The iron shackles were heavy on Mhada's wrists and feet, slowing her down. A slash of the whip on her back made her scream out.
"Move! Faster!" One of the men who captured her growled roughly pushing her forward. Her feet caught in a twig and she fell face down.
"Akon, be easy on her. She's valuable and must stay in good condition," the leader warned.
At the same time, Mhada gently lifted her aching headache from the ground. She could taste blood. A shape deep in the forest drew her attention. She squinted to get a good look. It was a young man, probably a hunter.
The man moved like he was about to pounce on an animal then he sighted her and the men surrounding her. He quickly hid behind a tree.
Akon roughly pulled Mhada to her feet and they continued their journey through the forest.
Mhada glanced at her bruised right shoulder. Her gown was ripped down revealing the powerful symbol of her father's throne tattooed on her skin from birth.
As they passed the part of the forest where the young man hid, she prayed he would see the symbol, recognise her and get help to free her before she is sold into slavery.
Mhada did not want to be lost to her people forever. It would break her father's heart.
I hope you enjoyed reading my piece. This freewrite is inspired by the prompt "powerful symbol". Join the @freewriters community to receive daily prompts, hosted by @mariannewest. You are invited to participate.