The Prince of Nubia by Nathaniel Burns

Author:Nathaniel Burns [Burns, Nathaniel]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2015-12-24T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

The following morning, just as they settled for their meal, one of the messengers rushed into the room. He looked about, somewhat bewildered, for several moments before his gaze finally settled on the king, for a moment flitting to Shabaka before again settling on the king. His hesitance was not overlooked by those within the room as he finally spoke, “My lord, my king,” before lowering to his knee in address, “I was sent here in haste, there is trouble at the storage rooms once again.”

“Again?” the king demanded.

This time the palace advisor stepped forward, “We have not yet had opportunity to council you on the matter. Shabaka resolved it.”

“Which explains the messenger’s hesitation; what is the matter this time?”

“The creators and traders are threatening to burn down the storage rooms.”

“Fools! When will they ever learn that no one stands to benefit from such actions,” the king said, turning to Shabaka, “You can tell me the details on the way there.” He then rose from his position at the table.

“You require my assistance?” Shabaka asked, shocked, his gaze for a moment moving to Moses, as they were to start gathering information. “I thought the matter resolved.”

“Obviously the people do not think so, especially not if they are threatening to burn down the place.”

“But surely you do not need me there, father,” Shabaka tried to reason, only to have his father turn a pointed stare at him.

“You addressed the matter last time, you are still here. The people would accept a unified front from us.”

Shabaka nodded in understanding, turning to look at Moses, lifting his shoulders as a means of apology before rising from his position.

“You can collect information this afternoon, I’m certain there is little that could wait,” the king said, before turning to one of the palace guards, “Have my chariot prepared; the sooner we resolve, this the better.”

On their way to the storage houses, Shabaka informed his father about the discord between the traders and crafters, however, nothing prepared them for what they found there. There was a multitude of bodies milling around, shouting chants. Where on the previous occasion there had only been a few people, now the numbers alone made it difficult for them to proceed to the pylons that marked the gates of the storage area.

There were numerous shouts from all sides. Much of it was even properly understood, giving the impression that many people had no idea as to what the uproar was about, only that it seemed convenient. They passed several men holding lit torches, chanting, “Burn it down, burn it down. No good, burn it down!”

“Any idea as to what caused this?” the king shouted above the noise.

“No, it was not this bad last time.”

“We should have brought more guards,” the king replied, as they slowly progressed through the crowd, many people only making way when they recognized the occupants of the chariot.

On arrival at the gate, the onlookers settled, in expectation of the king addressing them. There were several mumbles in the crowds and fingers pointed at Shabaka.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.