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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Time went by and soon enough, it was the day of departure. I decided to bring all my male commanders as I saw everyone benefiting from the experience. This was when I told was something I found a bit interesting.

Baba could not come as he had to deal with the worsening relations between us and the Ndwandwe tribes who were the only tribe in the region who could challenge us.

So Baba reduced the number of people we would be taking with us and put Shaka in charge of the army we had left. He was so busy that he couldn't even see us off.

Since Baba was so busy, I decided to use this to my advantage and bring more of my soldiers with me. I only took fifty and they were all either fifteen or sixteen, so young adults in this era. I trusted my men more than any other warrior of the tribe.

When we began the journey, I decided to finally introduce myself to the legend himself. The first thing I noticed about Shaka was his presence. It demanded respect and the serious look plastered on his face only enhanced the feeling.

" A good day for conquering, wouldn't you say? " I said with a wide smirk. When Shaka looked at me, I felt his eyes analyze me before recognition took place in his eyes. " Ah, Siboniso right. I have heard great things about you. " he said with a softening look on his face.

" I do try to prove myself worthy of the throne every day. " I said while glancing at him to gauge his reaction. " Is that so? Well, I hope things go your way. If even half the things I heard about you are true, then you would be a good fit for such a position. " he complimented which brought a smile to my face.

" You know, I find we have a lot in common. We both are talented in combat and tactics, we are both innovative, we both have the ambition to do great things and I'd say that we both have the will and drive to accomplish what we want to achieve. " I let out.

I saw from the corner of my eye, that he was looking at me but I continued looking forward. "If we were to both be in powerful positions and allied to each other, we could take the world by storm. " I looked at Shaka this time trying to convey the seriousness of my words and determination to carry it out.

He only looked back at me with what I could see to be curiosity and if my eyes weren't deceiving me, a bit of respect. The sides of his lips turned up and he looked back forward before speaking. " I like you. You certainly have the will and courage but you do know that you have older siblings. "

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" Don't worry about them, they won't be a problem. " Shaka raised an eyebrow at my remark before a small grin planted itself on his face. " You must be very brave or foolish to say such to me. Are you not afraid of me telling your baba or siblings? "

" Neither. You see, as someone trying to become an inkosi, I find it beneficial to learn. About anything and everything. One of the things I especially try to learn about is who Inkosi Dingiswayo associates himself with and why. This led to me finding out about you and doing some investigating and I must say that you have earned a lot of my respect. To go through all that you have and still rise to commander with such skills and intelligence speaks of your fortitude and will. "

I let my words hang in the air so Shaka could digest them before continuing. " I can tell that you will do great things and maybe even be remembered as a legend. But to reach such a stage, you need help. You need people you can trust, ideas, and inventions that will take you beyond anyone's expectations. I can help you if you help me. We can take this world if you just help me. " I took glances at Shaka and I could see him thinking about my words which broadened my smile.

" I will become great with or without your help Shaka. I do not doubt that you could too but if we help each other we could do more than we would ever be able to do alone. Just think about it. " With those parting words, I made my way back to my soldiers.

For the rest of the trip, I socialized with the other commanders and people in high positions that came with us. If I was to take Mthethwa for myself, I needed to be in good relations with everyone who could make my ruling heaven or hell.

When we finally arrived, we were weirdly taken in with open arms. There was no resistance and I needed to know why. " Bheka, I need to find out what happened here. " Bheka, who was standing in front of me, nodded before leaving. Bheka, the male counterpart to Ayanda who were, funnily enough, siblings. Their ability to find information was amazing. Maybe a family trait because their mom was quite the known gossiper.

He was friends with nearly every boy just as his sister was friends with nearly every girl in the village. I had caught him listening to some people's conversation and after I learned he was friends with damn near everyone in my army, I decided to take him on as a possible commander of intelligence.

I had taught them in the ways of the creed, or at least what I remember in the games that could be applied in our situation. I had also tasked them all with befriending everyone in the village and then getting the information I spread around. The first one to get it won and Bheka had won a majority of them. It also helped that he was considered handsome as many girls fought for his attention.

Soon enough, I decided to choose him as the commander and taught him skills I only taught to the commanders. This only motivated him to do better and with his sister gaining the same title as him, brought tough competition. Even though he was still learning, I believed he was ready for his first mission outside of our village.

I was right to put my trust in his ability. After a day, he found out that the previous leader was poisoned before our arrival and with the arrival of a superior army, they had no chance. After a few ceremonies, Shaka was made the inkosi of the Zulu.

Soon after Shaka became the inkosi, I was called to his hut privately. When I walked in, I saw Shaka sitting on a mat in front of a small table. I took the mat opposite him before speaking. " That went better than I thought. Oh, and congratulations Inkosi. "

Shaka raised an eyebrow at my remark and most probably the lack of respect. Or rather, the fact that I hadn't increased the amount of respect that was normally shown to Inkosis. Unfortunately, unless I saw the need to, I wouldn't bow down to anyone. The only person I bowed to was Baba, but that was because he was my father and allowed me to build my army. Even encouraged it, so I saw him as someone worthy of such respect.

" I thought a lot about your words and I can see the potential in them. The potential in you, but potential is all it is. I need to have the assurance that what I am seeing is not the delusions of a boy with a uju tongue but a leader with a plan. " We stare each other down, no one willing to back down but I soon conceded. Not out of fear or nervousness, but the desire to act immediately.

" Give me two summers and you shall see. " I said with determination before standing up and leaving. " Oh, and I shall leave you in charge of the trip back. It should not be too hard for such a prodigy such as yourself. If things don't work out or you try to enact your own plans, commander Khwezi shall take over. "

I left the hut with an almost devilish smirk on my face because I had been given an army to do with as I please. The pesky restriction wouldn't deter me from any plan I may create. I had just been given a chance and I needed to take it.

One at a time. Indeed, just one step.

I couldn't help but to let out a maniacal laugh which drew the attention of those who dared stay out as late as it was. Feeling a bit embarrassed, I paced back to the but given to me for the duration of our stay. I heard a few cackles and snickers on my way back which only worsened my embarrassment. I cursed them all in my mind all the way, promising punishment to those I could recognize