Original subtitles

-[birds squawking] -[wind blowing softly]

[stone dragging]

[crowd screaming, chanting] Kabarkai! Kabarkai!

[crowd cheering]

[screaming]

-[screams] -[crowd roars]

[tribal drums playing]

[both scream]

[groans]

[crowd groans disappointedly]

[tribal drums continue playing]

[crowd cheers]

-[neck cracks] -[crowd cheers ecstatically]

[shrieks]

-[screams] -[crowd roaring]

[tribal drums continue playing]

[crowd simmers down]

-[screams] -[crowd groans]

-[screams] -[crowd cheers]

[drums stop playing]

How come the axe did not split his chest?

His magic is powerful.

His mother is a priestess.

[crowd shouting] Kabarkai! Kabarkai!

They call her Zumbura,

the Oracle of Tukur Tukur.

I will show you.

They say she is the greatest power in all of Zazzau.

And she lives alone in the great cave,

high on the mountain of Tukur Tukur.

[tribal drums start playing]

[groans]

-[crowd cheers] -[grunts]

[man, in Hausa] Where's your hero? Here comes mine.

[crowd roaring]

[crowd chanting, in Hausa] Conqueror Kabarkai!

Conqueror Kabarkai! Conqueror Kabarkai!

[man, in Hausa] Dogo, the son of Zumbura Kabarkai!

[crowd, in Hausa] Conqueror Kabarkai! Conqueror Kabarkai!

Baba, who is he?

[Madaki] That young man there

is the prince of Igala.

His uncle rules over the people of their land as regent.

That dirty slave is a prince?

[indistinct chatter]

[slurps]

[screams]

[screaming]

[crowd cheers]

[tribal drums continue playing]

[crowd continues cheering]

[screams]

[crowd groans]

[crowd chanting, in Hausa] This is not a play. It's a competition!

Show them the difference! This is not a play. It's a competition!

Show them the difference! This is not a play. It's a competition!

-[chanting continues] -[tribal drums continue playing]

-[crowd cheers] -[screams]

[crowd roars]

[tribal drums continue playing]

[crowd roaring ecstatically]

[screams]

[crowd groans fades to silence]

[screaming, groaning]

[Madaki, in Hausa] Never!

[Kabarkai continues groaning]

[Madaki, in English] Kill that man at your own peril.

[silence]

-[Madaki] Take both of them away. -[Danjuma] No! This is injustice.

I want my freedom. I want my freedom.

No!

[guard] Come back here!

[crowd screaming Indistinctly]

-[Danjuma] Aladi Ameh. No! -Danjuma!

-Danjuma! Danjuma! -[Danjuma] No!

-Aladi Ameh! -[Aladi Ameh] Danjuma!

[crowd chatter fades]

-[crickets chirping] -[soft sarod playing]

[melodic harp playing]

[bird squawks]

[noble tribal music playing]

[music continues]

-[soft tribal drums playing] -[girl] We have been looking for you.

I am Amina.

You will be my friend.

Are you slaves too?

I am Amina.

-What's your name? -Aladi Ameh.

[messenger] Princesses.

Amina, Zaria, come with me at once.

Sarki says she comes with us.

No. The sarki should have told me that.

Not you. This is no place for princesses.

Touch me again, and my father will hear how badly you bruised my arm.

-[crowd starts chanting] -Princess.

Open this gate.

[messenger] For the sake of your father's dignity.

-If not, for my head. -[Amina] Free her at once.

-[messenger] Come back to the palace. -[crowd screaming]

[screaming]

Princess, where are you going? Princess, come back.

-Princess, come back here. -[Zaria] Come with me.

[messenger] Princes Amina. Come with me.

[crowd chanting, in Hausa] Braveheart, you are hard to put down.

You are made of steel. Hardship does not deter you.

Bones made of steel, veins made of wires.

[slave trader, in Hausa] This girl before you is a voluptuous woman.

-She is blessed with attractive eyes. -[crowd cheer]

With a pointed nose, slender lips,

and ample bosom.

-And her body is as soft as a cotton wool. -[baby crying]

[servant, in Hausa] Greetings to you, O Madaki.

The king acknowledges your greetings.

[Madaki] Sun of Zazzau,

if I may, as a matter of great consequence.

Go on, Madaki.

As Madaki,

it is my honor and duty

to guarantee the serenity

and the safety of the seven kingdoms.

And to do that,

certain difficult decisions must be made.

The immediate execution…

of Igala rebel, Danjuma,

is of highest importance.

One.

As an heir to the Igala Kingdom

as well as one who vanquished

the champion of Zazzau.

He has set up an example to other vassals

that Zazzau

shall disregard at her future peril.

[chief] I agree with Madaki.

Zazzau must meet this threat with the greatest possible response.

I suggest something public.

Extremely--

[servant, in Hausa] Greetings, O Princess, Daughter of the Great King.

