Wild West - Chapter 3 - Part 9 - 5 minute freewrite challenge

Without saying a word he hinted toward the fireplace and began walking there. James and Tom looked at each other briefly, then followed suit. “Are they going to brand us like cattle?” Both of them wondered as they were approaching the tent next to a fireplace. It turned out they were right – dipped deep into the blazing hot embers was an iron rod.

“Alright fellows, take off your shirts,” he smiled at them slyly, already enjoying what was to come.

When the two did as commanded, the guard pulled the glowing red iron rod from the pit and pressed it onto James’ left shoulder. Although James said nothing it was obvious he was in a lot of pain. After a second-long contact with the iron, it was Tom’s turn to get branded. The guard didn’t even bother to reheat it, he just held it on Tom’s shoulder for an extra second to make sure the symbol scars properly.

“Now, as for your serial numbers, you’ll have them tattooed in Ätherock.”

Then, out of the blue, one of the other guards struck Tom with the butt of his rifle, knocking him unconscious. James instinctively reached for his revolver, but seeing as he was greatly outnumbered, he didn’t draw his weapon.

“So you’re the daddy, huh? I’m Jax, pleased to meet you.” The guard with the silver buttons smiled slyly again. “Now let’s see if we can punch some sense into you, shall we?” Jax delivered a swift blow to James’ abdomen, forcing him to cough and grasp for air.

Here is what the branding they received looked like: