Chapter 8
Fort Mose, Liberty, and Honor
The Freemans approached their home in a hushed walk so as not to disturb the closing ceremonies of Tomochichi’s burial. Archibald and Patrick returned to the shed so Archibald could hide his Scottish broadsword he wore for the ceremony. The men froze when they heard a loud crash inside the shed. The master blacksmith drew the large broadsword while the apprentice grabbed an extinguished torch to use as a club. They stood close and Archibald threatened, “Come out with peaceful intent or I will run you through!”
Movement and a hushed conversation could be heard in the shed.
“Come! Present yourself in front of me now or I will raise arms!” the angry blacksmith demanded.
Slowly, a crying black woman stepped out of the shed with open palms. She was followed by a skinny African man who also presented his open hands. He quickly explained in a nervous voice, “I be very sorry. We just searching fo’ scraps of food. We done been robbed by road agents and not eaten a ting in days, sir. Please, mister, we stole no wares. Just let us be on way.”
“Sit down,” Archibald commanded with his sword pointed. The nervous colored couple sat on the stumps for splitting wood outside the shed. “Go take inventory of the shed, Patrick. See if they be speaking true,” the smith instructed.
Pirates of Savannah Trilogy: Book One, Sold in Savannah - Young Adult Action Adventure Historical Fiction Page 28