-The king acknowledges your presence. -I greet you, Great Heir to Her Father.

[Amina] May your days be long, Sarki.

You know better than to interrupt Zazzau's supreme council.

O Sun of Zazzau, who reigns always in equity.

Yesterday, the prince was denied his right to finish his duel victoriously.

And now, he must die dishonorably?

Go back to your chamber.

[melancholic music playing]

[in Hausa] God has blessed her with a pointed nose.

Blessed with beautiful lips, upright breast.

-She is also gap-toothed. -[woman screams]

[slave trader] Behold the one who embraces the talking drum.

Leave her. Leave her alone.

[crowd shouting]

Leave her alone.

This one I have been instructed to take her to the Madaki.

Leave her alone. Leave her.

[slave trader, in Hausa] Lack of money is preventing me from buying her.

I'm selling her to you, even though I love her.

Kul!

[crickets chirping]

[Amina] Baba?

Are you angry with me?

Oh, my angel.

[chuckling] Ha!

My good angel. Come on, sit, sit, sit.

Oh. [grunts] Are you all right?

Yes.

[chuckles] I have one last appeal, Baba.

Your requests never end.

I desire to know how to use weapons like one of your soldiers, Baba.

[sarki] Weapons, Amina?

But why?

We protect our women in Zazzau.

It has always been this way.

All right.

Musa will teach both of you how to wield a sword.

No.

I want to be trained by a real soldier, not an old man who limps.

Well,

we can't spare a soldier just to train you.

The Madaki wouldn't like that.

Does the Madaki have any use for the Kabarkai?

[soft music playing]

[Madaki] Is this she?

Don't be afraid.

Ah, a gift from the gods.

For this honor, my friend,

you can have anything you desire in the seven kingdoms of Zazzau

apart from my chair.

By the way, Madaki,

my daughters are to be trained in all the fighting weapons and skills of Zazzau.

The Kabarkai will be their instructor.

Arrange this.

Train in war? Majesty, Princess?

But why?

It is a fancy of Amina's, and I'm disposed to see

how proficient she, in particular, turns out.

O Sun of Zazzau.

May you live forever.

No woman has ever dreamt of joining Zazzau's armies.

Only the recklessly foolish will dare its actualization.

[shouts] Enough, Madaki! Do you question me?

Forgive me, Majesty.

You've spoken magnificently.

[Amina] Sit.

Eat.

[in Hausa] Greetings.

[groans softly]

You are no longer part of the army of Zazzau.

What?

This is an elite army.

Our enemies fear us.

We will not be burdened by a cripple…

even if he is the Kabarkai,

former champion of Zazzau.

Ah!

The daughters of the sarki requested for you.

You have been assigned to train them to fight like soldiers.

I'll rather go back to my goats on the mountain of Tukur Tukur

than bear this insult from my sarki.

Watch your mouth.

[crickets chirping]

[inaudible chatter]

[priestess] The day comes quickly, O Sarki.

Nothing has changed in 12 years, Priestess.

My family means more to me than the seven kingdoms themselves.

And I must not bring dishonor

to the throne of my fathers.

[priestess] You yourself, unwittingly,

have taken the first step in fulfilling her destiny.

Have you been talking to her?

I told you to stay away.

I did stay away.

[crickets continue chirping]

But now, the time is fast approaching.

Purpose itself will drive her to me.

I will burn all of Hausa land

before I let you touch her, Priestess.

My journey is long,

even for the swift.

One last word to a king who was once wise.

Beyond what you see,

clouds of change gather.

None can stop it.

[raised voice] And you will do yourself great harm

if you continue on the path of resistance!

You dare threaten me?

[suspenseful music]

[music fades]

[laughing quietly]

[door opens]

I told you no, Amina.

You can't have her.

Her presence will constantly put your life

and your sister's at risk.

[sighs]

All right.

You may keep her.

But she is never to leave the palace, ever.

My father.

May your days be long.

[joyful music playing]

[soldiers screaming, grunting]

[all laughing hysterically]

[Amina grunting]

-[Kabarkai groans] -[Amina grunts]

[Amina groans]

[exhales]

[Kabarkai grunts]

[chanting, in Hausa] Be strong, Amina! Be strong!

Be strong, Amina! Be strong!

[Amina laughing]

[girls, in Hausa] Be strong! Be strong! Be strong!

[girls cheer]

-[Amina] I won. -You won by a fluke, Princess.

That must be a second fluke. I won yesterday, remember?

[both laugh]

[Amina breathes heavily]

Sun of Zazzau.

I bring you grave news.

Everything about you these days is grave news, Madaki.

Forgive your servant, Majesty.

But this war with the Jukuns makes mine an unenviable task

of dealing with your enemies.

Since when do enemies offer anything but woeful tidings?

Spare me the speeches.

How is the war going?

It has lingered far longer than you told me.

