Chapter Four: The Apology and Reconciliation

The leader of the intruders, Nehizena, had built a formidable fortress beside the river, facing the vast desert bordering the west. With his army at his back, he rode back to his fortress at dawn, searching for reinforcements. As he entered the grand hall, pride surged through him. Kings and chiefs were already seated around the table, awaiting his arrival.

Without hesitation, Nehizena took his seat and removed his mask. The kings and chiefs seated around the table showed no surprise—each knew who he was. One of the kings, named Mpande, rose to greet him, exclaiming with great admiration, "King Nehizena! The most powerful king of our time!"

Nehizena chuckled lowly, a contemptuous smirk playing on his lips. He raised his right hand, signaling for silence. The room fell still, the air thick with anticipation.

He then spoke, his voice commanding and deliberate. "Long ago, my ancestors shared a parable with me: 'Gaining your kingdom's respect is a challenge, and your people will struggle to bear it. But eventually, they will adapt.' I thought it a mere myth, yet as I stand here, having conquered so much, I realize that parable was not just a story—it is the truth. My people did not embrace the first victory easily, but now they hunt for more, seeking even greater triumphs."

The room was silent for a moment before King Juba, known for his expertise in poison arrows and blades, cut through the tension. "I hope," he said, his voice sharp, "that this victory you've secured is not for you alone, but for all of us."

Nehizena's irritation flared. His gaze hardened as he replied, his voice low but piercing, "When they say 'all of us,' you, Juba, certainly don't belong in that category. You're no true fighter. You strike from the shadows, claiming victories that aren't yours. The real warriors stand face to face in battle."

The room erupted in laughter, the other kings and chiefs mocking Juba. His face flushed with anger, though he kept his composure, silently seething with resentment.

King Jugurtha, another of the gathered leaders, raised his hand, silencing the room. "We should not become complacent," he warned. "This situation may quickly turn in favor of our enemies. The Garamantes continue to supply them with arms and support."

Nehizena leaned back in his chair, unfazed. "The Garamantes are nothing to fear. Once Nosaze's chamber falls, everything else will fall into place. Leave the rest to me."

The Tensions in Gao

Meanwhile, in the Kingdom of Gao, Queen Nosaze's messengers had reached King Sonni. However, Sonni refused to accept their gifts or listen to their words. He made it clear that he would not entertain any negotiations until Queen Nosaze herself came to him and offered a personal apology for her behavior at the court in Benin.

Princess Sokora, a high-ranking chief's daughter whom King Kadi—Sonni's father—held in great esteem, was a vocal supporter of Sonni's demands. King Kadi had even arranged a pending political alliance, with the intention for Sonni and Sokora to marry, though Sonni was unaware of the match. Princess Sokora, displeased by how Nosaze had treated Sonni, advised him to not accept any messengers or gifts from Benin until Nosaze came personally and acknowledged her mistake.

Sonni, respecting Sokora's counsel, heeded her advice. He refused to listen to any further messengers from Benin, despite their valuable gifts. In fact, he threatened them, leaving the messengers fearful and with no choice but to return to Nosaze.

The Journey to Gao

Nosaze, despite her pride, recognized the growing threat to her kingdom and the consequences of her actions. Realizing the gravity of the situation, she decided to humble herself for the sake of her people. She set out on a journey to Gao to seek Sonni's help, knowing that only through reconciliation could Benin hope to survive.

Upon her arrival at the royal palace in Gao, the atmosphere inside was lively with a feast in full swing. King Sonni and his chiefs were enjoying the celebration when a guard rushed into the hall, exclaiming, "Your Highness! Your Highness! Queen Nosaze has arrived and wishes to speak with you!"

The news shocked Sonni. He immediately ordered the guards to bring her in, halting the feast midway. He signaled for his servants to tidy the room while he tried to compose himself. Meanwhile, Nosaze walked in, holding a covered tray filled with valuable gifts.

The room fell silent as she entered. Her regal presence filled the space, and all eyes were on her. The herald stood and declared, "We welcome Queen Nosaze of Benin, the Head of the West Defense!"

