Sheikh Legend of Gedi

By Nicholas David Ikumi Mutisya

Masumbuko, who later assumes the title Sheikh as the story goes along. Is a prince who is dethroned and sold into slavery by his paternal uncle. He finds himself gradually getting into a life of piracy after escaping captivity twice, trying to get back home. He finally makes it and ends up being the savior to his people. The story us entirely fictional and the setting revolves around east Africa, Kenya, the Atlantic ocean, and south China. Some of the events may have happened in the past but the story in the novel is twisted differently to give a different flow from the actual events. Cheers! Have fun reading.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ukiyoto
• Release date: Sep 27, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005550721

Book preview

Sheikh Legend of Gedi

Nicholas David Ikumi Mutisya

Ukiyoto Publishing

All global publishing rights are held by

Ukiyoto Publishing

Published in 2021

Content Copyright © Nicholas David Ikumi Mutisya

ISBN 9789354903342

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in a retrieval system, in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher.

The moral rights of the author have been asserted.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, resold, hired out or otherwise circulated, without the publisher’s prior consent, in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published.

www.ukiyoto.com

Dedication

To my brothers and sisters who lost their lives

seeking employment in middle east,

proof that modern slavery is real.

To the our beautiful dog pets Otto and Luna,

and bees ever flying the country

for reminding me how precious freedom is.

''we landed in Kenya on Monday

I kissed the ground and shed tears

my horror story was over

I was home, poor but free and alive

from: My horror story in Saudi Arabia

Nation Africa

Friday Sept 3rd

Prologue

It is said that the language a people use is one of the best tools used in passing on knowledge, culture and traditions along generations. It is also the main ingredient in fostering unity among a people.

Long ago a people migrated from the north of Africa looking for a place to settle and find peace for their families. Within the tribes their folklore had different stories to tell. The Ameru said that they migrated from their former Arabic slave masters while the miji kenda had it in their folklore that their migration followed the Nile to the eastern coast of Africa or in some instances from shungwaya,the Akamba claimed to have started their journey from the west of Africa while some claim from the Congo. These people are the bantu people and with all their folklore, their origins still remain a mystery, hidden in the sands of time.

Their settlement in the east of Africa became a time for a rebirth, a new people was born, the Swahili people of eastern Africa, so many tribes all tied into one intricate fabric, many colorful pieces sewn together by the thread of one language, the Swahili language.

After the fourteenth century, these people built many wonderful cities along the east coast of Africa and our story begins in one of these wonderful cities, The city of Gedi, a once robust and colorful cosmopolitan city that was just one among the many other cities built by the Swahili people.

PART 1

The City Of Gedi

The loud screams of the woman subsided and were replaced by the cry of a baby, outside mzee Hussein was pacing up and down waiting for the news. He was under a lot of pressure to get a male child as heir to the throne or his brother Kenga would have to take over the throne in case he died. His first wife Mwanahamisi had given birth to daughters even her customary wife bore for her two daughters until one day the Kamba chief Kivoi came to visit and the two chiefs agreed on Mzee Mwadzaya getting married to Malika, chief Kivoi's daughter. This was her third delivery after two daughters were born by her.

A lone figure appeared in the dark, his shadow dancing to the rhythm of the flickering torches that hang around the palace walls. He was holding a gourd in one hand, slowly walking with the support of a staff which had small bells attached to it that announced his arrival every time the staff hit the ground. He slowly approached the chief and stopped right in front of him, facing him with a wide smile, ‘Habari za leo Mwadzaya?''

''Salama sana, sijui zako na huko utokako?''

''Nitokako hamna neno, ila nimekuja kukualika wewe,mkeo na mwanao, huyo anayetoa sauti humo ndani,mje kule kwenye kaya ili tumtambulishe mfalme wa kesho kwa mizimu yetu na tumpe baraka zake.''

''Mbona sikuelewi Charo.''

''Shika hii,'' handing over the gourd, ‘humo ndani mna asali,nilikwenda mtafutia mwenyewe. Wewe njoo na mafuta ya nazi, mchele, maziwa, iliki na karafuu, kisha uje na mkeo na mje baada ya siku tatu.''