Yes, Majesty.

But the Jukuns do not fight like men, like fleeting shadows.

Now they strike, then they melt into the forest.

But the Igala regent is on the offensive again.

I just received news that he has crossed the border.

And his army ransacked the province

with the knowledge that we cannot oppose them.

What is our strength in the camp outside Zazzau?

Less than 10,000 foot soldiers

and 200 cavalry.

That is not enough

to defend Zazzau if he is insane enough to attack the city.

Recall the army.

Send a strong force to halt Igala's advance.

That means war on two fronts.

Then call the Jukuns to a table to discuss the terms of a truce.

-[indistinct chatter] -[tense music playing]

My lord, did you ask for Princess Amina's hand in marriage?

I'm not good enough for his daughter.

Nobody is good enough for his precious daughters.

Especially Princess Amina.

In his eyes, she will do no wrong. [scoffs]

After all, she's the Queen of Zazzau.

But in my eyes…

no queen is more royal…

than you.

Don't you forget that.

As soon as…

Zazzau is mine,

you will know who my real consort is.

So, my lord, what are we going to do now?

Something desperate.

When you get to the palace,

pass word to Kabarkai

to see me privately.

My lord, you cannot trust that man.

I have seen him with Amina.

He practically worships her.

There's one thing all men worship,

and I have them in abundance.

From the best grapes of Tripoli.

Enjoy, my friend.

[crickets chirping]

[Madaki] There's many more to come.

The daughters of the sarki…

are to have…

a small training accident.

Both will perish…

trying to save their beloved instructor.

Only you will survive.

Yes.

For a while, you will be thrown into the dungeon.

But I will have you spirited away.

And when I am sarki…

you shall lead all the Zazzau's army.

[Kabarkai] Humph.

So, you finally make your move.

Long overdue, my friend.

[Kabarkai, in Hausa] ♪ Sun, sun come shine ♪

[man] Is he with us, Madaki?

[Kabarkai, in Hausa] ♪ You can have the blood ♪

[Madaki] No.

[Kabarkai, in Hausa] ♪ I will slaughter a ram for you ♪

The Kabarkai said no to you?

[scoffs]

No.

-[Kabarkai continues singing] -But he pretends to be drunk.

And depart without his gold.

[Madaki] Since when will a soldier drink

until he forgot…

[Kabarkai stops singing]

…a bag of gold?

[grunting, groaning]

He flees to the safety of his mother's cave.

We can get him there.

So, you just make sure that he doesn't return to the palace.

[somber music playing]

I'll find another way.

[horse neighs softly]

[horse snorts]

[somber music continues]

[Madaki] We meet well, Your Highness.

It's been many seasons of rains, my old friend.

Yes.

I'd have wished for more of those peaceful years for you and I.

And you have not kept your side of the bargain.

The boy seems fortified.

But don't you worry.

I've thrown him to the dungeon for many seasons now.

My friend from the desert,

as long as my nephew is alive,

he remains a threat to my throne.

Send him to us.

I'll send the Ijuma to neutralize the charm.

But remember, I do not want his blood on my hands.

[flies buzzing]

[door opens]

[Madaki] War with the Jukuns approaches

as surely as dawn after night.

At the moment, I want peace on our border with the Igalas.

Where is the rebel?

I have sent for him.

For how long have you been…

a prisoner of Zazzau?

-Too long, Madaki. -I agree.

And now I have an important undertaking for you.

If you do it well…

your freedom and that of your cousin is guaranteed.

A communication to your uncle, regent of Igala.

[somber music playing]

[somber music continues]

[Danjuma] There are a lot of caravan bandits here.

Let me have a sword.

Look!

They wear Igala's colors.

It is doubtless a welcome party for their returning prince.

But how did they know I'm coming?

You… recognize someone?

My father's priest.

Ijuma, the Wise One.

Beware, my prince. Treachery!

-Treachery? -Treachery!

[grunts]

-[warrior, in Hausa] Soldiers! -[Danjuma] Ijuma.

-Ijuma, say something, please! -[tribal drums playing]

[soldiers groaning, grunting]

Ijuma.

[grunting, groaning continues]

[silence]

[soft tribal music playing]

[maids, in Hausa] Greetings, O Prince.

[in Hausa] Greetings, O Prince.

[music continues]

[Igala regent] Outrageous news,

the attack on you, nephew.

My scout will not rest until they seize those springers.

And I swear

that by their toes they shall hang,

and I will feed their bodies to the vultures.

[groans softly]

Old Ijuma is dead.

I hear.

Yes, yes, yes.

Tragedy is never far from us.

Igala will mourn him for many days.

And now, what tidings do you bring us?

I am on an errand from the Madaki.

The war general and emissary of the Sun of Zazzau,

the Sarki of the Seven Kingdoms.

[tribal drums playing softly]

[tribal drums continues]

Well…

you shall have my reply before your departure.

