Pharaoh of Fire (Land of Fire Book 1)

by Chadwick Duncan

  “Are you sure you two want to leave this early? The sun hasn’t even broken the horizon,” Haifa stated.

  Ida answered with her pleasant smile, “Yes, yes it is okay! We need to leave early to have as much sunlight as possible. I would like to make it to Castle Yama before nightfall.”

  “Okay fine! Have it your way. At least take some sun dried tamarinds for the rode. Something to snack on.”

  Irabor greedily grabbed the sack of tamarinds from Haifa’s hands, “Don’t mind if we do. Much appreciated.”

  “Hey! You ingrate!” Ida yelled as she kicked Irabor in his posterior.

  “Ahhh! Dammit woman! Kick me again and that leg is mine!”

  “What if I give you something else instead?” Ida replied with a smirk and ran her right hand down her stomach towards her pelvis.

  Irabor rolled his eyes and began, “Please, you are too young for me. I am probably like eight-nine years your senior.”

  “Wine is better as it ages, maybe the same holds true for men,” Ida bit her lips and looked up and down Irabor.

  Irabor’s tongue was tied and he blushed, so Haifa began “Didn’t you two say you were trying to conserve daylight!? You are sure doing a lot of talking,” Haifa mockingly chimed in.

  “Ugh yes! Come now Sapphire Eyes! It’s time to go! Dweli and Haifa, take care of yourselves!” Ida ran off and mounted her horse.

  “Why does she call you ‘Sapphire Eyes’? Your eyes are red,” Haifa asked.

  Irabor sighed and scratched behind his ear, “Because she is a pain in my ass.”

  Haifa began to chuckle then spoke seriously, “Take care of her Irabor. Great companions are hard to come by these days…lovers are even harder.”

  Irabor was caught off-guard by the remark and stared at Haifa perplexed. She smiled at him and returned back inside her house with Dweli. Irabor gazed at Ida rearing her horse, her locks flowed in the warm breeze and cocoa skin shimmered under the sun. He hurriedly grabbed for his horse and the two started their journey towards Castle Yama in search of Didi. While this ensued, Lord Vishal and Lady Lali approached the Nguvu family home, Alharamu. They traveled in a luxurious carriage embroidered with flowers and painted gold. The carriage was pulled by four white horses and steered by two Japreet clansmen.

  The Nguvu territory consisted primarily of stone buildings. Bustling cities and towns replaced most safaris and wild plains. Most of the wildlife in this region were either killed, or retreated further into the outreaches of the jungle to escape their end. Massive cobblestone towers were erected in the areas center, close to Alharamu. As the carriage neared, you could see the formidable fort. Alharamu was a massive castle, nearly twice the size of Selah Palace, which was the second largest monument in the lands. It was a massive stone fortress, fortified with a huge exterior wall that separated it from the rest of the city, catapults atop buildings, and a large, solid iron door as the singular entrance.

  “Alharamu, it has been quite some time,” Lali spoke as she peered out her carriage window.

  Lord Vishal smiled at her and replied, “Yes indeed my child. It has been quite some time since you last set foot here. We have very important issues to discuss with the Nguvu, so it is imperative you accompany me.”

  The massive iron doors opened so the carriage could enter. They entered into a yard filled with men sparring and training. They range from young lads, to adolescents, to grown men. They swung swords and wooden staffs. Others practiced hand-to-hand mixed martial arts, with some fighting being blindfolded. The carriage sauntered through the courtyard to the entrance of the castle.

  “So this is what they do all day huh? They have too much energy and time on their hands,” Vishal mumbled.

  “Well, they achieved great success somehow,” Lali snickered.

  The carriage pulled forth to a massive staircase. At the base of the staircase were men awaiting their arrival, “Lord Vishal, Lady Lali. It is a pleasure, Lord Rashid has been expecting you, please come this way.”

  The guard escorted them up the steps, through the front entrance and towards the conference room. As they passed through the castle, old and damaged suits of armor with names chiseled above them, were placed throughout the interior. Lali saw a name that looked familiar.

  “K-Kagiso the Great,” she mumbled.

