1. The Dominant Elephant
"Kanem Bornu. This is what we call our home. I have lived entire life in these lands. We farm the little good land we have. When not enough food, we fish. When not enough food, we hunt. And when still not enough food, we fight."
*Breath-taking vistas of Lake Tchad and endless Kanem Bornuan wastelands, dramatized by the patriotic trumpet of an African Forest Elephant.*
"Our Empire is not what used to be. Inner fights have destabilized us, and I not know if I can fix it."
*A strong and nourished (a rare sight in Kanem Bornu) warrior enters Malik Kadai's tent.*
Malik, I bring news from Kanem. The tribes be revolting, Malik. They no want you have full power over them!
"They are fools to provoke the Malik. Gather all men and boys. When have enough, we crush rebels."
Rebels must all die, or more tribesmen follow them.
"Yes, Fatim. We kill all rebels and families. No bad seed in Kanem Bornu. I promise."
In two months, the Kanem Bornuan tribes have rallied 4,000 males of fighting age. In Kanem Bornu, fighting age comes sooner puberty for most boys.
"Bornuan brave warriors! This day we kill the jackals who oppose my rule. This day you make your Malik proud. This day, we leave with enough food to feed your families!"
*Many cheers are heard from the warriors*
The Bornuan army charges mindlessly into the rebels. After a mess of a battle, the survivors scatter and return to their tents, only to find them burned down. They rise again, but are quickly put down. Thus ends the rebel problem, and Kanem Bornu becomes a more stable tribe for it.
Back in the "capital", Kadai instructs two of his men.
"Djeneba. You know Qu'ran. Go to Mandara and Bagirmi. Make infidels muslims or kill them."
I no know Qu'ran, Malik. I no read.
"Then kill them."
"Hamdan. We need lands and food. Go to Hausa, and show them our elephant flag means striped flags our slaves"
Yes, Malik. If Hausa send entrails back, hang them on my tent.
Malik, why you take everyone's food. We all hungry now.
"You are, Fatim. But Kanem Bornu is not!"
All infidels are dead, Malik.
"Did you convert any?"
Yes, Malik. But they all kill themselves when I tell them what they get when die if become muslim.
"Sad. What do you have there, Fatim?"
Entrails of Hamdan. This traditional Hausa revenge for making feel inferior.
"Fools! They give reason to attack."
"Go to their tents and keep them inside! When they exit tents, they exit into Kanem Bornu!"
"Why there no Hausa army, Fatim?"
They in home of Hausa, beyond many infidel tribes. It dangerous to go through there. They kill all outsiders."
"We wait until they say they slaves."
*After a few years of keeping the Hausans trapped inside their tents*
They give me entrails of first child to signify they our slaves, Malik.
"Good. I want you talk to new tribesmen, tell them their tribe now Kanem Bornu."
A large group of warriors, unfed and injured comes to see the tribe. A tall figure amongst them addresses Kadai.
Great Malik Kadai, I bow down to elephant flag. Kanem Bornu great!
"Who are you and what want?"
Great Malik Kadai, Ashanti tribesmen raid our villages. They too strong. Defeat our warriors.
"We not strong enough yet. Get out of Kanem Bornu!"
Great Malik Kadai, take these entrails as I take my leave.
Malik, I come across large empire in desert. Call themselves Mali. Have very very many warriors.
"Warrior number does not matter. Club hardness and bravery does matter. Soon, Mali bow down to elephant flag."
*The sun sets on the Malik's tent in Borno as he contemplates the tribe's next move.*