But now,

I am sure a hot bath and a very good meal

is a welcome idea.

And then we shall talk like brothers,

Danjuma.

Yes, my lord.

[crickets chirping]

[soft music playing]

This is a dangerous time for you to return, my son.

Your father was a great king.

Yes.

His dying command to Ijuma was to keep you safe.

This, Ijuma did with sacrifices to the gods for the last 15 years.

Therefore, your uncle could do you no harm.

Beware, my prince.

But now, instead, he planned, and Ijuma is dead.

And I don't know

how much longer the protective charm will last.

[grunts]

Therefore, you must flee.

[Danjuma] Flee? To where?

[soft music continues]

I had given up hope of ever seeing you again, my cousin.

Did you see my mother in Igala?

Will my father soon secure our freedom?

I had no time, Aladi Ameh.

In Igala, I was running for my life itself.

I don't understand.

Where else will we be safe if not Igala land?

I thought so too.

Your friends are coming.

My cousin, be careful.

War is coming. I have to take my leave now.

We've been looking for you everywhere, Aladi.

War is coming.

-The soldiers are looking at me strangely. -And who told you that?

Rekiya says I will be taken back to the slave quarters.

No, Aladi Ameh.

You are safe with me and Amina. We will protect you.

You can't protect me from your father.

He will listen to Madaki.

They will send me back to the slave quarters.

-Nobody trusts me. -Aladi Ameh, we trust you.

Prove it.

[soft harp playing]

[in Hausa] Everything okay?

The princes of Zazzau are pressuring Baba to give my hand out in marriage.

[chuckles] They are asking for mine also.

[grunts]

-I'll choose my prince when I'm ready. -How'd you know when you're ready?

I will.

Yes. But how?

I've been in love before. With Musa.

[grunts] Musa?

I was ten years old,

and to me, he seemed really gallant in his palace guard uniform and sword.

Every time I heard his voice, I would run and hide

because I felt like a thousand butterflies were flying in my stomach.

[Amina grunts]

[scoffs]

And that is love?

I almost believed you.

-[Zaria laughs] -A thousand butterflies in your stomach?

Huh.

This is sad.

We are the daughters of the sarki, Sun of the Seven Kingdoms,

and we do not know the first thing about love.

We can hire a teacher.

Man or woman?

[sighs] Sarki will have a heart attack if we choose any man,

even a eunuch, to train us in the skills of love.

One thing I know is that

I would not marry Madaki and become his sixth wife.

He is almost as old as Baba.

His eyes follow me everywhere I go.

-Hungry hyena. -Ah!

[Musa] Princesses.

What is it, Musa?

The Kabarkai fled to the hills of Tukur Tukur last night.

Fled? Why?

He was attacked last night outside the city walls.

People say by spies working for Aladi Ameh's father.

The guards have taken Aladi Ameh to the slave quarters.

What?

Who gave that order?

It's the Madaki.

The spies were coming for her when they ran into the Kabarkai

because of the war.

If the Kabarkai runs to his mother,

obviously he runs from enemies inside Zazzau.

Only the Madaki can threaten the Kabarkai.

I have a second errand for you, Danjuma.

You will go with two of my men

to the cave of Tukur Tukur.

There is a man hiding there.

An enemy to both you and I.

I want you to finish what you have started.

The Kabarkai?

Get rid of him.

And I'll see that you and Aladi Ameh

return to Igala in one piece.

[Amina] Move away.

I said move away now.

Open that door!

[key rattling]

Aladi Ameh.

Aladi Ameh, are you in here?

-Amina. -[Amina] Aladi.

-Amina. Amina. -Aladi, where are you?

-Aladi. -Amina.

[guard] Princess, please come out.

My princess, please. I beg you. Come out, please.

Her father and his people

will never hurt her.

Yes, my people are searching for the spy.

And in the heat of the battle

the girl might be harmed or even killed.

Get her out of the pit, Madaki.

Perhaps I should keep her closer to me.

No spy will ever know that she is in my place.

What is wrong with you, Madaki?

You have all the young women in the seven kingdoms.

Please, leave my daughters and their friends alone.

Majesty.

I made a mistake.

On my shoulder lies the burden of protecting Zazzau.

You have only the pleasure of serving me.

The seven kingdoms are mine,

not yours to protect.

[raised voice] My burden and not yours!

[Musa] Mighty Sun of Zazzau.

Sarki of the Seven Kingdoms.

-The Water of the Great Desert. -[sarki] What is it, Musa?

[Musa] The princesses, Sarki.

They have joined Aladi Ameh in the slave dungeon.

-What? -I know nothing of this.

-My daughters are in the dungeon… --[Madaki] I go.

…because of your meddling.

[shouts] You fools! Get out!

Run to the dungeon! Kill anyone that tries to stop you.

Move. Leave. Get out!

Get out!

