The four elders Kago, Wango, Mwaki Runo , and Njenga approached the lands of the Maarati. The journey to Maarati territory had been largely without incident, they had an honour guard of ten warriors of the various regiments, all fully armed with spears, shields and knobkerries. Some had bows with quivers full of barbed arrows. Kinyua, the young warrior from the Mwaki regiment accompanied them. He would translate since he was the only one who understood Maarati. They had travelled for quite a distance without seeing a soul in Maarati territory. But they didn't suppose they hadn't been seen, knowing the Maarati would have forward scouts, who would watch but remain unseen.
A while later they begun to see the first manyattas. From a distance though, the manyattas seemed abandoned. They came closer and saw that indeed they seemed abandoned. But they were relieved, knowing that their destination was near. Mzee Kago supposed there were about four more hours of daylight left. He scanned the distance, putting his hands on his eyes to shade them against the strong sun. As far as he could tell from this distance, no one was to be seen. But were those cattle he saw out of the corner of his eyes? He looked again, squinting against the sun. Yes, indeed those were cattle in the far distance. He turned to warn the others but realized that some of them had seen the cattle. Everyone turned towards them, and in a few minutes they were near enough to tell the cattle were being cared for by two Maarati men armed with spears and knobkerries. They were watching them warily. The group approached, but elder Kago halted them a distance from the cattle. It would not do to seem bent on looting. The elders made their way forward, Kinyua in tow.
"Young Maarati warrior, we salute you" Kinyua translated. Kago briefed the warrior that they were a delegation of the Anyaga community and needed to meet with the Maarati elders. The warrior accepted to run with the message and gather the elders. They talked briefly with his counterpart and then he loped off at a sprint.
The young man ran to the Maarati kraals and straight to the chief's hut. He informed the chief that there was a delegation from the Maarati to see him, specifically elders. The chief rose up suddenly, went as if to say something then paused. He turned to a nearby warrior. Lagishu! Go and inform the seer that his guests have come, and then meet us at the meeting ground". He turned to the warrior who had just brought news. "Go back and direct those elders to the meeting grounds, see they are respectfully escorted!" Both warriors made off. The chief turned to the three elders who were with him in his hut. "Ole Meresho, it would appear that what the seer said has come to pass, we have guests." The elder who had just been addressed, a wizened old man with a scrawny neck shook his head in silent agreement. "Let us proceed to the meeting ground and receive our guests" the chief continued. The three rose and made their way out. The young warriors outside the hut carried their stools. As they made their way, Maarati citizens involved in various activities stopped to stare. On seeing the elders going towards the meeting area, some followed. There was sure to be some interesting news when the elders gathered. As they approached the area where elders gather, they saw that a small crowd of villagers had already assembled. The meeting place was just a large open space. In the center there was a huge tree with wide leaves with various shrubs scattered here and there. Various birds' nests dangled precariously from numerous limbs of the tree. Its advantage was that it gave plenty of cool shade, necessary for meetings of the elders. Having arrived, they went about settling themselves. Extra stools were brought and carefully placed. The elders sat while certain of the warriors came and made a protective perimeter around the meeting place, preventing the crowd that had formed from getting too close.
After a time of waiting, the four guest elders arrived, flanked by the warrior who had been sent to fetch them as well as nine warriors, fully armed. They did not show any fear though surrounded by the enemy force. They approached their counterparts and everyone rose to show respect. Greetings were exchanged. At this moment the seer approached and joined in the greetings. Everyone then sat. The chief rose and introduced the three elders that were with him as well as the seer. Kinyua translated all the while. The elders from Anyaga introduced themselves, with Mzee Kago doing the talking. After all the introductions were done, snuff was produced and consumed. Some put it in the nose, others under the gums. Some retrieved old wooden pipes from various locations. Tobacco was stuffed into them and lit, after every one had lit up with the exception of the seer, the chief stood again and welcomed the guests. He told them that they must be hungry but not to worry, food was being prepared. He then invited Mzee Kago to speak his mind, and sat.
