks, maybe less, before they arrive."

King Lusweti was silent for a moment.

Then he smiled. A hard, determined smile.

"Thank you for your hard work, Ndengu. Naliaka. Leave the rest to me."

He looked at the blueprints, then back at them.

"When those pirates come... they will be buried at sea."

He rolled up the plans, turned to a waiting aide, and said calmly, "Send word to General Malik. Begin Phase Three of our coastal defense. And tell the shipbuilders—I want every dock in Kilwa lit with fire and steel by dawn. We have new ships to build."

He turned the letter over in his hands, running a thumb over the wax seal.

He broke it carefully and began to read, Khisa’s handwriting immediately bringing a smile to his face.

Dear Father,

I hope this letter finds you well. I heard that you took over the coast and now Nuri has a port. As expected of my warrior father. Congratulations.

As you know by now, we encountered trouble. Naliaka and Ndengu have blueprints for you. I made sure the ones I gave you are a hundred times better than those I am building here—you can never be too careful.

You must push them back. I will make sure to establish a long-standing alliance with the Emperor of Abyssinia. Nuri will see future leaders coming for alliances. Make sure to always gauge their intentions properly.

I don’t want my father to be scammed.

Naliaka and Ndengu will stay there to help. I’ve taught them everything they need to know, but they are young and still have much to learn. Make use of them. Their skills will aid you in ways you can’t imagine.

Take care of yourself and our family. freeweɓnovel.cѳm

Sincerely, your son,

Khisa.

Lusweti closed the letter and held it close for a moment.

"You continue to surprise me, Khisa," he murmured. "Thank the ancestors you are still alive. Your mother was worried sick."

He turned to his aide again.

"Ready our troops. This city must not fall."

Outside, the waves rolled against the shore.

Unseen sails crept closer.

But Kilwa was ready—and so was King Lusweti.