Chapter 3

A big commotion was the first thing that welcomed her as soon as she reached their village. Mothers carrying their babies, daughters hiding behind the doors, men all gathered around the field-- she disregarded these all for the moment and hurriedly went to their hut and run directly across the room where she left Sarrah soundly asleep. She felt as if the thing that had been holding her breath had finally let loose. She found the apple of her eyes still on her back, sleeping on the wooden bed where she left her earlier. Jamella walks towards the bed to have a good look at Sarah when suddenly loud footsteps were heard outside the room.

"We shouldn't be here Rawan!" angrily hissed by a man not familiar to Jamella.

"Let Ama and Rasheed handle those Dimacangas!" replied the larger man who first entered the room

Jamilla slowly grab the baby and carried to her arms. Who are these people? How did they entered our house? She quickly walks towards the chest where swords are placed then suddenly the door she closed earlier flew open.

"You know too well what'll happen if they'll find out we're here—" said the younger looking one to the bulky man who first entered the room but then stop talking when he saw her.

"Look at what we have here, a beautiful young woman." spite the one with a larger frame.

"Who are you?!" Jamella hissed, pointing the sword against the intruders, while carrying her niece on her other arm.

"You have an excellent grip on that weapon woman. Indeed, the Dimacangas train their women well." Rawan teasingly says as he slowly move towards Jamella. "Well you see, we don't have any interest in hurting fragiles. However, I would gladly give you gentle cares." he added as the proximity between him and the tip of the sword closed.

"One more step and I'll surely slit your throat young man. Don't dare me." She counters. Her insides quivers with disgust from hearing what Rawan said. Her grip on the sword tightens, never wavered by his intimidation.

"Rawan that's eno--"

"Really woman?" He smirked as he lightly touched the tip of the sword, disregarding his brother. "I dare you."

In a swift motion, he grab the lady by her wrist and the sword flew up in the air only to drop on the floor. Jamella forcibly struggles to breakaway from his grip causing her held on the baby to tighten. A loud cry from the little one echoed.

"You insolent! Prepare yourself to be punished once my brother know of this!" She screamed as she still tries to be free from Rawan.

"They're here!" A loud yell was heard from the outside making the three of them turn to the door.

"What are you doing Rawan?!" Exclaimed Said as soon as he entered the room. "Your father requested of our presence outside this instant! Let go of the woman and go with me!" He spats and urgently leaves the room with a group of men with their swords hung on their waist.

"What kind of a man that ruins his cousin's move?" He laughingly said as he let go of Jamella's wrist. "You are one lucky woman, but I hope this won't be the last time I that I meet you."

"And I ensure you meet death the second we cross paths!" She hissed at the man as he now walks out of the door, his brother at this back.

When the two can no longer be seen, the woman flops on the floor as she still held the crying baby. Her body shakes uncontrollably as tears flow down her cheeks. Oh God! What is happening right now?