Child of Storm

It may be said that this story comes straight from the history of Saul

and David, but I can only answer that it happened. Circumstances that

were not unlike ended in a similar tragedy, that is all. What David's

exact motives were, naturally I cannot tell; but it is easy to guess

those of Cetewayo, who, although he could make war upon his brother to

secure the throne, did not think it wise to let it go abroad that the

royal blood might be lightly spilt. Also, knowing that I was a witness

of the Prince's death, he was well aware that Umbezi was but a

boastful liar who hoped thus to ingratiate himself with an all-powerful

conqueror.

Well, this tragic incident had its sequel. It seems--to his honour, be

it said--that Saduko refused to be the executioner of his father-in-law,

Umbezi; so those with him performed this office and brought him back a

prisoner to Cetewayo.

When the Prince learned that his direct order, spoken in the accustomed

and fearful formula of "Take him away," had been disobeyed, his rage

was, or seemed to be, great. My own conviction is that he was only

seeking a cause of quarrel against Saduko, who, he thought, was a very

powerful man, who would probably treat him, should opportunity arise, as

he had treated Umbelazi, and perhaps now that the most of Panda's sons

were dead, except himself and the lads M'tonga, Sikota and M'kungo, who

had fled into Natal, might even in future days aspire to the throne

as the husband of the King's daughter. Still, he was afraid or did not

think it politic at once to put out of his path this master of many

legions, who had played so important a part in the battle. Therefore he

ordered him to be kept under guard and taken back to Nodwengu, that the

whole matter might be investigated by Panda the King, who still ruled

the land, though henceforth only in name. Also he refused to allow me to

depart into Natal, saying that I, too, must come to Nodwengu, as there

my testimony might be needed.

So, having no choice, I went, it being fated that I should see the end

of the drama.