Nine years later,

In the outskirts of Mahdiya past the vast desert land, a small city rests. Its dusty streets highlighted in perfect moonlight. The Glass bottles that glistened from the men’s hands displaying colourful shades on the sands. Groups of them staggering aimlessly shouting, singing, even at times fighting, all centred on a building east of the city.

Its stone walls barely containing the action within. A soft Arabic melody playing inaudible to the voices of drunk men. An amalgam of sweat and liquor staining the cool night air. As the moon became full again the last caravan was in town. She looked out to the moon through the small cracks from the wood that sealed her window. Upon the glimpse of its rays casting shadows dark figures moving on the brick walls “That old hag I told you we could not trust her; she played us.” One blubbered to the other.

Waiting patiently in the dark her face glued to wood; that left marks of nail heads across her cheeks, like any other day she listened to them complain. Her long-awaited footsteps came, growing louder as they approached. Light penetrating beneath the door disappeared with the heavy steps and the multiple turns of a key started.

She moved to her mat strategically centred in the tiny space. Automatically she held her breath ready to accept her fate as always. The huge woman walked in immediately lifting the darkness and silence of the room. “Mama is that you?” her eyes squinted against the sudden stream of light. “Who else?” her mouth opened introducing her familiar tobacco odour.

No doubt she was from smoking the hookah again “what do they call you?” she walks around the room inspecting it she unlocked the window “hey get moving” she shouts to the people “Mina” the girl murmurs intentionally for her not to hear “Ah! Whatever, look here girl al- Makhtum is full today so you know the rules.” Mina gathers her strength and stood up she threw herself to her in a tight embrace.

“Get off you poor soul!” Mina slid her hand into her pouch where she keeps her spare keys. “Mama Samira thank you! You are very kind mistress.” She doesn’t let go until she found it. Mama Samira threw her to the ground once she loosened her grip. “Stupid girl you have ruined my dress! You will pay!” she exits the room locking her in again.

This was the day she was going to gain freedom from her master. Mina a name given to her by the town folk knew little of her parents all the witch used to say was “unfortunate girl your parents gave their lives for you to only become my slave how pitiful” accompanied by a mocking expression to match. These words always stuck to her defining her unknown identity; at least at some point, she was important, for someone to lay their life for her.

Al-Makhtum was no place for a child; especially a girl, and for that Mama Samira made sure to hide her well; only allowed to tag along on the house chores and different errands but never show up when the place was fully packed. She taught her everything, from cleaning, sowing cooking light foods, even tending to the few badly injured guests; to which she always threw up.

At times she was a victim to her master’s anger receiving beatings as a result, especially when she had too much to drink. Given that she owned a tavern it was almost every night. At the tender age of nine, she knew she had to escape lest things get any worse. Since her master was very busy that night slipping away was easy.

Tonight would be her last in the tavern, she stared at the full-length mirror in front of her. She bathed in moon rays her skinny little olive skin barely visible. Short dark hair that stood like spikes pricing the light to form small rays, her white patched dress yellowed than it already was, though it was her nicest dress it had passed its time. Mina put on her grey slippers which had huge holes, gifts from the mice that inhabited the place.

She took out her copper pendant from her trunk a rounded piece of metal with two swords crossing each other en carved into it. With a string of cloth, she tied it on her neck and thought of the first time her master revealed it to her. It was the first piece of jewellery she had laid eyes on so curiosity got the best of her. The only reason mama Samira did not sell it was its worthlessness. So she used it to manipulate Mina, making her work twice for it.

Lastly, she tied a shawl over her head leaving only her eyes. With one last look, she took out the key from underneath her garments. Her hands shook uncontrollably as she carefully opened the door. After a few turns the door opened, first, she pocked her head out to scan the empty corridor.

Satisfied that no one was around she left the room, perching herself atop the stairs leading down to the busy hall. She crouched down hiding in the shadows surveying the scene below. Different people of all sizes and shapes filled the space. Some were smoking others were drinking as they gambled.

Several dancers helped Mama Samira with the drinks serving them as they danced to the music. Their clothes very reflective weren't in any way decent doing poorly in covering their bodies. They were all slaves like her but unlike her, they weren't caged up in one of the numerous rooms that AL- Makhtum had to offer, instead, they only came in the night and by morning they were gone.

She moved down the stairs swiftly but quick among the sea of men, she was but a speck moving in their shadows unnoticed keen to avoid attention. She made her way to a table that was inches away from the huge wooden door leading to the streets. The men surrounding it making it shake as they played a game of maisir.

By the looks, it was nearing its end, after a moment curses could be heard as the losing party accepted defeat. Hiding in the crowd she spotted Mama Samira surveying the tables to check on her customers. She heard the two men who won gather their fortune and bid their farewells. Hidden in one of their huge cloaks she tugged along as they left, escaping with the two who were too drunk and excited to notice her.

Mina had no idea where to go when she was finally free on the streets the only thing she wanted was to get as far away as possible from Mama Samira. For a moment she thought of going back in fear of the unknown, as she was about to turn around one of the many drunk men on the streets bumped into her.

A glass he was clutching emptied its contents on the ground. Without another look she ran following her duo to one of the community stables, deciding to spend the night there. Away from the chaos of the streets. Despite the darkness, she managed to hide in one of the cages which contained a large animal. The space was a bit tight, but she managed to fit snugly beside the animal. The floor was laid with soft dried grass making it a nice bed to sleep on.

Morning arrived fast she opened her eyes to the little rays of sun pouring over her face penetrating through the thatched grass roofing. Voices of men arguing and discussing the journey they were to embark on were the only thing she could hear. Mina was anything but stupid, so she knew she had to hide and fast lest she is caught and dragged back to her master, who by now was cursing her with all her might.

Quickly got up; the animal before her wasn't as fat as she thought the night before but it was the huge orange baskets tied to its sides that made it seem so. Without hesitation, she climbed into one that was almost empty the few fabrics inside providing a cushion. The holes in its weaving providing some view of her surroundings.

“Everyone get in formation we ride for Mahdiya” a coarse voice boomed and immediately footsteps filled the place. Metal creaks ringing, hooves beating on the ground as the animals were assembled. Mina was nervous when her camel lifted her off the ground her empty stomach flipping and turning. It started to walk shaking the basket from side to side, by the time it reached a stop she was very dizzy. Peeking out, horses and camels were arranged to fill the wide road leading up to the city gates and into the desert.

The same coarse voice broke out again “Brothers let us ride.” The camel moved out of the city gates her gaze was fixated on the street behind them. She couldn't help the sun that glowed brightly in her. It was her first time on the road all alone of course she was scared but couldn't be happier.

The two days journey was long, the view of endless sands became a cliché the hoof beats a melody, the hunger an old foe, heavy dusty air refreshing from the scorching heat. At night, it was a bit bearable with all the fabrics to keep her warm and even as they camped for the night she didn't leave the basket. The only thought dancing in her mind was figuring out her next move.

It was noon the next day when large steel gates came to view, the only opening to a high wall. Forts on top to sheltered soldiers that were alert and ready to strike at any moment. More soldiers covered every inch of the perimeter inspecting the goods the traders brought along. Knowing that this was the end these people didn't look merciful at all. If they found her she couldn't imagine what would happen. She shook in fear as the camel came to a stop her thoughts were everywhere trying to come up with an idea.