Brian King is a 25yr old new professor of African Studies at Columbia University.  During a dream, he is transformed into Balajo Konare, nephew of famed ruler ancient ruler of Mali, Mansa Musa. Balajo is a professor at Timbuktu University in ancient Mali and is called into military service while teaching young students. Balajo is also just beginning to explore notions of romantic love with a beautiful market seller named Fatou Kromah. After experiencing killing in battle, he becomes a changed man and worries if his love interest will still be interested in him.  Balajo wants nothing more than to teach and explore an intellectual and spiritual life. He is not interested in becoming a warrior and/or a political leader. Everything is thrown out of balance when Balajo’s mother is murdered by his long-time companion and bodyguard and his father is stabbed by the father of his love interest. He must now protect Fatou from arrest and certain execution while also keeping the Mali empire from tearing itself apart.