Mzee Kago rose and adjusted his blanket, as he usually did at home. He began explaining the news that reached them about the southern invader. He said that they also received the same news from their seer. Twice, he said is not coincidence. They then made the decision to come and confirm the matter as well as organize the counter attack. He sat.
The chief rose and side that the best placed person to articulate the matter was the seer. He then invited the seer to rise and talk. The seer Ole Samut rose. He surveyed everyone with his hawk eyes, nodding sagely at the guests. Elder Samut was the seer of the Maarati people. He was a wise old man about 70 years of age. He was highly respected and dressed in leopard skins exclusively. He also had several necklaces with lion claws around his neck. He had a wise disposition, white haired and with a morose face. His head was balding gently. He turned his eyes to elder kago.
"Hail the elders of Anyaga! Hail the brave protectors of these territories, Hail the people of Maarati , who will not stand back but stand shoulder to shoulder with their brother's to stop the invader!" he looked all round and continued. "We thank you elders of Anyaga for having responded so fast to our call. We, the people of Maarati are very happy to see you. I would request something, I heard you mention that you got forewarning of these affairs from a seer, could you share more about this seer? But before you do, let two warriors run and fetch battle commanders Lengoibon and Lerionka."
Immediately two warriors peeled off from the gathered and ran in the direction of the main village. The seer turned to the elders. "I spoke a while back about the vision my ancestors revealed to me. A people are coming from the south, devourers. Monsters! Murderers! Their sole aim will be to destroy and assimilate the peoples of these pasturelands. You will obey them or perish. They too have their own seers of a sort, who will do wicked things to our people. They must be stopped at all costs. Only the combined forces of the communities in these lands have a chance". He paused for a moment looking down thoughtfully.
"The purpose of our asking you to visit us is to set up a command structure for the joint armies of the Maarati and Anyaga. But as we wait for our commanders to join us, you may answer the question I had asked earlier". He bowed and sat. The Anyaga elders looked at each other. Elder kago nodded at elder wango who stood.
Elder Wango began the tale of Wangari the seer as he witnessed it that cold morning. He told of the words of the old woman and the dire warning she had proclaimed in the council chambers. He also said he personally had no prior warning or knowledge of her, yet he knew most of the wise men and even a few wizards in the far flung territories of Anyaga. He then sat. At this time there was a commotion as Lengoibon approached, accompanied by ten of his best warriors, garbed as if for war. Shiny spears and huge shields as well as short swords and knobkerries tucked into waist cinches. He strode nonchalantly to the elders. At a motion from his hand, his warriors formed a protective circle around the meeting area and squatted, turning to face the village. At about this time Lerionka approached, flanked by his two armsmen, Ntaramei and Kiptagich. They walked past the squatting warriors without a glance and to the council area. Ntaramei and Kiptagich stopped and squatted while Lerionka continued to stand next to his fellow commander. Lengoibon executed a slight bow towards the seer and the Maarati elders, hitting spear to shield. "I come as commanded, my fathers!"He said. Lerionka also bowed, arms outstretched to the side, turning to include the Anyaga elders in his bow. He looked at the chief. "I come as summoned" he said.
The chief stood and began briefing the commanders. He said there was to be a joint command to respond to the threats their seer prophesied about. These were to be led by four commanders, two from each side. He said Lerionka and Lengoibon were to represent the Maarati in the coming conflict. They were then to meet together with their compatriots from the Anyaga side and plan the battle. The news seemed not to make Lengoibon very happy, but he hid it very well. Lerionka on the other hand was quite delighted at the news that he could possibly see his friend from the Anyaga again. They both bowed in acceptance. The seer stood and addressed himself to the two warrior commanders. You two are carrying the hopes and aspirations of the Maarati . You MUST not fail! They bowed again. They would die and their regiments with them rather than fail, they swore.
