The men return at nightfall and Mmeli goes to show Mbali her present: “A flower for my flower.” Mbali is over the moon and gives him warm, loving hug.
“I will always love you,” says Mbali, as they embrace for a long while.
As Mmeli is about to respond that he loves her too, he is interrupted by the council messenger, who says in urgent tones: The Nkosi asks for you to come immediately to a meeting.”
Mmeli is frustrated and puzzled, but he assures Mbali he will be right back, then rushes out into the night.
As Mmeli approaches the meeting place he can see the village dignitaries and elders are quiet and trembling, and there is a group of men carrying flaming torches. One of the men is hurling threats. Mmeli passes through the crowd to the front and notices that even Ndaba kaPhinga and the Nkosi Madoda are quiet. As Mmeli looks closely at the man who is shouting threats, he freezes. It is Manqoba!
“In a few days, there will be a change. We will reclaim what is ours!” Manqoba hurls the words at the Nkosi.
The elders are stunned as he continues, “All of us are tired of your inconsiderate ways. We go unappreciated. You burden us with twice the yoke we should carry, yet you never reward us. You act unpredictably. You even give mercy to those who deserve none. I grow tired of your ways. Look – no man is chastising my tongue. They know I speak truth. They agree with me. They don’t love you!”
The Nkosi is taken aback by the last comment.
“In three days I will come back with a force, a force of fury,” threatens Manqoba. “I will destroy those who oppose me. I will unleash damning judgement.”
The council members and the elders start to panic. They whisper to each other, then they all turn their eyes to Madoda, their Nkosi. Nkosi Madoda and Manqoba’s eyes are fixed on each other, then suddenly the Nkosi turns around and walks straight back to his chambers. The village is in shock. The elders return home quivering in fear.
Mmeli is left standing with Manqoba and the rest of his men. “Brother what is all of this? Why do you act like this?”
“Brother, the time for talking is over!”
“Please, don’t let it become like this.”
“Then come with me. Join me. I will bring us victory.”
“You know I can’t do that.”
“No wonder she left me, and settled for you. She was right, you are a safe option.”
Mmeli is shocked with disbelief. “Who are you talking about? What are you saying?”
“You heard me … precious Mbali. She left me, crying, because I did not match her expectations. So she took her second choice. She was right. But you are not safe – you are weak!”
Manqoba leaves with his soldiers. Mmeli is still, speechless with shock.
***
Tell us: Do you think Mmeli is weak?