And you, are you still here?

Your Majesty.

[somber music playing]

I love my daughters

and I will use all my power

to destroy anybody that threatens their lives.

Is the sarki still angry with the Madaki?

Why are you so concerned for him?

He brought me to you, my lord.

I only feel gratitude.

I see.

[Aladi Ameh] Don't do this, Amina.

It's too risky. Spies are everywhere.

I am Amina. I fear nobody.

My mind is made up.

Tell no one about this. Not even Zaria.

This is rash, Amina.

Your father will send me back to the dungeon.

[Amina screams]

[somber music playing]

[somber music continues]

[priestess] You are late!

You are late.

You are the priestess.

I met you once as a child.

I am Amina. Princess of Zazzau.

-First daughter to the Sun-- -I know who you are.

Who do you think

has watched over you since you were a child?

I came to find your son.

[priestess] No.

You came to find your destiny.

Come up.

You were expecting me?

You said I am late.

Yes. You are late.

If you had come to me earlier,

the purpose of your destiny will not have been derailed.

But mere mortals and time

have conspired together to derail your destiny.

Still,

there is another way.

-[man] Make way. -[indistinct chatter]

[in Hausa] May God exalt you, O Heir Apparent.

Well?

[in English] No words from the mountain yet, my lord,

but there is other news.

What news?

It's Amina.

Amina?

[sighs]

Finally.

They are here.

[suspenseful music playing]

Who?

Don't be afraid.

I am Amina. I fear nobody.

Don't you recognize your sister and your old guard?

[suspenseful music continues]

-I feel dizzy. -[Amina] You should not have come.

[Zaria] I couldn't let Musa go alone.

I told Aladi not to tell anyone.

Now the sarki will think I left the palace on my own.

[somber music continues]

Come with me.

I said come with me.

No.

She stays. Only you come with me.

My sister would have to come with me.

No. Only you.

Come.

I'm not even interested in entering that dark place.

There'll be bats and spiders.

Bats?

Be careful. Call to me if you need help. I'll come.

Okay.

-Stretch out your hand. -[somber music continues]

Listen.

There are hundreds of paths here.

If you get lost here, even I can't find you.

Come with me.

I thought the great Amina fears nothing.

I am Amina. I fear nobody.

[somber music playing]

I fear this darkness. It feels like I'm buried alive.

What is this?

This is the cave of vision.

This is where Amina's story truly begins.

-[somber music continues] -[wind blowing softly]

I've seen this before.

In my dark dreams.

[stone dragging]

[whoosh]

[roar]

[horse nickers]

That is the woman you must become, Amina.

If you are to fulfill your dreams for Zazzau.

And these people?

They are dead.

[somber music continues]

Who are they?

That is the heavy price

you will have to pay to fulfill your destiny.

Now, listen to me very carefully.

You will journey in disguise to Daura

and bring me the blood water from the well of Bayajidda.

And if I don't?

Your father will lose the throne of Zazzau,

and the entire people of Zazzau will perish.

[sighs]

[somber music continues]

[Amina] How do I get to Daura?

[Kabarkai] I'll take you there.

[exhales] Kabarkai.

[Amina] I journey to Daura.

Daura?

That will take many suns.

-The sarki will miss us. -You are not coming, Zaria.

It is too dangerous. You will return to the palace with Musa.

But why, Amina? I can fight.

No, Zaria, no.

One of us has to remain in the palace with the sarki.

I journey to Daura alone.

Let no one enter the city

or leave the city without my permission.

Yes, my lord.

[somber music playing]

[Danjuma] Musa!

Musa!

Princess. Greetings, my princess.

-You're far away from Zazzau's palace. -As are you.

Apparently, for some time now.

-My name is-- -I know who you are.

You are Aladi Ameh's friend.

-Where is Princess Amina? -What makes you think we're together?

Oh, my princess.

Everyone knows that wherever Amina is, Zaria won't be left behind.

Perhaps in front this time around.

Kai!

The princess's whereabouts is of no concern to you.

You have still not told us where you're headed, Danjuma.

We're on our way to the mountains of Tukur Tukur.

Oh, I see.

Hunting the spies that attacked the Kabarkai

or perchance, the Kabarkai himself.

Princess, there are things you know nothing about.

Yes, I go in pursuit of the Kabarkai,

so do others worse than I.

If Amina is with the Kabarkai, then her life is in danger.

I owe her my life. Where is she? Tell me. Where?

You must go after them yourself.

I can't trust mere soldiers with the safety of my children.

Amina is too headstrong like I am.

Bring her back to me, Madaki.

Sarki's orders, I obey.

[horse snorts softly]

[soldiers screaming]

[tribal drums playing]

[screaming continues]

[grunting, groaning]

[Amina grunting echoes]

[horse nickers]

-[crickets chirping] -[man groans]

Tell me, Danjuma.

Why are you here exactly?