  The guard began, “Kagiso was a mighty warrior. A real jewel to our clan. His campaign to rid Namib of the Blood Snakes was a great victory. Those infidels got what they deserved.”

  Lali responded, “Oh I remember the stories about him. He was Mansa Hatim’s grandfather. The Blood Snakes practiced Nebuvian magic, am I correct?”

  The guard nodded, “Yes you are. There were rumors that a few Nebuvians survived Ibrahim’s War three-hundred years ago and had descendants whom were members of the Blood Snakes cult. The rumors appeared to be false however. Just a bunch of extremists whom needed to be executed nonetheless.”

  “Ibrahim’s War that was the campaign that wiped the Nguvu off the map centuries ago. What led to such a conflict?”

  “The Nebuvians practiced many dark arts. Those practices were blamed to cause the Great Scorch. Tension grew over the centuries until in 713 A.S., Ibrahim Nguvu, Mansa of the Gibralta at the time, instructed them to stop. But the Nebuvians were having none of it. So he had to do the right thing and stop their pagan rituals…by any means necessary.”

  Vishal joined in, “Those were some interesting times. A whole clan destroyed for their crimes.”

  The guard added, “And we shall do so again in order to protect the peace. We will not allow men to have their blood taken for such atrocities.”

  The guard continued, “Here we go. Lord Rashid, your guests.”

  Lord Vishal and Lady Lali entered the room. The room was circular, with a large crescent shaped marble table. There were several men sitting at the table, with Lord Rashid in the center. The men all had serious looks on their faces, as if they meant business. They each stared intensely at Vishal and Lali as they made their way to sit opposite them.

  Lord Vishal, sensing the angst in the air, began, “Lord Rashid and fellow Nguvu, I am deeply sorrowed by your losses,” he bowed and gestured for Lali to do the same.

  Rashid began with a sour look on his face, “What do you want Lord Vishal?”

  Vishal raised his head, “What did you all think of the gifts we sent?”

  A man with a cleanly shaven head and long braided beard replied sternly, “They were much appreciated. Are you here just to know how we feel about your trinkets?”

  “No, I am here to speak on the current situation of the Empire.”

  “Very well then, go on,” the bearded man replied.

  Vishal began, “The Mali clan has taken Selah Palace by ‘questionable’ means, and I do not think Lord Assani plans on stopping right there. If he is as predictable as I suspect him to be, his malice will lead him to attack you all. I am here to notify you that we will only fight alongside you.”

  Rashid’s harsh demeanor slightly shifted, “You would oppose the crown’s call and fight with us?”

  “Yes. The Nguvu have always been the true rulers of the Namib. I will aid you in restoring that.”

  Rashid smiled, “Lord Vishal, this pleases me. I must let you know, I was afraid you might not side with us. Your clan’s army would sway the odds more in our favor.”

  Another Nguvu added, “We planned on fighting with or without anyone’s help and we planned on winning. But since are lending us a hand, we will see to it you are rewarded handsomely when this is all said and done.”

  Vishal replied, “I see, I understand. I have already formulated my first move.”

  “What is it?” Rashid asked, staring in wonder.

  “I plan on having Lali marry Nairobi. Putting her in the Palace would give us a great advantage. She can keep us informed of the Mali’s moves.”

  The Nguvu men were perplexed, then Lord Rashid began, “Have her marry Nairobi? There is no guarantee he will take her as a
bride. For all we know, he might have found one and they are finalizing things as we speak.”

  Vishal laughed for a moment then replied, “My daughter’s beauty is second to none. Do you not see this light hazel skin? Dark long curly hair? Shimmering hazel eyes? No man can deny her. Rest assured, Nairobi will choose her or his manhood will come into question,” the men in the room began to laugh as Lali crossed her arms and looked off to the side upsettingly.

  Rashid spoke, finally halting his laughter, “Okay then. That is a brilliant plan. Someone in the Palace to be our eyes and ears. It also finally puts a member of your clan in power.”

  “Precisely. Now the only move left for Lord Assani to do is try and have Nairobi strip Lord Commander of the Royal Army from you and bestow it upon him. When that day comes, we know that the war will be starting soon.”

