But the bundle of medicines that held the living one I fastened across my shoulders. I passed out of the Emposeni, and, as I went, I held up the bundle in my right hand to the guards, showing them that which was in it, but saying nothing. But now ill-fortune found me, for just outside the Emposeni I met three of the king's messengers. His word is that you should stand before him at once. Now my heart turned to water in my breast.
Kings have many ears.
Yet to waver was to be lost, to show fear was to be lost, to disobey was to be lost. And we walked to the gate of the Intunkulu. It was sundown. Chaka was sitting in the little courtyard in front of his hut. I went down on my knees before him and gave the royal salute, Bayete, and so I stayed.