“I own no plantations,” Belay replied. “I prefer the exchange of goods to the fruits of the earth.”
Abdul took an orange from his bowl. “Slaves can be docile as cows if properly trained. I seem to recall there is one in your employ that may be an exception.”
Abdul’s eyes rested on Changa. Belay glanced at the Bakonga and smiled.
“I freed Changa soon after rescuing him from the fighting pit. A man with his skills and abilities didn’t deserve to be a slave.”
“No one does,” Abdul agreed. “But we did not make the world.”
“That is true.”
The two carried on a casual conversation as they ate. Changa glared at Abdul, his distaste for the man growing with every minute past. There was something missing in a man like Abdul, an emptiness of that allowed them to treat some men like objects while showing kindness to others.
The servants cleared the table. Belay leaned back in his chair, rubbing his stomach.
“An excellent feast,” he said.
“I’m humbled by your praise.” Abdul took another cup of wine. “Now my friend, why have you come?”
“I’m here to make right a wrong committed by my son. I was told you purchased a woman from Wal Wasaki, a woman my son had kidnapped for refusing his marriage offer. I have come to buy her back.”
Abdul’s face contorted in confusion. “I do not know of what you speak. I do conduct business with Wasaki occasionally, but I never deal directly with him. Maybe one of my men has seen this woman. Can you describe her?”
“She needs no description, for she is a queen among queens. Her beauty knows no rival and her virtue honors her family. That is why it is so important that I do this. The woman is innocent.”
Abdul rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “I would remember such a woman. What is her name?”
“Yasmine.”
Abdul folded his jeweled hands in his lap; a lie glimmered in his eyes before escaping his lips.
“I’m sorry, my friend. I have not seen this Yasmine. A woman such as you described would be very valuable, not for what she possesses in beauty but for what she may harbor within. If I did come across such a woman, I would not be able to part with her. She would be priceless.”
Changa coughed to keep from cursing. Abdul’s eyes narrowed as they took in the Bakongo, the threat emanating from them clear. Belay saw the exchange and stood.
“I will not waste anymore of your time, Abdul. I realized this might be a fruitless journey but I had to try. I thank you for your time and hospitality.”
Abdul came to Belay and they hugged. “You must come again soon,” Abdul lied. “The hunting on the southern tip of the island is excellent.”
“I will,” Belay replied. “Allah be with you.”
“And with you.”
Changa’s restraint failed him as soon as he set foot on the Sada.
“He has her!”
Belay sat at his desk in the cabin. “I know.”
“You should have made him an offer.”
Belay sighed. “He would have refused. Yasmine’s beauty seems to be a curse to her.”
Changa slammed his fist as against the wall. “You didn’t even try!”
Belay came to his feet. “Enough, Changa! If you hope to be a merchant one day you must learn keep your personal feelings under control. This is business.”
“No, bwana, it is not. This is about a person’s life.”
“This became business the moment Wal took Yasmine. I have done all I can do. We are finished with this matter, you hear me? When we return to Mombasa, I will pay Mustafa a proper lobola.”
Changa’s glare subsided into a disappointed stare.
“Go see about the crew,” Belay commanded. “We leave in the morning.”
Night had descended on Zanzibar when Changa finished his inspection. He went immediately to his cabin, gathered his weapons and returned to the deck.
“Where are you going, kibwana?”
Yusef leaned against the main mast, his thick arms folded across his chest.
“Go back below,” Changa advised. “This doesn’t concern you.”
“You’re going to get Yasmine, aren’t you?”
Changa ignored the big man as he walked down the plank. Yusef strode toward him.
“I’m going with you.”
Changa turned, looking up into Yusef’s defiant eyes.
“Don’t be ridiculous. This has nothing to do with you.”
“You defeated me in front of everyone,” Yusef answered. “If I wish a chance to redeem myself, I need to make sure you come back alive.”
“I won’t slow down for you,” Changa warned.
“You won’t have to,” Yusef smiled.
The two made their way to the dark streets of Zanzibar. Changa set a fast pace and Yusef, true to his word, kept pace with him. They reached Abdul’s palace in moments; the streets strangely quiet for such a large town.
Changa went immediately to the compound. He leapt onto the wall like a panther then jumped down into the courtyard, sword drawn. The courtyard was unguarded, unusual for a compound that held such wealth. He went to the gate and let Yusef in. They crept to the palace door. Changa tested it and it held firm.
“Stand aside, kibwana,” Yusef whispered.
“This is not the time for brute strength,” Changa warned.
“You insult me,” Yusef replied.
The big Mombassan leaned against the door until he heard a cracking sound. Yusef stepped away and pushed the door open effortlessly.
The faint scuff of padded paws was the only warning. Changa instinctively jumped aside and the black leopard flashed by him, slamming into Yusef’s chest. He moved to help his friend but suddenly found himself dodging the charge of another leopard. The beast opened its mouth in a silent roar as it crept towards him. Changa backed away, brandishing a throwing knife in each hand. The cat struck out with its paw and Changa struck back, batting the claws away. The silence was shattered by Yusef’s bellow and the leopard’s cohort sailed out the doorway, landing lifeless in the dirt. Changa’s attacker was distracted for a moment, which was all the time he needed. A knife flew from his hand into the leopard’s breast and the
