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03 THE BETRAYAL
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2022-02-11 17:07:52BINTA
"This is wicked!" a loud voice woke me from sleep. It was morning, but it was still dark outside.
"Even you? After all, I have done for this family?" it was my mother's voice; she was arguing with someone. I did not want to get involved unless I had to, so I stayed put and listened to their conversation.
"How could you do this to me? This situation is not my fault! I have been nothing but a good submissive wife and daughter-in-law," I heard my mother sobbing.
"But you knew it wouldn't work that way." I heard my uncle say, trying to calm the situation down but clearly against my mother.
"You people are wicked. I regret marrying into this family. All this union has brought me is pain and sorrow. Now that I am no longer useful to you, you now do this." My mother continued lamenting.
"Why will you say that? You are my sister and the mother of my favourite niece." I heard Gogo trying to console my mother.
"Even you? So you knew about this all along, and you kept it from me. You are wicked. You say you love my daughter. Does she know what you have done?" My mother questioned Gogo angrily.
"You have to believe me, dear sister. I know nothing about this situation. I am as shocked as you are," Gogo answered.
"Please stop trying to blow things out of proportion. You make it sound like it's not normal practice here," Mimi shouted at my mother.
"Do you know anything about promises?" my mother asked her.
"Then you are the wicked one to ask for such dedication. What about our name, our lineage? Clearly, you do not care, so why should we waste our time trying to convince you to accept the situation?" Mimi said.
"I told my son that this woman would be nothing but trouble, but he wouldn't listen. See how selfish and inconsiderate she is. Instead of her being happy that her husband left a substantial part of him behind, she's here pointing fingers and cursing at everyone. If it weren't because you are the mother of my grandchild and your sacrifice, I would have had you thrown out this instant." My grandmother said.
I realised the situation was getting out of hand. Why would they gang up against a woman that was still in mourning? She was hurt, she was sad, and she was bound to say hurtful things. I wanted to go out and try to diffuse the situation, but something held me back. I waited to listen more.
"I don't blame you, Nana. I blame myself. I should have been selfish and thought of my security instead of making that sacrifice. If I had done that, we wouldn't be having this conversation today. As for Haliru, may his soul never find peace for breaking his promise and covenant with me." As my mother finished her statement, I heard someone being slapped.
It had turned physical, so I had to rush out. What I saw broke my heart and angered me. Nana and Mimi were attacking my mother. Gogo was trying to stop them, my uncle not doing anything, and the woman from last night was standing beside my uncle, watching the drama in front of her.
"Why are you beating my mother?" I screamed, "stop! What has she done to deserve this? Beating her in the presence of a stranger? And you Kawu!" I directed the question to my grand uncle, "why are you not stopping them? We have just lost my father, and look at how you all are behaving. Beating his widow. Is this what we do to the widows of this family?" Then I looked at the stranger and directed my anger towards her for being a spectator, "and you, what are you still doing in our compound? I know you are Nana's guest, but it still does not give you the right to be present in a family meeting."
"She is family too," Nana said.
"How is she family? In all my eighteen years on earth, I have never met this woman before. How is she now family?"
"She is your father's second wife." Gogo finally told me, "those two boys she came with are her sons, and they are your brothers."
I was suddenly in shock. This couldn't be happening. My father had a second wife and two sons we knew nothing of? Why will he keep this from us? Why would he do this to us? Tears started falling down my face. I now understood my mother's pain. Although I had never fallen in love, I could understand the feeling of betrayal. All I could say was, "why? Why did he do this?" but everyone kept quiet.