  Rashid nodded, “True. I already instructed the Nguvu within the Royal Army to quit and return to Alharamu in case this happens. I will need them here to help us defend.”

  Vishal added, “And I sent word to the Japreet members for them to quit and help us fight alongside you.”

  “Good. We hope this plan is effective. If not, we are well equipped to deal with Lord Assani with or without insight on his plans.”

  “Might I ask, what does that mean?”

  The men began excusing themselves from the table, “Do not concern yourself Lord Vishal. Just make it so that Lady Lali Japreet sits within Selah Palace as soon as possible.”

  “Okay, I understand,” Vishal rose from his chair and bowed. He exited the room with Lali.

  Lali began, “Father, I do not like the Nguvu’s attitudes. They speak down on you, as if you are not a Lord yourself. We defend the entire southern border of the Empire and boast an impressive military as well. I do not understand where their divine disposition is coming from.”

  Vishal sighed, “The Nguvu are a very prideful lot. But they are also powerful, titles mean nothing to them. The only ruler they yield to or even acknowledge is themselves, because they believe they are the most powerful people on Namib, maybe even the world.”

  “Hmm I see. Well what about for your war preparations? You all seem pretty sure a large scale battle will ensue. What if Lord Assani’s anger is quenched with the acquisition of power.”

  He looked at Lali, “The fact of the matter is that Lord Assani need not even begin the war, Lord Rashid and the other Nguvu are already planning on taking back the Palace, because they do not agree with how it was taken from them. So blood will be shed regardless, it just depends on who will swing their sword first.”

  He looked back in front and continued, “Sitting in Selah Palace does not mean you have finally gained ‘power.’ Every Lord knows this. There is no real way to acquire power until the Nguvu are out of the picture. They are the physical manifestation of power.”

  As Lord Vishal and Lali neared the exit, a young girl impeded there movements. She had a fierce disposition, with two plaits to the left and right of her head. She crossed her arms as she spoke, “What are you two doing in my castle!?”

  Vishal took a step back and responded, “Oh, Razana! How are you? Last time I seen you I had to wipe your little butt!” he began laughing.

  Razana smiled and began, “You guys thought you could leave without saying bye!?”

  Razana ran towards Vishal to embrace him. He returned the favor and lifted her up. He placed her back down and she embraced Lali, “Lali! I missed you. You said you were going to teach me how to fight with a lance! Now come on!” Razana began tugging at Lali’s robes.

  “Not now Razi! We have important things to tend to.”

  Razana tilted her head, “Like marrying that monster Nairobi? Yeah, I heard the meeting!”

  “I have no choice. I have to marry him for the greater good.”

  Razana yelled, “He killed my big brother! You better drive your spear through him the moment he isn’t suspecting it!”

  Lali placed her hands on Razana’s head and kneeled down to look her in the eyes, “Razi, I will not just murder Nairobi. That will cause more problems than it solves. But I will avenge Habib’s death.”

  “No! Someone has to kill him! If you won’t then I will! Just teach me how to lance and I will take it from there.”

  Lord Vishal chimed in, “No, Razana. Habib knew the perils of the Ukulwa. You cannot spite Nairobi for his actions.”

  “I will spite whoever I please! Nairobi better sleep with his good eye open for the rest of his life, or I will take it and his life!”

  Lord Vishal and Lali began to laugh, then Lali responded, “You are so cute when you are upset. But Razi, you need to be careful. The current status of the Empire is questionable. You need to stay here where you can be protected.”

  Razana looked away in disapproval, “Yeah, yeah! Well, after you are done marrying that monster you need to come visit and teach me how to lance!”

  Lali smiled and kissed Razana on her forehead, “Of course my little princess. I do need to come by more often. I have been so busy preparing myself to lead the Japreet. After things are situated, I will return.”

  Razana smiled and allowed Vishal and Lali to pass, but then a woman raced into the room, “Razana! What did I tell you about running off into the castle! Little girl I will slap the color off your face if you disobey me again!”

  Vishal, nearly shaken out his skin, responded, “Oh! Lady Salma! I can see you are still as scary as ever.”

  Salma Nguvu ceased ripping Razana apart with her eyes and looked at Vishal, “Lord Vishal! And Lali! It has been far too long! What brings you two here?”

