3 CHAPTER 2

" Your highness, on the news this morning it was stated that three-hundred Fulanis were murdered as a result of the attacks launched by the Hausas during the week, " The Waziri declared, " I propose we wage a war against them "

" Peace saves innocent lives. With the military power of Sokoto sultanate, we will gain victory over them in battle but innocent people would shake hands with death and I don't want that to happen. War results in horrific bloodshed, countless tears, and destroyed lives. When a father is murdered, the wife and kids wail over his remains, the mother grieves over the loss of her child. On pain of death, no person be so bold " The sultan objected.

" Yes, your highness. War begins bravely and ends in tragedy. Peace outshines. "

The Sultan is a leader of high moral standard, impartiality, and integrity. He is someone who can remain at peace despite being faced with challenging situations. The people have a great respect for his judgment.

A security force officer barged into the throne room with blood dripping from a bullet wound at his upper arm and all eyes were fixed upon him.

" What happened, who did this to you?! " Madawaki cried out in fright.

" At the border, some men from Kano emirate requested to gain entry into the state but we refused. As instructed, we did not harm them but they took advantage of the situation and fired shots at us, in self-defense we retaliated. Our security force officers and intruders from Kano Emirate lost their lives, I alone survived "

All eyes widened at his response.

" What? at the capital territory! " Galadima exclaimed.

The sultan beckoned a palace guard to come towards him then he gave an order, " Dogari, accompany the officer to the military hospital "

He bowed his head and escorted the injured officer out.

A flush of anger crept into the Sultan’s face and he instructed, " Madawaki, we would be

waging a war against the Hausas. Inform all our soldiers and undertake the preparations "

" Yes, your majesty "

The sultan's comment was met with eyes that twinkled with delight and smiles as radiant as the sun.

Abruptly, sirens blared continuously outside the palace, announcing the approach of an important person. Siren blaring convoys are usually used by royals and dignitaries.

Everyone in the room wondered who it could be, including the sultan who wasn't expecting guests. Sarkin Dogari stepped into the throne room and answered their unasked question, " Your majesty, the emir of Kano and his family are here to see you "

" What ?! " They all chorused.

" Should we let them in, your majesty? "

" Instruct the guards to search them rigorously before you grant them permission to enter and tighten the securities at the gate, they can’t be trusted "

" Yes, your majesty " He replied and walked away.

Couple minutes later, The herald announced " The Kano royal family is approaching "

The emir walked into the throne room with his wife and daughter, they all chorused in unison, " As-salamu alaykum "—" Peace be upon you, "

Unfortunately, their greeting was welcomed with hisses and scornful looks.

" Sire, the atmosphere in the room is hostile. " The emir forced a smile.

He knew he would be treated with disdain but the emir cherished power more than his dignity and self-respect. He is a greedy man who can go to any length to attain the heights of power.

" You should not be surprised, the place of an uninvited guest is behind the door. By the way, you've got a lot of nerve to show up here. Tell me, how exactly do you want me to hang your head on a spike? "

" I come in peace, sire. Honestly, I’m abashed by the frequent attacks instigated by my tribe. The Emir replied, " However, I have come with a remedy that would turn the rancor between our tribes to pure love "

" Bashir, you must think I'm a bloody fool. We are informed that you sponsored the attacks, The sultan uttered with a chuckle, " As if that were not enough, you instructed your men to murder our border force officers for your best interest! "

" My men drove ahead of us to request for an entry, I didn’t order them to murder the border force officers on duty, " The emir explained, " Please, give me a chance to express myself? "

" Fine!, I'm all ears "

" An arranged marriage between my daughter and Khalifah would build a cordial relationship between us, hence both our tribes would unite "

" I didn't believe you were crazy, but now I see. A greedy father has thieves for children and I don't desire such for my son. Besides, prepare your hearts for death's cold hand, prepare for ruins, war crawls slowly like a wounded snake. "

" Before I leave, I want you to know this; If we unite there would be free movement of people and goods which would expand the economic growth in Northern Nigeria. Moreover, the war would have a negative effect on our economy, many innocent citizens would be killed and the country’s infrastructure would be damaged. It would harbor a greater hatred and resentment which would be inherited by our descendants. Farewell sire " The emir said. Then he and his family headed for the door.

