In the bustling markets of Cairo, Mansa had decided to be discrete. He traveled by foot, like a mere merchant of the streets. He brought no servants, nor camels or goods. But he sought something far more expensive than all three.

The heart of Al-Nasir Muhammad…the Sultan of Egypt himself, the man who restored his riches. It had been many years since they last met; he was only a child back then. Now, he was a man.

“I am here to see the Sultan,” Mansa says, speaking to the guards of the castle.

The guards are skeptical of Mansa until he pulled out a pouch, filled to the brim with gold coins..

And then another pouch…this one of salt, worth its weight in gold.

“Let me in,” Mansa demanded, with a sense of authority.

The guards held their swords close as they eyed him…

“On what business are you here?” A guard asked, suspiciously.

Mansa replied, “I am Mansa Munsa..you may have heard of my wealth and my father’s legacy..”

“I am hear to repay the sultan,” he said as he took a step foward.

The guards’ eyes widened in shock as they heard this…they looked at the pouches he offered them..it was tempting…

Soon enough, Mansa was let through as he bribed them once more..

Now, inside the castle, Mansa made his way through the elaborately decorated rooms..

He sought the Sultan’s chamber…