The days following the war council felt like moments of both clarity and inevitability. rashid knew that the time for idle waiting was over. Every soldier under his command was preparing for what was coming: the first strike against Mansa Musa's forces. The sun rose over the horizon each day, burning away the mist and shadows of the previous night, but the weight of the coming battle lingered in the air like a persistent storm.
rashid had made his choice. They would not wait for Mansa Musa to bring the fight to them. They would strike first, testing his army's strength, sowing confusion, and taking the initiative to dictate the terms of the war. rashid gathered his most trusted scouts and war leaders to discuss their first targets. The supply routes of Mansa Musa's army would be their primary targets, and every strike would be swift, deliberate, and impactful.
The first strike would come at dawn.
The soldiers awoke with the first rays of light, their weapons sharpened, their bodies prepared, their spirits steeled. rashid stood atop a hill, observing his forces prepare. His voice rose as he addressed them, steady and strong.
"Today, we strike to show Mansa Musa that we are not afraid. We will move with speed, with precision, and with strength. Every man here has proven his loyalty, his courage, and his willingness to fight for a free future. Remember: our enemy relies on fear to keep us weak. But fear will not control us. Today, we prove that we are unyielding. Today, we make our first move."
The soldiers cheered, their voices a mixture of relief and anger. They would fight not only for their freedom but for their honor, their families, and their shared vision of a better world. rashid could feel their energy, their determination, and their resolve. It was more than enough to give him confidence.
The strike came just before the sun rose fully, a fleet of soldiers riding down the narrow paths leading to one of Mansa Musa's supply lines. They moved with practiced ease, their movements coordinated, their minds focused. The plan was simple: attack, destroy as much of the supply line as possible, and retreat quickly before reinforcements could arrive. rashid had made certain that every man knew his role, and now it was time to execute the plan.
The enemy was caught off guard. The soldiers struck with the force of a storm, cutting down supply wagons and ambushing patrols. The supply line was shredded within moments, a mess of fire, chaos, and confusion. The soldiers moved like shadows, retreating back into the hills after their devastating assault. By the time Mansa Musa's forces could respond, they had already disappeared, their movements too swift for the enemy to track.
The first strike was a success.
Back at their camp, the soldiers celebrated the victory, their morale bolstered by their first taste of success. rashid stood among them, his voice steady as he praised their bravery and discipline. His men had proven themselves, and their first strike sent a clear message to Mansa Musa: they were not powerless. They could fight back.
But even as rashid stood among his soldiers, he could sense the undercurrent of worry. The war had only begun, and Mansa Musa would not allow this to go unanswered. rashid knew that their victory at the supply line was only a small victory in the greater war ahead. Mansa Musa would respond with fury.
The question remained: could rashid maintain the momentum? Could they keep Mansa Musa on the back foot?
The days that followed were filled with training, scouting, and planning. Each successful skirmish brought fresh intelligence, new insights into Mansa Musa's movements, and the movements of his armies. rashid worked tirelessly with his commanders, learning the strengths and weaknesses of their enemy. They would need this information if they hoped to win the war.
The soldiers, however, were beginning to feel the strain. Though their victories brought hope, they had not yet faced the full weight of Mansa Musa's armies. Each night brought uneasy dreams and whispered fears. The first strike had shown their strength, but the days ahead would demand more. It was no longer just a test of strength or strategy; it would become a test of will.
One night, as rashid stood by his tent preparing for the coming days, Sule approached him. His brow furrowed, and his voice was low. "Commander," he said, "this was only the first strike. But the enemy is watching. Mansa Musa will respond. We must prepare ourselves for his counterattack."
rashid nodded. He knew that Sule was right. Mansa Musa was a strategist, and his response would be swift. Their initial success could not be allowed to fade into hubris. They would need more than strength and courage now. They would need patience, cunning, and strategy.
"Then we will prepare," rashid said, his voice resolute. "We will strengthen our position, expand our network of intelligence, and anticipate his moves. Mansa Musa will not catch us unprepared. We will be ready for whatever he throws at us."
Sule nodded and stepped back into the shadows. rashid returned his gaze to the horizon, staring out at the dark expanse. The first strike had shown promise, but the storm was far from over. It would take every ounce of strength, discipline, and strategy to see this war through.
And rashid would lead them, every step of the way.
The winds howled in the distance, and rashid knew that the true battle was only beginning. His father's memory, his vision for freedom, and his unyielding resolve would guide him in this fight. Mansa Musa would learn soon enough that this war would not end easily.
The storm was coming.
And rashid would stand in its path.