At a Gallop

Ignoring the invading Impis for now, Aztec Horsemen slice through northern Zululand. Spearmen bring up the rear to hold and to protect the new towns. Mpondo falls in 270 AD. Ulundi falls in 310 AD. Workers follow, building roads to the new territories; roads for the military, roads for spice merchants, roads for more workers to clear the jungle. 

Shaka sends his Impis pillaging across our borders south of the capital. This is Shaka's first mistake. His Impi are too weak to take our walled and well-defended Aztec towns. Nineteen Veteran Horsemen stand at the ready. 

A Great Leader arises during the Battle for Ulundi, Ahuitzotl, who rushes the Forbidden Palace in the recently conquered Zulu town of Mpondo. 

We have lost nearly half our Horsemen. Our diplomats sue for peace. 

(The nearest Zulu town, Intombe, has no appreciable culture. Our overall Aztec culture is far superior to that of the Zulus. Mpondo should be quite safe for our Forbidden Palace. Only a small garrison will be required.)  

A Cease Fire is declared, but Montezuma now knows the Zulus cannot be trusted. There will be no peace as long as Shaka rules.