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BINTA My mother, who had by now stopped crying, searched the faces of her assaulters, urging them to answer my question, but they remained silent. "I'll tell you why," my mother finally said. "Don't you dare, Safia," Nana warned her. "Why not? After all, there is nothing more to lose. Your son has already broken his side of the promise and covenant. I will be a fool to remain silent," my mother responded. Looking at my mother, all I saw was anger and disappointment. I had never seen so much hurt registered on her face the way it did now. I also saw fear and dread in Nana's eyes. She did not want my mother to say what she was about to say, but my mother's mind was made up, and we all could see that. "I'll tell you. I'll tell everyone. My child, it is not the Almighty's doing that you don't have a sibling. You had an elder brother." She started. Upon hearing this, I was shocked. No one had ever told me this before; it was a well-kept secret. Why would they keep this from me? I dec
Last Updated : 2022-02-11Rayuwa 05 THE OTHER STORY
BINTA After my mother had finished, we were all in shock. Mimi, that was against my mother at first looked guilty. "Mama, may I sleep in your hut tonight?" I asked my mother. She looked at me and smiled; her smile was different. It carried deep understanding. "No, my daughter. Do not change your lifestyle because of anyone's predicament. Whatever you do should always be because you want to, not because society expects it from you. I am a living example of people that make such decisions. I have lived with pain and guilt every day for twenty years now. Nothing and no one can make it stop. You are important to me. Your birth made the pain bearable, but a child can never replace the other. You, my dear, can never be replaced. Go to your hut and sleep well. Do not burden yourself. You are the gift given to us by the Almighty to put smiles on our faces, cover our shame and give us hope when the deity had tried to take everything from us. I see you like that one thing she could never and
Last Updated : 2022-02-11Rayuwa 06 TRAGEDY
BINTA Aisha got up and headed out in a hurry. "Where are you off to?" Nana called after her. "I have to go and bring my father. He can help me with this. He is the only one that can help." She answered, heading out. We were all scared and confused. What seemed like a story suddenly became real to us. This had happened right in front of us. The cause of my father's death was mere speculation that was proved genuine in seconds. We had all seen the deity in action; we had heard her voice. This was serious. I became scared. I saw Mairo packing her bags. She wanted to run away, and I didn't blame her. This was not her problem. She was an in-law here. If she stayed any longer, she ran the risk of exposing herself and her family to the wrath of the deity. I wouldn't ask her to risk that neither would my mother. "Promise you'll visit me when you can." I heard her say to my mother. My mother smiled and hugged her. She and I understood Mario's fear, and we were not going to judge her for l
Last Updated : 2022-02-11Rayuwa 07 ADAM
BINTA One of the palace guards, referred to as Dogara, came into our compound. The Sarki had sent for me. I was scared because I had declined his invitation twice when he sent the maids. He must be angry with me. That would be the only reason he will send a guard this time. I was scared. I hadn't had my bath yet, so I requested the guard give me time to freshen up and follow him back. He agreed to wait. The walk to the palace was silent. Guards were not known for humour. Their duty was to protect the palace and its inhabitants and run errands when necessary. They also went into battle when there was a shortage in the number of the army, but their primary duty and responsibility was to protect the throne and everyone in the palace only. When we arrived at the palace, I was ushered into the Sarki's private guest parlour. I had never been to this part of the palace before. I had never exceeded the throne room. Although our village was backward and uncivilised, the palace was beautiful
Last Updated : 2022-02-11Rayuwa 08 IN THE GARDEN
BINTA "My father holds you in high regard," Adam said to me, strolling through the garden. "He's always talking about you. Binta this, Binta that. You are the biggest topic whenever he comes to Duniya to visit. It made me curious to meet this special lady my father always talks about. Now here you are." He looked at me with charm. "And I am not in a bit disappointed with what I am seeing." I was speechless. I wasn't as enlightened as he was. I knew very little of the modern world and did not want to show my ignorance all in one day. I decided to let him do the talking while I listened, but soon, he started asking me questions. "So, how did you get lucky? I know the deities in this village are against western education and development. How were you able to survive the conflict and punishment that goes with defying the gods?" he asked. "I am asking you this because I remembered we had to relocate with our mother to Duniya just so we could be educated and be at par with our mates out t
Last Updated : 2022-02-11Rayuwa 09 MAI'ALJANU
BINTA I walked home, silent and scared. How would I break the news to my mother? A lot was going on in the house at the moment. With what I had witnessed since my dad was killed, I knew deep down it would not be wise for me to leave my mother alone. The Sarki had told me to ponder on the issue, which was what I would do. I decided I would not tell my mother until I had decided what to do. It was a request from the Sarki, not an order, so I could reject the offer if I wanted to. I have always dreamed of escaping this forsaken village, and this opportunity would help me leave, eventually. The only thing tying me down was my mother. I decided to think about the whole issue and not make hasty decisions that I would regret. I had been gone for the whole day. It was late and dark by the time I got home. My stroll in the garden with Prince Adam really cost me. I have never returned this late before. When I entered the compound, I found my worried mother sitting outside her hut with Gogo by