Mzee Charo Gumba turned and began walking back towards the palace gates and Mzee Hussein just watched as the frail figure of the old man disappear into the dark mysteriously just like when he arrived at first. The door behind him opened and an elderly woman came out holding a white swaddling cloth, waving it in the air and singing. She held the chief's hand and pulled him into the room where several midwives were already singing and waving small white pieces of clothes in the air. Queen Malika was holding the baby, she was smiling and tears were streaming down her cheeks.

''Mungu amekusikiza mfalme wangu, kijana mume ashatumwa,'' she said, amid her tears as she handed the baby to the chief.

Mzee Mwadzaya held the fragile bundle and could not help himself as tears began streaming down his cheeks, ‘Ahhh...ni kweli...Ahlla ameibariki ufalme wangu.''

''Alililililiiiiiiiiiii....'' came the ululation from all the women in the room.

''Pumzika mke wangu, tuna safari ya kwenda kaya kumuona Gumba ili tumpatie jina na baraka zake kulingana na mila zetu za ufalme wa Gedi.'' said, handing over the child back to its mother.

Malika took the child and began humming a lullaby to the child while the midwives and the queen's maids went back to cleaning and preparing other clean clothes and food for her. Chief Mwadzaya turned and walked out, heading to the mosque to give his prayers.

Gedi,a prosperous trading city, inside the arabuko sokoke forest, so cosmopolitan and colorful with people from all over the world. The market is filled with spices and silk from India, medicine from china, the Spaniards and Portuguese walking freely and enjoying themselves with their slave women. Mzee Mwadzaya ruled over a city with over seven thousand inhabitants. He sat down next to his bed waiting as Queen Malika prepared herself and the baby.

' Tuko tayari.' she announced as she bent down to pick up a velvet bag that was on the bed, holding the baby in one hand she swung the bag onto her shoulder.

He looked at her then stood up, picking up the small leather pouch on the table and the gourd that mzee Gumba had brought on the night the child was born,' sawa twende, anatungoja.'

They walked through the streets covered in hoods to hide their identity while two of his trusted guards walked a short distance behind. Once outside they took the nearest path that led into the forest trying as much as possible to avoid meeting people for fear of being recognized. Mwadzaya wanted it to be done silently and he didn't invite anyone else apart from Kazungu his army general whom they were to meet at the kaya. After walking for a while they saw the two torches that gave light to the shrine and they went closer then they stopped when they heard his voice..

'Simameni hapo, mtoe viatu vyenu na mfunue hivyo vijikofia kisha mgeuke muingie mkiwa mwarejea kwa nyuma hadi hapa.’ Gumba said, his voice sounding hoarse from the smoke of hemp burning on the fire next to him. They removed their shoes and turned around then began walking in reverse until they were just a few feet from him.

'Sawa geukeni sasa, na mkae chini.' Pointing to some wooden stools close by.' Karibu Malkia na mgeni wetu.'

She gave him a shy smile and turned to look at her baby. 'Ahsante.'

' Umekuja na vile vitu ambavyo nilikuagiza mzee Mwadzaya?'

' Hivi hapa,' handing over the gourd and the leather pouch.

Just then another figure appeared in the dark, it was Kazungu, the general of Mwadzaya's army. He stopped, removed his sandals and turned around then entered the shrine in reverse. When he got closer he turned around. 'Salam Ahleikum.'

' Ahleikum salam,' they all replied.

Gumba turned and took out a small bronze pestle and mortar and ground the spices and rice, mixing it with the milk and honey then stood up and went in front of the kaya and began chanting incantations to the ancestors, calling them and the kings that ruled Gedi before by their names while dropping some of the mixture on the ground in front of the shrine then turned to them after finishing,' mlete mtoto hapa.’

