I consulted Wikipedia and now have a better understanding. Perhaps more details might be useful to included from the story in order to help encourage the expected solution from individuals like me who are unfamiliar with the history. Would it be too much of a hint to link to an article or YouTube documentary on the subject? This might have the added benefit of including a history lesson with the kata.

I solved this kata using a loop and now don't think that is the intended solution, but now that I have solved it and can see other solutions and feel a second attempt might not be as "authentic" as the first experience, since I already know what to do.

I enjoy how this kata's details are presented in prose and with a story, but I feel the writing could use a little polishing. It all clicked once I stopped trying to understand the story and instead focused on what tests I might need to write.