After an entire month at sea, the salty winds finally began to change. The air grew warmer, scented with the mingling spices of the coast—clove, cardamom, dried fish, and the distant hint of burning sandalwood. As the ship creaked through the glittering waters of the eastern shore, the skyline of Malindi unfurled like a grand tapestry—gleaming towers of brick, tall watchtowers, and sails of docked ships swaying in the breeze like flags of unity.
Ahead of them, sleek navy patrol boats closed in, their hulls painted in Nuri's deep indigo and sun-gold. Soldiers with polished spears and finely cut tunics hailed the approaching vessel, signaling the inspection protocol.
As the ships drew close, the lead patrol officer peered across the rail with narrowed eyes. But when Khisa stepped forward, his cloak fluttering behind him and the royal pendant glinting on his chest, the officer's expression changed instantly.
