Tsatsuba Part 2 Complete Hausa Novel

The Interrupted Strike
 
When Shumaira’s sword reached Queen Larbisa’s chest, she pierced her slightly, trying to push the blade deeper. Before Larbisa could scream, Shumaira heard a loud warning shout from behind. She was forced to stop and quickly withdrew the sword. She stood up and turned, only to recognize the one who shouted—none other than her father, the great hunter, Imshal.
 
Hunter Imshal was a tall, warrior-built man, though old age had caught up with him. He appeared to be nearly forty. His hair, beard, and moustache were all white. He held a long staff in his hand, with a bow and quiver strapped across his back. His clothes, from his robe to his trousers and shoes, were all made from leopard skin.
 
When the brave Shumaira saw her father Imshal, she ran to him and knelt in respect. Meanwhile, Queen Larbisa stood up, placing her hand on the part of her chest where the sword had pierced her and drawn a little blood. Surprisingly, the queen knelt respectfully before the old hunter and greeted him. Imshal accepted her greeting and looked her up and down. Then he looked at her soldiers. Turning to Shumaira, he asked:
 
“For what reason are you fighting this honorable woman? Can’t you see the signs that she is a ruler?”
 
Shumaira raised her head and answered:
 
“Father, this queen and her soldiers entered our forest without permission and hunted our animals senselessly. I destroyed her army and ordered them to leave before our anger fell upon them, but she followed me stubbornly into our animal grounds. Allow me to finish her now, so she and her people learn that water is not drawn with a basket, and the edge of a well is no place for a child’s play.”
 
Imshal laughed, then tightened his face and said:
 
“Water does not turn bitter without cause. Did she not tell you she had a request from you?”
 
Shumaira lowered her eyes, ashamed, and replied that the queen had indeed mentioned having a request, but she refused to listen, thinking the queen had nothing to offer in return. Imshal shook his head and said:
 
“You judged too quickly. Perhaps her request may be the key to ending the seven years of suffering we have endured. Did you forget that I told you that we would succeed this year if you meet three foreign warriors?”
 
Shumaira felt her body weaken. She bowed her head in silence. Imshal turned to Queen Larbisa and asked:
 
“O noble queen of extraordinary beauty and strength, what brings you so deeply into our sacred forest?”
 
Before Larbisa could answer, Imshal interrupted again, advising that they first treat their wounds. He took out a healing ointment, thick and white like condensed milk. He handed it to Shumaira and told her to apply it on herself and on the queen. Shumaira obeyed, though reluctantly, and applied the remedy to Larbisa’s wound while Larbisa’s knights observed in relief.
 
When Imshal finished, he said:
 
“Now that I have accepted you as guests, I will take you to my home. When you have rested, we shall speak. If we can help each other, then so be it. If only you benefit and we do not, then we will pray for your success and bid you farewell.”
 
Joy filled Queen Larbisa. She smiled and responded that her heart assured her she too could help them in return.
 
They followed Imshal behind a massive rock, mounted their horses, and arrived at a fortress-like house built from volcanic stones. Unlike a royal palace, there were no servants except for one woman—Larisa, Shumaira’s mother—astonishingly beautiful despite being fifty-two years old.
 
Hospitality in the Hunter’s Fortress
 
Imshal introduced Queen Larbisa to Larisa, explaining that she and her warriors were honored guests. Larisa welcomed her warmly. The soldiers, including the brave Humaisu, were guided to separate quarters while Larbisa followed Shumaira into her chamber.
 
Shumaira heated water and brought it for Larbisa to bathe. Before Larbisa finished, Shumaira had already prepared their meal. They sat together at a small table and ate in silence.
 
What puzzled Shumaira most was how freely Larbisa ate the simple meal—food that any poor villager could afford. With astonishment, she asked:
 
“Why are you so comfortable eating our poor people’s food? I know you have your royal provisions with you.”
 
Queen Larbisa smiled:
 
“A guest must adapt to the people who receive them. I myself am surprised at how delightful your food tastes. But what surprises me more... is you.”
 
Shumaira frowned slightly. Larbisa placed her spoon down and said:
 
“When we met, you showed me no respect, ignoring the fact that I am a queen. Yet now, you serve me and treat me with honor.”
 
Shumaira smiled faintly and answered:
 
“Our elders say: when a great tree leans with dignity, the smaller ones must bow beneath it. I refused your entry at first because you trespassed our forest and threatened our animals. But now I see that you may have a purpose greater than we know. That is why I honor you.”
 
Larbisa laughed gently and then asked:
 
“Tell me, what is your greatest desire, yours and your father’s—the one you think I may help with?”
 
Shumaira replied, cryptically:
 
“What you are eating is dropping… meaning the answer you seek will come when we hold a special meeting. Then we will hear your request as well.”
 
Larbisa accepted her words and they continued eating peacefully until night fell. They both slept.
 
Meanwhile, Humaisu and all the other soldiers were honored with food, drink, and a fine resting place. They were filled with wonder at how these hunters had gathered such immense wealth.
 
Reflections and Uneasy Wonder
 
The night settled over the forest palace. The hunters and the queen’s warriors all slept, their minds filled with thoughts of what awaited them.
 
For Shumaira, one question echoed:
 
Was this queen truly the key to ending seven years of suffering?
 
For Larbisa, another question remained:
 
Was this forest home the path to obtaining the legendary book TSATSUBA?
 
And for Imshal, a silent prayer lingered:
 
May destiny finally open the door that has remained shut for so long.