The next morning, the harbor was alive with activity. Ships bobbed in the water, their sails catching the first light of dawn. Kafi walked along the docks, clutching the pouch of coins he had secured from the treasury. Every step echoed against the wooden planks, blending with the shouts of sailors and the creak of ropes.
"Kafi! Are you here to watch the merchants haggle again?" Amir jogged beside him, eyes wide with curiosity.
"No, Amir," Kafi replied, scanning the busy harbor. "Today, we find someone who can turn my idea into reality. A shipbuilder skilled enough to construct a vessel unlike any other."
Amir frowned. "And where will we find such a man? Not every carpenter can build a ship big enough for your plans."
Kafi smiled faintly, hiding the depth of his knowledge. "We will start here. I've heard tales of a master builder named Ibrahim, who has worked for foreign merchants and even defended ports during raids. He can do this—but he must be persuaded."
They followed the narrow docks until a modest workshop appeared at the far end, its walls lined with timber and tools of every shape and size. Inside, a man in his forties with strong arms and a weathered face measured a beam of wood.
"You seek something, young master?" the man said without looking up.
"Yes," Kafi said, stepping forward confidently. "I am Kafi, heir to the Ajuuran throne. I have a project that requires your skill."
Ibrahim finally looked up, eyes narrowing. "The heir himself? And what project could a boy command that requires a master shipbuilder?"
Kafi swallowed, careful to keep his tone respectful but firm. "A ship. One faster than any merchant vessel along the coast, large enough to carry goods from Mogadishu to distant ports, and strong enough to withstand storms. I will provide the materials and funding. I need your expertise to make it possible."
Ibrahim studied him, then let out a low laugh. "Bold words for a boy. Do you understand what you ask? A ship like that will take months of work, skillful hands, and careful planning."
"I understand," Kafi replied, hiding the knowledge that came not just from observation, but from memories of strategies, trade routes, and engineering principles no ordinary boy could know. "I will be here every day to oversee the work. I will learn from you and ensure that nothing is wasted. The ship will succeed."
Amir whispered beside him, clearly skeptical. "Kafi… are you sure you can manage this? It's not just coins—you're asking for something enormous."
Kafi's eyes sparkled. "That is why it must be done slowly, Amir. One step at a time. Today, we secure the builder. Tomorrow, we gather the materials. Then, we design, and finally, the ship will sail."
Ibrahim scratched his beard, considering the boy. "Very well, young master. I will work for you, but know this: the sea does not forgive mistakes. You will have to follow my lead in some matters."
"I will," Kafi said, hiding the grin that rose at the thought. Soon, I will not just follow—I will know the outcome before it even begins.
By mid-morning, the plans had begun in earnest. Kafi sketched a rough outline of the hull, while Ibrahim measured and assessed the timber piles. Sailors and carpenters moved to gather materials, and Amir watched in awe as the ship slowly took shape in Kafi's mind.
"This is going to be the fastest, strongest ship on the coast," Amir muttered, shaking his head. "I can't believe we're doing this."
Kafi's smile was quiet, almost secretive. "We're not just building a ship, Amir. We're creating an advantage, a tool for the empire—and for the future. Every plank, every rope, every sail… it is part of a larger plan."
As the sun climbed higher, the harbor hummed with activity. Kafi, the young heir, had taken the first true step toward transforming the empire's trade, and with Ibrahim's help, the foundation of a fleet—and a fortune—was being laid.