Chapter 22
Chapter 22
“ T he agreement has been reached. The alliance between Emure and Zyrier has been sealed.” King Kobi Abomba announced to his family as they sat for their evening meal.
“Princess ZsaZsa has agreed to marry me?” His oldest son, Prince Jabari questioned with an attitude of uncertainty.
“It is her duty to marry,” King Kobi affirmed. “Her king has signed the agreement. It is sealed.”
“This is a momentous occasion for our country,” Queen Ada beamed. “We will be in alliance with the royal family of Ashro. That can certainly lead to an alliance with Asmere.”
“That is the gem of it all,” the King’s youngest son, Prince Dakar nodded with pleasure. “That will get us one step closer to the mines.”
“The mines are not a part of this arrangement, Dakar,” Jabari corrected. “The alliance is not in place for you to get your hands on the diamond mines. The purpose of the alliance is to build our country and our countrymen to a higher standing within the region.”
“We do not wish to place a high priority on access to the mines,” King Kobi stated, “However, we cannot overlook our location in conjunction to the mines. This alliance could very well lead us to an entrance on our side of the border.”
“That, in itself, will give us the opportunity to enrich our country and countrymen, beyond our wildest dreams, Jabari.” Dakar emphasized.
“I am not sacrificing my life for your greed, Dakar,” Jabari calmly advised. “It is imperative for us to get in the good graces of the royal family of Ashro through trust and diplomacy.”
“Your talk of trust is nonsense, Jabari,” Dakar replied. “Once she becomes your wife, you will rule. There will be no need for diplomacy. She will succumb to your authority.”
“You have no knowledge of women today,” Jabari countered. “I will caution you not to celebrate too soon. This agreement has been made with King Aswan, not with Princess ZsaZsa.”
“This has been our way for centuries,” King Kobi spoke. “It is the duty of our children to ensure that our customs, not to mention our country, continue to prevail.”
“That may be true, my King, however, this is a new time, and we have no assurances that Princess ZsaZsa will return to Africa,” Jabari cautioned.
“Of course she will return,” Queen Ada interjected. “This is her home. Becoming your queen will be an incentive for her.”
“If it is not, her king will order her to return and fulfill his agreement,” King Kobi advised.
“That may be,” Jabari interjected, “however, we should consider the possibility that the Princess may not return to her homeland.”
Nodding his head, Dakar agreed. “We need to look no further than our own countrymen. Many who have ventured to America to further their education have opted not to return to our country. We have lost a number of our brightest assets by allowing them to be educated in the United States. History has proven that once our people are Americanized, they no longer want to live by our laws.”
“We have assurance from King Aswan of her return.” King Kobi shared.
“What assurances do we have that Princess ZsaZsa will agree?” Jabari questioned.
“He has stated he will order her home for the alliance,” Queen Ada stated. “That should be assurance enough for this not to be a concern.”
“And if she refuses?” Dakar raised an eyebrow.
“Then so be it,” Jabari stated. “We need a queen who will be dedicated to our country. One who is willing to fight for our way of life.”
“Will that person have the power to connect us to one of the richest countries in Africa?” King Kobi asked, then continued. “Will that person come with a dowry that is larger than our gross national product? Son, I understand your sentiment of the heart, however, there is no other princess who can bring the power and wealth we need to secure the future of Zyrier.” He reached over to touch his son’s arm. “You will succeed me as King. Your duty is to secure Zyrier in every way.”
“This is why we must send someone to America to ensure Princess ZsaZsa’s return.” Dakar stated. “This alliance cannot fail. It is imperative that we fulfill this agreement for our country. We must ensure that nothing interferes, that includes Princess ZsaZsa herself.”
“I will not force anyone to marry me,” Jabari stood. “The alliance has been offered. It is now up to Princess ZsaZsa to make her decision,” he glared at Dakar. “She will not be forced.” He said his piece then walked out of the room.
“I will speak with him,” Queen Ada stated, then followed her oldest son.
Dakar looked at his father. “You are my King. I will not do anything you forbid of me. How do you wish for me to proceed?”
King Kobi thought for a long moment before answering. “Your duty is to protect your brother’s well-being. I firmly believe this alliance is the best thing for our country and your future King. Ensure the princess returns.” He held up his hand. “In no way is she to be harmed, however, use whatever means necessary to ensure she marries your brother.”
“Your wish is my command,” Dakar stood, bowed then exited the room.
Dakar walked into the security room in the basement of the castle. It was considered small compared to other palaces, however, they had weaponry that was more sophisticated than most in the region. His sergeant at arms was in the office surveying the surrounding properties.
