Soumaoro Kanty, the Sorcerer King Summary

Soumaoro Kanty is the cruel sorcerer king who rules the land where Dankaran sent Fassyky for council. Kanty has taken control of Ghana and many neighboring lands and demands that Mali respect his authority. Kanty and his men are all smiths, masters with fire, and are thus excellent sorcerers.

Dankaran, afraid of Kanty, immediately submits Mali to his rule. Kanty keeps Fassyky behind as a prisoner. One day while Kanty is out, Fassyky explores the king's sorcery chamber. He uncovers a room filled with human remains and strange beasts and instruments. Fassyky sits to play one of the instruments and everything in the room is transfixed by the griot's skill.

The xylophone is a magical one, which not only brings the human skulls to life but also alerts the king that someone has entered his...