CHAPTER 210: CHAPTER 210 - NEGOTIATIONS AT SUNRISE 2

Juma inhaled deeply before speaking.

"There is one final matter, one close to Nuri’s heart."

The hall quieted.

"We seek to end the slave trade, not just within our borders, but in every land that stands with us."

The Kabaka’s expression grew somber.

Juma continued.

"We are freeing many people, too many. Nuri is receiving thousands. Soon, we will not have space for our own citizens. So we propose to train these freed people as teachers, craftsmen, linguists... and bring them to Buganda to help expand your kingdom. They will be your citizens, if you accept them."

The silence that followed was heavy.

Then...

A sharp cough from an elder named Kato. His voice was cool, polite, but firm.

"Minister Juma... Nuri’s heart is noble. But you ask us to swallow too much. Our clans guard their land fiercely. To bring in thousands of strangers? People whose past is heavy? This is not a small matter."

Another councillor added,

"Our kingdom already holds many clans vying for land, cattle, and power. More people may bring conflict."

A third said bluntly,

"And if these freed people speak new tongues, follow new customs... will they accept our ways? Or change them?"

Juma remained composed.

"They will be trained to serve your kingdom, not change it. Nuri has decided to let them keep their ways and customs, as long as nothing goes directly against Nuri’s laws they are free to practice whatever they wish. For most of them, their customs are all that is left. Of course we do not intend to force this decision upon you."

The Kabaka raised a hand, speaking with gravity.

"Nuri’s compassion is mighty. But Buganda must move carefully. This decision cannot be rushed."

His council murmured in agreement.

Achieng’ tried once more.

"These people have nothing. No homes. No name. If Buganda accepts them...they might just have a chance at a new life. "

Kato interrupted gently but firmly.

"We understand your desire to save them. But we do not accept... yet."

A deep drum sounded once—

The Kabaka ending the session.

"Let us pause here," he declared.

"The sun is high, and our thoughts must settle. Tomorrow we meet again."

Juma and Achieng’ bowed respectfully, though disappointment flickered in their eyes.

The council rose slowly, some elders whispering among themselves, others silent and brooding. The Kabaka lingered a moment, watching Nuri’s envoys with a thoughtful, unreadable expression.

Outside, the drums began once more, steady, neutral, undecided.

The alliance still hung in the balance.

Servants guided Juma and Achieng’ through the shaded palace corridors, past carved pillars and painted barkcloth murals, until they reached the guest chambers prepared for them.

Once the doors closed, both released the breath they had been holding.

Juma removed his outer cloak and dropped heavily onto a stool.

"I understand their reservations," he muttered, rubbing his temples. "But still, I thought it would be easy."

Achieng’ laughed softly, though there was no real humor in it. She set their documents on a wooden table and poured water from a clay jug.

"If it was easy, Juma, they wouldn’t have chosen us. They know Buganda has pride, history, and its own plans for expansion. They won’t want their kingdom filled with strangers unless they see clear advantage."

Juma took the cup she offered, staring into it as if it held answers.

"Our promise of sending only trained people: teachers, builders, translators, should have made it sweet enough. Yet it still wasn’t enough."

Achieng’ leaned against the wall, arms folded.

"Buganda fears being swallowed," she said bluntly. "They fear losing cultural control. They fear resentment from their own citizens. Even the Kabaka, wise as he is, must listen to his clan heads."

Juma’s voice dropped.

"If we can’t accomplish this, we might have to give up on it entirely."

Achieng’ stiffened. "Let’s not say that yet."

But Juma continued, his thoughts tumbling out:

"Both Abyssinia and Nuri are taking in thousands at a time. Right now it works because we need the numbers, builders, farmers, miners, soldiers. But one day, when most of our roads are built, when the mines are established, when the army is full... we will start struggling. The sheer number of people will overwhelm our resources. And if they cannot find purpose..."

"...They will fracture," Achieng’ finished quietly. "And internal strife might tear us apart from the inside."

Silence settled.

Outside, the faint thrum of Buganda’s drums drifted through the night air, ceremonial rhythms welcoming guests, but also reminding them whose land they were in.

Juma looked toward the window.

"Khisa has done so much to build what unity we have. He talks to people, listens, laughs, fights beside them. Because of him, Abakhore stand beside Angwenyi, Abyssinian refugees break bread with freedmen from different parts of the ocean. But he won’t be around forever."

Achieng’ nodded slowly.

"Exactly. And without a long-term solution... everything he has built could crumble. The king knows it. The council knows it. That was why we pushed this so hard."

Juma sighed and sat back.

"That is why this matters. And why failing... scares me."

Achieng’ pushed herself away from the wall and sat across from him.

"Then we won’t fail," she said firmly. "We just need a better approach. Telling Buganda to take people isn’t enough. We must show them why trained workers will help Buganda grow faster than their rivals."

"We must show them the strength of human capital," Juma murmured.

"And the wisdom of partnership," Achieng’ added.

They began listing ideas:

A demonstration of Nuri-trained teachers using new learning methods.

Offering to help Buganda establish its first multi-tribal school.

Building a joint training facility on Buganda soil so they controlled who stayed.

Sending a mixture of Nuri-born and freedmen so Buganda saw unity in action.

Creating a shared council to monitor integration and prevent cultural tension.

Showing economic models comparing population growth to workforce expansion.

Offering Nuri’s scholars to help Buganda conduct its first census.

"The Kabaka must see the benefit of this decision. He should not feel burdened by it." Achieng said.

Hours passed as they crafted strategies, scripts, potential responses to resistance.

By the time they finally put out the lanterns, the moon was high and the palace was still.

Tomorrow would be harder.

But they were not done fighting for Nuri’s future.