The trip to Cape Colony was a dangerous one. From the Natalia Republic, one must trek through the hostile Xhosa Kingdom. The Xhosa Kingdom was once a thriving kingdom in the Cape of Good Hope, but the British came and waged numerous wars with them, weakening the kingdom, and pushing them further and further eastwards.

For while trekkers could make peace with some of the Elfrican tribes as they pass through, the Xhosa saw any who pass through as land-stealers. And with Jan's white skin, there was little differentiating him from a British colonizer from a Boer, so he would be targeted.

So, Trekkers heading from the Cape would only pass by the fringes of their territory, passing through Basotho land, even if the direct route through Xhosa was the fastest.

From what he researched on the Basotho, there lived a great Queen known as Moshoeshoe. Though, in his old world, it would be he, but so be it. She was well-respected by her people and was known as a Great Queen. She was also a well-known diplomat, who developed close ties with the colonizers of South Elfrica. Rumours abound about her stockpiling of modern weaponry, so many weapon merchants flocked to offload their outdated flintlock muskets onto her. Still, a gun is a gun.

There was no need to trek, and they could have easily got onto a ship from Port Natal and sailed to the Cape, but that would give the British too much leverage when negotiating, as they ruled the seas. So, the group decided to trek there.

With him were three wagons, one contained Pretorius and a small retinue of his most trusted Boers, as well as the elf servants attending to their every needs, on the other, was Jan and a couple of his father's subordinates. The last one was an empty wagon maintained by servants. The operation was simple. Pretorius would serve as the smokescreen while making a social call to the British, negotiating for the acquisition of Port Natal, which has been countlessly rejected. If the Boer leader did it again, the British will not find it too suspicious. At the same time, he would encourage Boer migration from the Cape Colonies to the new Boer Republic as he spent a few days in the Cape Colony.

This was all fine, since the British considered the Boers to be British subjects, helping to settle new lands for the British Empire. Now then, a couple of Boer dockworkers going missing won't be too suspicious, won't it? The third wagon would pick up the skilled labourers, and hopefully, Jan figured, he could appoint someone to be his new Veldkornet and jumpstart Port Mpande.

Does one even need to discuss why the port was named after the Queen? This was to quell any further dissent from Zulu traditionalists. For if you dare criticize the port, aren't you, indirectly besmirching the Queen's name? There will be some grumbles from the Boer people for using a name they can't even pronounce, but all in all, these people would stop complaining once they made money without British taxes.

Wagons carrying his fellow Boers hailed one another as they confirmed the directions of their trek. Most were heading to the Natalia Republic, whilst some were heading to Zoutpansberg due to the rumours of gold in the area. Most men laughed at the rumours, thinking they were mostly untrue, but Jan did not laugh.

Basotho villages consisting of Basotho elves wrapped in eye-catching blankets around the waist paired with large rain boots. Females wore skirts or long dresses, but most were covered in blankets. Jan was tempted to get a blanket, for it look warm and snuggly, but he reminded himself he could not spend the funds on trivial things.

Some were wearing Western wear, an indication of the growing Western influence. There were also missionaries speaking in French, for they greeted his group whenever they made a stop with a simple bonjour. Their churches seemed so out of place in the villages that they felt like a stain, for they did not complement the village architecture. For they were brutalists amidst the quaint village homes with their quaint little walls paired with the multi-layered cone roofs. Not all villages with churches were like that, for some were happy with a simple hut, but the atmosphere differed depending on the church.

In some villages they stopped, the influence of French missionaries cannot be denied. Inhabitants were speaking French, casually conversing like native French speakers. The missionaries were friendly and were always so helpful, giving them tours around the little villages they stopped at. Inside their churches, printing presses were churning away Sesotho translations of the Bible. The missionary offered Jan to look through a copy, and he was amazed by the dedication these men had to their work. Still, the firearms close by these missionaries revealed how safe they thought of their environment.

Traffic increased as continued with their trek through more mountainous regions. The capital of the newly formed Lesotho Kingdom, sat on top of a sandstone plateau, allowing any occupiers to see any incoming foes from all directions. A perfect natural fortress. Elven merchants plied their wares, selling whatever supplies the trekkers needed at exorbitant prices. Their profits can be seen from their attires of Upper-class Western wear, with their top hats, waistcoat and breeches that were so unsuited to the Elfrican climate. But they wore it anyway, showing their wealth.

Six passes led to the plateau. And inside the mountain, there were eight springs. Refilling of water was free, but the merchants harassing them showed why the price was free. There was no denying that it was a prospering land. If he was a British 19th-century imperialist, he would write something along the lines of, "A refuge of civilization amidst the savagery".

