Tsatsuba Book 4 Complete Hausa Novel

English Translation
 
When Shadila asked herself in her heart, “Is it possible that Hailur is truly alive somewhere in this world but has never come looking for me?” she could not give herself any answer. Her eyes grew heavy, sleep abandoned her completely, and she couldn’t even doze off that night. She kept tossing and turning on her bed, her mind wandering endlessly on the thought of the brave Hailur.
 
That entire night, Shadila did not get even a blink of sleep until the break of dawn. Only then did sleep overcome her unexpectedly without her realizing it.
 
As for Prince Hulkas, when morning came, he woke up and saw that his mother was still sleeping deeply, with no intention of waking up. He didn’t want to disturb her. Filled with excitement, Hulkas took his bath and dressed up quickly. Just as he finished preparing, Prince Barmas entered the room, also fully dressed, his face glowing with happiness. Seeing Hulkas already prepared, Barmas smiled and said:
 
“Indeed, I can see that you are more eager than I am to go and watch today’s bravery tournament.”
 
Hulkas smiled in return and said:
 
“In fact, I feel like flying like a bird so I can reach there already—just to see that beautiful face of the warrior Siyama and watch how she will battle with the strongest men.”
 
Barmas burst into laughter.
“I knew it! A spider’s tale will always return to its web. Come on, hurry up. We need to take breakfast in my mother’s chamber. But what happened? Why is your mother still sleeping?”
 
Hulkas sighed softly.
“I think she went to bed very late last night after hearing the story Barmas and I told her about our journey.”
 
Hearing this, Barmas nodded thoughtfully, then said:
 
“Well, surprisingly, even my own mother won’t take breakfast unless your mother joins her. She said she wants all four of us to eat together and then go to the contest grounds, even the King himself will be there. So… won’t you wake her?”
 
Hulkas shook his head.
“No, she deserves the rest. Let her sleep. Let’s go explain to your mother.”
 
They both left quickly and headed to Queen Luzuraina’s chamber.
 
Her chamber was large and decorated with royal ornaments. A long dining table with twelve chairs stood on one side, filled with eleven varieties of breakfast. Luzuraina sat alone at the table, waiting for Shadila.
 
Suddenly, she saw only Hulkas and Barmas entering, which surprised her greatly—she expected all three.
 
She asked Hulkas with concern,
“Where is your mother? Why didn’t she come with you?”
 
Hulkas bowed respectfully.
“I believe my mother did not sleep early last night, so she is making up for the lost rest.”
 
Luzuraina went silent, thinking for a few moments. She then stood and said:
 
“You two should sit and eat. I will not eat until Shadila wakes up on her own. When you finish, go wait for the King in his hall. When he comes, go with him to the contest ground. If he asks why we are not with you, tell him Shadila and I will meet you there.”
 
She then left for her inner chamber. Hulkas and Barmas quickly finished their meal and proceeded to King Hulbasu’s hall.
 
Soon after, the King emerged in a grand royal outfit, his face shining with joy. Today was the long-awaited annual bravery contest. But when he saw only Hulkas and Barmas without their mothers, his smile faded.
 
“Where are the women?” he asked.
 
Barmas explained everything just as Luzuraina had said. The King nodded.
 
“Very well. Let us go. They have gathered already, and everyone is waiting for me to begin the contest.”
 
They walked to the large courtyard where royal guards stood mounted on horses ready to escort the King. Horses were also brought for Hulkas and Barmas. The convoy then moved toward the contest arena—and even I, Al-Quyraemey, followed behind them.
 
The contest field was massive, near the central marketplace. It was enclosed with tall walls and surrounded by more than two million seats, yet still, people never found enough space on event day. Many climbed the walls, rooftops, or trees to watch.
 
Inside the field, a special section was built exclusively for the King and nobles. No one without royal blood or great wealth—or someone like me, Al-Quyraemey—could sit there.
 
As for Siyama, early that morning she and her parents prepared and set out, her father covering his face with a turban that revealed only his eyes. They rode together on three horses. But upon reaching the gate of the contest field, they found the place completely overfilled. They immediately became worried—only Siyama would be allowed entry because she was a registered contestant. Her parents would be forced to stay behind.
 
Seeing their concern, Siyama showed her contestant badge and pleaded that her parents be allowed to enter with her. The chief guard, a huge intimidating man, looked her up and down disrespectfully and burst out laughing.
 
“You? What kind of foolishness brought you into this contest? A girl? A little girl? Are your parents tired of life? Do they want to watch you get slaughtered? Once this field is full, no one enters except the King and his nobles. You go in alone, or you withdraw entirely.”
 
Some spectators mocked her, calling her foolish, saying her parents must not want her, even claiming she was a slave girl.
 
Siyama’s anger rose, and she was about to force the gate open when her father signaled her not to. In a soft voice she asked:
 
“Father… what now? Should we go home or climb a tree to watch?”
 
He replied confidently,
“Let us wait for the King to arrive. I assure you, once he comes, we will all enter.”
 
This confused Siyama, but she obeyed.
 
Soon wealthy nobles passed through the gate. Then suddenly the King’s procession appeared—King Hulbasu, Prince Barmas, and Prince Hulkas. The entire crowd erupted in praise and cheers. The noise reminded Hulkas of life in his homeland, and how the people loved him—unlike his own tyrant father, King Shardas. He wondered why their characters were so different.
 
As the King approached the gate, Barmas and Hulkas spotted Siyama and her parents. They were surprised she hadn't been admitted yet.
 
From afar, King Hulbasu saw Siyama’s father. He stared intensely until they reached the gate. Siyama’s father bowed respectfully—and suddenly, the King pulled on his horse’s reins, stopping abruptly.
 
He dismounted with overwhelming surprise and joy, rushed toward Siyama’s father, embraced him, then stepped back and said:
 
“My great friend! Why did you not answer my call the day we parted in the forest?”
 
Siyama’s father smiled.
“Forgive me, my King. We will speak later. Right now, the contest awaits your arrival.”
 
The King smiled, took his hand, and led him in. He also took Siyama’s mother. Barmas and Hulkas walked side by side with Siyama into the arena.
 
When they entered, the entire crowd stood in respect. The announcer rose and began calling the names of the contestants.
 
Siyama sat between Hulkas and Barmas, but she noticed they kept stealing glances at her, trying to talk. She refused to acknowledge either of them and kept her face stiff.
 
The drums sounded—the contest began.
 
Two warriors were called forward:
Mulagus, a tall, fearsome giant,
and Kumar, short but powerfully built.
 
The rule was simple:
You may strike, stab, or slash your opponent anywhere—even fatally. Victory goes to whoever forces the other to fall and stay down until the referee counts to seven.
 
Mulagus and Kumar stood ready, studying each other.
 
Hulkas whispered to Barmas:
“My friend, who do you think will win?”
 
Barmas burst out laughing.
“Oh please! By just looking, anyone can see. It’s like comparing a hawk to a chicken—no matter the gamble, the reins will always overpower the beak.”