CHAPTER 209: CHAPTER 209 - NEGOTIATIONS AT SUNRISE

Dawn broke softly over the royal hill of Mengo. Mist curled over the grass like a silvery veil, and the first rays of sunlight touched the thatched roofs of the palace compound. The Great Hall of Drums, an enormous circular structure supported by carved poles stood ready. Inside, the massive royal drums rested in ceremonial silence, their presence a reminder that in Buganda, drums were not merely instruments, they were the voice of the kingdom.

The delegation from Nuri entered as the Kabaka and his council gathered. The air was cool, heavy with the scent of burning herbs. Mats were arranged in a wide circle: Nuri’s envoys on one side, Buganda’s elders on the other, with the Kabaka presiding from the center.

He raised a hand.

"Let us begin."

A deep drumbeat echoed once. The meeting was called to order.

Minister Juma rose first, bowing slightly before speaking.

"Great Kabaka, honored elders. Our kingdoms have traded for a few months now. Our people learn from one another. Today, we come to strengthen that bond in a new way, with an official alliance built on trust, respect, and shared futures."

There were murmurs of approval.

Minister Achieng’ stepped forward next.

"We propose to expand existing trade agreements, particularly regarding minerals. Nuri is rich in copper, iron, tin, and now gold. We can supply raw materials. Buganda, in turn, may offer finished works: blades, jewelry, tools, ornaments. The same applies to you, your minerals and raw materials in exchange for our finished products."

An elder with a heavy bark-cloth mantle nodded slowly. "We have things like iron and copper. Since they are also present in Nuri, trade seems unnecessary." He pointed out.

"True, but we have yet to study your lands to know how many different minerals we could find. Prince Khisa took it upon himself to form a group of researchers. He taught them to identify types of soil and various useful minerals. We can bring a few of them here to work on just that and teach your people as well. Knowing your lands and it’s resources can be very valuable." Achieng’ explained.

A younger councilor, sharp-eyed and skeptical, leaned forward.

"And weapons? We have seen your guns and rifles, even the quality of your armour is far better than ours. Your spears and daggers seem better snd much stronger."

Juma answered calmly.

"Yes. We offer an arms trade,our crafting techniques will remain in Nuri, but we will exchange the finished product with raw materials as well. Training will be required, the weapons are dangerous and proper handling is required."

"Will you offer the same to our enemies as well? Like Kongo?" An elder spat bitterly.

The whole room silenced. Tension spreading.

Juma sighed, "We will make sure all our deals are fair to all parties involved. As part of our agreement, we won’t attack Buganda or help an allied kingdom attack you either. "

The Kabaka stroked his beard thoughtfully.

"A fair proposal. My elders, alliances are born of trust, Nuri has aided us in our time of need, it is only fair we give them our trust in return."

They all nodded.

Achieng’ shifted the discussion.

"There is also the matter of currency. Nuri now uses a minted coin. We wish for merchants traveling through Nuri to use it. To ease this, we have established small banks, safe places for trade, where your people can exchange goods, food, cloth, even livestock, for fair rates."

An elder frowned.

"Currency brings order, but also power. You ask our merchants to carry your king’s mark in their pockets."

Achieng’ bowed her head respectfully.

"It is not domination we seek, but consistency. Trade thrives when systems do not change from village to village. And your people may return to Buganda with coins worth real goods."

The Kabaka nodded slowly.

"There is wisdom in this. But it must be gradual. Our clans are proud, and some cling to barter like breath. I suppose we must learn from you and have a currency of our own instead of using cowrie shells."

"Gradual is acceptable, a consistent currency will only strengthen Buganda" Juma assured him.

The tension eased.

"We also propose," Juma continued, "to expand our existing exchange program. Buganda already sends young men and women to Nuri for training. We want to increase that number."

A councilor asked, "In which fields?"

"Commerce. Teaching. Mathematics. Military engineering," Juma replied.

"And medicine. Nuri now has trained healers, herbalists, and surgeons from all over the seas. We offer to bring teachers here as well, to strengthen your own schools."

An elder’s eyes brightened.

"Knowledge is a lake; those who drink from it grow strong. We would welcome teachers."

Another elder, more severe, added,

"But your influence grows like a wild vine. If we drink too much from your lake, will our traditions drown in it?"

Achieng’ smiled gently.

"Your traditions are just as old and valuable as ours. You will not lose them. We only bring tools to expand our understanding of the world. Only then will we be able to compete with the foreign powers that threaten us."

The Kabaka raised a hand.

"Let the exchange grow. Knowledge shared is knowledge multiplied."

That section was approved with minimal resistance.

Achieng’ continued, "Since Buganda has no ocean port, and we now trade with foreign ships from the eastern coast, we can supply you with goods we receive—spices from Arabia, rare herbs, woven silks, strange medicines, and small steel tools from foreign craftsmen."

A hum of interest swept the council.

One minister smiled broadly.

"Our people would pay handsomely for such wonders."

Another added,

"And our healers have begged for new herbs. This would please them greatly."

"What about things like ships? I’ve only heard of them from. Passing merchants, massive vessels that are very impressive." Another added excitedly.

Achieng smiled, "I don’t think the lake would fit such vessels. It would seem like an unnecessary exchange right now. Spending resources on something you won’t use right now seems wasteful."

"As much as I would like ships as well, minister Achieng makes a good point. We should focus our efforts on internal development." The kabaka said.

This section passed quickly, almost too quickly.