There was no hesitation on the part of the indunas. The natives have
an extraordinary method of getting word to one another, and they knew
that Tuys came on a far different mission than usual. The indunas
bowed their heads submissively, and a short time after accompanied
Tzaneen to our presence.
However, she was inclined to be a little haughty and carried herself
proudly. Tuys hardly looked at her. She, like Labotsibeni, was a
finely-built savage, but not so fat as the old queen. Her hair had
grown out to quite a length, showing that Buno had been dead for some
months.
Tuys gave her the same orders as he had given Labotsibeni, and she
agreed to meet him at the river. Then Tuys asked for Umzulek.
"Umzulek is at his kraal half a day's trek from here," she informed
him. "He has gathered his impis there and threatens to make war unless
he is made king. Also, word has come that he will kill my child, the
infant Prince Sebuza, so that none shall stand in his way."
"Your son, Nkosikaas, widow of Buno, shall be safe," Tuys assured her.
"You will send a messenger to Umzulek bidding him to attend our
conference at the little river. That is my order!"
And so Tuys arranged the conference at which the future peace of
Swaziland was to be secured. We rode easily back to the little stream
and there made our camp. It was the middle of the day when we
unsaddled and, except for those on guard, we all went to sleep.
Late that afternoon Tuys called a council of the commando leaders and
prepared for next morning. That night we doubled our guards and I
stood watch for several hours. It was the first time I had ever done
this and it was a wonderful experience. The bright moon picked out
every object on the little plateau and the stream seemed to be a
streak of rippling silver. Our camp was on a small kopje, or hill,
with the river at its base, and with the first streaks of dawn we
awoke our men.
It was none too soon. By the time it was fully light we could see
thousands of warriors coming from either direction. These were the
impis of the two queens. Our men, mounted and ready, formed a double
line around the top of the hill and waited. The impis came closer and
stopped on either side of the stream. They were only about a hundred
yards apart, and the thought came to me that here was the setting for
a fine battle. This, however, it was our duty to prevent.
Soon Tuys sent me, with a bodyguard, to give his orders to the indunas
who stood resting on their shields in front of each army. These orders
were simple. I told them that their queen was to come to the
conference immediately and that each should bring only her bodyguard
with her. In a short time Tzaneen and Labotsibeni arrived and were
seated facing Tuys and a number of the commando leaders.
There was no formality about the business whatever. The first question
Tuys asked was as to the whereabouts of Umzulek.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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