Thoughts 

I am Mansa Musa, the King of Kings.

We have made it back to the oasis in the Great Desert. The trip has been uneventful. Due to my distaste with the sultan, I chose not to return to Cairo. Once more I am in the oppressive heat and strange sadness of this desert. We have not met any other travelers, and therefore have no impression of what has happened in Mali while we have been gone. As always, I worry incessantly. I do not know how my son has fared with his first bout of leadership. If he proves to be unable to rule effectively, I will not be able to fulfill my wish and return to Mecca. I am alone with my thoughts, and as a result I have pondered many possible situations. I have resolved that I will do everything in my power to prepare my son for leadership so I may abdicate, but if he is not ready, I will delay my return. I cannot leave my country in shambles and abandon all that I have worked for and held dear without knowing that it is with someone who can be trusted to handle what this harsh world will throw at them. On a happier note, while in Mecca I found several architects from the lands of Andalusia, across the sea to the north. They will help me rebuild the University of Timbuktu and establish it as a center of learning and education. Despite my eagerness to return to Mecca, I am excited to see and travel my homeland one final time.