The words of the sorcerer, Marduska, echoed in Fulani Maryama’s ears like a thunderclap; they resonated within her so intensely that her body began to tremble. Her mouth stuttered in agitation as she said, "Marduska, please help me! Support my life and tell me, how will I identify who she is?"
Sorcerer Marduska cast a glance at her while continuing to blow on the fire burning inside a skull-shaped pot. He said, "Maryama, why are you so stubborn? This is not a strange matter to you. Even I cannot confront this girl; in fact, all my research has failed to reveal her true appearance. I am even in doubt—is she human, or did she appear in the form of a jinn? Of those that appeared before, one came in the form of a white jinn and the other from the black jinn. What I do not know is which side this one belongs to. I will do you one favor, Maryama, if my divination allows it..."
Fulani Maryama almost fell toward him, her body shaking as she interrupted. "Marduska, please! Even if it is just her appearance, tell me so I can understand which one she is."
Marduska frowned. "Maryama, why are you so restless, like someone who has consumed the charity meant for a husband? You know that if you had fallen into this fire, you would have preferred meeting Rayzuta, even though your encounter with her was not a blessing. You know that if this fire touches your body, your flesh will slowly begin to rot, and you will start to stink like a carcass."
Fulani Maryama bowed her head. "I repent, O King of the world's sorcerers."
Marduska continued his divination, throwing some of his occult books into the fire. From the fire, a scene appeared: a young girl standing with her back turned, her hand linked with a young man’s. He wiped the sweat from his face and said, "Maryama, come and see."
Fulani Maryama quickly leaned in, her face full of anxiety. "Marduska, I don't understand anything. I see a woman and a man standing there. Please help me; enlighten me. By the greatness of your magic, describe her to me."
Marduska replied, "The girl is tall, but not excessively so. She has a slightly thick build, and she is neither fair-skinned nor pitch black—in short, she has a 'tarwaɗa' (brownish) complexion. She is beautiful, with large eyes and a long nose. Her features resemble those of the Buzu (Tuareg) people, but her true form still refuses to reveal itself so we can know who she is and what she really looks like. I am afraid to investigate her further because the last time I sent jinns to retrieve the soul of your servant, Bintu, she killed the jinns doing the job for me. I fear she might turn her attention to me, as she possesses great power over humans and jinns."
Fulani Maryama was drenched in sweat, her eyes darting around like a thief in a division of spoils. Distressed, she said, "Marduska, my head is completely clogged. Between this girl and Saif’s recovery, what remedy will you give me to cripple him again? And if I find out who she is, what steps can I take against her? Can I kill her or harm her?"
Marduska cast a look at her and then burst into a kind of laughter that became a cackle. After laughing to his heart’s content, he looked at Fulani Maryama, who had pulled her face into a pout as if she were about to cry. Her appearance amused him, and he laughed again, saying:
"Truly, Maryama, I am now more convinced that you have lost your mind. The girl I told you destroyed jinns—is she the one you think you can fight? When your mind is distressed, does your logic vanish? I will tell you nothing. The field is open, and the horseman is ready; find out for yourself. As the Hausa proverb says, 'The repentance of the stubborn is never pleasant.' If you think you can handle her, go and try, but know that what you are about to do is like throwing a spear at lightning.
"I will give you one piece of advice: after you identify her, do whatever you can to ensure King Aminullah banishes her from the palace through slander or some other means. That is your only chance of victory over her. As for the boy, to be honest, you must be patient, because there is nothing I can do to him. I fear her wrath might fall upon me. I assure you that she could destroy this cave I am in, along with us and everything, and we would all perish."
Fulani Maryama’s heart was completely shattered; she didn't know what to do, and she burst into a fit of extreme weeping. After she had cried enough, she wiped her nose and said, "Marduska, why are things turning against me? I have heard your advice, and I will use it. But I want you to grant me more power over the King, so that whatever I command him to do, he will execute without questioning me."