“Bongani, I need a team of men willing to travel to America on a private mission that is of great importance,” Dakar announced. “Who do we have that will blend in without notice?”
Bongani thought. “Keto and Sahel would be best.”
“Summon them. I need to speak with them immediately.” Dakar ordered. “I must speak with the treasurer. Ensure they are here upon my return.”
Dakar walked down the hallway to the treasurer’s office. He walked inside, closing the door behind him.
“Your Highness,” Furhon stood.
“Please, sit. What I am about to ask is for your ears only.” Dakar stated then scanned around to ensure no one else was about. “I am in need of finances for a special assignment. What is available that my brother would not be aware of?”
“The only funds available not under his control as of today is the amount set aside for the repairs to the castle. King Kobi has signed all other accounts over to Jabari.”
“Is it sizable?”
“Yes,” Furhon nodded. “The repairs needed are substantial, especially in the basement area. The foundation issues are in dire need of repair.”
Dakar thought for a moment. “I need you to keep that account away from Jabari. The funds are needed for an assignment crucial to our country’s future. Once Jabari is married, he will receive a dowry that will cover the amount used and much more. Our home will be restored to the grandeur it once was. This cannot be discussed with others. It must remain between you and me. Do you understand?”
“What of King Kobi? I cannot withhold information from him.”
“He will not ask. If he does, tell him I requested the funds for America.” Dakar stated.
Furhon hesitated.
“This is to secure our country’s future.” Dakar implored.
“Very well. It will remain between us.”
Dakar nodded. “The funds will be needed within the next 24-hours.”
Dakar walked back towards the security room. Out the window he could see Jabari on his horse riding towards the fields. He was certain Jabari was going to assist the field hands with the crops for the season. As future King, he should not have to do such things. Dakar was determined to make his brother a true king and not one who had to work in the fields.
Jabari came to a stop in the wheat fields near the castle. He was not dressed in his royal attire, therefore blending in with the workers. Looking over the fields, he knew they were limited in the time needed to harvest the wheat then get it to the mill. All hands were needed to guarantee the profits were at least what was brought in last year. He would work the wheat fields until noon, then travel to the west region of the land to work in the rice fields until sundown.
“Your Highness.” One of the crop hands bowed. “It will anger the King to know you are working the fields again today.”
“Then it would be wise not to advise him, would it not,” Jabari smiled. “Are you not in need of more hands?”
“Always, Your Highness. Since we allow the people to choose their vocation, most have opted to work in the new facilities in the city area. Very few choose to work in the fields.”
“That is the price we pay for growth,” Jabari replied as he put on gloves to begin working. “It may not seem as such, but growth is good for our economy. There will come a day when we will be in a position to match the pay workers receive from the newer factories. Then our fields will be rich with workers once again. Until that time, you have me. Shall we get started.”
Jabari hoped that his words rang true to the field hands who were in ears reach. Inside, he was not certain what he said would come to fruition. While his family was banking on the marriage contract with Princess ZsaZsa to save them, Jabari was seeking ways for them to save themselves. He believed allowing businesses from other countries to establish existence in their region would bring prosperity to them. However, he understood they needed to have incentives in place to entice those businesses to come to Zyrier. One of his goals for the country was to build educational facilities to nurture young minds. To do that, he would need to hire teachers to come there. Before that could happen, he needed funding.
As he worked in the fields. his mind often wandered to ways he could improve the living conditions of his people. Teaching them to learn to live from the land was one way, another was to encourage young minds to think beyond what they saw. Yes, he believed their country could be as booming as their neighboring country of Asmere. That is why when King Raheem approached him with the idea of an alliance between Zyrier and Emure through an arranged marriage he agreed to listen. It was not lost on Jabari that King Raheem was concerned about the security of their diamond mines. The alliance would complete the circle of properties surrounding the mines. The fear of people from Zyrier creating an entrance to the mines from the far end of the border was a concern King Raheem was attempting to eliminate. An entrance from Zyrier’s side of the border would have to go underwater, which was unlikely, but not impossible. A simple tunnel would lead to the backside of the diamond mines. However, it would take funds to create such a tunnel. And at the moment, funds were the one thing Zyrier was lacking.
Jabari looked to the far end of the land. The river that separated Zyrier and Asmere was the only thing keeping their country poor. In the horizon the richness of Asmere could be seen by the people who lived in the region. It could cause those who did not have, to want. Want could lead to greed and soon, one day not very far in the future, one of two of their countries would find a way to have what they saw. Yes, Jabari understood why King Raheem was encouraging an alliance. The only question was, did Princess ZsaZsa wish to sacrifice her life for her brother’s country?
“Ahh, that is the question,” Jabari said more to himself than to those working around him.