The Fire Within by Samuel T Clayton

Author:Samuel T Clayton [Clayton, Samuel T]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-12-07T22:00:00+00:00

You will find her a pleasant lady to deal with, and I am sure you will find the lodging to your liking.

Yours unfeignedly

Alfred C. Cuthbert

‘Thank you, Miguel.’

He looked around the warehouse to get a better idea of the man’s stock, perhaps even spot some of the goods that he had requested. Miguel followed him around and dutifully answered any questions that Tristan asked. What he did not know was that the young, white man was testing his knowledge and that his pride in showcasing both his proficiency in English and his understanding of Mr Cuthbert’s business, helped Tristan tremendously in getting insight into the merchant’s dealings. When his curiosity was satisfied, and he decided to leave, he asked one last question.

‘Miguel, the Portuguese fort at the foot of the hill. What is its purpose?’ It was like somebody had cast a shadow over the young negro’s face.

‘When the first missionaries came, our village already existed, sir. Perhaps these men of God lived in fear because when the first church was erected, they also built the fort. I believe it was built to protect their own people against my people, the Bakongo. We’ve heard of other tribes to the east where they’ve driven the white men out of their lands. Perhaps they want the fort to serve as a reminder to our chief not to interfere too much with the dealings of the white people.’

‘Your chief? Are you not a slave? I’m sure I heard Mr Cuthbert say that all slaves have been removed from the village.’

‘Not a slave, sir. I’m a free man to come and go as I please. I was a slave at the Dutch factory until five years ago, when Mr Cuthbert purchased my freedom, and for that, I owe him eternally.’

‘I see.’

Tristan thought they were done, but to his surprise, Miguel carried on talking. ‘Our chief no longer supplies any slaves from his own people. Lately, the fort has been used as a holding pen for slaves from neighbouring tribes, sir. They used to be kept at the wharf, but it caused too many problems. The soldiers also protect the Portuguese slavers before they head inland to capture slaves, and after, while they wait for the ships to arrive. When the wind blows right, you can sometimes hear their cries in the stillness of the night, sir. At the moment, most of the slavers trade along the coast, so our nights are quiet and peaceful, but once the summer rains ease up, the traders will be back.’

Tristan was surprised by the young man’s intelligence and wondered if Cuthbert knew that his lover had unwittingly become his apprentice.

After he had received the directions to the Beeckman household, Tristan headed back to their temporary quarters. The doctor was standing outside in the shade, holding up a small cage made from the finest wicker. Pensively he studied it. Tristan’s noisy arrival startled him slightly, but he quickly placed the cage on the ground, glad to see the young man back in one piece.

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