Spirit Ran Free
Chapter One / Page Two

Lyakena Sagandi, daughter of Rajiv Sagandi was the only child born from the Dahomean woman, Ruthena. Her father, Rajiv, migrated from India, married Ruthena and sadly died ten years later. Ruthena often teased her young daughter about her Indian father.

"Your fine father left you nothing, my daughter, Lyakena Sagandi, but his smooth beauty and his black silken hair."

Lyakena loved hearing her mother say that. Her life was good. She adored Africa with all the passion of a sixteen-year-old girl who lived within her romantic dreams. It was always great fun working alongside her mother and her best girlfriend, Jushetta. Suddenly, she raised her eyes against the sun and saw his tall majestic silhouette poised on the high ledge.

"Jushetta," she said, softly speaking in their native Fon language. "I am being sinfully violated by Prince Jaakeem's sexual vodun again. I hate it when he does this to me."

"Oh, Lyakena, you are so crazy."

Lyakena smiled and shaded her eyes to see the prince better. "Ooh, that man has been blessed by the gods. I think that is why he is so beautiful."

"Oh, my goodness, Lyakena. It is not proper for you to say that. You are pledged to marry his father, Chief Hamata."

Lyakena smirked at Jushetta and shyly waved, hoping the fabulous prince would see her among the Allada women.

Prince Jaakeem always saw Lyakena, but he held his shoulders straight and slowly turned his head away.

Lyakena was so embarrassed. Being role model of the village girls, she hoped no one noticed how rudely Prince Jaakeem had treated her. But a few of the girls were giggling as was Jushetta.

Cont. / Page 3

the author


Forest Hairston