It's a lengthy tale.

If you still have gold, they will come back.

I suggest that we ride now and swap stories later.

[birds squawking]

[birds continue squawking]

[flies buzzing]

This looks like ours.

Send somebody to the merchant of Samunaka.

Somebody must have known what happened here last night.

I hope the princesses are safe.

[horse nickers]

[Zaria] Wayyo!

The first city of my ancestors.

We will wait here. I will ride to Daura alone.

Why?

To get the city guide who will take us to the well of Bayajidda.

No, Kabarkai. We shall ride together.

Daura is too dangerous for a princess like you.

I'll be back before sunset.

My princess, we should go back.

I think you've been brainwashed by the priestess.

It looks like a conspiracy.

How?

I remember her prophecy about your future when you were born.

For the same reason, she was banished by sarki.

Now, she has perfected the scheme to get you killed

for her son to have a chance of becoming sarki.

Depart from my presence.

-My princess. -Just leave.

[soft tribal drums and harp playing]

[Danjuma] This is love in a strange land.

A love not meant to be.

So distant from mere mortals.

Like the stars, far in the sky.

-So far, removed from the earth. -[soldiers chanting]

[Danjuma] Yet her rays light up every dark recess.

The hungry eyes can only look,

the thirsty soul can only long,

no matter how much he cries,

the flight to reach is above the sky.

Yet, hope is like a silly child

always pining for the impossible.

[chuckles]

[soft tribal drums and harp continues]

You've always been reckless, but this?

I know.

[scoffs] Why did you do it?

He's the one, Zaria.

And you know this, how?

Each time I set my eyes on him,

a thousand butterflies take a flight in my belly.

[chuckles] You're reckless.

[somber music playing]

[man] The well of Bayajidda

has not been opened for more than a lifetime.

You could've told us this earlier.

I imagined you wanted to see it, not open it.

It is sealed for a reason.

-No. This is no ordinary well, my friends. -[stone dragging]

It was not constructed by man

but came to be by the magic of the great python called Sarki.

I will teach you and Princess Amina

about our people and the great Allah that rules over the whole world.

[Danjuma gasps] What is this? Ibrahim.

Blood!

Great evil! We must seal the well immediately.

We have no right to open what has been hidden for so long.

This is why people lost interest?

I swear on my life,

I didn't know the curse of Sarki still held sway after all these years.

What is the curse of Sarki?

Once every quarter of a century, in the seasons of the full moon,

the well will turn to blood,

and everywhere, the people will drop like flies.

We call it the blood of Bayajidda.

And you, you must give it back to the well.

This is why we are here. We must take this blood to the priestess.

No! No, the--

[tribal drums playing]

[grunting, groaning]

[Zaria screaming]

[tribal drums continue]

[Kabarkai] Amina, move. Danjuma, get Zaria. I will come after you.

[Madaki] I told them. Even with one eye,

you are still the champion of Zazzau.

I never took you for a fool, Madaki.

They called me many names,

but never that, my friend.

Yet you threaten the Kabarkai with your arrows and sword.

Things change, my friend.

The blood on your body…

is it your victim's or yours?

The harlot took your powers away last night, so you bleed.

One arrow cannot stop me, Madaki.

And I don't see your guards here to save you.

I'll snap your neck.

-[grunts] -[melancholic music playing]

Sleep well, my friend.

[muffled screams]

[melancholic music continues]

[Zaria shouting, muffled] Amina! [echoes]

[muffled] Danjuma!

[Zaria groaning, muffled]

[melancholic music continues]

[man groans]

[bird squawks]

[grunts] Who sent you?

[shouts] Who sent you? Speak.

Ah! [grunts]

We had him. He would have talked.

It doesn't matter.

The lives of my princesses were threatened.

What are you doing here?

I expected more worthy thanks.

Your father, the sarki, sent me

to bring you both back to Zazzau alive.

Where are Musa and Kabarkai?

Kabarkai will join us.

[soldier] Almost 30,000 soldiers!

[in Hausa] Fast approaching.

Who are they?

[soldier] It's your brother, the regent, and his army.

Princess, mount on your horse.

You and your sister must ride fast to Zazzau.

Thirty thousand soldiers

are waiting for you at Gindin Kuka to escort you home.

I don't need your soldiers. I can find my way home.

[Madaki] You.

Release your horse to Zaria.

-I'll ride with the princesses. -Are you sure, Danjuma?

You don't have anything to be afraid of your uncle.

I will ride with the princesses, Madaki.

We will defend you even with our blood.

We shall be glad if our lives save yours.

We would delay them valiantly.

[soldier] We try to capture them alive.

If we can't, kill everybody, including Amina.

But Princess Zaria must not be touched.

Not even a single hair from her body must touch the ground.

She belongs to Madaki. Did you hear that?

[all soldiers] Yes, sir!

[soldier] Here they come.

