The weight of leadership pressed heavily on Lusweti's shoulders, but he stood firm, unwavering. The decision to let Duarte go had already sparked debate, but now, with the army ready to march, Simiyu could no longer hold back his frustration.
Simiyu approached Lusweti at dawn, his expression grim. The cool morning air did nothing to temper the fire in his voice.
"You should have killed him." The words were blunt, direct.
Lusweti, adjusting the straps on his armor, sighed but didn't turn around. "Duarte was a prisoner. He was shown mercy."
"Mercy?" Simiyu scoffed. "You're a fool if you think he will not return to his masters. He has no loyalty to us, Lusweti. That man is a snake, and you set him free to bite us later."
Lusweti turned now, his gaze steady, his tone calm but firm. "And what of us, Simiyu? Were we not once enemies?"
Simiyu clenched his jaw but said nothing.