Sorcerer Marduska paused for a moment and said, "That can be done, but what will you sacrifice for me? I do not want to send more of my jinns only to lose them."
Fulani Maryama said, "Name whatever you desire, O great sorcerer of full power."
Sorcerer Marduska replied, "There is a white cloth inside that old grave. Go and get it for me, and smear it with the blood from the miscarriage you had."
Fulani Maryama went straight to the place Marduska pointed out, did as he commanded, and returned. Upon her return, Marduska said, "Get up, don't sit here. Go! That request is fulfilled, but for anything else, we shall see." Once he finished speaking, he vanished. Fulani Maryama stood up and exited the mountain cave.
When Fulani Zaliha reached Saif, who was vomiting repeatedly, she held him in panic, screaming for help. Some servants quickly arrived and helped her hold him, as he was clearly out of his mind. His body was shaking uncontrollably, and he had a high fever. Even the sweat pouring from his body was burning hot. The servants holding him began to struggle because the heat was painful to their hands.
Fulani Zaliha ran to King Aminullah’s palace to inform him of Saif’s condition. Salman, who was nearby, heard this and began to seethe with anger, casting a wicked look at her. With hatred, he said, "Are you saying the 'cripple' has risen?"
King Aminullah looked at him and said, "That is what surprises me, too. Saif is a child who hasn't even crawled, only dragging his belly. This matter is strange."
Fulani Maryama, feeling very offended, said, "You, watch your tongue! I do not want any disrespect. I swear, the day your mouth makes the mistake of labeling my son with such a name again, you will regret it deeply."
Salman laughed loudly and said, "I told no lie. Is he not a cripple? Or are you bitter because he still doesn't walk?"
Fulani Zaliha, in a fit of rage, slapped Salman and said, "It seems you lack upbringing..."
King Aminullah angrily interrupted her. "Zaliha, have you lost your mind? Are you intending to strike my son in my presence because of your own handicapped child? From today, do not do it again, or else I will take a wife over you, and the measures I take will not be pleasant for you."
Fulani Maryama’s eyes filled with tears. "My Lord, you call me a madwoman because of this child? So, you have disgraced me because of him? I swear, I am tired! For twenty years, I and my son have had no freedom, only insults and maltreatment. Every day you wake up, you never associate Saif with being your son, only 'your son' (Salman). Well, it's fine! Since you do not love us, we will leave your life. You think if we are not with you, we cannot survive? It is fine. If you were being fair, you would see, but if you are not, you will see..."
She didn't finish her sentence before King Aminullah struck her with a deafening slap that made her collapse to the ground. She burst into intense sobbing, stood up weakly, and left the room.
When she returned, Saif was lying on the ground, vomiting repeatedly. The other servants were huddled there. Fulani Zaliha was doing nothing but crying. She quickly called some guards and had them carry Saif to her quarters.
As they passed with him, it coincided with Maryo returning. The way she saw him vomiting filled her with sympathy. She was going to take the path to Fulani Zaliha’s quarters to see his condition, but Abu grabbed her and said, "Maryo, what are you planning to do? Just because we entered Fulani Zaliha’s room this morning, you want to go back now? You don't know the difference between now and then? You are now Fulani Maryama’s servant. You know if the news reaches her, she will be furious. And who are you in this house to be forcing yourself among high-ranking people? Don't forget, we are lowly, helpless servants."
Maryo, her eyes filling with tears, said, "Abu, I don't know what is wrong with me. I wanted to return to our quarters, but my body wouldn't let me. I feel like he has a right over me, and if I don't help him, it's like I haven't done well. A part of my heart keeps wondering—am I really a servant? I keep having strange thoughts."
Abu said, "What kind of help will you give him? Didn't you hear the news we were given? They said many doctors have died trying to treat him. Cover our shame, Maryo, let’s live in peace. Forget your self-deception; how can you think you aren't a servant? If you aren't a servant, then what are you?"
