Child of Storm

For once in my life I went into a rage and cursed that nondescript kind

of messenger, sent by I know not whom, in language that I think he will

not forget. Then, realising the futility of swearing at a mere tool, I

went up to the Great House and demanded an audience with Panda himself.

Presently the inceku, or household servant, to whom I gave my message,

returned, saying that I was to be admitted at once, and on entering the

enclosure I found the King sitting at the head of the kraal quite alone,

except for a man who was holding a large shield over him in order to

keep off the sun.

He greeted me warmly, and I told him my trouble about the oxen, whereon

he sent away the shield-holder, leaving us two together.

"Watcher-by-Night," he said, "why do you blame me for these events, when

you know that I am nobody in my own House? I say that I am a dead man,

whose sons fight for his inheritance. I cannot tell you for certain who

it was that drove away your oxen. Still, I am glad that they are gone,

since I believe that if you had attempted to trek to Natal just now you

would have been killed on the road by the Usutu, who believe you to be a

councillor of Umbelazi."

"I understand, O King," I answered, "and I dare say that the accident of

the loss of my oxen is fortunate for me. But tell me now, what am I to

do? I wish to follow the example of John Dunn [another white man in the

country who was much mixed up with Zulu politics] and leave the land.

Will you give me more oxen to draw my wagons?"

"I have none that are broken in, Macumazahn, for, as you know, we Zulus

possess few wagons; and if I had I would not lend them to you, who do

not desire that your blood should be upon my head."

"You are hiding something from me, O King," I said bluntly. "What is it

that you want me to do? Stay here at Nodwengu?"

"No, Macumazahn. When the trouble begins I want you to go with a

regiment of my own that I shall send to the assistance of my son,

Umbelazi, so that he may have the benefit of your wisdom. O Macumazana,

I will tell you the truth. My heart loves Umbelazi, and I fear me that

he is overmatched by Cetewayo. If I could I would save his life, but I

know not how to do so, since I must not seem to take sides too openly.

But I can send down a regiment as your escort, if you choose to go to

view the battle as my agent and make report to me. Say, will you not

go?"