What a difference a victory makes.  The otherwise peaceful Sanwanians, reveling in their marital prowess and emboldened by the exhortations of Kibwe Nkruma, are now coveting the rich grazing lands surrounding the village of Neo.

The visionary (some say psychotic)  Nkruma convinced Sanwa’s Council of Elders  the unexpected victory  was proof the village’s destiny is that of greatness and accompanying wealth.  To ignore their providential good fortune would invite disaster at the hands of  Shango, God of Fire and Lightning.

The Council agreed that with Kattego weakened there would be plenty of time  to attack North and subjugate Neo.  Once accomplished, Kattego would be attacked and brought under Sawanian control.

These two villages would provide new-found riches in crops, herds and slaves.  They  would also serve as buffers against aggression from coastal towns.

Council members opposing this plan were given the choice of compliance, death or exile.  One chose exile, but fearing for his and his family’s lives regardless of promises of safe passage, fled  to Neo.

The Neons were shocked and dismayed by his news and abrupt turn of events.  They had lived in peace for as long as anyone could remember and had no experience in warfare.

Desperate, they turned to the leader of Behefe, Bey Iman Mahir,  for protection.

He agreed to send soldiers to help defend Neo.  He wanted to stop the spread of this agitation before it affected his domain.  However, he also saw the possibilities of increased wealth.  So, there were terms.

The terrified Neons agreed to reduce the prices of goods sold to Behefian merchants, and to now pay annual tribute to  Bey Mahir.

Mahir’s small expeditionary force marched to Neo and began training the Neons for combat.