thus
In the way just indicated; in this way.
lain
The past participle of “lie,” as in to lie or lay down.
Nile
A river in East Africa, usually considered the longest in the world. At one point, it splits into two branches, explaining the use of the plural “Niles.”
rime
Also known as rime ice, an opaque coating of tiny, white ice particles.
brigand
A bandit, especially one of a band of robbers in mountain or forest regions. The brigands are the Europeans who enslaved the Africans and robbed them of their lives.
ungentled
Not gentle, calm, or tame. The brigands have lost any touch of gentleness and are therefore rough with the African people.
slain
The past participle of “slay,” as in to kill by violence.
