Last Point

The following day, Tembo and his small group of five rode through the barren terrain under the cover of darkness. Their journey had been quiet, save for the occasional distant sound of wildlife. The dry air was heavy with dust, and the landscape offered little in the way of cover, but they had managed to avoid any contact with Matalebe scouts. As they approached the border of Votswana, the sense of urgency weighed heavily on Tembo's shoulders. This mission, and the survival of their kingdom, hinged on their success.

As the first rays of sunlight peeked over the horizon, Tembo and his men reached a ridge that overlooked the border checkpoint between Zambesi and Votswana. The crossing was modest—a few small outposts with fences and barbed wire marking the separation between the two nations. Armed guards patrolled the area, and Tembo could see the Triesenberg flag fluttering above the main checkpoint building.