326

Birningzana : the jabari chief

Several soldiers exchanged glances, then one stepped forward, returning shortly to address Bassanga, "Please come this way."

Bassanga approached, with Forseti close behind, but a soldier blocked their path with a raised spear, "Others cannot pass."

The soldiers' gazes fixated on Forseti and Shilut, especially the latter's stone-like form, sparking caution.

"He's the Asgardian god who led the Aesir to aid Wakanda against the frost giants," Bassanga explained.

"The Asgardian!" Recognition dawned on one of the soldiers blocking their way.

Though the others didn't recognize Forseti, they acknowledged his aid to Wakanda, hesitating before allowing him and Shilut to pass.

Shortly after, Bassanga led Forseti to the Jabari tribe's chief hall.

"I didn't expect you to survive... Bassanga." The Jabari chief, a square-faced man in a leather robe, greeted him, eyeing Shilut with curiosity.

Shilut buzzed in response to the chief's scrutiny.

"I've had the Sun God's help, and I believe the Panther God protects me in shadows," Bassanga stated.

"The Sun God?" The chief Jabari was taken aback.

"Asgard's Sun God, Forseti," Bassanga gestured to Forseti beside him.

Forseti smiled. "Greetings, Chief of the Jabari."

The chief pondered momentarily, then rose, bowing slightly. "Without the Asgardian's aid, we'd likely be frost giant slaves. Thank you, revered Asgardian."

"Forseti: "Asgard would not permit Midgard to fall under the grasp of frost giants, plunging it into eternal darkness and winter."

Chief Jabari spoke eagerly, "The frost giants have frozen our vital water source, the White Monkey River... As the Sun God, can you help thaw it for the Jabari people?"

"Forseti agreed. "Let's proceed there now."

The chief's joy was palpable. "Thank you!"

Forseti, sparing few words, sent his magic cloak ahead to the White Monkey River, arriving swiftly.

Several young Jabari tribe members were already attempting to chip away at the ice. Spotting Forseti's arrival, they exclaimed, "Who are you?"

"I'm here to assist," Forseti replied with a slight smile, withdrawing a pair of golden gloves from the Sanctuary, radiating a brilliant, sun-like glow.

The glove, semi-sanctified by Forseti's infusion, emitted a dazzling light, yet harmless to onlookers' eyes.

"Clear the way. I'm beginning," Forseti announced, donning the flame gloves.

The young Jabari quickly retreated.

Forseti levitated, activating the gloves, which emitted blazing beams hotter than the sun's surface, melting large holes in the ice of the White Monkey River.

Continuing along the river, Forseti's hands wove intricate patterns, intensifying the assault.

"Boom boom boom!" The continuous bombardment swiftly eradicated the river's ice.

The brilliance of the flame gloves' light was visible even to Bassanga, Chief Jabari, and others atop the mountain, observing the spectacle.

Witnessing the ice dissolve, Chief Jabari smiled with relief. "Excellent, these troublesome ices are finally gone!"

The flame gloves' power being substantial, Forseti halted after clearing enough ice for the Jabari tribe's water needs, returning to the chief hall.

"That should suffice."

Chief Jabari smiled. "Impressive, you truly embody the Sun's essence."

He then thanked Forseti, offering a necklace of animal teeth as a token of gratitude.

Later, seated together, the conversation turned to Bassanga's situation.

Chief Jabari turned to Forseti. "Surely, you support ousting Itakin as Wakanda's king?"

"Yes, Bassanga is my ally. Moreover, Itakin's actions are reprehensible. I fully support Bassanga's return to the Wakandan throne," Forseti affirmed.

Chief Jabari nodded.

Bassanga added, "However, I won't resort to violence against Itakin. I plan to prove my worth in a manner befitting Wakandan tradition."

"A duel?" Chief Jabari frowned. "You lack the Heart-Shaped Herb's power, and you're no match for Itakin."

Bassanga explained, "Utilizing the Heart-Shaped Herb's power would violate throne challenge rules. I'll engage Itakin on even terms, relying on ordinary strength. With your support and the Sun God's backing, Itakin will have no choice but to accept."

"Then, before the Warrior Falls, I'll confront this deceitful fiend and prove myself before all!"

The next day, Forseti, Bassanga, Chief Jabari, and their retinue departed for Birningzana.

Birningzana served as Wakanda's capital and birthplace. Long ago, the first Black Panther had unified the five tribes here, establishing the Wakandan kingdom.

Itakin seemed informed, meeting the group before they reached Birningzana.

Clad in armor, Itakin stood beside a tall, robed woman.

In Forseti's eyes, all Wakandans people looked somewhat similar, including Itakin, who bore a striking resemblance to Bassanga.

Spotting Chief Jabari, Itakin's expression darkened. "You've betrayed Wakanda."

Chief Jabari met Itakin's gaze squarely. "The Jabari remain steadfastly loyal to true Wakandan traditions. The true betrayers are elsewhere."

Forseti noticed Bassanga clenching his fists, suppressing his emotions, his gaze fixed on the robed woman beside Itakin, once his wife, now his brother's.

Itakin challenged Chief Jabari, "You doubt my right to rule?"

Chief Jabari's reply was direct. "Indeed."

"Very well." Itakin nodded, dismissing further debate, signaling his soldiers. "Wakandan warriors, eliminate these traitors!"

"Yes!" The soldiers brandished their spears, charging.

Forseti wielded his flaming gloves, casting forth a dazzling beam of white light, while Shilut unleashed a mighty fist.