Last Updated : 2022-02-11Rayuwa 010 MAI'ALJANU 2
BINTA "What does that mean, father?" Aisha asked, still crying. I looked at Aisha and the man she called father; I could see no resemblance between the two. I just figured she looked like her mother and let the thought go. "I am not at liberty to tell you, my dear," he replied. "What will we need for the summoning?" Nana asked. It was evident that she wanted to get right to it. "A ram, a lizard's tail, a clay pot, and a vulture's feather." He responded. "These things are expensive, especially the vulture's feather. Where can we buy these items?" Nana asked. "Well, you should know where to buy a ram and clay pot. You will find the tail and feather in the night market. The market opens only at night. The traders are not normal humans, so whoever you send to acquire these things must be very careful. I will offer advice that the person should not go alone." Nana was worried. I could see it written all over her face. The ram she would have gotten easily from her son, my father if he
Last Updated : 2022-02-11Rayuwa 011 MAI'ALJANU 3
BINTA I woke up in the morning to a lot of activity in the compound. They had gotten everything they needed for the summoning and were already walking on the ritual. Following my morning routine, I stood and watched curiously while chewing my chewing stick. My mother and Gogo sat in front of her hut and watched. I knew Gogo was concerned for her nephews, but she sat with my mother so she wouldn't feel abandoned, being that she had just lost her husband and all that had happened recently. My mother needed support. I rinsed my mouth and decided to go see my mother. I decided that I would break the news to her this morning. "Good morning, mother," I greeted my mother. "Good morning, Gogo," I greeted my aunt. "How was your night? Did you sleep well?" my mother asked me. "I slept well. Thank you. And you?" I asked. "We thank the Almighty for His kindness." She responded. Gogo looked at me and smiled. "You look bubbly this morning." She observed. I just smiled and sat on the mat to ea
Last Updated : 2022-02-11
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Rayuwa 92 VAGABOND WORLD
SAFIA. Aishatu had succeeded in bringing the final and most crucial ingredient for Binta's ritual. I had warned her that Dagudu was on his way, and she had handled the matter beautifully. Although Bamali was not covenanted to us, he had shown his loyalty to our course. We couldn't allow him to get in trouble with the jinni. She still owned him. So we had to be careful. The-bond-that-binds you is usually a finger bone made from jinni cadaver. It is used to bind the holder's soul to the jinni he or she sold it to. Often the holders were clueless about it, and this is because they usually receive it in a dream, but in actual reality, it is their soul that receives it, but the experience is perceived as a dream. Bamalli was the only living being with the finger-bone, and I was glad he was on our side. The finger-bone was somehow tied to the jinni in question, so I was going to use it to gain entrance into her kingdom. Binta was laid beautifully on the floor in the middle of the compou
Rayuwa 91 NOW WE ACT FOR THE BIRDS
BAMALI. News about the sudden huge number of visitors arriving at Rayuwa baffled me. I knew what the people were, and I became scared. I had been unable to warn Safia about the jinni's ploy, and I worried that it was too late. I was a prisoner even in my home. Selling my soul had taken away my freedom. I once thought the people of Rayuwa were unfortunate prisoners; my situation made me realise that there were worse forms of thralldom than that which Rayuwa was in. At least the people of Rayuwa had the luxury of drinking the blessed water to sever their ties with the jinni. I could not drink the blessed water because it would not affect me. I had already sold my soul, and my only hope was that the jinni would be defeated. I prayed that I would one day be free. I did not know how my freedom would come. It would either be in life or death. I yearned most for life. Dagudu had successfully found a way to get close to Safia, and it made me worried. Couldn't she sense who he was? He had
Rayuwa 90 THE DECREE
ADAM My father had sent an order to the president instructing the people of Lafiya to throw out Aljanan Daji's altars from their homes and swear allegiance to the new deity. There were also instructions to bless the land. I thought my mother-in-law would be coming to bless the land herself, but I learned that it was going to rain for seven days instead, a form of cleansing. Those who were interested in serving the new deity were instructed to collect the rainwater and drink it to sever their blood ties to Aljannan Daji. The people were confused, and soon I had a crowd at my gate. People wanted answers, answers they knew they could only get from a royal. News also went around about what Laila had done at the party. It was linked to the decree by the king, and people had become scared. I knew I had to attend to the crowd of reporters outside. So I went out with the guards to address them and answer their questions. Since they couldn't all go to Rayuwa to interview my father, I was the
Rayuwa 89 THE PARTY
