Page:The jade story book; stories from the Orient (IA jadestorybooksto00cous).pdf/277

Rh too clever for him, and she mounted the throne which was rightly hers.

This so enraged Korkwi that he raised a large army and defied the Empress. The next thing he did was to use his wizard's power, and flood the country, so that thousands of people were drowned. This meant war between the Empress and Korkwi.

Among the warriors of Janqwi were two brilliant young warriors named Haki and Oku, and the first of these she appointed to command that part of the army which would be first to engage the enemy.

This great honor delighted Haki, and he at once made himself ready for battle. He had mounted his favorite charger and had just started for the front when he heard his name called loudly by someone who was galloping behind him. He looked around and saw his friend Oku, who said to him: "Halt, Haki! I intend to lead the first army!"

This enraged Haki, who exclaimed: "You are insolent! The Empress Janqwi has appointed me to lead our warriors into battle; your place is with the reserves."