The seer sat and the chief stood. He then welcomed the guests again and apologized to them saying he had kept them hungry overly long. The food started arriving as the women come with huge platters of meat and milk. The warriors and elders started to feast amidst happy banter.
Mukungu and his henchmen were in the plains. They had been travelling for two days and one night. Always south, ever south. Mukungu was like a man possessed. He was fevered. The henchmen started complaining since supplies were running low. They dared not complain directly to Mukungu but squabbled amongst themselves. After a long days travel they chose a place and settled down for the night. They brought out the little supplies they had left and ate. Gitau noted loudly that the supplies would not last the next day. Mukungu was silent as usual, his face turned towards the south, a small lazy smile on his face. Kanyutu started nagging bitterly that it seemed some people didnt care they would starve to death in this forest. Gitau told him to shut up. They would have to hunt the next day he said. Also they would need to replenish their water bags. All this time Mukungu had not spoken but still had the faraway look. He appeared to be having a lot on his mind. Many big plans seemed to be rotating around his brain. He murmured to himself, oblivious to the two. Sometimes he even argued with himself as if pointing out an issue of utmost importance. The two looked at him as if he had gone mad. Kanyutu shook his head, spat to the side and laid himself down to endure the mosquitoes. Gitau did the same.
The next day dawned bright. The three made their way through the rough scrub. Gitau told Mukungu that they needed to get out of the forested area since there was no game to be found there. He counseled that they move towards the plains. Mukungu refused saying that this would take them out of their way. SOUTH they must go. Gitau asked what was in the south. They began arguing with Mukungu . Anger set in. ultimately Mukungu realized he would have to share a little with these fools. He decided to tell them just enough to get by. He told them that he had friends in the south that would help them. He said they would have to believe and obey him if they wanted to survive. The two henchmen simmered down and the journey continued. This was heavily wooded grassland and they kept their eyes open for game.
As they walked they came across tracks of dik dik. They followed the tracks closely. Kanyutu complained morosely that they didn't even have arrows and a bow. This would have made hunting the dikdik easier. How could they catch them he wondered? None of them answered him as they were too hungry to care. Shortly afterwards Gitau slapped his shoulder to silence him. Gitau froze. He had seen their prey. They all froze. About fifty yards away was a group of dikdik. They had not yet scented the trio. They communicated by way of signs. They would go round to the downwind side to avoid detection. They crawled until they were well positioned. They unlimbered their spears and prepare to unleash terror. Mukungu did not carry his spear but only a short sword strapped to his hip so he did not take any active part in the hunt. The two picked on a duiker and threw their spears. Gitau's spear hit the target but Kanyutu's merely glanced off the hind quarters of the dikdik.
That day they feasted hugely on dig dik meat. Later they packed all leftover meat and continue on the journey.
The next day the three fugitives continued making their way through the scrubland. They were still moving towards the south. Near midday they started entering the deep and gloomy parts of the forest. Here the trees were arranged close to one another. Huge creepers filled the forest folliage, from one tree to another, as well as hanging forlornly to the ground. The forest was filled with strange cries and shrieks. Kanyutu who was a coward was jumping whenever one of those strange hoots was heard close by. The gloom thickened as they travelled. The trail here was very light and they suspected soon they would have to cut a way through. Just as they thought, towards late afternoon there wasn't a trail any more. Swords were drawn and the going was now tough since creepers and bushes of all types and shades had to be cut to create a trail. They travelled in difficulty till dust and rested.
