Tsatsuba Book 5 Complete Hausa Novel

The Clash Ends in a Draw
 
When Warrior Siyama and the fighter Darkus collapsed to the ground, panting as if their souls were leaving their bodies, the drum signaling the end of the duel sounded. The referee rushed into the center of the field and faced the crowd, announcing:
 
“You all should know that this fierce battle between Warrior Darkus and Warrior Siyama has no winner. They have fought to a Mutuwar Kasko (a perfect tie). Therefore, they will face each other again in the final round later today. For now, we will call the next contestants.”
 
Immediately after this announcement, Darkus and Siyama were carried off the field to one side instead of being taken to the medical tent prepared for injured fighters. The reason was simple—neither of them had any major injuries. They only bled from their noses and mouths.
 
When Siyama regained consciousness, she looked towards the royal seats, trying to understand why her father had not come to her after the fight was stopped. But to her shock, her father was no longer in the seat he occupied. Instead, she saw Shardila staring directly at her without blinking. Though Shardila’s face was covered with a black cloth leaving only her eyes visible, her gaze was sharp and unwavering. Siyama’s heart shook deeply. Had she not spotted her mother approaching her, she would have leapt up and thrown herself at the feet of her father, Hailur.
 
Upon reaching her, her mother—Zalina—hugged her joyfully and praised her bravery.
 
At that moment, a doctor approached to examine Siyama, but Zalina stopped him and said:
 
“No doctor will treat my daughter except me. Thank you, but we don’t need your help.”
 
Zalina then opened a small cloth bundle, took out a narrow bottle of herbal medicine, and handed it to Siyama. Siyama drank only two gulps before returning it. Instantly, the bleeding from her nose and mouth stopped, and her fatigue disappeared. Only her face and eyes remained slightly swollen from Darkus’ punches.
 
Meanwhile, a doctor tended to Darkus’ bleeding nose. When Darkus regained consciousness and saw Siyama, he glared at her with deep hatred. His heart burned with rage that such a small girl had defeated him in skill. He swore within himself that in their final duel, he would kill her on the field—nothing else could restore his honor.
 
The announcer entered the field again and called the next fighters.
 
A Royal Warning and a Dangerous Reward
 
At that moment, King Hulbasu turned to Hailur and said:
 
“My friend, you have trained your daughter with astonishing skill. I am deeply impressed. She may even win this entire tournament. But be warned—victory is not easy. The contestants use charms, deceit, and every dark method to win. From now on, your daughter’s life is in danger. Do not go home yet. Follow me to my royal residence. You must move to a safer place, and I will advise and assist you.”
 
Then he added:
 
“Do you even know the reward your daughter will receive if she wins this contest?”
 
Hearing this, Hailur lowered his head quickly because he noticed Shardila looking at him. He didn’t want her to see his eyes and recognize him. She could not hear their conversation because the King spoke in a whisper.
 
Respectfully, Hailur said:
 
“My friend, what reward will my daughter receive if she wins?”
 
The King smiled and replied:
 
“First, she will receive one large farmland—one of the greatest in the city. Then she will be given seven hundred thousand dinars. I will also appoint her as commander of the guards who protect my life, provided she swears loyalty and vows to risk her life for mine. From that rank, she will earn more salary than any soldier in my service. And after passing further trials, she may become the War Chief of the entire kingdom.”
 
The King continued:
 
“But anyone who earns such a rank will gain many enemies among my nobles. They will know she outranks them in power and wealth.”
 
Hailur’s heart tightened with fear. Two reasons tormented him:
 
First, Siyama’s life was now in grave danger—she would gain many enemies who would hunt her like a thirsty man hunts water.
Second, even if she survived all dangers and achieved high rank, she might still disappear from his life—just as he lost his wife Shardila long ago, when she was pregnant at the time they were separated.
 
When Hailur looked at Prince Hulkas, a frightening thought struck him:
Could this boy be my son? Or the son of King Shardas?
Only Shardila knew the answer. But he feared approaching her, for if any of her guards saw them together, everything would be ruined. If King Shardas learned that Hailur was alive, the lives of Zalina, Siyama, and Shardila would all be in danger. He wondered:
 
How can I meet Shardila secretly without being seen? Only King Hulbasu can help me—but I don’t want him to know that I am King Shardas’ sworn enemy, who was believed dead seven years ago.
 
While lost in thought, a sudden uproar broke out in the arena. When Hailur raised his head, he saw two warriors engaged in intense combat, and he was shocked—one of them was his most trusted fighter, Sadauki Ruhaisu, whom he trusted a hundred percent back in their tribe.
 
Seeing Ruhaisu filled Hailur’s heart with joy. If Ruhaisu was alive, he could help him find the remaining survivors of their tribe to regroup and protect him and his family.
 
Ruhaisu’s opponent was a massive giant named Jamar, three times his size. But once the fight started, Ruhaisu outclassed him completely. Jamar could not attack—he only defended himself desperately. Ruhaisu leapt high, struck Jamar’s chin with his knee, sending him airborne, blood gushing. Before he fell, Ruhaisu delivered a powerful blow to his chest. Jamar crashed to the ground like a fallen elephant, unconscious.
 
The arena erupted with thunderous applause. Ruhaisu had become the first warrior to win his match in record time—without even half a minute passing.
 
Hailur turned to King Hulbasu and said:
 
“This warrior impresses me greatly. I want to meet him.”
 
The King smiled.
“That is very easy. I will arrange it soon. For now, go and bring your wife and daughter so we may return to my palace together.”
 
But Hailur replied with concern:
 
“I prefer not to move within the field. Please send one of your servants to bring Siyama and Zalina.”
 
The King agreed and sent a servant to fetch them.
 
Recognition, Suspicion, and Hidden Tears
 
When Hailur attempted to rise from his seat, his foot slipped, and he almost fell. His face covering slid off before he quickly repositioned it—but at that moment, Shardila saw his face. Their eyes met briefly. Hailur, shocked, quickly covered himself again.
 
Shardila froze, overwhelmed by shock, fear, and joy all at once. Tears poured from her eyes before she even realized it.
 
Even though her own face was covered, King Hulbasu noticed her reaction but pretended not to. Queen Luzuraina noticed nothing. But Prince Hulkas saw the way his mother stared at Siyama’s father. He saw the tears that escaped her eyes. His heart shook violently. He could not understand what was happening, but suspicion began rising inside him.
 
The King and his entourage rose to leave the arena. Their horses were brought, and with guards surrounding them, they rode out while the crowd watched.