Malika nervously handed the child to Gumba who laid him in front of the shrine on a stretched out cow hide spread on the ground, then began chanting the same incantations. When he finished he picked the child and told them to hold him together. Huyu jina lake la kaya ataitwa masumbuko lakini msimuone hivi na jina hilo, ili afikie ufalme wake kuna wengi watakao taka kumpokonya kwasababu ya kule alikotoka mama yake lakini ni mwanamume na vita vyake hawata viweza. Anapewa baraka apate elimu ya juu, mali na heshima, nguvu za kijeshi, baraka na upendo za wana Gedi, akikutana na jambazi, jambazi amuone jambazi kubwa, akikutana na mungwana, mungwana amuone mungwana mwenzake. Maulana awe naye katika safari hii yake ndefu maana ufalme wa Gedi uko mikononi mwake. He smeared some of the mixture from the mortar on his forehead, thumb and big toe then turned and put the motor down.'' Sasa nishamaliza zamu yangu, nyinyi sasa mtampa jina lenyu kulingana na matakwa yenyu.'

Mzee Mwadzaya held the child up in the air and called out his name, ''Hussein Mwadzaya Kivoi....Hussein Mwadzaya Kivoi....Hussein Mwadzaya Kivoi.'' Then handed the child back to Malika.

' Tutaonana kesho katika sherehe za kumkaribisha mwana wa mfalme kesho. Mimi nitabaki hapa kwenye kaya hadi kesho nikimtengezea njia mfalme.

Kazungu who was there as a witness smiled at the king and said,'' Twaeza kwenda sasa...mfalme tunae, roho zetu zitulie mwana awe mtu mzima.'

' Inshallah,' they all replied.

The three walked off the shrine in reverse and joined the guards who were waiting outside and they began their walk back into the city.

The palace is getting too uncomfortable for me Kenga, when are you getting the throne. I thought you had a plan in place.'' Mwanahamisi said as she turned to face him, pulling the bed sheets to cover herself as she lay her head on his chest, letting her fingers play with the hair on his chest.

''All in good time. I understand how you must be feeling now that he has an heir to his throne, things just got a bit complicated but I have a plan, every problem has a solution. I just need some time.''

Lifting her head slightly to look at his eyes, ''A solution you say.....it's been several years and now you still say you need time...nye nye nye ... has a solution … nkt ... now a boy is born and is already named heir.''

''We have to get rid of my brother before the boy comes to age.''

She wakes up suddenly looking scared, ''What....we never agreed to having him killed...if they find out we will most certainly get hanged or burned, I'm not risking my life only to lose it in the end.''

''They don't have to find out. It’s going to be slow but it will do the trick.''

''I don't think I want to kill the father of my children....even though you fathered two of them.''

''You still love him, don't you?''

''It's complicated now and that's not the issue here........you are talking about assassinating the king....my husband.''

''Look, If you want to remain as queen you will have to do as I say. Besides, you have now been reduced to second in command since you didn't give birth to the heir. Malika now sits next to him in his court because of the child.''

She sits up, letting the words linger in her thoughts then throws the sheets aside and walks over to the bathroom. He sits in bed watching her as she lets her slim ebony body into the bathtub, slowly pouring water on her body, dipping the seashell decorated gold plated wooden bowl in the water, her long slender fingers reaching out for some soap from the dish just by her side and decides to join her. ‘She has to play along’ he thought to himself as he got close and took the soap from her hands, gently rubbing it on her back. She enjoyed the attention and missed him when she was at the palace. Mwadzaya hardly had time for such romantic sessions, always busy with state affairs and she had grown tired and lonely until one day she accidentally walked into the maids room to find Kenga on top of one of her royal maids, making her moan with his powerful thrusts. Her thirst for sexual gratification made her just walk in and shamelessly ask for the same treatment. She remembers sending the maid back to the palace, closed the doors and immediately pulled down her clothes, his eyes and jaws wide open in shock as she grabbed his penis and began rubbing it. He went hard just at the sight of her tight body and he forgot that she was the queen and his brother's wife. From that day on their affair went on to bring forth two daughters.

Mwadzaya came to find out about the affair but because he was under pressure to get an heir he let it go on intending to kill Kenga if a boy child was ever born.

''I have something for you. ‘Handing over a small bottle filled with some grey dust.

''What's this?'' she asked, lifting the bottle up to stare at the contents through the sunlight.

'' Our solution....I got if from an Indian trader. It is supposed to cause a slow death by weakening a person's heart over a period of three to five months. All you have to do is put it in his food or wine in small amounts then let it do the rest. No one will have to know.....just you and me.''

