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Updated: May 25, 2025
Now, at this tidings the people of the king shouted for joy; but Hafela called to his regiments to make an end of them, and they hurled themselves upon the second wall, fighting desperately.
Hearken, councillors and people, this is my decree: that Hafela, my son, who would have murdered me, be deposed from his place as heir to my throne, and that Nodwengo, his brother, be set in that place, to rule the People of Fire after me when I die." "It is good, it is just!" said the council. "Let the king's word be done." "Hearken again," said Umsuka.
Although he had been unable to see him drop the poison into the cup, a glance at Hafela told Owen that it was there; for though he kept his face under control, he could not prevent his hands from twitching or the sweat from starting upon his brow and breast. The king rose, and taking the bowl, held it on high, saying: "In this cup, which I drink on behalf of the nation, I pledge you, my people."
Now Hafela is proud and cruel, a warrior of warriors, a terrible man, and Nodwengo is gentle and mild, like to his mother whom the king loves. Of late it has been discovered that Hafela, weary of waiting for power, has made a plot to depose his father and to kill Nodwengo, his brother, so that the land and those who dwell in it may become his without question.
On the morrow the Great Place was full of the bustle of preparation, and by dawn of the following day an impi of some seventeen thousand spears had started to ambush Hafela and his force in a certain wooded defile through which he must pass on his way to the mountain pass where his women and children were gathered.
The lady Noma is the only child of my blood-brother, my friend, with whom I was brought up, he who was slain at my side in the great war with the tribes of the north. She was my ward: she was more; for through her ah! you know not how I held my converse with the things of earth and air, the very spirits that watch us now in this darkness, Hafela.
Now Hokosa looked at the dust at his feet, then he gazed upwards searching the heavens, and answered: "Did not I tell you yesterday? I think that this will happen. I think but who can be quite sure of the future, Hafela? that you and the most of your army by this hour to-morrow night will be lying fast asleep about this place, with jackals for your bedfellows."
Now, for the fourth time the attacking regiment came forward grimly, on this occasion led by the prince himself. As they drew near, Hokosa leapt upon the wall, and standing there in the bright moonlight where all could see him, he called to them to halt. Instinctively they obeyed him. "Is it Hafela whom I see yonder?" he asked. "Ah! it is I," answered the prince.
Nay, Hafela, if you would learn the trade, pay me well and I will give you lessons. Yet I counsel you not; for you are flesh, nothing but flesh, and he who would rule the air must cultivate the spirit. Why, I tell you, Prince, that even the love for her who is my heart, the lady whom we both would wed, partaking of the flesh as, alas! it does, has cost me half my powers.
Although I was afar, her spirit warned me, and I returned, but too late; for she was sealed to you of the blood-royal, and that is a law which may not be broken. "Hafela, I prayed you to return her to me, and you mocked me.
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