Apprehension 

I am Mansa Musa, the King of Kings.

We are camped at the water's edge. Never before have I been so close to such a large amount of water. I will not deny that it is a little unnerving. Given the history of sea exploration among the kings of Mali, I believe this apprehension is understandable. Exploration of the ocean has never worked well for us. I am nervous about trusting my life to wind filling a piece of cloth and wood floating on water. This will be my first sea voyage, so I have no experience with such things. We have come to a large harbor town, and will naturally have to rent a large amount of ships to carry my entire caravan. I have no worry of affording such a rental, I only worry that there may not be enough ships. Worrying will do me no good. If we cannot find a ship, those who do not have one will simply have to stay here and wait for another ship or for us to return. Unfortunate, but necessary. I must reach Mecca during the correct time, so that my Hajj is not considered a lesser pilgrimage, or Umrah. I must not allow any delays.  I am right on schedule, but mistakes or delays could lead to my lateness, which would be unacceptable. I must prepare for the journey ahead.