The Wrath of the Unchained-Chapter 93 - Ripples in the Port

Khisa and his navy worked tirelessly, side by side with newly arrived refugees and rescued slaves. What was once a quiet, abandoned port now roared with life—hammers clanged against wood, and the sharp commands of training officers echoed along the docks.

In a small command tent pitched near the heart of the activity, Khisa and Tesfaye discussed their progress.

"We’ve finally rooted out all the informants," Tesfaye reported. "The perimeter has been expanded on all sides. Whatever comes next—we’ll be ready."

"Good," Khisa said. "We need to begin transporting the weapons to the capital. I’m sure the Emperor is growing anxious. We have enough to arm a full battalion, maybe more. But we should keep a portion here—they’ll be crucial to our victory."

"I’ll arrange it right away," Tesfaye said.

"Send two of the Shadow Guard with the convoy. Just in case," Khisa added. "And we need to prepare for the soldiers the Emperor promised. They’ll begin training the moment they arrive."

Days later, the sound of hooves and boots thundered through the dirt roads leading to the port. The new soldiers had arrived—and at their center, flanked by elite guards, rode two notable figures: Princess Azenet and Prince Tadesse.

They were greeted at the gates by wary, well-trained soldiers.

"Halt! State your business," one of them called. The new recruits, drilled in secrecy and discipline, treated every stranger as a possible threat.

An older man from the group stepped forward and produced a seal marked with the imperial crest. "We’ve been sent by His Majesty Emperor Gelawdewos to support Prince Khisa in expanding the navy."

The guards verified the seal and allowed them through.

As they entered the port, the newcomers were awestruck. The once-forgotten harbor now buzzed with energy and purpose. Civilians looked on in awe, while builders, sailors, and fighters moved in a steady rhythm of productivity. Some of the refugees worked together, their faces hardened by years of suffering, yet their eyes shone with hope now that they had a purpose.

Prince Tadesse leaned over to his sister. "Are we even in the right place? Last I heard, this was a dying port."

"It would seem Father’s trust was not misplaced," Azenet replied with a smile.

Tadesse scoffed. "He must have powerful allies. I doubt someone so young could pull this off alone. I think Father’s been deceived. This ’Prince’ is not to be trusted."

"I suppose we’ll see," Azenet said coolly. "And you’d better behave. Father asked me to tell Prince Khisa to discipline you if necessary."

Tadesse laughed bitterly. "What could a child Prince do to me? I’m the next emperor. He can shove it."

"Watch your mouth," Azenet snapped. "Your arrogance will be your downfall. Sometimes, it’s as if you’re just waiting for Father to die."

"Don’t put words in my mouth," he growled. "All I’m saying is, its a bit too convenient for us to have an ally when all hope is lost. Make no mistake Azenet, no matter how great you are at politics and diplomacy, you’ll never rule. You’re just a woman."

Azenet clenched her fists but said nothing. As always, her dreams would be buried beneath her brother’s ambition.

Commander Tesfaye met them as they arrived at the central grounds.

"Your Highnesses," he said, bowing. "Welcome. Please come rest from your journey. I apologize for the humble accommodations—we lack the luxury your status deserves."

"Where is this Prince?" Tadesse asked bluntly. "I’d like to meet the man who charmed my father."

Azenet sighed. "Please, Commander. Lead us to Prince Khisa. I’d like to meet him before anything else."

"Of course," Tesfaye said. "Though I ask for your understanding—Prince Khisa just finished his personal training session. He hasn’t had time to clean up."

"He trains despite his responsibilities?" Azenet asked, curious.

"Religiously," Tesfaye said. "If he’s not training, he’s teaching the troops languages, geography, and how to read sea charts. If not that, he’s on the water himself, patrolling or helping with ship construction."

"Sounds like he’s just trying to show off," Tadesse muttered.

"On the contrary," Tesfaye said. "Prince Khisa is a man of integrity. He leads from the front. Every time we lose someone, he grieves with us. He gives us hope—real hope—that this war might one day end."

As they walked, some of the new soldiers paused to watch the royal family pass. They whispered among themselves, eyeing the newcomers curiously. Many had never seen royalty up close, and their presence was a reminder of the high stakes. The civilians who had once feared the port’s desolation now saw their lives intertwined with the soldiers and leaders who walked among them.

They reached the tent. Inside, Khisa stood shirtless, pouring water over himself to cool off from training.

For a moment, Azenet was speechless. This Prince is... handsome, she thought.

Tesfaye cleared his throat. "Prince Khisa, allow me to introduce Prince Tadesse and Princess Azenet of Abyssinia."

Khisa looked up, caught off-guard. She’s... beautiful, he thought.

[I see you are still an ordinary young man, Khisa.] Ayaan teased in his mind.

"Shut up, Ayaan," Khisa thought back, flustered.

He quickly composed himself. "Forgive my appearance, your Highnesses. Did your father send you to support the war effort?"

"Yes," Azenet said with poise. "He believes we can learn much from your leadership. As princess of this kingdom, I thank you for everything you’ve done."

"There’s no need for thanks," Khisa said. "I simply did what was right. Victory is still far off. If you’d like, I can show you our progress so far."

"You seem full of yourself, little Prince," Tadesse said, stepping forward. "Who’s really backing you? The Ottomans? The Portuguese? Adal?"

Khisa’s expression turned hard. "I belong to the Kingdom of Nuri. That is my backer. I would never work for those who enslaved my people. Don’t question my integrity. I’ve done more for Abyssinia in months than your army has in years. My people have bled for your freedom. Don’t insult them."

Tesfaye stepped in quickly. "Prince Tadesse, allow me to show you to your quarters. We still have much work to integrate the new navy recruits."

Khisa turned to Azenet, visibly calmer. "I apologize for showing you that side of me, your Highness. Please let me know how I may make it up to you."