Chief Mosi and General Ndlovu wasted no time. As soon as King Mwanga gave the order, they prepared for the journey to the Valorian Embassy in Maputo. The streets were eerily quiet as their convoy sped through the city. The people of Zambesi, aware of the escalating violence, had taken refuge in their homes, leaving the normally bustling roads almost deserted.
The drive to the embassy was tense. General Ndlovu kept his eyes on the road ahead, his mind racing with thoughts of the battles raging across the kingdom. He knew that every minute they delayed meant more lives lost, more ground ceded to the Matalebe.
Chief Mosi, sitting beside him, was deep in thought as well. His mind was fixed on the task ahead—convincing the Valorians to intervene decisively. He knew they were Zambesi's last hope, but he also understood that their new allies would not act out of goodwill alone. Valoria would expect something in return.
As they approached the embassy, the guards at the gate quickly recognized the convoy. The heavy iron gates creaked open, allowing them to enter the embassy grounds. The Valorian flag fluttered in the morning breeze as they pulled up to the main entrance.
At the entrance, there was a woman and an interpreter stood beside her.
The woman stepped forward and greeted. "Good morning, gentlemen. What is the purpose of your visit today?"
"We must see the ambassador immediately. It is of utmost importance," Chief Mosi wasted no time.
The woman exchanged a brief glance with the interpreter before nodding. "The ambassador is a busy man. May I ask what this is concerning?"
General Ndlovu, unable to contain his frustration, took a step forward. "This is a matter of national security! The very survival of Zambesi is at stake. We need to speak with the ambassador now!"
The woman's eyes widened slightly at the intensity of General Ndlovu's response, but she maintained her composure.
Chief Mosi and General Ndlovu exchanged a brief glance, understanding the implications of what the ambassador was saying. Inviting Valoria's military into Zambesi would mean relinquishing a significant degree of control and possibly opening the door to long-term foreign influence.
General Ndlovu, always one to get straight to the point, leaned forward. "Ambassador, we are fully aware of the implications. But our situation is dire. If the Matalebe take the capital, there will be nothing left to defend. We have no choice but to accept whatever assistance you can provide, even if it means allowing your forces to enter Zambesi in large numbers."
Chief Mosi nodded in agreement. "Zambesi's sovereignty is important to us, but survival is paramount. We need your help to turn the tide, Ambassador."
Reinhardt smiled pleasingly. "Very well, I will inform Valoria of the gravity of the situation and the urgency of your request. You have my assurance that we will act swiftly. I will send a detailed report to my superiors immediately and request authorization for military intervention. Given the nature of our alliance, I am confident that we will receive a prompt and favorable response."
Chief Mosi and General Ndlovu both felt a slight sense of relief at Reinhardt's words, but they knew the true test was still to come. The decision would ultimately rest with Valoria's leadership, and until they had boots on the ground in Zambesi, their kingdom remained in grave danger.
"Thank you, Ambassador," Chief Mosi said, his tone sincere. "Your assistance is the lifeline we desperately need."
Reinhardt nodded, his expression one of firm resolve. "I will do everything in my power to ensure that Zambesi does not stand alone in this fight. Our forces are well-equipped and experienced in dealing with such threats. Once they are deployed, I believe we will be able to push back the Matalebe and stabilize the situation."
General Ndlovu stood, his demeanor reflecting the urgency of their mission. "We must return now. Please inform us as soon as you receive any updates from Valoria."
"Of course," Reinhardt agreed. "You will be the first to know. In the meantime, I advise you to strengthen your defenses and prepare your people for the arrival of our forces. We will need full cooperation on the ground to ensure a coordinated and effective response."
With that, the meeting concluded. Chief Mosi and General Ndlovu shook hands with Ambassador Reinhardt once more before leaving the embassy.