Rondavels were immense, the little huts that were cylinders with cones on top of them. But as they got closer to the centre, more urban buildings could be seen. Two to three-storied homes of French architecture could be seen.

He and Pretorius got out of the wagons and took a walk around the city. The passing Boers paid no mind to Pretorius, for they didn't know of his face, but they knew of his deeds.

"Should we meet with Queen Moshoeshoe? I heard she is welcoming of visitors," Pretorius and Jan walked towards her compound while their companions went off to indulge in the capital's delights.

"I see why not. If she becomes hostile to trekkers, it might harm the Republic," Jan replied.

"Considering all the economic activity, I find it hard to believe."

A municipal building had travellers go in and out, handling administrative affairs. Announcing who he was, Pretorius and Jan were escorted to a simple stone house measuring 10 metres by five metres that were divided into two rooms. Guards took their firearms away and they were seated by a table. It was a house part of a larger compound with many buildings. The masonry was smooth, and one can easily see and feel that it was no rush job.

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

An imposing dark elf with a serious atmosphere entered the room joined by a French missionary, who whispered miscellaneous things in her ears. She wore a top hat, and a dark vest with a green frock coat thrown on top of her sides. Her sharp eyes with a clear gaze attracted eyes away from viewers curious about her femininity.

"It is with great pleasure of meeting with you two gentlemen. Especially with Andries Pretorius, the esteemed Prime Minister of the Natalia Republic." Queen Moshoeshoe spoke and the French missionary translated the Sotho language.

"No, it's my pleasure to grace with the great Queen of Lesotho. I must thank you for keeping our fellow trekkers safe during their great trek to new homelands, as well as supplying for their various needs." Pretorius replied, and the atmosphere fell silent once again. The French missionary whispered more things into the Queen's ears.

'At this rate, everything will just end with a simple social call. Having the Lesotho Kingdom on their side is a must, considering the vast number of firearms they stocked up. But Moshoeshoe is crafty. And no one survives long being a fool,' Jan thought.

Jan leaned into Pretorius and whispered," I think we should improve ties with her kingdom."

Pretorius whispered back," I don't know what angle to take."

"Me either."

The Queen spoke up again, and the French missionary translated her words. "There are some Boers who have chosen to temporarily settle in the Matlakeng area. At first, there were few, but more came, and they have even begun colonizing the region. It will be great if Mr Andries Pretorius can help remedy it."

Pretorius shook his head, saying," There is little I can do about an independent Boer group. The best I can do is encourage them to move along to the Natal region. Perhaps additional incentives provided by the Kingdom can move them along, such as provisions."

"That is good. It would be a pity to prevent future trekkers from coming along the trail."

Pretorius fumed at the threat but suppressed his anger as they left the building with the French missionary.

"Pardon sir, may I know who you are?" Jan curiously asked, wondering how this missionary got so close to the Queen.

"I'm Eugène Casalis, her majesty's Foreign Advisor. I help advise her majesty in her dealings with humans."

"Mr Eugene Casalis, may I ask, how can the Natalia Republic develop closer ties with the Lesotho Kingdom?"

"The kingdom is not interested in being entrapped in any Boer conflict with the British. It wishes to be left alone." Casalis bluntly spoke, staring at Jan. Jan sighed, giving further confirmation to the French missionary's hypothesis.

"Do not put things that way, sir. While you are here purportedly for God, are you not here to spread French interests in the region? Weakening the British hold over Elfrica are in your interests, are they? I'm sure the French government would reward a man like you greatly."

"I'm sorry sir. But do you think the Queen would be as foolish as to put a French dog as her speaker to the outside world? I am gravely insulted by your insinuations!" Casalis stormed off.

'Ahh… I've messed up,' Jan slapped himself mentally, as he blankly stared at the missionary marching off.

"Oi, fok weg. Jy hoor my. Ja, ek het gesê fokoff." (Oi, fuck off. You hear me. Yup, I said fuck off. What are you sons of bitches doing here? Get your ass out here!)

He would have loved to say that, but unfortunately, he was an ordinary man. And especially when everyone had firearms, he didn't want a bullet between his eyes.

"Ek is Andries Pretorius, Eerste Minister van die Republiek Natalia. Ja, ek is dieselfde man wat wraak geneem het vir Piet Retief tydens die Slag van Bloedrivier. En deur my pogings het ek selfs koningin Dingane laat doodmaak!" (I am Andries Pretorius, Prime Minister of the Natalia Republic. Yes, I am the very same man who took revenge for Piet Retief during the Battle of Blood River. And through my efforts, I have even got Queen Dingane slain!)