[tribal drums playing]

Let's turn back.

-[soldier] Move! -[soldiers roar]

[shouts]

[melancholic music playing]

-[screams] -[horse neighs]

[Zaria groaning]

[Danjuma] Ride on. I will take care of her, Amina.

[Zaria continues groaning]

[soldiers screaming]

[grunting, groaning]

[grunts]

[Amina grunting]

[music continues]

-[Zaria groaning] -[Amina] Zaria.

Zaria!

[panting]

-Zaria! [sobbing] Zaria. -[Zaria continues groaning]

[Zaria screaming]

[Danjuma] Zaria.

Zaria.

[Zaria continues screaming]

-[Zaria screams, goes silent] -[cries]

[melancholic music continues]

[sobbing]

Zaria.

[music fades]

O Sun of Zazzau.

Wayyo.

Zaria is dead.

[shouts] What?

[exhales heavily]

[melancholic music playing]

[melancholic music continues]

[servant, in Hausa] Tread on safely, Exalted One!

Tread on safely with your steel gilded shoe, O Mighty One.

Tread on safely, Majestic Ruler, the Destroyer of Ill Will,

the Tamer of All Ego and Compeller of Dissenters.

[servant] O Sun of Zazzau.

Words have just arrived from the regent.

He's holding the Madaki hostage.

He demands the return of his daughter and Prince Danjuma

in exchange for the Madaki.

[sighs]

I am ashamed to call you my daughter right now.

That boy will return to his people.

Now, we know why he refused to go home.

This is the plan to seize the throne of Zazzau.

And you have fallen into their trap.

I know one thing, Baba.

Send Danjuma home and prepare to bury two daughters in one week.

What has come over you, Amina?

Why do you grieve me so?

Is your sister's reckless death not enough blow to me?

Zaria will be avenged.

You will never marry that boy.

On her deathbed…

you swore to my mother,

the love of your life,

that you would never force her daughters into marriage.

Will you still honor that oath, Baba?

[soft music playing]

I'm now a soldier of Zazzau, Amina.

Perhaps, I may help Zazzau defeat my uncle

and regain my throne.

Your father will look at me favorably then.

[music fades]

Your Highness.

I was ordered to prepare 5,000 soldiers for you.

Has Danjuma taken over command yet?

Yes, Your Highness.

They wait for you at my command post at Burtali.

But if I may ask Your Highness, is this war with the Igalas necessary?

They killed my sister.

And you think Danjuma is worthy of being a commander against his own people?

Barde…

I am Amina.

Do not question my judgment.

As you wish, Your Highness.

[somber music playing]

[in Igala] Greetings, O Prince.

A message from the regent to Amina,

Princess of Zazzau,

Daughter to the Sarki of the Seven Kingdoms.

The regent asks to meet with his nephew one last time before the battle is drawn.

Tell my uncle that the only way to avoid war

and save the lives of our people

is for him to submit to the will of the Sarki of Zazzau.

The sarki will decide the way Igala's future lies.

You?

A prince of our people.

You turn against us like this?

You have delivered your message.

Return the answer.

Tell your prince I give him two days to respond.

Else, I would unleash carnage on his town,

burn down his palace,

and sell off his wives and daughters as slaves.

Let him consider that.

You may leave.

[music fades]

[woman] You're late.

[Mero] It was really difficult trying to leave.

I have to return before I'm missed.

What is it?

Mero, this is our last chance.

With the sarki, you will never be queen,

but with the Madaki, it is very certain.

Amina is distracted by war right now,

and before she returns, the Madaki will be seated

on the throne of Zazzau, and you will be his queen.

He also asked me to tell you that the seven kingdoms of Zazzau

will be his wedding gift to you.

[somber music playing]

[breathing heavily]

Calm down.

Calm down, Jakadiya.

[somber music continues]

It's a matter of time.

Everything will come to pass.

[laughing hysterically]

[indistinct chatter]

[soft tribal harp playing]

[Amina] He's the one, Zaria.

[Zaria] You're reckless.

[indistinct chatter]

[man groans]

[indistinct chatter]

[chuckles]

[grunts]

[Danjuma gasps]

[grunts]

[grunts]

[groans]

[Amina screams, grunts]

[thud]

[Danjuma coughs]

[breathes heavily,]

[screams]

[crying]

Danjuma! Danjuma!

[screams]

[melancholic music playing]

He died like a hero.

He sacrificed his sword to save my life.

I know the person responsible for this, Aladi.

-And he will pay dearly, rest assured. -[inhales deeply]

Your cousin will be avenged.

[sighs]

I loved him, Aladi Ameh.

-[Aladi Ameh] You loved him? -Yes, I loved him.

-Just as you loved Zaria… -[tense music playing]

just as you loved Musa and Kabarkai.

Everybody you love pays for it with their life, Amina.

I weep for you, Amina.

