Two weeks later.
The gentle rocking of the main ship was a constant lullaby.
I was on the deck of my cabin, the morning sun filtering through a porthole window. A calm sea stretched to the horizon, a vast blue canvas that made one feel small, but immensely connected to the world.
I took out my journal, the thick parchment and bird feathers I used for my most intimate notes, and sat down, with the soft sway of the waves as a reminder that we were on our way.
My mind was filled with impressions of the Northeast Region. I began to write, my handwriting fluid, detailing my observations. The coastal cities, vibrant and full of life, prospered with the new naval trade. Their ports were full of ships carrying spices and goods from the islands.
However, inland, the reality was very different. The leaders and the governor of the region had informed me that they were struggling to bring prosperity to the inland towns. More tribes had assimilated to the north of the endless forest, and while this increased our population, it also created an obligation that we could not fulfill.
Expansion brings growth, but also responsibility, I wrote in my journal. The Northeast Region is growing, but help is not reaching the inland towns fast enough. Personnel are scarce for the needs of a rising population. We must find a comprehensive solution that allows our growth to be equitable.
"Perhaps I'm rushing too much," I reflected, putting the pen aside.
After a moment of calm and a deep breath, my thoughts drifted to the complexity of trade. It was a powerful tool for improving people's lives, but it could also be a double-edged sword.
In my notes, I detailed my concern about certain deals being made in the FRIRS, the Region of the Rising Sun Islands, which was our next destination. Merchants had informed me of exogamy practices where daughters were 'exchanged' for goods. It was an exchange of goods for marriage, a way of securing wealth and power within their tribes.
It's a kind of 'slave' trade, I wrote, with a feeling of discomfort. Although I understand it is part of their culture and the intention is not slavery. But the exchange of a person for goods has a moral limit that I cannot ignore. We cannot allow this to become a harmful custom that goes against the principles of the kingdom.
I reflected on how to address this problem. A prohibition would be an authoritarian act, not the solution I was looking for. It had to be subtle. My pens moved again.
The solution must be comprehensive and cultural. We cannot impose our beliefs. We must provide knowledge in schools that promotes the equality of people, and that the exchange of a person for a good, even for marriage, is harmful to society. The key to changing culture lies in education
"Maybe I'm seeing things from a very biased perspective on the morality of the future," I thought, noting a slight inconsistency in my usual way of thinking.
I had been living as a Suaza for several years and had already adapted to many customs, but there were times or things that were difficult for me to accept.
Closing my journal, I looked at the horizon again. The sun was now high, and the sea shone with an intensity that almost hurt. The decisions I made at my small desk on a ship had the potential to change the destiny of the entire kingdom.
"It's better to let things take their natural course... If I impose a radical or conservative way of thinking, it will no longer be the Suaza Kingdom that we have formed," I reflected, contemplating the view.
I felt the weight of responsibility, but also the excitement of what we could build.
Two weeks later.
The main ship sailed through deep blue waters, dotted with the intense green of the FRIRS islands.
I was on the deck, the sea breeze playing with my hair as I watched Foza, the governor of the region. The sun was shining brightly, and the air was warm, very different from the Northern or Northeastern Region, but with similar views.
Foza, with a serene look, approached me. We sat at an ebony table that had been placed on the deck, and he started the conversation.
"Young Chuta, it is an honor to accompany you on your journey," he began, his voice firm and full of purpose. "I still remember my first trip to these islands, in the Explorer division. The Tainos and Caribes thought I was a foreigner who wanted to take their lands. But thanks to your teachings, we prioritized diplomacy, respect, and understanding, which helped us get closer at that time, and now to be one single nation. Now, the cultural unification and the teachings of the different cultures are flourishing, and being studied by the shamans of the islands."
I looked at him intently. His speech has always been respectful, but there are times when he gets too much into his role as governor.
"Leave the formalities. You are acting very rigidly," I commented, letting out a small laugh.
"I'm sorry, Young Chuta, I just wanted to mention how much you have helped those people..."
"Our people... Your people," I interrupted to correct him. "Since we are talking about the FRIRS... In everyday life, what has impacted the people the most?" I asked, interested in the practical details.
"We have seen the difference in the smaller villages. The stone tools that were no longer used in the big cities and that we moved here have made fishing and gathering more efficient. And in our main chiefdoms, bronze tools have improved construction and agriculture."
Foza's eyes filled with pride as he spoke of the achievements. However, his enthusiasm faded a little. I could see the worry in his eyes.
"My only regret, Young Chuta, is that bringing these improvements to every small village on every island is a colossal challenge. The staff of my ministries tell me it could take years, in the best of cases."