  Lali bowed as Vishal replied, “We were just speaking with your husband and his council about some serious affairs within the Empire.”

  “I see, ever since Nairobi acquired the throne, things have been turbulent. I always felt sorry for how Mansa Hatim treated him.”

  “Yes, yes. But Lord Assani is really the problem here,” Vishal solemnly replied.

  Salma riled her face, “Oh that snake! He cannot be trusted! He slithered his way into power. Whatever you men do, please rid Nairobi of that parasite. I still wish to see him prosper, even at the expense of my beloved son. Nairobi lacks guidance, and I cannot hold anything against him if we can still help him.”

  Vishal nodded, “Of course, my lady. Lord Assani made the most of a vulnerable Nairobi and it seems to be working in his advantage as of now. But the tides will soon change.”

  “Good! Tell Lady Mitali I wish her fortune and to see her soon. It has been far too long, her daughter is her spitting image.”

  Lali began to blush as Vishal replied, “I will relay the message. We shall be seeing each other more often in the coming days. These are the times to keep your loved ones the closest.”

  Salma nodded, “I could not have said that better myself. But I do not wish to keep you any longer, and nor does Razana. Now come here girl!” Lady Salma reached across and clenched one of Razana’s braids. She tugged her away as Razana released cries of discomfort.

  Chapter 15: The Sun Slithers

  The sun was at its highest point in the sky. Hot winds blew over the lands, carpeting the land in warmth. On the savannahs close to Gibralta, the home of Selah Palace, Lord Assani and Chukwuku were on their way back from speaking with Lord Mateus when they came across a pride of lions sharing a zebra. The lions sunk their jaws and claws into the zebra, ripping flesh and internals with each bite.

  “The natural order of things. The predator eating its prey,” Assani stated to Chukwuku as they sat in their caravan.

  “But the lion’s attacks are not always a success. They fail many more times than they succeed,” Chukwuku replied.

  Assani nodded, “True, but the key to survival is patience and persistence. And I have been very patient and very persistent over the years, now it is time for me to claim my kill.”

  The caravan finally arrived back to Selah Palace. While Lord Assani and Chukwuku entered the throne room, they were overtaken wi
th fright. Assani stared in bewilderment as he assessed the damages and burns to the throne room. Men had repaired some of the damages but there was still substantial destruction in the room. Char tattered the ground and walls, paint cracked and fell from the surrounding, chandeliers and torchieres were absent or burnt to a crisp.

  Assani screamed, “I demand to know what happened here! What happened to the Palace!?”

  The Hashish whom had escorted them into the Palace began, “The Palace was under attack a few days ago. The Mansa was tending to the victims of the rains, when a group of assassins infiltrated the premises and attacked him. The fire in here was a distraction to get closer to him, but he was able to ward them off in time for us to intervene.”

  “Is Nairobi okay!? Where is he?”

  “Yes. He is currently in his library.”

  “Take me to him at once!”

  The Hashish escorted Lord Assani and Chukwuku to the library. Mansa Nairobi sat in the library table with his scholar, they were going through the Nebuvian scrolls, “Your Excellency,” the Hashish spoke as he entered the library and bowed.

  He continued, “Lord Assani and Chukwuku have returned.”

  Nairobi, still staring into his studies, replied, “Uncle Assani, how are you?”

  “I should be asking you that question. I heard you were attacked? Is everything okay?”

  “Yes, yes. We fended them off but they escaped. Killing a good portion of my men and a few civilians. They are a part of The Creed ,however, so I shall not forget their faces nor that name. I will exact my revenge.”

  “Well I am glad everything is fine. I am here to report that Lord Mateus of the Angola clan is agreeing to our partnership. Next thing I need is for you to relieve Lord Rashid of his command over the Royal Army. It only seems fair to keep power within the family. Am I not correct? The Nguvu loathe your rise to power my dear nephew.”

  Nairobi spun around in his chair to look Assani in his eyes, “I see no need to relieve Rashid of his duty. He has done an excellent job with the military. I understand where your suspicions stem from, but Uncle Rashid would never enact a coup.”