Dawn City.
The morning sun filtered through the broad windows of the stone mansion, painting the breakfast table with a golden glow that made the tropical fruits seem like gleaming jewels. The freshly baked tortilla, its aroma mingling with the sweetness of guavas and the subtle smoke of roasted meat, filled the air, creating a bubble of warmth that contrasted with the constant turmoil of my usual days.
There we were, gathered for the first time in months: my mother, Za; my father, Hyba; and my fiancées, Umza, Nyia, and Turey. Their gentle laughter and soft voices were a balm to my weary soul, reminding me that despite the burdens of the future I carried, there were still simple and pure moments.
We sat around the carved wooden table, a gift from the Tairona artisans whom Nyia so admired. My mother, with her inexhaustible energy and the girls' support, served generous portions onto plates of painted ceramics.
"Try this, Chuta," she said, sliding a plate towards me with a radiant smile. "I've been experimenting with the meat from those wild pigs we brought from the Aztec territory. I've marinated it with local herbs and a touch of chili that enhances the flavor without overpowering it. It's a perfect fusion between our ways and those from up north in the North Quyca."
I chewed a bite, savoring the tender juiciness and the subtle spice that danced on my tongue. It was exquisite, a testament to her ingenuity as the kingdom's foremost entrepreneur.
"Mother, this is incredible," I replied, feeling a wave of pride. "You've turned something wild into a delicacy that could unite tables across the entire kingdom. Congratulations; this could revolutionize our kitchens."
She blushed slightly, but her eyes shone with satisfaction, and for an instant, I saw in her not only the woman who raised me, but a constant innovator who thrived both at home and in her business, 'Za's Hearth.'
Hyba, my father, cut a slice of bread with his calloused hands, marked by years of work on the Muisca lands. He looked at me with that thoughtful expression that always preceded his profound questions.
"Tell me, Chuta, how did you manage to raise a city like this in so little time? I remember when we built the first cities of the kingdom; it took us a couple of years just to achieve something like this. Here, in Dawn City, everything seems to have sprung from nothing, with buildings and markets that rival the regional capitals."
I smiled, remembering the sleepless nights of planning.
"Father, it was due to the meticulous preparations I made a few years ago. I anticipated the need for a strong city in the islands' territory, so I invested in tools and techniques that would accelerate construction," I told my father with a certain pride for my foresight.
"But the real driving force has been the constant influx of labor," I continued, recounting how it all came to be. "People from all the towns are coming, drawn by opportunities. They want to stay, to contribute, and that has multiplied our speed. It's not just stone and wood; it's the collective will."
My father nodded, impressed.
Then, my fiancées took over, each with her unique charm that made me feel fortunate beyond words. Nyia, the introverted Tairona artist, fiddled with her fork before speaking, her clear eyes shining with inspiration.
"Chuta, I was inspired by that event the kingdom advertised in the new newspapers: the encounter of our ships with the peoples at the mouth of the great river in our South Quyca. I painted a work called 'A Meeting Between Two Worlds.' It shows the sails waving against the horizon, warriors exchanging glances of curiosity, not conflict. It's... hopeful."
I thought of the irony: now we were the protagonists of a similar encounter, but with the Europeans. The title resonated with a prophetic echo, reminding me of how history was being rewritten by my hands.
"That sounds magnificent, Nyia. I would love to see how you capture the essence of unity... And yes, I promise to pose for that painting you asked me about months ago. Just tell me when."
She smiled shyly, and in that moment, the outside world faded, leaving only her creative passion that anchored me to the beautiful things in life.
Umza, the extroverted Pijao with her innate linguistic talent, leaned forward with enthusiasm. "Chuta, I read your notes on that new language, 'Spanish.' It's fascinating: the structures, the sounds... I want to learn it. It could help us communicate better with these visitors."
I was once again astounded by her ability; she absorbed languages like a sponge, a gift I secretly envied.
"Umza, your skill never ceases to amaze me," I said, equally excited. "Of course, I will teach you personally. We'll start with the basics this very week."
Her laughter rang out, full of energy.
Turey, ethereal as always, seemed lost in thought, her Taíno origin reflected in her connection to nature.