That night after a meager meal of meat, Mukungu asked for their attention. He told them that it was time to give them more information about the overall plan. He told them that they must ally themselves with other communities if they were to survive. He didn't tell them all his plans, but touched the bare skeleton. He told them to let him do the talking if they met any other peoples. Kanyutu was only too happy to oblige. Gitau accepted solemnly. He felt Mukungu had something up his sleeve but he couldn't tell what. Nevertheless, he didn't want to be troubled to find out. Afterwards they curled up and slept. The next day was more hard work cutting a way through the forest. After traveling for a couple of hours they thankfully came across a river. They filled their water bags. At the edge of the river were many tracks. Gitau considered waiting for the evening drinking animals so as to hunt but Mukungu overruled him. The path was now better. They continued making their way through the forest. They had barely gone one kilometer than they suddenly came across a bull buffalo. It was standing across their path. Everybody froze. The bull lifted its head and saw them. It had huge horns. It snorted. It shook its mighty head. They started moving backwards slowly but not fast enough. The bull charged. Everybody scattered, each going in their own direction. Mukungu , who had been in the lead, was the only one who kept to the path. The buffalo followed him coming like a tempest. He ran and jumped, catching the hanging branches of a nearby tree. He rapidly climbed higher. The bull charged to the base of the tree, snorted loudly, gazing up at him. The bull worked out its fury and frustration, clawing out huge clumps of grass with its hoofs and goring the bushes nearby. They stayed in a conundrum for some minutes staring at each other. Finally the bull lost patience and wondered off into the forest.
Mukungu waited for ten more minutes and resumed the journey. Meanwhile his henchmen had run off at an angle to Mukungu . Kanyutu, being the more cowardly of the two, could not bear to be alone in the forest so he followed closely behind Gitau. However Gitau was too fast for him and he got left behind. Finally he too climbed a tree. After everything had cooled a little and he had gotten his breath back, he climbed down. He started calling out for Gitau every few steps. The forest was very thick in this area. After a little while he heard an answering call. The two men soon joined up and bent their backs in deep laughter, at the misadventure. They were secretly relieved that they got away. They turned their efforts to searching for Mukungu, calling out loudly every few steps. After retracing their steps they found him sitted at the base of a tree. He had been listening to their calls without answering. The two were very annoyed but voiced their displeasure in low grumbles and the journey resumed.
Commander Lengoibon was seated alone upon a ledge of rock fuming quietly. It was a distance of one span as the wild dog ran from the Maarati village. His massive shoulders trembled with fury. At the base of the rocky crag sat his closest comrade in arms and assistant, Kimetto ole Meresho. It was dusk. The sun was just a small sliver on the western horizon, yet it turned everything in the distant west golden orange. This part of the plains was slightly lifted up, with rocky outcrops mightily pushing themselves from the hard soil. Lengoibon considered carefully. Surely had he known the treachery of his own seer in letting the thieving Anyaga warriors free he would have summarily slaughtered them on the day he met them! He shook his head to clear his mind. But no matter…perhaps this might be used to some advantage…and besides his warriors had lain complacent for too long. Maybe this promised them some action. The thought of spilling enemy blood made him smile broadly. He paused mentally to consider the prospect. Yes… this was indeed not as bad as seemed at first. He turned and made his way carefully down the steep crag he had been standing on. On his way he slapped at a few mosquitoes which had been sucking hard at his arms. His lieutenant Ole Meresho was awaiting him at the base of the rocky outcrop. He rejoined him and slapped him heartily on the back. "Son of Meresho, I have been ruminating and an idea has come to me!"
"What idea is that commander?" asked Kimeto. He knew his commander was not an easy man to deal with. He could fly into a murderous rage in the moment it took to swat a fly. He did not ask so much to know as to appear to be listening keenly. "Why Ole Meresho, our people say that the foot that has dew is not like the foot that is covered in ash. Make haste to my scouts and ask them to meet me at olaingulani crag tomorrow. I have a task for them. Also bring thirty warriors with you, we will be travelling to the Anyaga enemy's lair...there is the small matter of command that must be resolved". He answered.
"Yes my commander….and where will you go now commander? It is night after all", Asked Ole Meresho. Commander Lengoibon turned and gazed at him. At the intensity of the gaze, Kimeto lowered his eyes striking fist to shield. "Your orders will be carried out at once commander!" He said and loped off.