''What happens if he begins to weaken and get sick because I assume that if it will kill him slowly then he most probably will have to get sick first.''

'' As the brother I will assume office and run the kingdom's affairs until he gets better and if he dies I will become regent until the boy becomes of age after which i will hand over power. And many things can happen when I’m in power, if you know what I mean.''

She put the bottle on the dressing table and went back to applying makeup on her face and dressing.

''I hope you are right because our lives and those of our children will depend on this plan of yours working.'' as she put the tiny bottle under her brazier then softly patted her breasts to make sure it was secure.

''Just do what I told you and it will be okay. ‘he said as he pulled her closer to him, ‘you do know I’ll inherit the responsibility of taking care of you as my wife by tradition unless you decide not to be inherited, it is customary.''

''Would I really have a choice if it came to that?''

He smiled at her and gave her a kiss then let her walk out through the back door that led out to the village houses built along the city walls, making her way along the city wall then turned and took a narrow path that led to the mosque closer to the palace.

The drums beat with a slow sad rhythm within the palace and the city had somehow slowed down with sadness in the air as news of the king's condition ate into the city's energy like a plague, Two months had passed since the news of his illness went round the villages and until now there was no sign of improvement. The people within Gedi had gone on a self imposed fast in prayer for their king. The cooking houses, taverns and even brothels all closed during the day and opened briefly in the evening before closing again, even the smell of spices that filled the streets was replaced by the smell of the salty sea water blown inland from the sea and rats had taken over the market places replacing the ever noisy women traders who sold fish by the roads.

''The king is getting worse by the day and the guards at the port refuse to take bribes because of the fast...we are losing a lot of business because of the strict taxes imposed on us. You need to intervene for us at least for the traders within Gedi.'' Timoji, an Indian merchant and well known Pirate in a huge yellow turban held together by a golden fastener said, raising his hands in the air in disgust.

Limahon just sat there silently staring at Kenga waiting for a response. He was a Chinese trader and pirate, well connected to the south china sea pirates with three straight scar lines running down his face on the left cheek.

''It is quite common that Muslims will not attempt to take bribes especially during a fast and their loyalty to Mwadzaya has and is still unwavering.'' Kenga replied, shifting uneasily on his seat because he knew he could do nothing at the moment or risk retribution not only from the king but also from the people. ‘We have to play it as it is until he is no longer able to discharge his duties then I will be called in to take over the functions as Regent until the crown prince comes of age.''

''I understand that the coup you are staging is well in place and I can assume that in the next month we will have control of the port....I can wait a few more days.'' Limahon finally spoke, rolling a leaf of fresh khat and dipping it into some wine before shoving it into his mouth.

''You can wait for some time because you have the winds on your side and the East india company hires your services from time to time,you do not have to fight your way through them....I on the other hand have men that I value and want to keep alive.''

'It is just business Timoji, and you know it.'

Just then the door opened up and a guard ran in and kneels down beside Kenga. ''The king is dead...you are urgently needed at the palace. ‘The king's guard said, trying to get his breath after sprinting from the palace.

Kenga looked at his guests and nodded before changing and suddenly acting alarmed, ‘what ?..the king is dead....quick sound the horn and alert the city to stop the fast and gather at the palace.''

''That is already being done as we speak,''

The sound of the horn could now be heard all over the city and then came the wailing of men and women in the streets. As Kenga and his visitors got out of the house they saw pots being thrown from the windows and women throwing themselves down and rolling on the ground, screaming and wailing on the dust.

''What loyalty..'' Limahon commented sarcastically while staring at a woman rolling on the ground pouring ash still hot with burning charcoal on herself before others came to hold her down and poured water on her to stop her from burning herself up.

Kenga was already running with the soldier towards the palace, trying as much as possible to show his concern. Timoji let out a slight laugh,' ha-ha...the hypocrisy in politics...you would think he really cared for his brother and yet the murderer is running for the throne....Our high seas have a better code of conduct than these palatial gardens on land.''