Suddenly, she spoke in a soft voice: "Shadow, the owl I brought from the North Quyca, accompanies me everywhere. It's as if he understands my words." Her words came without any introduction; she simply blurted out what was on her mind, and all I could do was try to understand her.
Just then, a sharp, mysterious cry echoed from outside the mansion, making us all look towards the window. It was Shadow, perched on a nearby tree.
To surprise her, I smiled with joy. "Turey, the people who came to the city brought several new animals: horses from the east, birds different from our own... They need your care. You have that natural understanding, that closeness that calms them."
Her eyes lit up like stars and she nodded excitedly. I felt a warmth in my chest seeing her so alive.
The rest of the day passed with a blessed normalcy, free from the constant meetings that usually devoured my time. We walked through the gardens, shared anecdotes, and for the first time in months, I allowed myself to simply be.
As the sun set, I reflected in silence: there are times when this kind of affection keeps your feet on the ground, reminding you that you are not alone in the battle against destiny.
"I can seek more help from the capable and trusted people around me, delegate without fear, and strengthen the kingdom not just with strategies, but with human bonds," I thought as I felt the breeze that now also calmed me.
Tomorrow the storm would return, but today, in this pause, I found the strength to face it.
The next day.
The sun had already ascended high over Dawn City when I entered the office of the stone mansion. The thick walls, carved with Muisca motifs representing the sun and moon intertwined, filtered the light into dancing patterns that fell upon the mosaic floor.
The air was heavy with the scent of fresh paper and ink, a constant reminder of the reports that flowed like rivers to me. My assistants, a group of men and women selected for their loyalty and precision, bowed respectfully when they saw me.
"Young Chuta," they murmured in unison, their voices a formal echo that reminded me of my position.
I sat on the raised seat, carved from dark wood brought from the Tairona forests, and nodded for them to begin.
The first, a middle-aged man with a tunic embroidered in gold, unrolled a map onto the central table.
"Young Chuta, the reports from the fleet responsible for the connection with Guanza Quyca have brought the new report," the first assistant began. "They show a significant increase in the number of settlements, driven by the purchase of slaves and their subsequent liberation to Trans-Saharan merchants in the Songhai Kingdom. We have acquired several thousands of people, including entire families, who have been transferred to the main settlements of Guanza Quyca itself or to the South Quyca. This strengthens our presence in both territories."
I listened carefully, visualizing the African coasts in my mind: golden sands, bustling markets, and now, our ships anchored as bridges between worlds.
The report continued: "The creation of the first schools to teach local trades and languages is reported, as well as shipyards that are already producing climate-adapted vessels, and a library that collects scrolls sold by the same merchants."
"Furthermore, the bishop assigned to that territory will arrive at the beginning of Year 11 of the SuaChie Calendar, accompanied by an Imam, a priest of Islam, for the Religious Council meeting," he said with a firm tone.
I nodded, feeling a wave of satisfaction. This was key: not just expansion, but cultural integration that could alter the course of history.
"Excellent," I replied, my voice firm yet thoughtful. "Increase the number of resources assigned to Guanza Quyca: more ships, tools, and seeds. Begin the mass purchase of local crops to establish a massive agriculture in the territory. We must ensure that these settlements not only survive but thrive, attracting natural allies."
The assistant took quick notes, his eyes shining with admiration, and withdrew to the side.
The next assistant, a young woman with her hair braided in the Pijao style, took her place.
"Young Chuta, progress in the settlements on the entire continent's west coast is going well, as it is on the already established east coast. We have had contacts with small towns in the southern zone of the continent, some encounters with tribes further south of the Northeast Region, and sightings of large communities on the west coast of the North Quyca."
She unrolled another map, pointing out spots with a precise finger.
"The details on population growth on the west coast will have to wait a year to be complete, but they vary according to the settlements and local cultures," he continued. "In places with large communities, we have attracted local populations, breaking the dependence on moving citizens from the internal regions of the kingdom."
I was pleased with this; it meant self-sufficiency, a pillar to withstand what was to come. I thought of the vast expanses of the continent, and how these ties could weave an impenetrable network.
"Well done," I said, leaning forward. "Strengthen the ties with the known peoples and begin approaching the settlements of the North Quyca and the southern zone. Send emissaries with gifts and proposals for mutual trade. We don't want conquests, but alliances."