The next day Lengoibon met with his scouts. Three men he sent southwards to feel out the enemy. He gave them specific instructions. Three others he sent to the north to feel out the Anyaga and gauge their weaknesses. This done he proceeded to the gathering with his thirty warriors.
It took Lerionka six days of travel to enter the Anyaga territorys. He had gotten information from his scouts that Lengoibon was not very far behind with a force of thirty fully armed warriors. He himself had only brought a token force of fifteen warriors, indeed the very same men he had been with when they met these people in the forest. He hoped that Lengoibon would not make trouble at the meeting. Knowing him, he would try to play up Maarati superiority every chance he got. On consideration he decided not to let Lengoibon ever meet alone with the Anyaga commanders. One never knew where that would lead.
These lands were well farmed. These people were known for their farming skills, very little for their cattle skills. It would be a good thing to taste the many foods that these farmlands promised. As the warriors approached the first huts, they found that they were expected. A delegation of elders and Muniu as well as many other warriors were waiting to meet them. Lerionka clasped hands with his counterpart and some other elders. Kinyua was there as usual to translate.
"Welcome to our lands my friend!" quipped Muniu. "I trust that the dangers of the journey challenged you sufficiently"? He enquired.
"We had little of anything like danger great warrior" answered Lerionka. But soon that situation will be remedied!" he quipped in turn. Both warriors beamed at each other. Then Lerionka turned and bowed to all the elders.
"Welcome to our lands, sons of the Maarati. We know you have many things to discuss so we shall leave you in the able hands of Muniu and Njoroge, the commanders of the Anyaga forces" Elder Kago said as they bowed and took their leave. The children and women of the Anyaga were filling up the area from curiosity. Many had never seen Maarati warriors up close, gaping in awe. Muniu led them away to his compound which was big enough to contain the Maarati and some of the Anyaga warriors. He then invited commander Lerionka into his hut and a guard was set on the door. Instruction was left that commander Lengoibon was to be shown in once he arrived in his turn.
In the hut were commanders Njoroge, Muniu and Lerionka, and Kinyua, the translator of course. They sat on three legged stools and meat platters were brought. Millet beer quickly followed to chase down the meat and a gluey meal made of millet and sorghum. It was delicious, especially when mixed with meat. After they had feasted, and were comfortably sipping on the beer, Njoroge broke the companionable silence. He was a burly man with a large and bushy moustache. In fact froth of bear made his moustache look bigger.
"Great Maarati warrior, I am commander Njoroge. Though we have never met, I have heard of your prowess and the amount of effort you put in for our commander Muniu. We are all obligated to you!"
"It was nothing" Lerionka said amidst sips. Njoroge shook his head. "To us it was everything. It is a wonderful way to cement this great friendship between our two peoples. But to the matters of the day." He paused as he glanced towards the doorway of the hut. "Shall we proceed or shall we await your fellow commander?"
"Proceed! I shall give him a full brief" said Lerionka.
Njoroge cleared his throat, took a long drag of his millet beer, swallowed with an appreciative smack and wiped his mouth. Flecks of foam remained attached to his moustache.
"Commander, we have a big task ahead of us. To make things easier, we have attempted to divide the armies into four large regiments and two reserves. The regiments will be under the command of the four of us with the reserves being given to two other commanders. "
Muniu perked up "the reserve will not be allowed to partake of the battle, nor even watch it. They will remain away and face backwards to the battle, getting involved only later in the day when the main forces are tired"
"What of the overall battle strategy? What are your thoughts great warrior?" Lerionka asked of Muniu. "It will be complex to have a unified strategy before understanding our enemy's forces. We will have to send out scouts. We must have battle intelligence" answered Muniu thoughtfully.
