Chapter 10 Chapter 10

Mary woke up and was very surprised to see Sakira. She had expected her to be long gone. Or else…but no she would have been locked up or tied to a tree.

“What are you doing here,” she asked

“I had to come back, Dave has to be ready before we leave,” she said

“I don’t understand”

“Let’s just say we have to plan before I leave,” she said.

“We?” Mary asked perplexed

“Dave and I,” she said

“Okay,” Mary said not fully convinced with the whole story. “Are you sure this white guy is not deceiving you?” she asked

“I don’t think so. He wouldn’t. He’s... different” she said

“Alright, if you say so,” she said.

They all left the quarters and resumed duty on the farmlands. Sakira’s mind was on Dave, she couldn’t wait for midnight to arrive so she could sneak out again. She was lost in thoughts she had not realized Mark approach her.

“Sakira” he called

She looked up to see Mark

“Good day sir” she greeted casually

“Good day to you,” he said

She was silent and waited for him to talk. She hated him with all her heart and there was nothing no one could do to make her forgive him. He stole her pride and insulted her. He is responsible for the healing scars on her back. She wished she could kill him right away but life doesn’t always agree with her side.

“I want you in my room this evening,” he said.

Her heart skipped as he made the statement. No, she was not going to be a plaything to any man. Especially Mark.

“I’m sorry but that won’t be possible,” she said

“What do you mean by that,” he said as he advanced slowly to her

“Madam has….”

“Your madam will understand when she realizes I needed your attention,” he said firmly

tightening his hold on her arm to hurt her

She winced at his grip.

“Is that clear” he stated

“Yes sir” she grimaced.

He threw her to the floor and walked away.

No matter what it takes she would not give her body to that useless man.

Later that evening, she returned to her mattress to find stains of blood on it. She checked her dress but there was none, then she looked at the dress she had worn before and found blood on it. She held her stomach and sighed.

“It’s for the best” she patted her stomach. “You cannot survive in a cruel world like this,” she said. “And you also can’t have a bastard as a father,” she said as she cleared the clothes away.

Fortunately, she created an excuse with the earlier incident and that allowed her not to go to Mark’s room. She was very thankful. It got darker and as everyone retreated to sleep, Sakira was just in time to sneak out. When the whole building was quiet and darkness had taken over, she left the house. She ran to where she was the last time and she was just in time to see Dave. He stretched his hand and he lifted her until she was behind him on the horse. They rode away and were back at the building.

“So far I’ve been able to find a few places that would link us out of town,” he said as he pointed on his drawn map. “If we can get here by this time, we should get a ship that would

take us to Africa” he said.

“That’s in three weeks from now,” she said.

“Yes, we don’t much time left. That’s why we have to hasten things up” he said

“So, what’s left?” she asked

“Guns,” he said. “I need to get more money to buy at least two,” he said

“And you don’t have enough money,” she asked

“I’ll have to work for it, but it’s going to take a longer time,” he said

“How much would you need,” she asked

“About twenty pounds and three cents.” He said.

There was a diminutive silence between them and Sakira broke it in the end.

“I’ll get the money,” she said

“How,” he asked

“Don’t bother about how. Tomorrow, I’ll get the money” she said

“If you’re going to steal, no. don’t do it” he said

“I’m not going to steal,” she said

“Then what exact…. don’t tell me it’s what I think,” he said with anticipation

She dropped her eyes in humiliation.

“You wouldn’t” Dave stated

“We don’t have a choice. Besides, I’ve already lost it” she said

Dave felt like he was bashed with a dagger. Why was he feeling that way? He wondered.

“Who did you lose it to?” he asked

“Mark” she whispered.

“That bastard” he shouted as he punched the table. “I’m going to murder him,” he said with

wrath.

Sakira was silent and watched Dave fume in resentment.

“You will not do any of those sorts to get money. I swear, if you do it, I’ll not use the money” he said

“Then how will you get the money,” she asked

“I’ll get it, just don’t trade your body,” he said, “Promise me,” he said steadily

“I promise,” she said

Later that morning, Sakira returned to the quarters unnoticed and retreated to her mattress.

“How did it go,” a voice asked

She turned to see Mary, who was still awake and she seemed surprised

“I was waiting for you,” she said observing her facial expression. “So how did it go,” she

asked again

“We’re nearly prepared” she sighed.

“I’m proud of you Sakira” Mary declared “I’m so happy that someone can finally stand herself,” she said

“Come with me,” Sakira said

“I…I don’t think I can,” she said

“Yes, you can. We’ll leave together” she said

“Then what would happen to the other Sakira? Who would be there for them” she smiled desolately

Sakira was silent and she regretted thinking selfishly.

“You go. Sooner or later, the others would want to take up the same bravery you’re showing and I’ll be there to help them” she said.

Sakira sighed and felt a little sad. She was going to miss Mary so much. In the end, they decided to sleep before the day got brighter.

***

Dave arrived at the pub in the afternoon. Usually, there are no many customers during the

day but at night, and this was the perfect time for him to do his transaction.

“Do you have a boss here?” he asked the bartender

“Who are you,” the man asked

Without further discussions, Dave brought out money from his case. “I need guns” he whispered.

The bartender nodded and led him to a room.

“Boss, you have a customer,” the guy said.

“Let him in,” he said.

Dave went in and the door was shut behind him.

“What service may I render to you,” the man asked in a husky voice

“I need guns,” Dave said as he sat opposite the man

“Guns are rare jewels. You have to have a lot of money” he chuckled.

“I have enough money for them,” he said.

The man put up a very serious face and it almost scared Dave.

“Don’t play with me boy, I kill if I’m being played with?” the man said.

Dave brought out his case and showed the money to the man. The man relaxed and gave a casual smile

“How many do you need,” he asked

“Two,” he said.

“You have them. It’s my pleasure doing business with you” the man smirked.

I’m very sorry father. I promise I’ll pay you back with double. Dave thought.