CAPTAIN AYUSHERH! 1 COMPLETE HAUSA NOVEL-BY Nainarh KD

Babur Tribe The Babur tribe is also referred to as "Babar" or "Baber." This is a group of people historically known as forest dwellers. Most of the tribe's ancestors originated from the Lake Chad region.
<h4>Population:</h4>
The estimated population of the Babur tribe ranges from 200,000 to 300,000 worldwide.
<h4>Location:</h4>
The tribe is divided into three groups. The majority are in Cameroon, with others in Chad and Nigeria. In Nigeria, they are mainly found in the northern regions, particularly in Borno and Yobe States. In Cameroon, most reside in the Far North Region.
<h4>Language:</h4>
The Babur people predominantly speak the Bura language, which is part of the Biu-Mandara branch, located near the Nigeria-Chad-Cameroon border.
<h4>Religion:</h4>
Historically, the majority of the Babur tribe practiced idolatry. Over time, some converted to Islam, while a small number embraced Christianity.
<h4>Culture:</h4>
The Babur people are primarily farmers, cultivating crops such as millet, guinea corn, and sesame, among others. Additionally, hunting is a significant part of their tradition. Many of their cultural practices are similar to those of the Kanuri and Shuwa Arab people.
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<h3>Mayo-Danay, Far North Region, Cameroon</h3>
Mayo-Danay is a settlement or village where some Babur people in Cameroon have lived for generations. The villagers of Mayo-Danay lived peacefully under the leadership of their village head (Ardo), who ensured stability. Years ago, Ardo followed traditional religious practices alongside the villagers, dedicating a specific place for idol worship and conducting religious and cultural ceremonies from time to time.
Ardo had five wives, in accordance with the norms of their traditional religion, and numerous children. Among his children, his eldest son, Babankaka, stood out for his unique character and demeanor, differing significantly from other villagers. Babankaka rejected idol worship from a young age, refusing to participate despite the efforts of his father, Ardo, who tried to coerce him through punishments.
<h3>Babankaka's Resolve</h3>
Despite threats and pressure, Babankaka refused to conform to idol worship. Instead, he later embraced Islam, which further alienated him from the community. The villagers held a meeting and gave Babankaka an ultimatum: renounce Islam and return to their traditional religion or leave the village. To everyone's surprise, Babankaka chose to leave the village rather than abandon his newfound faith.
This decision shocked the entire village, including Ardo, who deeply loved his son. Babankaka left without taking any belongings and remained away for over a decade. His departure left Ardo heartbroken and eventually bedridden with illness. As time passed, Ardo’s leadership was handed over to his younger brother since Babankaka, his rightful successor, was absent.
<h3>Babankaka's Return</h3>
One fateful night, Babankaka returned to the village in a shocking state — wounded and covered in blood, carrying an infant girl. Despite his injuries, the baby girl he carried was unharmed. The sight of Babankaka, alongside the mystery of the baby, caused confusion and curiosity among the villagers, who gathered outside Ardo's house.
When questioned, Babankaka revealed that he had been living in Nigeria all these years and that the baby was his daughter. He provided no further details about her mother.
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<h3>The Baby’s Mother</h3>
The baby’s mother had passed away tragically while fleeing with Babankaka. Before her death, she entrusted Babankaka with her dying wish:
<ul>
<li>To name their daughter Ayusherh after her.</li>
<li>To raise Ayusherh and ensure she became a soldier, believing it was the only way to restore justice and correct the wrongs of the past.</li>
</ul>
Babankaka promised to fulfill this wish.
<h3>Attack and Survival</h3>
Babankaka recounted that on their journey to visit the village, they were ambushed by attackers who killed his wife and some of the villagers traveling with them. Babankaka managed to escape with his daughter, sustaining injuries in the process.
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<h3>Unresolved Questions</h3>
The villagers remained skeptical of Babankaka’s story and his continued commitment to Islam. However, they were moved by his tragic loss. Ardo, still deeply attached to his son, refrained from challenging him further but allowed Babankaka to rest in his home.
Questions arise:
<ul>
<li>Who was the baby’s mother, and why did she insist her daughter become a soldier?</li>
<li>What led to the attack on their group, and who were the attackers?</li>
<li>Will the villagers allow Babankaka to stay, given his religious beliefs?</li>
<li>How will Ayusherh grow up in a community so different from her heritage?</li>
<li>Will Babankaka fulfill his promise to raise Ayusherh as her mother wished?</li>
</ul>
Let’s continue the journey to uncover these mysteries. The story has only just begun! 