" Wait, Don’t take another step! " The sultan said in a loud voice.

The emir turned to face the sultan, expecting to hear from him.

" Dogari! " The sultan called in a loud voice.

" Yes, your highness "

" Inform my wife that her presence is urgently needed in the throne room "

The guard bowed his head and walked away.

A sudden silence fell over the room. Everyone was curious about the sultan's intention, most especially the emir who felt an urge to ask the sultan why he had told them to wait, however, he summoned up patience.

The queen walked into the throne room along with two maids. The presence of the emir and his family infuriated her and she murmured in fulfulde, " Banji jo " — " Idiot "

" My queen, " The sultan said, " I want our son to be betrothed to the emir’s daughter "

" What?. Despite knowing that the Hausas are responsible for Abdulmalik's death, you chose their daughter for our son! "

Abdulmalik is the sultan's younger brother who lost his life in a mass shooting launched by the Hausas. His death left an enormous void in the sultan’s life that would never be filled.

" Our forefathers failed to beat the system but we will. The feud between Hausas and Fulanis has to come to an end, " The sultan declared, " Our descendants would be glad that we took this step "

While the emir beamed with joy, that didn’t sit well with everyone, their frowning faces said it.

" Sire, I’m delighted to see your concurrence to my suggestion, " The emir said as he turned to face his daughter, " Mahira, seek the blessings of your in-laws? "

Mahira walked up to the sultan and knelt in front of him. He said, " May Allah — "God" bless your future marriage with everlasting happiness and love. Ameen "

" Ameen " Mahira replied and rose to her feet. Then she moved towards the queen and knelt before her.

The queen hissed, her eyes burning with fury.

" Fatima!. " The sultan warned his wife loudly.

" May Allah — "God" help us grow to love you. Ameen "

" Ameen " Mahira replied and stood up from the floor.

" Preach peace and tolerance to your people. If you won’t stop the killings by your tribe, our agreement is pointless " The sultan spoke in a sharp tone of voice with a stern expression on his face "

" Consider it done, sire, " The emir agreed, " I suggest, Mahira should have a little chat with khalifah before we leave "

" Yes, they should get to know each other " The sultan replied, " Where is Khalifah? "

" I saw him learning martial arts at the rear of the palace " Galadima answered.

" Dogari! " The sultan called in a loud voice, " Escort Mahira to khalifah, he is at the rear of the palace.

" Yes, your highness "

The guard escorted Mahira out of the throne room and they walked round to the rear of the palace. There is a garden situated at the outer rear of the palace with a water fountain in the middle. The planting is exotic and varied, with different shrubs and trees dating back to the 1800s.

Mahira approached Khalifah despite the one million butterflies taking flights in her stomach. She couldn't help but gawk at his moves as he threw a kick at his instructor to defend himself against an attack.

It is a rule in royal households for the heir apparent to be trained in martial arts and defensive driving; this enables the prince to defend himself against physical attacks and make use of driving strategies which helps avoid accidents.

The instructor swept his leg behind Khalifah's ankle and pushed him to the floor. He winced in pain as he turned around and got up from the floor. Khalifah met Mahira's intense gaze, and her presence infuriated him.

" What are you doing here?! " Khalifah roared with the force of a thousand lions.

She tried to speak but it resulted in a stammer.

With a hard, steady stare, Khalifah walked in their direction and asked the dogari, " Why is this murder here? "

" Your highness, the sultan asked me to bring her to you "

" To me, for what ?! "

" Our parents proposed an arranged marriage between us, hence I was told to converse with you, " Mahira clarified, " This notice shouldn’t be received with disapproval and resentment, it’s currently being reported on the media that your whirlwind relationship with Rumaisha has come to an end "

" My replacement for a swan is not an ugly crow like you "

That's a lie. Mahira's beauty would drown you in a sea of wonders. Her brown caramel skin is as pleasing as the evening sky. Her black eyes reflected the beauty of the night. Her straight, well formed nose, and her heart shaped lips.

She is a famous, highly regarded and greatly admired aristocrat. Many affluent suitors have sought her hand in marriage. However, Lack of interest and tribal hatred has blinded Khalifah to her good qualities.

" It's evident, you aren't ready to talk. I won't continue this conversation " She stormed off.