Nay, no need to copy it in that book of yours, for see, I will stamp it on your mind." Then suddenly he gathered up the warm ashes in a double handful and threw them into my face, muttering something as he did so and adding aloud, "There, now you will remember." "Certainly I shall," I answered, coughing, "and I beg that you will not play such a joke upon me again." As a matter of fact, whatever may have been the reason, I never forgot any detail of that extremely intricate map.
"That big river must be the Zambesi," I stuttered, "and even then the mountain of your Queen, if it be her mountain, is far away, and how can I come there alone ?" "I don't know, Macumazahn, though perhaps you might do so in company.

At least I believe that in the old days people used to travel to the place, since I have heard a great city stood there once which was the heart of a mighty empire." Now I pricked up my ears, for though I believed nothing of Zikali's story of a wonderful Queen, I was always intensely interested in past civilisations and their relics.

Also I knew that the old wizard's knowledge was extensive and peculiar, however he came by it, and I did not think that he would lie to me in this matter.

Indeed to tell the truth, then and there I made up my mind that if it were in any way possible, I would attempt this journey.
"How did people travel to the city, Zikali ?" "By sea, I suppose, Macumazahn, but I think that you will be wise not to try that road, since I believe that on the sea side the marshes are now impassable and you will be safer on your feet." "You want me to go on this adventure, Zikali.

Why?
I know you never do anything without motive." "Oho! Macumazahn, you are clever and see deeper into the trunk of a tree than most.