The catacombs of Mbanza breathed damp air around Zara's team as they prepared for their missions. The flickering torches did little to mask the exhaustion etched deep into their faces. Weeks of hiding, moving, striking in the night, and planning by candlelight had left them hollow-eyed. Korir had already gone to fetch reinforcements; now the burden fell to those who remained. Their task was simple in words, but cruel in execution: set the stage for Lumingu's downfall.
Faizah, Mwinyi, and Taban slipped out into the night, cloaks drawn close against the chill. The city above was restless. Every corner whispered of danger — shuttered windows, dogs barking at shadows, patrols clattering through the streets. They moved from compound to compound, searching for any sign of Portuguese presence. Each moment of silence stretched taut, every creak of a floorboard made their hearts hammer harder.
