Chapter Ten: All Eyes shall Bear Withness

The next day, Hayah, the Waziri, the Chiroma, and more than a dozen servants - including musicians, town criers, and announcers - embarked on a journey to Ndokula to seek Fantah's hand in marriage. They carried along with them gifts and items that would be talked about for generations to come, both in Maroua and Ndokula. As they proceeded, people couldn't help but stop and stare in wonder.

Meanwhile, in Ndokula, Fantah's people were fully prepared and nervously awaiting the visitors. Malam Buba had invited his brother and brother-in-law to receive the guests. His brother was disappointed because he had hoped for his son, Sa'adu to marry Fantah, but he had no authority over the matter. Despite his feelings, he accepted the invitation and attended the gathering. The Ardo of the village was also invited, considering it was a royal matter, and he honored them with his presence. This display of respect elevated Malam Buba's status in the eyes of his townspeople who previously undervalued him due to having only daughters and no sons.

Camel Caravan

In the patriarchal society of the Bororo, males held greater importance than females. Consequently, those with male children had more influence in society. Nonetheless, Malam Buba resisted societal pressures to take another wife. He knew it would upset his current wife, and that was something he never intended to do. Instead, he raised his daughters with care, treating them with the same attention as boys. While they exhibited ladylike and shy behavior when necessary, they were also strong, independent, and opinionated, akin to boys. This occasionally got them into trouble, but he paid no heed to society's judgment.

However, on that day, everything was about to change. The tables had turned in his favor and he suddenly became the most important person in the village, all thanks to his daughter. Never before had he felt such immense pride.

Fantah sat nervously in her mother's hut, accompanied by her sister and mother, along with the wives of her uncles and their daughters. She was adorned in a beautiful outfit, black hand-woven wrappers adorned with white threads. Her hair was artfully braided, with a prominent bone rolled up above her forehead. Even when veiled, a part of her bun remained visible. Her makeup was flawlessly done, with a few white dots tracing her nose and cheeks. Adding to her sophistication, she wore her mother's jewelry.

"I am sure that when he sees you, he will insist on marriage immediately," teased Diddi and they all laughed.

"I wonder what he looks like," asked one of her cousins.

"Oh, he's so handsome, you should see him," Diddi replied.

Fantah blushed and remained shyly silent, maintaining her smile.

"Really?"

"Yes. He is tall and well-built. He also wears fine clothes."

"You girls have no shame, do you?" scolded her aunt. "You are not only looking at men, but you even talk about them in our presence." Despite the scolding, they continued giggling and whispering.

A few moments later, the suitor's entourage arrived, and Fantah's heart skipped a beat. The moment Hayah's group reached the village, the townspeople started coming out of their huts, awestruck by the sight. The entourage entered the Ndokula with great fanfare, dressed to impress and even their horses were adorned in colorful decorations. A musician played the Algaita, and the town crier announced their arrival and purpose for coming to Ndokula. The entire village was buzzing with excitement and curiosity.

The villagers had never seen anything like it, and some decided to follow them to their destination. Upon arriving at Malam Buba's house, the town crier announced their arrival once again, and Sa'adu's father came out to receive them. They entered the compound and met with Malam Buba and his family. Pleasantries were exchanged, and then they stated the purpose of their visit and presented the gifts, leaving everyone impressed.

"Well, we have shown you our hand; we would like to see yours," the Waziri said sarcastically, leaving Malam Buba confused.

"What my uncle means to say is that we would like to see the bride-to-be," Hayah quickly interjected, shooting the Waziri a warning look.

Fantah was then brought out to meet the visitors. They lifted her veil, and even then, her head remained tilted down. One of her aunts gently lifted her head so they could see her face better.

"Ahh! Vodi, Vodi!" everyone exclaimed, and Hayah's head swelled with pride.

The Waziri felt a pang of jealousy; he hadn't expected such beauty. Now, more than ever, he wanted to destroy Hayah. After the fanfare, they agreed on a date for the wedding, three months later, two weeks after the Sharo ceremony, which was significant in the Bororo community. Hayah was not expected to participate in the Sharo but needed to show respect for the Bororo traditions and wait until after the event.

After that was settled, Hayah sought permission from Malam Buba to take Fantah back to Maroua with him so that he could introduce her to the Lamdo. It wasn't necessary, but he wanted to do it out of respect for his master. Since the Lamdo couldn't go to Ndokula to see her, she would have to go to him. He gave Malam Buba his word to protect his daughter with his life, and everyone present became a witness. Malam Buba agreed to let Fantah go with them but did not allow Diddi to accompany her. He couldn't afford to part with both of his daughters at the same time.

[End of Chapter Ten]