dreamlike message

An explosion. The smell of blood. Cries of agony and suffering.

Such was the reality of the battlefield.

We were trying to push back those pale-faced men who attacked alongside the army of Kano. Despite Lagoki's support, the difference in numbers was cruelly felt — so much so that even Awoye was forced to retreat with the rest of our routed army. Lagoki covered their withdrawal. I absorbed the blows, one after another, to preserve what remained of our forces.

And then that colossus appeared.

He struck me. The world tilted. The rocks came fast — too fast —

---

Penalky jolted awake, drenched in sweat, trembling with fear… and perhaps with heat as well.

**Penalky:** "What… What was that dream…"

He sat up slowly and left his room, still disoriented. He found himself outside, in the dead of night, the warm air against his face. A silhouette stood not far away.

**???:** "Well. Hey Penalky. Can't sleep?"

**Penalky, distracted:** "Hey Ayéki. You could say that. But you — same thing?"

**Ayéki:** "No no, I was with Lagoki going over the details of tomorrow's escort. It'll just be the two of us."

**Penalky, embarrassed:** "Ah right, of course… that's already tomorrow. You should be well rested, it's getting late."

**Ayéki:** "I was just heading back. Lagoki said he was going to grab something quick to eat before going to bed."

**Penalky:** "Alright. Listen… since I was planning to head that way anyway, I could join the escort. It would be simpler, and I could ride ahead as a scout."

**Ayéki, puzzled:** "Hmm… We'd have to run it by Lagoki when he gets back. But personally, I wouldn't mind — travelling as three would be a lot safer."

Penalky nodded in silence. That dream… it had to mean nothing.

The night passed. They worked out the details of the journey.

---

The following morning, in Shona, the border guards were under pressure. Delegations were beginning to pour in from all directions, and the guard was ensuring the smooth running of the organization. The xwetanu and the n'danga were already nearly full. The heart of the festivities would take place in the capital, N'gokro, as it always had.

Barrels of dolo, odonto, gbèlai and tchapalo were being transported between the Xwetanu and the N'danga under close guard, while the children, carefree as ever, continued to play as they always did.

Yet something quietly puzzled those who noticed it. The royal palace — the Aghofen Ologho — was neither visible nor perceptible, despite being immense and imposing. No one spoke of it. No one asked questions. But inwardly, some believed it was the work of that man…

Kong was the first to arrive. Echuranmi, his disciples, several elders and high dignitaries, along with King Tryman Okeke — all had made the journey.