Maryo said, "That is a question I still don't have the answer to. Actually, I don't even know how I would help him, but I swear, Abu, since the moment I laid eyes on that Prince, my heart jumped for him, and I instantly felt love for him."
Abu’s eyes went wide. She quickly grabbed Maryo’s hand and said, "Quickly, let’s go before we are dealt a severe punishment."
Maryo, though unwilling, followed Abu back to the servants' quarters. They went straight to the kitchen to prepare food. After the Maghrib prayer, they were sitting in the courtyard to get some air because of the heat. In the distance, she saw people passing by. It was as if she was stung—she jumped up. When they saw her rise, they turned and left the area, and she followed them. They didn't stop until they reached the space between two large baobab trees. Upon reaching the spot, she saw a woman who looked exactly like her, holding a man whose body was covered in blood; he seemed to be breathless. She began to move slowly, observing her, but it seemed she was wailing in a strange voice. Maryo reached out to touch her, but she heard, "Go and save his life; he is in a dire state. That is the only help you can give him."
She looked up to see who was speaking, but there was no one there. She turned her gaze back to the woman who looked like her. She knelt down to observe them. She slowly reached out her hand to touch her because she saw her sobbing uncontrollably, and she felt deep pity for her. As she reached out, she heard, "For God's sake, save his life. That is all I can tell you. I don't want to lose him again."
She was still kneeling when she saw someone approaching her. Before she could react, she felt someone grabbing her with great force. Maryo tried to pull away but failed because the man was incredibly strong. As he was dragging her, she began screaming for help, shouting and begging. It was as if she remembered something, and she began reciting all the prayers she could think of. Suddenly, she felt him let go, and he vanished from her sight.
She turned around and saw that the woman and the man were still sitting there, tears on her face. In the distance, she heard herself being called repeatedly. With a heavy heart, she turned with the intention of going toward the woman and the man, but she quickly felt Inna Habi pulling her hand, saying,
"Maryo, are you sane? What is wrong with you, coming into the middle of the bush in the middle of the night? Are you okay?" Maryo’s eyes filled with tears. "Inna, I swear, they were just begging me to help them. I don't know what help I can offer, but I swear, it seems they need my help, Inna." Inna Habi’s eyes went wide, looking where Maryo was looking and talking, but she saw nothing. Inna Habi pulled Maryo’s hand and said, "Maryo, are you sure your 'makarai' (inner eyes/visions) haven't started opening? Now, in the middle of the bush, you say some people are talking to you? Quick, let’s leave before you bring us disaster!"
Maryo turned and saw the woman who looked like her wiping her tears; she stood up and grabbed the man who was limping, and they vanished from the spot. Maryo pulled her hand away and said, "That’s it, Inno, I swear they have gone, and he is in a bad state. I, Inna, honestly..." Inna Habi quickly grabbed her hand and they began walking until they left the area. When they entered their quarters, Abu said, "Maryo, where have you been? Since earlier, Fulani Maryama has been sending for you."
She wiped the blood dripping from her nose while her head continued to throb. Her eyes were bloodshot. She placed both hands on her head and said, "Abu, go on my behalf. I swear, I am not feeling well."
Abu’s eyes went wide and she said, "Fulani Maryama is the one calling you; honestly, I cannot go. Force yourself, even if it’s slowly, and go. And make up an excuse for her, because the number of times she has sent for you is uncountable."
Inna Habi said, "Honestly, Maryo, something is wrong with you. Are we not going to start looking for a cure for your 'makarai'? Your body is not okay. Now, go and answer the call Fulani Maryama has for you; I don't want you to do something that will result in a severe punishment."
Maryo began walking, stumbling, one hand on her head, until she reached Fulani Maryama’s quarters. As she was about to enter the pavilion, Fulani Maryama cut her off, and she fell—which coincided with the arrival of the Jakadiya (Head Maid).
