4 Time is key

Author note: Don't like to make many of these but I would like to say something. I do find more motivation in writing when people comment. If there are any mistakes, don't be afraid to point them out, and if you have any advice or reviews, please inform me. I only get better through them.

Disclaimer

This is a work of fiction. All incidents and dialogue, and all characters with the exception of some well-known historical figures, are products of the author's imagination and are not to be construed as real. Where real-life historical figures appear, the situations, incidents, and dialogues concerning those persons are entirely fictional and are not intended to depict actual events or to change the entirely fictional nature of the work. In all other respects, any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

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After proper consideration, I decided to hold off on any plans. Even if I did do anything, it would have gotten reported to Baba and such a thing could ruin the relationship we built. For a one-time victory, no less. So as much as I craved for the opportunity to prove myself, I needed to bide my time more.

Even if I couldn't show my skills as a warrior, I could do as a leader. And that was what I thought until we actually had to leave. What I had imagined was a bunch of ruffian soldiers that needed a guiding hand and an iron fist to sort them out but what I got was. Well, actually, I got the ruffian part right, what I imagined was that I needed to rectify this but I must have been out of it to have such thoughts.

Why was this the case, someone in the audience watching my life would have asked. Well, I may have forgotten when and where I was. I was in what I guessed was the 1800s around the southern part of Africa which was not yet accustomed to official military practices.

If things weren't any worse, commander Khwezi had taken charge of the military and everyone listened to him. After all, why listen to a snot-nosed brat when there was a capable military commander to take charge?

It seemed they had forgotten who I was, simply taking me for a kid out of his depth and unable to properly think. Seeing this, I decided to leave them be and leave earlier. I had never gotten this much freedom and I decided to take advantage of it. I got Bheka to find out the locations of nearby villages. After another day of waiting, he found out that there were around five villages of varying sizes and relations with the Mthethwa on our way to said place. Well, with some detours anyway, but there was no need for such details.

I decided to visit them all. I was not afraid as I was still the son of the biggest tribe in the region. Any inkosi who did not see the possible threat would be a foolish one not deserving of the title. Once I decided on where we were going, my soldiers and I left on an early morning so the number of people who would see us leave was minimal.

I always had my scout's regiment ahead of us just in case. Themba, the commander of the regiment would then give an oral report about the situation every hour or so.

Themba was a quiet guy. So quiet, even his steps made no sound. His father was a hunter in the village and he decided to join his father's profession. He had quite the talent for hunting because he soon became one of the best in our generation. So when I had to decide on the scout commander, it was obvious who I needed to choose.

We continued forward without any hiccups and soon enough reached the first village. We didn't try to hide so I was not surprised when we were met with a small army in front of us. " Sir, from what we counted, there are eighty warriors. " Themba informed me from behind.

I decided to walk forward with Sifiso and four of my elite warriors. I saw some men separate from the army in front of us and met us in the middle. " I am Inkosi Amahle. State who you are and why you have come. " said the man in the middle of the group.

The man was bald and had a long scar that went from the top of his head to his chin. He was a bit shorter than everyone around, matching my height and seemed to have a limp from what I had noticed.

I cleared my throat before speaking. " Greetings inkosi Amahle. I am Siboniso, a child of Inkosi Dingiswiyo of the Mthethwa tribe. " I saw his eyes widen for a moment before putting on his poker face.

" I recognise that name. I heard tales of a miracle boy from Mthethwa. A boy who survived diseases that killed grown men as a baby, a boy whose intelligence was revelationary. A boy whose body itself was a gift from the ancestors. They said his eyes were different colours, one being as red as igazi(blood) and the other being as yellow as the ilanga( sun). " the inkosi began scrutinising me.

" Besides the eyes, I don't see anything special. " I raised my eyebrow at his remark. " How about a little game and bet? " The inkosi raised an eyebrow matching my look. " I duel five of your strongest young men. I'll say around five to six years older than me. If I win, I get to ask anything of you. " He began laughing before realising I was serious

" You must be either really brave or stupid. " I scratch the back of my has with a smirk on my lips. " Not the first time someone has said such to me. " We held gazes until the inkosi began laughing once more. " Fine, I accept your challenge. If we win, then I would like three cows. " I heard a few gasps from behind me but paid no attention to it.

" I accept. "

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"Ukukhulu Umfowethu ( big brother), do you know what you have agreed to? You do not even own cows! " Sifiso angrily whisper shouted from behind me as we were waiting on the makeshift battleground of clear sand. I was checking my weapons to ensure it was battle ready. We were allowed to use whatever weapon as long as it didn't maim or kill the opponent.

" Do you trust me? " I asked not even looking at Sifiso.

" I-I do bu-"

" Then you will stop worrying. Sifiso, I know what I'm doing. If you trust me, you will root for me with no worries in your heart. " I said before leaving to the centre stage. I took a glance around and saw many men, women and children getting ready to watch how the duel turns out. From what I had seen, the village was of a decent size, around half the size of Mthethwa.

I was feeling exceedingly excited and nervous. This was gonna be my first fight outside of practice. I knew I could take this many people on as I had done so many times but it felt like a new experience was ahead of me.

My thoughts were halted when five men walked out and onto the stage. They stood in whatever stances they normally fought in and seemed to be sending me the stink eye. I saw them talking but the distance between us along with the noise of the crowd drowned it out.

" The rules are simple. If you are knocked out, draw blood or give up you lose. Now begin! "

" Wait what, so fast." I mumbled