“My deepest regrets, dear brother. Uncle did not choose you as his favorite for the King’s Festival.” Hemel lowered his slender, but deadly, fighting spear and continued. “You almost startled me. Uncle must have prevailing reasons for not selecting you.” His soft tenor voice was better suited for the throat of a royal palace singer than a battling Prince of the Merchant Warrior caste.

Aarde, the older, replied with a harsh rumble, “That fancy toothpick you carry might hardly wound a sparrow.” He adjusted the ornate Roman shield and Celtic broadsword strapped to his wide back. His iron chain belt boasted a noisy collection of jeweled daggers and Far East throwing darts.

The two Africans stood on a forested hill overlooking the lush savanna where zebras and giraffes nervously grazed as a slowly sinking sun kissed the horizon. Tawny female lions prowled, barely visible in the tall grasses.

Hemel, the younger, added, “He did give you fine treasure taken from the distant north. Valuable additions to your stockpile of weapons.”

“Mere trinkets to appease me. You got the real prize, brother!”

“Jealousy is considered a harsh, punishable sin, brother.”

“Everyone knows I should have been picked as favorite nephew. Me! Not You! Me! I’m the older!” Aarde shouted.

“But you, Aarde, are not the wiser.” Another voice, more mature, commanding, emerged from the forest.  A small entourage of heavily armed guards, hard-faced advisers, dedicated wives, stoic slaves, and a brightly costumed jester poured in behind him. Uncle seldom traveled with less than 20 people, even when going to the communal baths.  Today, he had in tow, in addition to his usual retinue, two beautiful young princesses from the prized, fertile lands far beyond the dazzling blue of the Great Sea; although captives, they walked with straight backs, heads held high, naked from the waist up, but adorned with necklaces and bracelets that were studded lavishly with precious gemstones collected as tribute from the many kingdoms of the known world. Gold dust had been liberally sprinkled on the thick round nipples of their firm upright breasts. Precious, fragrant oils had been rubbed into their skin and hair.