The moon was high when Naliaka summoned them.
Sixteen warriors stood in a single line outside the forest base, shadows dancing over their grey and black cloaks. No one spoke. Only the wind rustled through the trees, whispering through the moss-covered branches like an old song.
Naliaka stepped forward, flanked by Ndengu. Her expression was unreadable—calm, but alert.
"Onyango, your squad has been chosen for a mission of immense importance," she began, her voice low but firm. "From this moment forward, you are no longer required to look for spies within Nuri."
Her gaze swept over them. "You are to support the operation in Kongo. Your orders come from Prince Khisa himself."
Murmurs rippled—surprise, pride, and the subtle straightening of backs.
Ndengu stepped forward and unrolled a scroll. "You are to proceed to Lusimba. There, you will meet Faizah and Kiprop and receive the last intelligence gathered from Kongo. From there, you are to cross into Buganda. Under cover of night."
