Caddy Chronicles by A.M. Hicks

Author:A.M. Hicks
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: BookBaby
Published: 2021-05-26T15:32:57+00:00

Chapter 11

Months passed since Gia and Xavier first arrived in Niani. Gia and Yasula vigorously trained with Ashira and their skills improved significantly. Gia developed into a skilled rider and swordsman with a growing reputation throughout the Mandinka temple. Yasula was exceptional in hand-to-hand combat and could disarm opponents within seconds. The two of them were excited about the upcoming warrior games and they shared aspiration of winning the competition. Winners of the warrior games were automatically classified as warriors in one of the different military branches. Although first year trainees had never won the games, Gia and Yasula were confident in their abilities and believed they had a chance.

Meanwhile, Xavier was making progress of his own. He no longer sat quietly in committee meetings, he did quite the opposite. Xavier would often debate with governors on strategies for the inevitable war brewing with the Ashimi. Mansa Musa was growing impatient with the stealthy attacks by the Ashimi. They raided multiple gold routes and Mansa Musa was tired of being on the defense against them and their cowardly attacks. He was ready to bring the fight to the Ashimi.

“Father, maybe we should re-open trade discussions with the Ashimi. I think if there is an opportunity to spare lives and avoid a war, we should at least consider it.” Maghan expressed.

“I will do no such thing. They destroyed our reserve, burned our villages, and raided our gold routes. The moment we begin trading with them we will seem weak and vulnerable to more attacks.” Mansa Musa shouted to Maghan and the other governors and advisors in attendance.

“But Father we’re already exposed. They want gold and everyone knows we have an abundant supply.” Maghan reasoned with his father.

“Maghan, the Ashimi don’t want to be our partners. When I visited, their people did not show any respect for me. They hated us and the wealth and resources we have. I could sense it, and many of them turned their noses up at me.” Mansa Musa explained. Mansa Musa took a large caravan on a tour through Arabia. During his visit to Ashimi, the people were less than enthused by his arrival. They did not bow in respect or smile in his presence.

“But how can you be certain? Maybe you were just uncomfortable in a foreign place, or maybe they have different traditions for royals.” Maghan tried to reason with his father.

“Royals! If it were not for the gold and spices, I brought, I would have been invisible. Son listen to me, the Ashimi believe we are inferior to them. No amount of diplomacy, nor trade agreement will change that. Do you understand?” Mansa Musa asked of Maghan.

“Yes father. I understand!” Maghan replied.

“What’s done is done. There has already been bloodshed and the only way this will end is by their submission and return to their land.” Mansa Musa explained. From the sound of his voice war was the inevitable.

“Understood. What is our next move then?” Maghan asked.

“Send one of our best diplomats south to Songhai to offer them gold in exchange for their allegiance and military support.

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