Chapter 40: Request for Help
Chief Mosi and General Ndlovu wasted no time. As soon as King Mwanga gave the order, they prepared for the journey to the Valorian Embassy in Maputo. The streets were eerily quiet as their convoy sped through the city. The people of Zambesi, aware of the escalating violence, had taken refuge in their homes, leaving the normally bustling roads almost deserted.
The drive to the embassy was tense. General Ndlovu kept his eyes on the road ahead, his mind racing with thoughts of the battles raging across the kingdom. He knew that every minute they delayed meant more lives lost, more ground ceded to the Matalebe.
Chief Mosi, sitting beside him, was deep in thought as well. His mind was fixed on the task ahead—convincing the Valorians to intervene decisively. He knew they were Zambesi's last hope, but he also understood that their new allies would not act out of goodwill alone. Valoria would expect something in return.
As they approached the embassy, the guards at the gate quickly recognized the convoy. The heavy iron gates creaked open, allowing them to enter the embassy grounds. The Valorian flag fluttered in the morning breeze as they pulled up to the main entrance.
At the entrance, there was a woman and an interpreter stood beside her.
The woman stepped forward and greeted. "Good morning, gentlemen. What is the purpose of your visit today?"
"We must see the ambassador immediately. It is of utmost importance," Chief Mosi wasted no time.
The woman exchanged a brief glance with the interpreter before nodding. "The ambassador is a busy man. May I ask what this is concerning?"
General Ndlovu, unable to contain his frustration, took a step forward. "This is a matter of national security! The very survival of Zambesi is at stake. We need to speak with the ambassador now!"
The woman's eyes widened slightly at the intensity of General Ndlovu's response, but she maintained her composure.
"Very well," she said, signaling to the interpreter. "I will inform the ambassador of your arrival. Please wait here."
She turned and walked briskly back into the embassy, leaving Chief Mosi and General Ndlovu standing by the entrance.
The seconds ticked by, each one feeling like an eternity as they awaited the woman's return.
After what seemed like an eternity, the woman reappeared, this time accompanied by the ambassador himself, Ambassador Viktor Reinhardt.
"Gentlemen," Ambassador Reinhardt greeted them with a firm handshake. "I was told that you have urgent matters to discuss. Please, come inside."
Chief Mosi and General Ndlovu followed the ambassador into the embassy, their footsteps echoing in the quiet halls. Reinhardt led them to a private conference room, where the three men took their seats around a polished wooden table.
"Now," Reinhardt began, his voice steady but serious, "tell me what has brought you here with such urgency."
Chief Mosi spoke first. "Ambassador, the situation in Zambesi has deteriorated rapidly. The Matalebe Tribes, armed with Western weapons provided by the Empire, have launched a coordinated assault on our military outposts. Our forces are being overrun, and the capital is at risk of falling. We have come to request immediate military assistance from Valoria.
Without your intervention, we fear our kingdom will not survive."
Reinhardt listened closely to every word, his expression remaining calm but thoughtful. He had been aware of the growing unrest among the Matalebe Tribes, but the speed and ferocity of their assault took even him by surprise. Intelligence reports had hinted at increasing tensions, but the full extent of the situation had not been clear until now.
"I understand. Since both of our nations had signed a friendship treaty, we are obligated to help our allies who are in need. But that would mean letting our military forces enter your country, and we are not talking about military personnel that are here to safeguard our citizens, it will be a lot more than that."
Chief Mosi and General Ndlovu exchanged a brief glance, understanding the implications of what the ambassador was saying. Inviting Valoria's military into Zambesi would mean relinquishing a significant degree of control and possibly opening the door to long-term foreign influence.
General Ndlovu, always one to get straight to the point, leaned forward. "Ambassador, we are fully aware of the implications. But our situation is dire. If the Matalebe take the capital, there will be nothing left to defend. We have no choice but to accept whatever assistance you can provide, even if it means allowing your forces to enter Zambesi in large numbers."
Chief Mosi nodded in agreement. "Zambesi's sovereignty is important to us, but survival is paramount. We need your help to turn the tide, Ambassador."
Reinhardt smiled pleasingly. "Very well, I will inform Valoria of the gravity of the situation and the urgency of your request. You have my assurance that we will act swiftly. I will send a detailed report to my superiors immediately and request authorization for military intervention. Given the nature of our alliance, I am confident that we will receive a prompt and favorable response."
Chief Mosi and General Ndlovu both felt a slight sense of relief at Reinhardt's words, but they knew the true test was still to come. The decision would ultimately rest with Valoria's leadership, and until they had boots on the ground in Zambesi, their kingdom remained in grave danger.
"Thank you, Ambassador," Chief Mosi said, his tone sincere. "Your assistance is the lifeline we desperately need."
Reinhardt nodded, his expression one of firm resolve. "I will do everything in my power to ensure that Zambesi does not stand alone in this fight. Our forces are well-equipped and experienced in dealing with such threats. Once they are deployed, I believe we will be able to push back the Matalebe and stabilize the situation."
General Ndlovu stood, his demeanor reflecting the urgency of their mission. "We must return now. Please inform us as soon as you receive any updates from Valoria."
"Of course," Reinhardt agreed. "You will be the first to know. In the meantime, I advise you to strengthen your defenses and prepare your people for the arrival of our forces. We will need full cooperation on the ground to ensure a coordinated and effective response."
With that, the meeting concluded. Chief Mosi and General Ndlovu shook hands with Ambassador Reinhardt once more before leaving the embassy.