The drums had stopped beating inside the palace compound and instead there were cries and sobs as the women and men gathered in small groups trying to comfort the kings family. Mwanahamisi was seated next to her husband's body crying with Malika holding her shoulder with one hand and firmly clutching her son with the other desperately trying to fight her urge to scream out loudly, She had to be strong for her son.

Sheik Abdul Mwarua walked in and approached the two ladies,' Poleni kwa msiba, tafadhali nawaomba mutupe nafasi tuitayarishe mwili wa mwendazake ili tusipitishe wakati unaofaa.'

Mwanahamisi slowly stood up and the two ladies began to make their way among the crowd then into another quiet room. Kenga walked in with several elderly men carrying some white clothes and perfumes followed by two young men carrying a metal basin half filled with hot water.

Sheik Abdul put his hand in the water to feel the temperature,' Maji yako sawa, twaweza kuendelea.'

They laid the body on a long table and removed all clothing then covered it with a clean white cloth and began washing it, slowly wiping it and applying the perfume. The crowd outside kept pouring into the palace compound in large numbers as the news of King Mwadzaya spread across the entire region like wildfire. After washing the body they began binding it in a Sanda which was fastened in place with golden pins and a golden ring was put on the head when they were done.

' Haya safisheni hiki chumba muondoe kila kitu ila hio meza aliyoilalia mwendazake.....tuwape nafasi watu wake wampe heshima zao za mwisho.'' Mwarua said, giving direction to the young men who had brought the water earlier on. ‘ Naenda zangu pale nje nianze salat al-janazah. Mukimaliza mje huko nje. Nyinyi vijana mtasimama hapa mlangoni muichunge mwili hadi tutakapo maliza salat.''

It was thirteen hours after the death of Mwadzaya and the procession was now quietly heading towards the main mosque where the burial tombs for the royal family were made and the group of men slowly walked following the four young soldiers carrying the body with Mwarua behind them. Once inside the tomb, they laid the body on it's right side facing the Qibla.

'Haya funikeni mlango wake,’ Mwarua pointed at a stone slab just next to the tomb and the four soldiers quietly carried the slab and placed it on the entrance of the tomb then a mason began to mix some mortar to seal the tomb. ' Tumalize na salat kisha turudi.'

Queen Malika sat in the captains cabin waiting for Masumbuko, Gumba and Karisa to arrive. The cold chill of the morning was slowly giving way to the usual heat of the day as the sun began to warm up the coastal air. Tears formed in her eyes as she thought of her husband and why he left them so soon. She chose to travel with her son for his training to complete her moaning period while taking care of her son. Outside the loaders were busy getting in the supplies for the trip with several palace guards watching as the loaders went in and out. Mzee Gumba came walking, holding his staff with little Masumbuko by his side holding his hand and Karisa walking behind them with two other palace guards who were to join them as security for the Queen and prince.

'Hii itakua mara yako ya kwanza kupanda meli mfalme wangu...ha-ha' Gumba said laughing as he shook Masumbuko's hand slightly to get his attention.

' Ehh....na huko baharini niliambiwa kuna wanyama wengi wakubwa sio kama samaki, ni majitu makubwa...hio ni kweli?'

' Usiwe na uoga. Wewe ni mwanamume na usisikize sana ya watu, wewe ngoja tutajua kama ni mambo ya kweli.'

' Huko kilwa nitasoma pekee yangu ama kuna wanafunzi wengine?’ Masumbuko asked raising his eyes to look at Gumba's face his eyes full of childish curiosity.

' Huko utakua peke yako, mimi na Karisa ndio tutakufunza lakini hakutakua na wanafunzi wengine...Mafunzo yako ni ya kifalme na yatachukua mda hadi utakapotimia umri wa kuchukua ufalme wako.'

They reached the ship and the guards stopped the loaders briefly to let the five of them board the ship, saluting the young king as he went in.They walked into the captain's chambers and found queen Malika sitting, gazing outside at the loaders. Masumbuko ran and hugged his mother, happy that she was coming with them.

'Salam ahleikum, my Queen,' Gumba greeted her, giving a slight bow.

'ahleikum salam.'