Sonni, eager to assert his dominance, spoke first. "Queen Nosaze, what brings you all the way from Benin to Gao? What has forced you to see me?"

Nosaze, her pride somewhat humbled, met his gaze. "King Sonni," she began, her voice steady but laced with regret, "I have come to apologize for the way I treated you in my court. I was wrong, and I ask for your forgiveness. I bring these gifts as a token of my sincerity, hoping for reconciliation." She extended the covered tray, holding it above her head, a sign of loyalty. "I now see that I was foolish and have caused more harm than good. You were right when you said that I would come begging for help, and here I am, asking for your aid."

The room fell silent as her words sank in. Sonni's chiefs looked to him in surprise, while the sincerity in Nosaze's voice touched even the hardest hearts. After a moment of stunned silence, Sonni's expression softened, though he remained composed.

Sonni rose from his throne, his movements deliberate as he descended to meet Nosaze. His gaze held hers firmly as he spoke, his voice calm but resolute. "I will help you—not out of duty, but to repay the debt your father bestowed upon us." Taking the tray of gifts from her hands, he added, "This is what I tried to warn you about. But if I am to help, you must agree to my terms."

Nosaze's breath caught in her throat, tension tightening her shoulders. "What terms?" she asked cautiously, her voice steady despite the unease brewing within her.

The chiefs leaned forward, curiosity lighting their eyes. Even Princess Sokora, seated proudly with an air of superiority, couldn't mask her interest.

Sonni turned, his back to them as he glanced at his throne. A moment of reflection passed over him, and for a brief instant, he seemed to second-guess his decision. Then, with a decisive breath, he faced the room.

"My condition is simple," he said, his voice commanding attention. "Even though I will lead the charge in this war, we must share ideas and strategies as equals."

Relief swept over Nosaze, her posture softening. "If that's all, I accept," she said, a smile breaking across her face like sunlight piercing a storm.

For a heartbeat, Sonni faltered. Her smile—it disarmed him, rendered him momentarily speechless. He caught himself quickly, masking his lapse with a sharp tilt of his head.

He hardened his expression, his voice clipped as he continued. "Normally, those who hear this agreement hesitate—fearful of what it entails. I think you should as well. It may sound simple, but it is not. Do not let yourself be carried away."

The warmth in Nosaze's expression wavered, confusion and a trace of fear flickering in her eyes. Before she could respond, Sonni turned briskly, issuing a command to his servants.

"Prepare a room for her," he ordered. "The Queen of Benin will stay here until she decides to return to her kingdom.

The Unexpected Error

That evening, Princess Sokora met Sonni and said to him, "What was that agreement all about? She disgraced you in her courtroom, and then comes over to Gao, making all of you fall for her speech. You failed to give her a difficult agreement, and on top of that, you gave her more privileges. Are you sure you're still doing this for your political gain—or for something else?"

Sonni replied, a slight hesitation in his voice, "Yes, once I get her trust, we'll partake from the good things of her kingdom, just as you instructed."

Sokora gave an evil smirk and said, "And that's what makes you a wise king," before walking away, leaving Sonni alone in the corridor.

Sonni walked down the corridor to check on Nosaze in the guest room. He found the door open and peered inside, watching as Queen Nosaze restlessly tried to make the room comfortable for herself. He couldn't help but speak, his voice carrying softly from the doorway: "You can rearrange the room however you like. I know how hard it is to cope with a new environment."

Nosaze, startled, turned around and saw Sonni standing in the doorway. Her anger flared. "What brings you to my chambers?" she snapped. "You've sought your revenge against me, so what else do you want?"

Sonni replied calmly, "Can't I see my close friend again?"

"Close friend?" Nosaze echoed, her voice rising in pitch. "You all left me to grieve alone, despite knowing my pain. I had to go to Numidia to revive my spirit. You were there, Sonni. You could have come to see me. Why didn't you?"

Sonni's expression softened as he spoke, "You thought I never wanted to see you? I did, but... the way things are with you is the same as they are with me. I was sent to the battlefield so quickly, and through it all, I kept thinking about you... in all my life."