She nodded, a subtle smile curling her lips, reflecting the collective pride that fueled our kingdom.
The third assistant, a robust man with a scar on his cheek from some past expedition, began to speak about the growth of trade with the great kingdoms: Aztec, Maya, Tarascan, and Inca. "Young Chuta, exchanges have increased by thirty percent, with shipments of gold, jade, and textiles flowing towards us in exchange for our innovations in tools and navigation…"
But his words were interrupted by a knock on the door.
A messenger entered, panting slightly, his uniform dusty from the journey. "Young Chuta, Chewa has arrived," the messenger reported. "The great merchant, leader of the Suaza Chamber of Commerce and an important member of the Chamber of Commerce of the Floating Islands, requests an audience with you."
A genuine smile spread across my face. Chewa was an invaluable ally, a pure nationalist whose commercial vision aligned perfectly with mine.
"Let him in," I ordered, and then I turned to the assistants. "You may withdraw for now. We will continue later; I know there is more to report."
They bowed and exited in silence, leaving an echo of efficiency in the air. Chewa entered, his imposing figure wrapped in a cloak embroidered with motifs of ships and coins.
"Young Chuta," he greeted with a bow, but his tone was warm, almost paternal.
We exchanged a few brief words about his journey, and I felt a growing anticipation for what was to come.
The next day.
I convened a meeting in the same office, now lit by additional lanterns as the sky had clouded over, creating an atmosphere of strategic intimacy.
Zasaba, my confidant and leader of the Shadows, was on my right, his expression serene yet alert. Chewa sat opposite me, and Foza, the governor of the Federal Region of the Islands of the Rising Sun, completed the circle, his young, sea-weathered face reflecting curiosity.
"Thank you for coming," I began, my voice resonating with determination. "We will begin a new phase of expansion in the Suaza Kingdom."
The three of them were surprised; I saw Zasaba arch an eyebrow, Chewa lean forward with interest, and Foza cross his arms, waiting. But they listened intently as I proceeded.
"This stage will be based on three fundamental anchors. The first: the unification of the Great Quyca, consolidating the entire continent under our shared influence, not by force, but by mutual benefit."
"The second: Knowledge and Craftsmanship, promoting schools, libraries, and workshops that elevate our technologies and cultures, attracting brilliant minds from all corners, and also providing fundamental knowledge to the peoples who join."
"And the third: an Army of Emissaries and Merchants, not armed warriors, but diplomats and traders who extend our networks, forging alliances that endure."
Zasaba was the first to respond, his voice grave and thoughtful. "Young Chuta, this is ambitious. How do we ensure loyalty in such a vast expansion?"
Chewa added with enthusiasm: "Young Chuta, the Chamber of Commerce will support this; the flow of goods will be the glue that holds everything together."
Foza, more pragmatic, said: "On the islands, we already see the potential. But we will need larger fleets."
We discussed details, and within me, a mixture of excitement and anxiety bubbled. This was the race against accelerating time; with these men, I could redefine not just our kingdom, but the destiny of the world.
The meeting stretched on, weaving plans like threads in a tapestry, and for the first time in days, I felt the burden of the future being distributed among trustworthy shoulders.
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[A/N: CHAPTER COMPLETED
Hello everyone.
I hope you enjoyed the episode.
Chuta continues with some normalcy before continuing with his purpose. This also serves to remind us of Chuta's family and fiancées, who, as you well know, will begin to play an important role when they grow up and have their own children.
By the way, would you like any of the fiancées to have an active role in the kingdom, or in any of the territories where the Swazi Kingdom will have influence?
I already promised there would be an Asian wife, and perhaps there will be a European one. Some of them could be more active than just being Chuta's normal partner.
Unnecessary Fact of the Day: Between 1487 and 1499, Henry VII put down a large number of rebellions by "imposters" posing as heirs of the House of York. This is what drove him to constantly ally himself with the Catholic Kingdoms of Spain to validate his position as king.
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Read my other novels.
#The Walking Dead: Vision of the Future (Chapter 80)
#The Walking Dead: Emily's Metamorphosis (Chapter 27)
#The Walking Dead: Patient 0 - Lyra File (Chapter 9) (PAUSED)
You can find them on my profile.]