Part IV: The Coronation
Two years had passed since the engagement. Time had finally caught up to the emperor. For several months, numerous attempts had been made to cure his illness but to no avail. Many traditional healers from across the realm had been consulted, and all had concluded the unavoidable truth of the emperor’s approaching death. The goal therefore was to make the emperor most comfortable during his final hours. For weeks on end, Kaya Maga stayed beside him fearing to miss the emperor’s last breath, wish, command. Before, the end the emperor saw fit to inform his son of the odd visitors—as a warning about their nefarious intentions and outstanding capabilities.
Mansa Moussa died on a full moon—coincidently, the same day his son Kaya Maga had come into the world. Fortunately, his passing was painless, for it occurred while he slept. As customs demanded the funeral was held on the same day he died. People from all corners of the empire converged to wish their protector a final farewell. Following the burial ceremony, the empire remained in utter shock. Understandably, a veil of sadness enveloped hearts, minds and souls of all who loved him dearly. For several weeks people mourned—the screams of men, women and children were heard for numerous days and nights. For Kaya Maga, isolation alone brought him solace. He sat on his fathers’ death bed reminiscing the rare beautiful moments he’d spent with him.
The mourning lasted ten days and nights. The eleventh day was the coronation of the new emperor. The ritual was uneventful as Kaya Maga felt it was inappropriate to celebrate after the emperor had just died. Therefore, only necessary activities were performed. As per traditional requirement the emperor dressed in a white robe. The coronation began by washing his hands and feet before he was raised and lowered over a golden chair called “khèmagôngni” while forty Imams recited coranic verses to create a direct mystical link between the emperor’s soul and that of his people. The ceremonial practice was concluded with the emperor being sat upon the throne, before his father’s crown was laid upon his head for the first time.
No preparation in the world could have readied him for the pressure he was feeling. The ceremony could not end quickly enough. The crown felt so heavy his neck stiffened and made it hard to move properly. The crown and throne were only symbolic representations of ownership. The true imperial power was characterised by a ring made from a rare crystal—a two hundred and fifty years old ring previously worn by every Malian emperor before him. Being in possession of the ring attested to the divine support as the crystal was believed to have originated from the heavens. At first glance, the dusky object would pass unnoticed. However, upon closer examination one could get a glimpse of creation.
Upon receiving his ring, the emperor Kaya Maga 1st made his way outside the palace to meet his people. Expectedly, the empire had come out for the occasion. Enthusiasm and happiness filled the air. People had found in their heart the ability to surmount recent sorrow to suitably welcome the new leader. The gloom that had overtaken the empire was gradually lifting. The cries of happiness and tears of joy could be noticed from the stand. Men, women, children and other creatures exclaimed their approval of the new emperor. Kaya Maga felt a sense of security and comfort as he began waving his arm. His shaky limbs had started loosening and buccal gland secreting saliva. He could feel the rush of adrenaline formerly inciting fear turn into a boost of energy. So he approached further and sharply inhaled a breath of hot air.
“ You have honoured me by coming out to show your support during such an unhappy period. I am grateful you have chosen me to replace my father. He was a true champion of the people and will forever hold a special place in our hearts. My entire life I was taught to lead by example and with fairness. Therefore, I vow to honour my father’s memory by being the ruler you deserve. Inch ‘Allah and shukran.”
Followed by his imperial court, Kaya Maga 1st unhurriedly retracted towards the throne room, while food and drink was shared amongst his citizens.