''It's a good thing you decided to come with us...it will be good for the lad and for your self. The palace would have been stressful for you while under Kenga and queen Mwanahamisi.''

''I believe it is..especially for my child, he is still a kid.''

'' Don't worry about that. We will turn him into a man real soon,'' smiling at the boy while rubbing his soft hair and patting his shoulder, ‘I’ll be going to my room to rest my old bones but we will talk later while the boy is not around.'

''Okay..i hope it's nothing serious....I don't think I can handle much right now.''

''I suggest you gather all the strength you have because what we will be talking about won't just be simple politics...it will be about life....our lives.''

Malika stared at Gumba with serious and worried eyes as she watched the old man walk out of the captain's chamber and close the door behind him. Karisa and the two other palace guards stood outside the room guarding the queen and young king.

' Nime enda pumzika kidogo. Kaeni hapo na muhakikishe wako sawa.' He called Karisa aside,' Chakula chochote watakacho letewa hakikisha anayekileta amekionja, kumbuka ulivyo ambiwa na Kazungu na uiweke mbele sana kama maisha yako, na iwe siri ndani yako, Mengine tumuachie Maulana.'

' Sawa mzee, usiwe na wasiwasi.Niko hapa hapa.'

The ship set sail, slowly heading to the deep ocean, blown by the gentle but strong winds. Masumbuko climbed on top of some wooden chests set near a window and peered outside to see as the ship slowly gained distance from the old city. It looked calm from the inside and the shipped rocked gracefully on the water dancing to the rhythm of waves.

' Hebu njoo ubadilishe nguo,huku kuna upepo mkali.' Malika called out to him as she opened up a leather suitcase and pulled out some clothes, looking carefully as she tossed out one after another until she finally settled on some white cotton trousers and shirt with a brown embroidered sleeveless leather jacket.

' Mama....mbona hukai kama uko na furaha.Kwani kuna nini?’

She turned suddenly and looked at him, surprised at the little boys question, ‘Mbona umesema hivyo?’

' Nyumbani hua hutupi nguo hivyo kitandani, hua unazikunja hata ukizitoa sandukuni,lakini leo unazirusha kila mahali kama ambae unatafuta kitu fulani humo ndani.'

' Usijali mwanangu, mafikira mengi akilini.'

'' Mama usiwe na wasiwasi. Nitakua mkubwa na nitakuchunga, ninajua baba amefariki lakini hauko peke yako.''

He moved closer and hugged his mother tightly. Malika tried hard to fight off the tears that were forming in her eyes, she felt like screaming and calling out her husbands name if it could only bring him back. She needed him and deep inside her heart she knew that things were not going to be the same for her and her baby.

' Sawa nimesikia mfalme wangu.’ rubbing her eyes to dry the tiny drops of tears that were beginning to roll down her cheeks.

Masumbuko stretched out his small hand and helped her wipe the rest of the tears with tiny gentle fingers,' wacha kulia basi.''

After changing they sat down briefly staring out the window at the tiny waves then masumbuko decided to go out. ‘Wacha niende nje nikakae na Karisa kidogo nitarudi.'

''Wewe....'' Malika turned and replied sharply,' Kwani sasa umekua baharia,ukianguka huko kwa maji nani atakutoa na vile kuna papa humo ndani ya maji.''

' Sita anguka....na sasa ndio nita anza kujua kua baharia.'

For the first she saw a defiance and fire in the boy's eyes that she had only seen in his father's eyes. AS small as he was she knew that he would need to learn as much as possible. ‘Karisa.....Karisa'

' Naam malkia.'

The door opened and Karisa's tall dark figure entered the captain's chambers.

' Mchukue huyo anataka kukaa na nyinyi huko, Na tafadhali asikae peke yake.'

' Sawa malkia,' giving a slight bow and stretching his hand to take Masumbuko as he led the way outside. Masumbuko looked behind and gave a wide smile to his mother, giving some sort of thanks for letting him go. Karisa on the other hand knew that the queen had let the lad go with only one intention...to begin his lessons at sea.

Gumba got out of his room and saw the lad walk with Karisa holding his hand, taking the stairs down, heading to the capstan. He thought to himself,'' why not, now would be a good