Laila. My mission in Duniya was heartwarming. I looked forward to doing good. With my long history of evil deeds, the mission the deity sent me on was a soul redeemer. Zuwaira and I had devised a plan to get our friends and their families to cross over. We knew it would be very difficult because the people were loyal to the old deity, and they were afraid of her too. The fear got worse when the sky turned red, and the plants began to die. The plague had worsened the situation. No one wanted to get on the deity's bad side for fear of her wrath. We had seen greater power than hers, and we were willing to fight for it. Since Adam was still sorry about what they had done to us in Rayuwa, I was able to persuade him to allow me to throw a party in the house. He didn't like the idea at first because of Binta's situation, but when I told him about what the deity had requested of us, he agreed. Watching the way everyone worked to help organise the party warmed my heart. I secretly wished t
Rayuwa 88 A SERVANT TO A SLAVE
BAMALI. Dagudu was unable to cope with the female body he occupied. The fact that the body was that of a fugitive made it worse. His magic was growing gradually. He was already more powerful than I was, and he wasn't yet at full capacity. I began to wonder what he would be capable of. He never left my side, and because of that, I was unable to communicate with Safia about the new developments. Unlike me, he had a telepathic connection with the jinni. More and more, I realised that I had sold my soul for way less. "Why did she put you in a female body?" I asked curiously. She could have as well killed two men instead of a man and a woman. I hated the sight of Dagudu, realising my daughter's body would have been his host sickened me the more. I had to be careful around him. Already the jinni had begun to withhold information from me; I didn't want to create more suspicion as that would put my life in danger. Not that my life was worth much, but I wanted to see the jinni defeated. "It
Rayuwa 87 A TRAP WELL SET
BAMALI "You betrayed me." I heard the King of jinnis say as he held his spouse by the throat. "You didn't bring me back. Why didn't you bring me back?" "I...I tried." She managed; I had never seen her so afraid. "But I had no priest. No one swore servitude to me until him." She said, pointing at me. I watched the man drop her and turn his attention towards me. His eyes were fire. I was sure the fire had burned the eyeballs of the body it occupied. Whatever was left of it was burned out, unless it was magical fire, but at the range we stood, the fire was real to me. Anyone that was afraid of Aljannan Daji would die from fear just by seeing this jinni. He had altered the body he occupied in the most hideous way. The skin was red, and steam exuded from him. He had two large black horns and one small horn in the centre of his head. He was huge, easily nine feet tall. His presence was evil and menacing. What had she unleashed upon us? While the jinni advanced toward me, I saw Aljanan Da
Rayuwa 86 FOREVER A SLAVE
BAMALI. After the incident in Safia's compound, I tried to find ways to make amends. What I did most of the time was to find a way to inform the deity of Aljannan Daji's plans. Without my help, the jinni had been able to trap two unfortunate people for Dagudu's resurrection ritual. I was taken to the forbidden forest to help prepare the items for the ritual. What I did not know was that I would have to be the one to slaughter the innocent people for the ritual to work. Apparently, the jinni could kill to feed, but a human had to sacrifice life to her for the blood to have any magical effect. The coldness of the situation brought chills to my spine. The fact that the unfortunate humans were fugitives did not make me feel better at all. Knowing the situation, I was sickened that the jinni would have made me sacrifice my children with my bare hands. If it wasn't for the fact that the deity could protect them, I would have killed myself if it had come to that. I had sent word to the dei
Rayuwa 85 MANY REASONS TO APOLOGISE
LAILA Shortly after the scene with the deity, we were escorted to my bedroom in the Palace. It was clear that the royal family were ashamed of what they had done to Zuwaira and me and tried to apologise by having the palace maidens pamper us. Everything that happened at our trial still shocked us. Binta was the daughter of a powerful deity. I couldn't believe it. The woman looked almost as young as Binta. The last time we were in Rayuwa, there was a rumour that her mother had gone missing. I began to believe it was all a sick joke. The people knew what we were up against and still set us up. That must have been the reason why our plans against Binta failed. It was also the reason why the Sarki and the entire council, in fact, the entire island, wanted Adam to marry Binta, so she would be the next queen. What beats having the daughter of a deity as queen? Was the main deity not Aljannan Daji? Who was Binta's mother? Was she Aljannan Daji. Aljannan Daji was the deity we all worshipped
Rayuwa 84 A SOLUTION?
ADAM Our arrival in Buchum Rayuwa was a shock to everyone. Binta was carried straight to the Palace. My father was in shock and hesitated to inform Safia of her daughter's predicament. "We have to tell her mother. She might be able to help." I tried to convince my father. "He is right, Umar. We can keep this from the deity; she will find out, and that will be worse." My mom said, trying to talk some sense into him. "What deity?" Ibrahim asked, confused. No one answered him. "Bring that witch for trial." My father said, refusing to send words to Safia. "The council isn't complete," I pointed out. "Right now, our energy should be spent on trying to save Binta's life. The trial can commence later." I pleaded. "The witch did it; she must have the antidote. She will solve the problem she caused with the right amount of pressure, and then I will behead her, her cousin and her family." My father said, and I could see the rage in his eyes. "What if she doesn't have the remedy and Bint
