The Demise Of An Emperor Before The Atlantic Slave Trade. Robert Harris

roar of a lion or leopard of sort. We jumped halfway upward, stared at one another and began to gather our things to run toward the royal courts. The rumble of footsteps paraded our eardrums as we ran faster and dramatically, knowing I was without weapons because of Inari. We made it back to the gates of the royal courts safely, but curiosity filled my thoughts. While the both of us were panting from exhaustion of fear and desperation, Sully looked surprised as he asked, “What are you two doing panting like you saw an evil spirit?”

      While catching my breath to answer my brother question, I instead waved my hand and I passed him without a word and walked toward Inari quarters. I kissed and embraced Inari as if I never wanted her to leave. She stared into my eyes with swollen lips of moisture like honeydew. We were compelled to kiss again, and the moment became intense from lust or love, I didn’t know. But it was an inexpressible feeling that drew us together like a magnet. The night was getting long, so we broke lose unwillingly but kosher toward the protocol. As I walked through the corridors back to my quarters, my brother awaiting with an absurd look on his face.

      “My brother Koukan, you can’t be getting serious over this peasant woman! I thought we were to oblige ourselves with them and that’s it.”

      My thoughts contemplated on how to tell my brother that I’ve fallen in love with a peasant woman.

      “My brother Sully, I have been approved by the Mansa himself to follow my love. This is our secret though!”

      “This is mad my brother Musa, you are breaking the protocol of our tradition. What will our father and the others think?”

      “Embrace the change my brother Sully. Traditions are made to be broke, the only thing my brother, someone has to be bold enough to break them.”

      The ceremony began with both families and friends filling the courtyard. Unusual as it seemed, with the different caste of family status, the families joined together with excitement to honor the marriage of Koukan Musa Keita and Inari Kunate. Mansa Abubakari II approved and supplied the wedding ceremony with dancers, food, drinks, music, and the finest clothes. Mansa Abu gave up the making of his ships for this special moment of mine. We recited our vows and jumped the broom, and celebrated until late into the night. Then it was our time to consummate the marriage, in which we longed for.