You are now the monster they've always predicted you will become.

-You dare to mock my grieving? -[shouts] You took my cousin from me!

Turned him against his family,

against his brother, and against his people.

Now you returned his dead body to us,

and his name will be branded in our land as a traitor.

Your ambition will never end, Amina,

until you have consumed every good man in this world.

[shouts] You're a monster, Amina!

And before this day is over,

you will still have much more to grieve about.

[music continues]

He has no need for your chains anymore.

Bring my cousin home.

[speaks Hausa]

[sighs]

[screams]

[groans]

[exhales]

[panting]

[soldiers chanting, screaming]

[soldiers roaring]

[soldiers continue roaring]

It is done, my king.

Take heart.

[crying]

Now be strong.

No. Come on.

[sinister music playing]

This is no place for a woman.

Take her away.

Don't worry, Mero.

Zazzau will honor you

for the peace and love you gave to the sarki

in his last moment on Earth.

[music continues]

[thud]

-[tribal drums playing] -[starts incantation, in Igala]

[continues incantation]

[drums continue playing]

[drums continue playing]

[breathes heavily]

You understand.

He doesn't belong here.

Then why did she let him come back home to us?

He doesn't belong there either.

[drums fade]

[indistinct chatter]

[silence]

Why wasn't the messenger from the palace brought to me immediately?

Why?

Someone speak to me.

You.

Speak to me or never speak again.

-The sarki is dead. -[gasps]

And has been buried.

[shivers]

Madaki has been installed the new sarki.

[crying]

[breathing heavily]

[screams] Nothing!

Nothing. Nothing.

[whispers] Nothing.

[exhales]

This war will have to wait.

We fight another day.

I am going home.

Ami deji.

She's going. The princess is going home.

What happened?

I believe your old friend just heard the bad news.

Which bad news?

That her father

is dead.

The Madaki has installed himself

as the Emir of Zazzau and the seven kingdoms.

Oh no.

[Igala regent] Amina is finished.

We can now sign a truce with Madaki.

Finally, Igala land is free from the tyranny

of the house of Barkwa.

[all laughing]

[servant] O Sun of Zazzau.

Princess Amina is on her way with her army.

[chief] Huh?

Are you telling us she abandoned her campaign

without the permission of this court?

She'll be here before sunset.

[Madaki shouts] No!

Where is Barde?

I say, where is Barde?

[servant] He is somewhere close to Burtali with a battalion, Your Majesty.

[Madaki] Then you,

depart immediately.

Tell Barde that he should intercept Amina before she reaches the border.

Get out!

[heroic music playing]

[bird squawks]

[music fades]

Highness.

Accept the council's condolence over the loss of your father.

The death was sudden, unexpected.

And as we speak, the kingdom of Zazzau is in deep mourning.

We had no choice but to bury him quickly with full honors.

The heat did not allow delay.

I get your message…

Yes.

…after you crowned your new sarki?

-It wasn't my decision. -Barde.

Chief warrior of the Sun of Zazzau,

whose decision was it?

I said whose decision was it?

No woman has ever sat on the throne of Zazzau,

and you will not be an exception.

But we cannot take it away from you.

It is your inheritance.

The new sarki will accept a union between the two houses by marriage.

Your son will be the next king after him, Amina.

And I want to put it to you.

You are not supposed to leave the battlefield,

and you did.

That amounts to insubordination.

[dramatic music playing]

Tell your men to sheath their swords.

Brothers cannot fight brothers.

Let us all come together and resolve this issue amicably, peacefully.

Or is that what you want?

-So be it. -[horse neighs]

[cry of battle]

-[soldiers screaming] -[horses neighing]

[grunting, groaning]

[grunting, groaning continues]

[horses neighing]

[groans loudly]

[silence]

[Amina panting]

Aladi Ameh.

[Madaki] I say, get out!

Get out!

You, get out. What are you doing here? What are you-- Get out!

Move to the battlefield.

I say get out. Get out!

[soldiers screaming]

[screaming continues]

[dramatic tribal music playing]

[screaming continues]

[Madaki] The priestess, eh?

She gave you bath with the blood of Bayajidda.

It doesn't matter.

[Amina panting]

[grunting]

[shouts] Strike him now!

[Madaki screams]

[sinister music playing]

[gasping]

[Amina grunts]

[Amina shouts]

[grunts]

[Madaki groans]

[breathes heavily]

[gasps]

[coughing]

[birds squawking]

[melancholic tribal flute]

You didn't tell me it was going to be this bad.

I did tell you, you were late.

The throne is meaningless.

Everybody who meant something to me is gone.

[in Hausa] It is what it is.

[in English] True, the price is high.

But you must look forward now.

Your people need you.

You have to fulfill your destiny for Zazzau.

But how?

[solemn music playing]

[solemn music continues]

[soft tribal music playing]

[soft tribal music continues]

[music fades]