Following the proposal to restructure the government, Nuri was on the cusp of unprecedented transformation.
It took only a day for the letter to reach the western provinces.
As expected, the elders were incensed.
Just the other day, they had been a small village. Now here was yet another attempt—so they saw it—for the King to consolidate even more power. Many had fought for their status, clawed their way into positions of influence. Now, with the stroke of a quill, that influence could be diluted—dismantled.
A council meeting was swiftly summoned in the high chamber of the western assembly. Present were Queen Nanjala, Captain Shikuku of the Watchers, and several prominent elders—Namwamba, Naboka, Mwinji, Mumia, Wafula, Amisi, Mwanzu, Owino, and Jabari. Wairimu the priestess sat silently, fingers steepled in thought, while Sangolo the shaman muttered softly to himself, casting runes of ash on a small gourd.
