Khisa began his journey to Gondar with Prince Tadesse, Ndengu, and a handful of trusted warriors. The road stretched long and weary, winding through hills and forests, past abandoned villages still bearing the scars of past raids. They rested little, pushing forward with the urgency of n carrying the weight of a nation on their shoulders.
By the fifth day, the spires of Gondar ca into view. Soldiers stationed at the outer gates recognized Prince Tadesse imdiately. After a few customary checks, they were ushered through the bustling streets. Traders called out their wares, children dashed about barefoot, and the scent of roasting maize filled the air.
One of the guards, a grizzled man with a scar over one eye, approached them. "Prince Tadesse, we did not expect you back so soon," he said, bowing respectfully. His gaze lingered curiously on Khisa and Ndengu.
"I bring a guest of great importance," Tadesse replied, nodding toward Khisa. "This is Prince Khisa of Nuri, he is here as a delegate and is assisting us in the Assab port. He carries news that must reach the Emperor imdiately."
Without delay, they were escorted to the palace. The Emperor’s office was a flurry of clutter—maps, scrolls, and correspondence littered every surface. The man himself looked exhausted, his robe rumpled and his crown resting carelessly on a shelf.
"It’s good to see you, son," Emperor Gelawdewos said, his tired eyes lighting up at the sight of Tadesse. "Prince Khisa, welco to Gondar."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Khisa replied with a respectful bow. "It’s a pleasure to be here. This is my companion and guard, Ndengu. He is trustworthy and has proven his loyalty many tis over."
The Emperor nodded. "Your presence here tells you have sothing urgent to discuss."
"Yes," Khisa said, his tone shifting to one of solemn pride. "A great deal has changed in Assab. I believe you will be pleasantly surprised."
"Please, tell everything."
Khisa sat forward. "When we arrived, Assab was in complete disarray. The port was overrun with insurgents and pirates taking advantage of the chaos. The first thing we did was drive them out—every last one. With the help of Commander Tesfaye and loyal warriors, we secured the docks and surrounding territory. We began construction on a fleet of ships imdiately—small ones at first, quick and maneuverable. They now patrol the waters, keeping them safe."
The Emperor blinked, clearly taken aback. "That’s... extraordinary. After we lost Zeila and Massawa, I thought naval warfare was out of our reach."
Khisa smiled faintly. "It gets better. We made sure to intercept as many enemy vessels as we could, that helps us with both weapons and supplies. During one patrol, we intercepted Ottoman vessels heading straight for Assab. It was a calculated assault. We engaged them and won. Since then, they have been silent—but I doubt it’s over."
"And what of the port itself?" the Emperor asked, leaning forward.
"We’ve transford it," Khisa said. "We rescued hundreds of slaves from the black markets. Instead of casting them aside, we offered them freedom and paid labor. Many chose to stay and work. Their hos were either razed or their leaders sold them. Their gratitude fueled their dedication, and their labor has accelerated our construction and farming projects. A few decided to join the navy, I apologise for adding them to your army without permission but I need all the hands I can get.
"We reclaid land from the nearby forests and converted it into farmland. We also began raiding Ottoman and pirate supply ships—gathering weapons, resources, even ship blueprints. Everything we seize is put to use.
We have reinstated trade with rchants from all over, we have access to dicine and food.
The port is living again, Your Majesty. Thriving. The people there have hope."
The Emperor sat back, stunned. "You must be the most resourceful man I’ve ever t. I assud you’d co asking for supplies or reinforcents, but it seems you’ve built a small kingdom on your own."
Khisa nodded. "That is true. However, Assab’s growing wealth will draw attention. Once the nobles realize how profitable it has beco, they will interfere. They’ll try to exploit it."
"I’ll handle the nobles," the Emperor said with a steely edge in his voice. "Since we began purging their corrupted businesses and cutting off their informants, they’ve been quieter. But I’m under no illusion that it will last. I’ll make sure they stay out of your way."
"Thank you. Once the war ends, you’ll have full access to the port. All I ask is that your people are treated fairly."
"You have my word," the Emperor said, bowing slightly. "I will not undo your work."