I, however, was not surprised. In fact, I felt relieved. It was the expected challenge, the reality of building a kingdom, and even more so in circumstances like ours and the characteristics of these islands.
"Foza, don't lament," I said, my voice calm and confident. "What you have achieved in such a short time has exceeded my expectations. Unifying two conflicting peoples and bringing prosperity to such a diverse region is a milestone. Patience is the greatest virtue in building a kingdom. If it takes years, so be it. The important thing is that we are going in the right direction. I congratulate you, my friend. You have done an extraordinary job."
The worry on Foza's face vanished. A smile of relief and pride appeared on his face. The conversation with Foza had gone from a meeting of governors to a chat between friends. We stayed on deck for a while, watching the waves, and the atmosphere felt more relaxed.
"And your wife, Foza," I asked, remembering the sister of Chief Jaragua. "How is she? I've heard rumors that she is a woman of strong character."
Foza let out a nervous laugh, his gaze lost on the horizon.
"Yes, Young Chuta, she is," he replied, his voice lowering a bit. "She is a great woman, but... my life has become a bit complicated. I would dare to say that my problems are similar to yours, in a way."
I looked at him with curiosity. Foza, with a sigh of resignation, explained himself.
"To calm the Caribes, and to make the union of the islands stronger, one of the biggest chiefs gave me his daughter as a second fiancée. It was an honor, but... cohabitation is difficult. My house is now a place of much respect, but also of much tension."
Now I understood everything. I understood why he had decided to join my expedition with such enthusiasm. It was a respite, an escape from a home full of diplomacy and wounded hearts. In an act of camaraderie, I couldn't help but smile and joke a little.
"I see that the problems of politics are not only left in the Government House," I said with a smile. "It seems that your marriages are more peace treaties than anything else."
Foza blushed, embarrassed but relieved.
"I don't know what to say, Young Chuta. The truth is that I didn't expect this complication, but it is a sacrifice I must make for the peace of the kingdom," he said with conviction. "Besides, I love them both very much," he murmured.
"And that's what makes you a great governor, Foza," I told him with a smile, avoiding mentioning his romantic issues again.
One week later.
The horizon was tinged with an intense green. We had arrived at one of the territories controlled by Chewa, one of the leaders of the Suaza Chamber of Commerce. As we approached the port, the ship was surrounded by a fleet of small boats that moved with the agility of fish.
The sight was spectacular. The town, which would soon be a city, was buzzing with excitement. The docks were full of sailors and workers, moving back and forth, loading and unloading goods. A large number of ships of all sizes were docked, and others were entering and leaving the port, a spectacle of prosperity and progress. It smelled of wood, spices, and the sweat of working men.
"It's impressive, Foza," I said, my voice full of admiration. "Chewa has put a lot of effort into these settlements."
I looked around, feeling the pulse of this new land. The prosperity was tangible, the excitement palpable. And all of this was possible thanks to people like Chewa, whose loyalty to the kingdom was unwavering. With a leader like that, the expansion would be a success. The kingdom felt like a living organism, each part growing and prospering with a common purpose.
The ship docked, and I was received by Chewa's eldest son, a young man of about twenty with a serious look and a demeanor that reminded me of his father.
"Young Chuta, it is an honor to welcome you to our land," he said, his voice formal but sincere.
With that greeting, the sound of drums filled the air, and the sailors and workers joined in a festival, a welcoming carnival.
The journey had been long, but the arrival at this new world of possibilities filled me with a renewed energy.
.
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[A/N: CHAPTER COMPLETED
Hello everyone.
First, I'd like to apologize for the delay in the chapter, but my computer finally crashed. The previous times it must have been taking its last breaths. And now I'm trying to fix it.
I think it's due to a memory failure due to a failure to install updates, which I'm currently trying to fix.
By the way, I had to rewrite this chapter, and I haven't proofread or corrected much, so I'm sorry if you find any mistakes.
This is a chapter from Chuta's voyage, with some of his travel notes, moments with Foza, and his arrival in North America.
Unnecessary Fact of the Day: In 1507, the Portuguese established a naval base on the island of Socotra, near the Horn of Africa, to control the entrance to the Red Sea.
Should Chuta venture into that territory, or is it unnecessary?
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Read my other novels.
#The Walking Dead: Vision of the Future. (Chapter 72)
#The Walking Dead: Emily's Metamorphosis. (Chapter 20)
#The Walking Dead: Patient 0 - Lyra File (Chapter 5)
You can find them on my profile.]