He continued, his voice heavy with regret, "Sometimes I regret coming from a royal background. But it turns out we don't always decide how our lives start and how they end."

Nosaze grew quiet, her sadness mirroring his. "You said my father did you and your kingdom a favor. How?"

Sonni's expression grew darker, as though weighed by a heavy burden. "Yes, your father helped us in our darkest times. He assisted us in fighting our enemies. It's painful that my grief didn't let me thank him properly."

"What pain?" Nosaze asked softly, sensing his sorrow.

Sonni's gaze grew distant. "This pain haunts me in my dreams. And... I'm afraid I can't share it with you, not at this time."

Nosaze, gentle but persistent, asked, "Why didn't my father tell me about what he did for you and your people?"

Sonni's voice softened. "Your father loved you so much. Perhaps that's why he kept certain things from you—so they wouldn't damage you, like the death of your brother."

He added, "Please, go to bed. We have serious matters to discuss tomorrow." Then, Sonni walked out, leaving Nosaze alone in the room. She lay in bed, his words rattling in her mind, and she regretted her past treatment of him.

The Next Morning

The next morning, Queen Nosaze strode to the training ground, having been told Sonni was there. As she arrived, she saw him sparring with one of his soldiers. Sonni turned and noticed her watching him. His attention faltered as her beauty took him by surprise, and in that brief distraction, his opponent landed a strike to his head. He staggered back.

Regaining himself, Sonni lunged forward and knocked his opponent out. He turned to look at Nosaze and saw the impressed look in her eyes. His pride surged.

Nosaze walked down to meet him. "I must say, I'm impressed with your fighting techniques," she said.

Sonni smiled and replied, "Thank you."

"You should see me in battle," he added. "Then you'll be even more impressed."

Nosaze smiled back, her tone light. "I've heard about most of your victories, how you defeated King Akin of Ife and battled mighty warriors from afar. But you should also see me in battle."

Sonni smirked. "You fight bandits and minor tribes. We fight kingdoms, great and small. We've stared death in the face countless times, and that's why you can't compare your kingdom to ours. We've been broken, and we feel no pain."

Nosaze's voice was steady. "Okay, I agree with you. But how are we going to deal with the situation at hand? Rumor has it that the leader of these invaders goes by the name Nehizena... and..." She lowered her voice, "…he is my late brother."

Sonni scoffed. "Your late brother, Nehikhare? I doubt it. Nehikhare is dead, so it can't be him. But if it is him, we have a real problem."

Nosaze shook her head. "They're destroying all the kingdoms in my chamber. They're likely coming for Benin. I can't let that happen. My ancestors built that kingdom and palace to this extent. I can't let a coward tear it down to dust."

She turned to Sonni, her eyes filled with determination. "That kingdom, my father's legacy... I made a promise to protect and uphold it to greatness. I will never give up. Sonni, you are my closest friend. Please, promise me you will help me fulfill the promise I made to my father."

Sonni's expression softened, and he felt a pang of sympathy for her. "I promise, Nosaze. I'll help you. Don't be afraid."

He then told her, "Go back and secure your kingdom. I'll prepare my men, but first, we need a solid plan to rescue and reclaim the kingdoms Nehizena has claimed."

Queen Nosaze nodded, her resolve strengthened. She left to prepare her journey back to Benin. As she departed, Sonni stood there, lost in thought. He wondered whether to heed Sokora's advice or not. Lost in his contemplation, he looked up and saw Sokora standing on the balcony, her gaze not pleased at all.

When Queen Nosaze returned to Benin, she was warmly welcomed as she entered the city. The chiefs gathered at the palace the next day to hear how her discussion with King Sonni had gone.

Nosaze told them that Sonni had agreed to help, though he would lead the battle. One of the chiefs questioned her: "How are you sure he will help? He made you obey his words by going there to apologize on your own. We can't just trust him."

Nosaze stood tall, her voice confident. "King Sonni was my close friend. We ate and played together when we were children. I know he is a man of his word. He will help us!"

Another chief added, "I hope he won't use us for his political gain."

Nosaze paused, considering the question. She replied, "He won't. Sonni would never do that." But a hint of doubt crept into her voice as she said it.