The commotion of the wagons appeared in the Matlakeng area, a land that was situated between two rivers, prime land that was suited for harvesting. Farmers in the regions paid no heed, but when a crazy man comes out shouting that he is a big shot, they start paying attention. Farmers gathered around him posing questions in Elfrikaans, and he answered them.

Below are the questions and answers in English:

Q: "How did Dingane die?"

A: "She was slaughtered as she retreated into Swaziland"

Q: "Is there much land in the Natal?"

A: "There is plenty, and we have even acquired some in St Lucia Bay."

Q: "What are you doing here, sir?"

A: "I'm looking to have a chat with the local leader."

A man came out escorted by his fellow trekkers.

"Ek is Jan de Winnaar, plaaslike trekker-pionier. Hoe kan ek jou help, meneer Andries Pretorius?" (I am Jan de Winnaar, the local trekker pioneer. How can I help you, Mr Andries Pretorius?)

"Koningin Moshoehoe het my opdrag gegee om u in te lig dat u verblyf onwelkom is. Sy het jou net toegelaat om tydelik te bly. Maar wat is met al hierdie konstruksies rondom ons?" (Queen Moshoehoe has tasked me with informing you that you're staying is unwelcomed. She has only allowed you to stay temporary. But what's with all these constructions around us?)

"Hulle gebruik nie eers die grond nie. Ons gebruik net die grond goed." (They aren't even using the land. We're just putting the land to good use.)

"Die probleem is dat ek bang is dat die koningin dalk nie meer jou teenwoordigheid kan verdra nie. Sy het gedreig om militêre optrede te neem!" (The problem is that I'm afraid the Queen might not be able to tolerate your presence any more. She has threatened to take military actions!)

The crowd of farmers and ranchers gasped upon hearing Pretorius' words and turned to look towards Jan de Winnaar.

"Wat doen ons dan? Ons het soveel moeite in hierdie land gedoen. Ons het nie veel voorrade om weer te trek nie." (What do we do then? We have put so much effort into this land. We don't have much supplies to trek again.)

"Die koningin het voorrade aangebied vir diegene wat bereid is om te vertrek. Die Natalia Republiek is bereid om julle almal te verwelkom." (The Queen has offered supplies for those willing to leave. The Natalia Republic is willing to welcome all of you.)

The crowd let out a sigh of relief and went back to carrying out their usual duties. Jan de Winnaar came up to Pretorius and thanked him for helping to negotiate such a deal on his behalf, for he would never be able to broker such a deal on their lonesome.

"Aargghh! This is a diplomatic nightmare! You made out Queen Moshoeshoe into some kind of aggressive warmonger!" The missionary was close to pulling his hair out as he snarled upon hearing Pretorius recall how they got the Boer groups to pack their bags.

"I don't think so, she is merciful but strict. She did leave them a way out after all. Speaking of that, is the Kingdom going to provide the trekkers with the supplies? Because our assistance is off, if the Kingdom fails to provide the supplies," Jan explained.

"Sigh… Of course, the Kingdom will provide the supplies. I can assure you that the Queen will be pleased, but I don't know how she will feel about her name being used so liberally. But onto more important matters. Voortrekkers like you gentlemen don't do things for free, so what is your intention behind building greater relations with the Lesotho Kingdom?"

"I didn't want her to block the trail for other Trekkers," Pretorius explained, and turned to Jan, curious about why he was so hardworking. The other Boers didn't care about these matters. They were simple farmers. As long as the crops grow, all were fine.

"I have a plan and it requires the Kingdom." Jan reluctantly spoke. Seeing his reluctance, Casalis ushered the Boers into a meeting room. Jan spilt the bins.

He told others for the first time about his plan. The plan was to unify the various entities into the giant federation known as the Federation of South Elfrica. And the overall goal was to evict the British from the Cape Colony and return them to the natives' hands.

"I don't know what to say. This plan is crazy. I would usually expect to come out from a drunk man. But you don't seem drunk," Pretorius admitted.

"So, the Xhosa would get back all their original territories? And the Zulu?" Casalis asked, also thinking similarly to Pretorius.

"Depending on the Boers living in the area. It might be best to live in coexistence."

The missionary shook his head. "I'll directly say it. It is impossible for the Kingdom to ever agree with this plan. The might of the British Empire is incontestable. Only if the Boers are on the winning side, then the Kingdom would be interested in ever joining," Casalis left with a huff, speeding out of the room.

"Well then, shall we keep going?" Jan said as he looked at Pretorius, who wondered how possible Jan's plans could be.