When Jakadiya saw this, she uttered an exclamation and clapped her hands, saying, "Today, what do I see? Me, Kubura? My daughter, why do I see you collapsed like a carcass? People, come and help!"
Fulani Maryama leaned out and said, "Jakadiya, why are you screaming?"
Jakadiya’s eyes went wide and she said, "This one who looks like a beggar—I found her collapsed on the ground."
Fulani Maryama looked at her with disdain and said, "Jakadiya, quickly take her away from me. If you take her to their quarters, come back; I want to see you."
Jakadiya looked at Maryo, who was trembling strangely, and said, "To God we belong. The King's servant has no horse; now, you find a place to collapse in Fulani Maryama’s main quarters? You are going to bring me trouble; carrying someone like you will break my back. It is better if I call those rascally guards to come and help me carry..."
Fulani Maryama grew tired of Jakadiya’s chatter and said, "Jakadiya, I don't want talk! Can you remove her from this place?"
Jakadiya turned and began shouting for the guards at the door. "You, Badaru, where are you? Come!"
Before they could arrive, Maryo felt a slight improvement, stood up weakly, dizzy. Jakadiya turned, curled her lips, and said, "Feigning weakness, hiding behind excuses. The collapse wasn't even real. Let’s go, so you don't bring disaster to my mistress and have us all in trouble."
Jakadiya made Maryo walk in front while she followed, pouring out insults. As they were about to pass the center of the palace, Maryo began stumbling. She felt like she bumped into something, which coincided with her walk—luuuuuuu. Before she could hit the ground, he caught her, even though his eyes were closed; feeling the presence of a person, he quickly caught her.
Jakadiya uttered another exclamation, saying, "That’s it! This girl will bring me to touch a corpse while I am minding my business."
Fulani Zaliha, her hand linked with Saif’s, said, "Subhanallah, Jakadiya, are you okay?"
Jakadiya said, "May God help you; truly, this girl, she was coming to enter Fulani Maryama’s quarters, and she just collapsed." Jakadiya looked up, searched around, and then lowered her voice, saying, "You know not everyone has enough faith. Otherwise, for a girl to be in this condition and to be taken out like laundry..."
Fulani Zaliha said, "Jakadiya, that is not what I am asking you. Now, where are you taking her?"
Jakadiya curled her lips, because no matter how much she tried to gossip to Fulani Zaliha, she received no support. She said, "May God grant you long life; where else would I take her? I am taking her to their quarters."
Before Fulani Zaliha could speak, Saif touched his mother and started gesturing to her with his hand. Jakadiya opened her mouth in shock, watching him, then softened her voice and said, "Well, excuse me, little Prince. Since when did I learn to speak the language of the mute? This one is beyond me..." The look Fulani Zaliha cast at Jakadiya made her shut her mouth and stay silent.
Fulani Zaliha said, "Well, Saif, what if the girl doesn't agree? Or what if she (Maryama) doesn't approve? I heard it said that she is her servant now. I don't want any petty drama."
Jakadiya chimed in, "Sadaqallahul-azim (Truth be told), that is how it should be, especially since everyone knows you for your compassion toward the poor."
Fulani Zaliha held Saif’s hand and said, "Jakadiya, help him, let’s go with her."
Fulani Zaliha and Jakadiya went to her quarters, holding Maryo, who was still unconscious. Upon arriving, she was laid on a mat. Seeing this, Jakadiya slipped away and went to Fulani Maryama’s quarters.
When Jakadiya arrived, she explained everything that had happened to Fulani Maryama. Fulani Maryama curled her lips and said, "Forget about their hypocrisy. From now on, I have fired her, because I see that we will not get along."
Fulani Maryama related everything the sorcerer told her to Jakadiya and added, "Jakadiya, what should we do? Whom do you suspect among these servants? Are there new servants, or is it just the King’s enemies?"
Jakadiya was silent for a moment and then said, "May God help you, surely, the dismissal..."