At this moment there was a rise in voices outside the hut. Shortly afterwards, Lengoibon strode into the hut. Commander Njoroge stood in respect as Lengoibon entered the hut. However Muniu and Lerionka remained seated. A frown curled Lengoibon's face as he scrutinized the two. "How the low have risen….? Are we now to merge and fight together with our former captives?" he asked sarcastically. Muniu bounded to his feet, his knobkerrie appearing in his left hand as if by magic. His hand extended and the wood screamed towards lengoibons head, coming to a halt some inches away. Lengoibon did not flinch. Njoroge and Lerionka threw themselves at both men.
"Let us not fight each other for in the matter ahead of us we are brothers!" shouted Njoroge quickly. The two stared venomously at each other. Muniu motioned using his knobkerrie. "I have a duty to my people to support and stand with the Maarati in this war, but take heed enemy, I have sworn to take your head for the murder of Kanyonga when this is done!" Kinyua was quick to translate and with not a little venom.
Lengoibon smiled evilly, "I shall wait with amusement at the enactment of your puny effort unworthy warrior! But this is about us. We will in the meantime support and encourage this merge of warriors for the common good. So! What has been decided? Brief me! " Lengoibon was now all charm and oozed goodwill. He settled himself on a nearby stool as if nothing had happened, thrusting his spear in the earth next to him. The others also sat and commander Njoroge spent the next few minutes recapping the previous discussions.
Afterwards Lengoibon was given food and plenty of beer which he took with much gusto. He did not disapprove the plans that had been made, only mentioning that his regiment would be the first to make contact with the enemy. After the meal the commanders were taken to the field where a large contingent of Anyaga warriors were gathered in full battledress. They wore their traditional green wrappers and many warlike decorations. Each man carried a tall buffalo hide shield, a simi or short sword strapped to the hips. They also carried a broad bladed spear, bows and arrows. Some had knobkerries instead of bows. Each shield was decorated according to the regiment the warrior served.
Muniu called for their attention. "Great warriors of the Anyaga people. Today we have been blessed with visitors. As is customary among us we will give them the hospitality we are famed for across the ridges".
At this all the warriors shouted loudly. Muniu waited for the noise to die down. "The warriors from Maarati are come to join us in our engagement with the enemy from the south. Together we shall save our people from extermination! But we shall do more! We shall destroy every invading southerner and loot their cattle and women, leaving not a man alive". At this all warrior's screamed their jubilation. "But for now let us show our visitors what we can do. Break into regiments"! He shouted.
The warriors' started arranging themselves into their service regiments. There was the buffalo regiment with the multi colored buffalo hide shields with the emblem of goring horns complete with red points. Then there was the fire regiment with their emblem of a blazing flame on the right side of their shields. The elephant regiment simply chose the mighty trunk and tusks of an elephant as their emblem. The peacock had decided the beautiful array of feathers of their animal would do while the pincers of the red ant served that regiment well. As their warriors grouped themselves, their spears struck a resounding Thum! Thum! Thum! on their shields, creating an awesome boom. Dust was raised into the air as thousands of feet jogged to the regiment positions. When it was all done, all the men each stood in the correct place.
Lengoibon touched commander Njoroge, "how many men are these?" he asked. "We have about five thousand men commander", responded Njoroge somewhat reluctantly, "not counting those in the forest who haven't rejoined their regiments. In total we may count on about seven thousand or so. Certainly not more".
Lengoibon shook his head thoughtfully. In the dusty plain, the men were beginning battle maneuvers. At the shout of "snakes strike!" from Muniu, all warriors' went low, shields at an angle almost horizontal with the ground and extended their spears forward in a stab. A resounding shout rent the air. "Lizard crawl!" all warriors' went down on all fours and started crawling, their shield slung at the back of their shoulders spears moving in synchrony. Another shout rent the air.
And so the maneuvers went on for the entire afternoon, watched by the commanders, point about improvements and changes flying thick and fast. Later the commanders retired towards evening and the soldiers were dismissed.