Today, as always, she was dressed in her hunting attire. A long dark ash-colored gown with long sleeves, paired with a long scarf that covered her head, while her long, neatly braided black hair peeked through. Swiftly, she tucked her hair forward to allow her ease as she retrieved one of her bows from the hunting pouch strapped to her back. Bending down quickly, she picked up two bows, coupled with the arrows in her hand. She was focused on targeting the deer that had been testing her patience. Narrowing her eyes, she aligned her aim carefully before releasing the arrow. Thankfully, her shot hit the deer exactly where she wanted. She then smiled, a beautiful smile, as she stood up straight, pushing her scarf behind her head. She transferred the arrows to her left hand and approached the fallen deer. Kneeling before it, she extended her hand to touch it when her sharp ears caught a sound heading in her direction. Instantly, she sprang to her feet, drawing the sword strapped to her side, meeting the strike of another sword aimed at her. Stepping back slightly, her eyes locked with a group of four strong young men, each wielding a sword, surrounding her. She smiled again, stepping back and readying her sword. With two fingers, she gestured to the lead figure, his face masked by a scarf, signaling for him to begin. The man tilted his head slightly, understanding her challenge, and attempted to outsmart her with a swift strike. However, with skillful precision, she blocked his attack. Thus, a duel ensued, each strike met with a defensive move, as neither relented. Seeing that Ayusherh was on the verge of defeating their comrade, the other three joined the fray. Yet, despite their numbers and presumed expertise, they couldn't overpower Ayusherh. She defeated them all, one after another, without showing signs of exhaustion, while her opponents were visibly worn out, realizing her superiority. Defeated, they all knelt, signaling their surrender, just as Ayusherh poised her sword for another attack. Observing this, she lowered her sword, shaking her head. She sheathed her blade and was about to speak when the sound of clapping drew their attention. Turning towards the source, they saw an elderly figure approaching, his slow clapping echoing through the space. Ayusherh's radiant smile brightened as she exclaimed, "Tata!" (Grandfather), moving quickly towards him. The young men also stood, offering faint smiles. The lead figure, who had a scarf covering his face, removed it, revealing a youthful and handsome face adorned with a smile. He began speaking in their dialect: "Indeed, I must admit that age is just a number; skill comes from determination. Captain, you've amazed us all. We couldn't defeat you. Uncle, I think Captain should participate in the upcoming swordsmanship competition." He finished, directing his gaze at Ayusherh, whose face had soured. She had wanted to announce her desire to join the competition herself and wasn’t sure if her grandfather would allow it. The young man raised his eyebrow at her, prompting another scowl and a slight glare from Ayusherh. He only chuckled in return. "I must admit, her skill is impressive. I've been observing for some time. However, I was unaware of her interest in joining the competition," said the elder, Jakadi, turning to Ayusherh, who lowered her gaze, fiddling with her braided hair. With a melodic and gentle voice, she replied: "I was afraid you'd refuse, so I hesitated to tell you. But I’ve been searching for the right moment to bring it up." She looked at her grandfather with her large expressive eyes. To her surprise, he smiled and said nothing. "Really, Tata? You’re letting me join?" Ayusherh asked excitedly. He nodded. Just as he was about to speak, the sound of hurried footsteps approached. A little girl, no older than seven, appeared before them, panting heavily from running. "Yayankaka! Why are you running like that? Is everything okay?" Ayusherh asked curiously. Too breathless to respond, the girl knelt, clutching her knees, trying to catch her breath. With a trembling voice, she pointed in the direction she had come from, stammering, "Baána! Baána!!" Alarmed, the young man, the son of Jakadi’s late sister, turned to the little girl called Yayankaka and asked, "What happened to Baána? Don’t tell me his illness has worsened." His concern was evident, knowing that Arɗo, their grandfather, had been battling a severe illness. Although he had shown some improvement recently, his condition remained fragile. Shaking her head, Yayankaka whispered with sorrowful eyes, "O máyi" (He has passed away). Her words hit them like a thunderbolt, sinking their hearts. Ayusherh dashed in the direction Yayankaka had indicated, unable to utter a word. The others followed closely, their emotions in turmoil. One of the young men paused to retrieve the deer Ayusherh had shot before joining them. Death had claimed Arɗo, and the reality was undeniable. The loss struck everyone, especially his family. Ayusherh, deeply attached to him, was particularly distraught. Yet, they accepted fate and prayed for his soul.
Months passed, and Ayusherh immersed herself in perfecting her swordsmanship, with the guidance of Tata and Mamman, the young man who had dueled with her. She grew even more skilled, and when the annual swordsmanship competition arrived, she represented her village against neighboring warriors. Ayusherh astonished everyone with her unmatched expertise, defeating all opponents, including the most experienced fighters. She emerged victorious, to the joy and pride of her villagers. A grand celebration followed, marking her triumph and cementing her place in their hearts.