#matwe

Zahamo itself is situated in a high valley. Stout stone walls surround the town, enclosing an oval area some two hundred paces across its longest line, and one hundred and fifty paces at its thickest point. The area within is sparsely filled, as the town is yet young and considered chiefly as the personal holding of Tensha. Apart from his palace and banqueting hall, the compound contains the houses of his Court, a number of garrisons, quarters for visitors, and much of the remaining land is left over for grazing of their animals.

King Tensha is a man raised from modest backgrounds to supreme rule in this realm. His father was a renowned hunter and a scout in the garrison of Gande, and his mother was a merchant and respected fighter. He served from a young age in Gande's garrison, distinguishing himself as a great warrior and leader of men in a number of regional conflicts. He took leadership of the clan and the town in his middle thirties, and began the series of wars that would unify Nlamo under his rule.

The court at Zahamo comprises Tensha himself, his chief priest and companion Matwe, his heir Oadan (a sort of nephew of the King), several other priests and judges, and a number of representatives and local princes from across Nlamo. From what I could observe, Tensha's court is loyal to the King, and not beset by cabals or cliques, save perhaps a gathering of priests and judges around Matwe.

Though past the thirtieth year of his reign and already in his elder years, Tensha is still a powerful man, broad across the shoulders and with an erect noble carriage. We were received warmly by him and Matwe on our arrival, given a tour of the capital, and formally blessed by his priests. After that we were shown to our guest quarters, the troops were allowed the use of an empty barracks, and we were granted the freedom of the compound to rest from our travels.

We did not see Tensha again until we were formally presented to the court the following afternoon. After the members of the embassy had all been introduced to Tensha and his advisors, he entertained us with a drill of his personal troop – soldiers from across the land selected by Tensha for their prowess, skill, and bravery, and drilled personally by the King. We responded by drilling our own escort, and showing feats of strength and speed on the part of chosen men from the ranks. The occasion was received with great warmth on all parts. I spoke directly to the King only briefly, to compliment him on the skill of his personal guard and to admire the location of his capital.

A great banquet was held that evening. A number of cattle were freshly slaughtered in honour of our embassy, and served alongside spiced soups, loaves of boiled grains, stews of many vegetables, and the meat of an elephant. Tensha gave a speech on receiving us and the opportunity for friendship of our two realms, praising He Who is as Thunder most handsomely, delivering some kind words in a passable attempt at our tongue. Throughout the meal his chief priest watched all of our embassy closely. I half dared to believe

Forgive me, my hand can scarce write these words. How may a hand commit to paper what the mind will not admit?

It was as though Matwe could pierce my breast and see the true intentions of our embassy in visiting Nlamo. These magics are known, but none save the most exalted sages of our land can begin to practice upon them. How can a mere priest of a foreign court expose a man's inner thoughts with such ease?

At the end of the feast, long past the setting of the sun, I excused myself to return to my quarters and begin composing this letter. Most of the eNlami stayed to continue their revels, as did many of our men. Upon entering my chamber, I was seized by two strong hands and borne to the wall, where I could see the face of my assailant. It was Matwe. The same Matwe who I had seen not moments before in spirited debate at Tensha's side, had contrived somehow to steal to my chambers before me, across open land, though I took the straightest route.

He spoke in a thin voice, saying: “Your intentions in this land are known, Envoy. Your embassy will leave at first light, and you will not return to Nlamo. This land will never yield to your bestial emperor. Heed these words.” This was all spoken before I had opportunity to react – for it is a quickly uttered language and his speech is more rapid than many of his countrymen – and as I opened my mouth to protest, with a quick jerk of his body I was pushed along the wall and into the corner of the chamber. The priest opened his mouth, as wide as a mouth may open, and then further, and the shadow inside his gaping jaw seemed to grow and overpower all the senses I possessed.

I awoke in my bed, as the dawn was beginning to lighten the eastern sky. With the greatest haste I assembled our embassy and left Zahamo, without formally bidding farewell to Tensha or his court.

I have written before of the religious ceremonies of the cult of Gaapo, and their use of teas that induce strange visions and dreams in the rituals of their faith. I have discounted this as an explanation for my strange encounter with Matwe. All food and drink at the banquet were served from a common source, and no others of the embassy spoke to me of visions. Those who stayed at the revels through the night told me Matwe was present at the high table for the whole celebration, leaving only as the fires began to flicker and die.