"There is another matter," Khisa continued. "The influx of slaves. Commander Tesfaye and I devised a strategy to weaken our enemies by targeting one of their primary resources—human labor. They need slaves for their farms and wars. We’ve been buying them covertly, posing as rchants in need of farmhands."
He leaned closer. "We’ve set up seven different checkpoints. Each rchant only knows their leg of the journey. They travel separate routes, unaware of the others’ existence. We’ve paid them for their silence. Even if one is compromised, they can’t reveal the entire operation. It’s secure. Those we rescue are rehabilitated and integrated. Princess Azenet has played a crucial role. Her compassion has helped many begin to heal."
The Emperor turned to Tadesse. "Is this true?"
"Yes, Father," Tadesse replied. "Azenet has been incredible. She listens to them, understands them. She’s guided the entire process. I’ve seen it myself."
"And you?" the Emperor asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I’ve been learning as well. Prince Khisa has taught more than I expected. He’s sharp, practical, and—" he paused, swallowing a bit of pride, "—braver than most generals I’ve t."
"You’re growing well, Tadesse."
Khisa spoke again. "In addition to the checkpoints, we’ve established a communications network. Posts every ten kiloters, each manned by trusted officials, orphans and street children trained as runners. ssages are encoded and passed from post to post. None of them know the entire ssage or route. It allows us to receive updates from Massawa in hours instead of days."
The Emperor’s eyes widened. "Genius. We’ll replicate that system here. It could revolutionize our command chain."
"There’s more," Khisa said. "Ndengu was sent to Nuri to gather intel. He returned with a shipload of supplies and newly engineered weapons. Nuri’s navy is far more advanced than we expected. They’ve begun developing more powerful guns, and they’re willing to help. My father has given full authority to negotiate. He’s agreed to send us a fleet when needed."
"A fleet?" The Emperor blinked. "Nuri is truly committed to this?"
"They are. My father understands the stakes. He believes in our cause."
The Emperor exhaled. "I feel like I’ve done nothing while you’ve reshaped the world. Your mind is terrifying, Prince Khisa."
"I do what I must to ensure our survival," Khisa said. "Now, there’s one final discovery I must share. Aboard one of the captured Ottoman ships, we found a logbook. It details a plan for Ottoman expansion—far beyond what we feared. They intend to dominate the entire Indian Ocean trade by seizing key territories: Zanzibar, the Swahili coast, and even pushing into Mzansi that is further south than Nuri. Their aim is to cripple every independent kingdom that could challenge their control."
The Emperor’s expression darkened with fury. "They’ve already sent soldiers that far south?"
"Yes," Khisa said gravely. "If we don’t act, they’ll tighten their grip until we suffocate. That’s why we must drag out the war—bleed them dry. Every stronghold, every farm, every convoy—they must pay for every inch they take. Eventually, they’ll grow tired and turn elsewhere."
The Emperor leaned back in his chair, anger slowly hardening into resolve.
"We’ll do it your way," he said. "But can our army hold out long enough?"
"We must try. And I propose sending an official delegation to Nuri. I’ll write an introductory letter and map a safe route. If we establish steady trade, we’ll have access to their food reserves. Supplies won’t be a problem for long."
Tadesse watched Khisa, his heart pounding. The boy before him spoke like a war-hardened king. How could soone so young carry such weight with ease? It wasn’t just knowledge—Khisa had vision, tenacity, and a terrifying ability to see five steps ahead. For the first ti in his life, Tadesse felt humbled. Humbled and inspired.
Khisa wasn’t just a prince—he was a storm wrapped in royal silk.
"One more concern," Khisa added. "The Portuguese. They’ll send emissaries soon. Their allegiance could shift the balance. If they agree to trade without slaves, they can have priority access to gold and ivory. But if they refuse and side with the Ottomans, we will shut them out of the Indian Ocean entirely. That would destroy their influence in our waters."
"And if they choose war?" the Emperor asked.
"Then we make sure that war drains them. Every alliance, every trade network we build will isolate them. Even a powerful empire can starve in the shadows."
The Emperor stared at him for a long mont before bursting into laughter. "Prince Khisa, you are mad. Mad and brilliant. I’m honored to fight beside you. Let the Portuguese co. I want to see what they’ll do."
He stood and offered his hand. "Let’s change the world."
Reviews
All reviews (0)