A love to remember

CHAPTER THREE - ARRIVED AT LAST

After three long and arduous weeks at sea, the HMS Sultan finally docked at a bustling port in Liverpool. Akaninyene felt a wave of relief wash over him as he gazed out at the familiar sight of dry land. The salty sea air, the creaking of the ship's wooden hull, and the constant motion of the waves had begun to take their toll on him. He was eager to stretch his legs and feel the warmth of the sun on his skin.

As he disembarked, Akaninyene was greeted by the cool, crisp air of the British countryside. He took a deep breath, feeling invigorated by the scent of freshly cut grass and the sound of birds singing in the distance. The contrast between the rugged, untamed beauty of the sea and the manicured, cultivated beauty of the British landscape was striking, and Akaninyene felt a sense of awe wash over him.

While Akaninyene and Afia, along with the rest of the nobility of the Niger River, had arrived on the Sultan, the lower-class servants were traveling on a different ship, one that would pass as a slave ship. This was all part of their carefully crafted plan to infiltrate British society. They had to secretly gather intelligence and establish a network of spies and informants who could provide them with valuable insights into the workings of the British Empire.

Most of their spies were sold off as slaves to British Lords and aristocrats. This was a deliberate strategy, designed to allow them to gather information from the roots up. By placing their spies in positions of servitude, they could gain access to the innermost workings of British society, gathering intelligence on everything from the movements of the British military to the intricacies of British politics.

Meanwhile, the nobility would serve as ambassadors and business partners to the unsuspecting British. Akaninyene and his fellow nobles would use their charm, their wealth, and their influence to win over the British, to gain their trust and their confidence. It was a delicate balancing act, one that required great care and precision.

As he made his way through the bustling port, Akaninyene knew that he had to make sure that everything went according to plan. They had come a long way and their journey was far from over as they still had many challenges to overcome. He steeled himself for the battles ahead, knowing that he and the other nobles would have to use all their cunning and intelligence to succeed in their mission.

Akaninyene and his entourage were warmly welcomed by the Earl of Sefton, William Molyneux at his grand, sprawling manor, Croxteth Hall, located just outside of Liverpool. The manor was a grand building with a beautifully carved stone front, tall spires, and perfectly kept lawns. It showed the great wealth and power of the British aristocracy.

As they settled into their lavish quarters, Akaninyene took a moment to appreciate the opulence that surrounded him. The Earl of Sefton's manor was a masterpiece of British architecture, with its high ceilings, sweeping staircases, and lavishly decorated rooms. Akaninyene couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the sheer scale and grandeur of the estate.

The Earl of Sefton, a portly man with a bushy mustache and a jovial demeanor, was a well-respected member of British society. He was a member of the House of Lords and had served as a diplomat in various European capitals. His family had a long and storied history, dating back to the Norman Conquest of England.

Akaninyene was aware of the Earl's reputation and was determined to make a good impression. He knew that gaining the Earl's trust and support would be crucial in achieving his goals. As he unpacked his belongings and settled into his new surroundings, he knew he was one step closer to actualizing his plans, and he was determined to make the most of this opportunity.

As the days passed, Akaninyene settled into a comfortable routine. He spent his days exploring the local area, meeting with local businessmen and traders, and attending social gatherings and events. He was a charming and gracious guest, effortlessly navigating the complexities of British etiquette and winning over the locals with his wit and his charm.