Chapter 2
The crashing of the brush startled the deer that the small hunting party was stalking. Sighing, Peter Jefferson straightened, watching the buck bound away. All eyes turned to the rustling and waited for whatever was coming. Eban broke through the brush and trotted over. Leaning over, resting his hands on his knees, he tried to catch his breath.
"Best you go back to the big house," Eban panted.
"Has something happened?" Peter demanded, worry filling his tone.
"Not yet, but your woman is on the warpath. How have you lived so long, Peter? Everything is hiding," Eban blurted in amazement.
"That's all? No one is hurt?" Peter let out a relieved breath.
"Is that all? She was going to skin me. I think she would have too," Eban protested.
"What did you do to my wife?" Peter demanded.
"I was there," Eban spluttered his innocence. "It is your children that might not live out the day."
"Oh," Petter winced. "Bad?"
"Just like your father," Eban quoted with a smirk.
"Oh my," Peter winced.
"Are you frightened of your little woman?" Eban chuckled.
"You saw her," Peter snorted.
"We have a very nice village. You can stay with me," Eban offered helpfully.
"No help for it. Jane is a wonderful woman; she doesn't stay angry long. It's just that first volley. Maybe she'll have calmed down before I can get back." Peter stood tall and started back.
"We will try for another deer," Daffydd smiled faintly. So there is a woman inside all those clothes. A passionate woman even.
"Daffydd, it might be well if you go as well. Mistress Jane will want to speak with you," Eban grinned evilly.
"Me? I have done nothing," Daffydd said uncomfortably.
"Trevin," Eban chuckled.
"Oh," Daffyd sighed.
Daffydd slowly followed Jefferson back towards the potential massacre. Eban followed behind, cheerfully whistling a tune he had heard the night before.
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The silence was the first thing they noticed when they drew near. Cautiously, the three men advanced, none willing to show his nervousness in front of the others in the face of the enemy.
Peter groaned as the chaos met his eyes. Steam rose from the dying fire, the wash pot lay at an angle in the ashes. The long lines of laundry lay in the dirt of the back garden. His prize milk cow Maude was calmly munching the tops out of the new corn with wash tangled about her horns. A few chickens scratched in the dirt, picking up shelled corn from the tipped over grinder.
"Eban, was there a raid?" Daffydd demanded.
"No Daffydd, just four children. One of yours and three of Peters." Eban grinned widely, bouncing on his toes.
"Oh this is bad," Peter moaned, taking in the mess.
Loud yells, thumps and clangs broke out. Wide eyed, the three men watched helplessly as all hell broke loose once more.
"Don't let them get away, I just got the mud off them," the red faced Jane bellowed, her gown stained and hair hanging down in tangled rat tails.
Thomas was racing after the pudgy little Anna streaking across the yard. Tabitha had snagged the naked Randolf in a large towel and was holding tightly to the toddler. Ten year old Martha had a death grip on her four year old sister Lucy who was only clothed in a large towel while being drug across the yard to their mother. Nathan was having a hard time of it trying to catch the soapy fast moving Trevin. The short bare little legs flashed in the sun as the boy darted under a railing, avoiding Nathan's grasping hands once more.
"Tabitha, please help me get these three rinsed and dressed," Jane gritted.
"Yes, Miss Jane. I don't know what got into the children today." Tabitha reached out and took the other twin from Thomas and headed into the house.
"Martha, don't turn loose of Lucy and take her back to the bath room," Jane ordered. "Well don't just stand there, catch him. MEN!" Jane stormed into the house.
Daffydd's lips twitched as Trevin's bright eyes studied the situation once Nathan had him cornered between the work table and the side of the house. Gathering himself, the little boy shifted to scamble under the low table.
"Gottcha now, yah little devil," Nathan crowed and dove under the table only to see Trevin back peddle and jump across him, heading for open ground.
"We should have warned him," Eban snickered ruefully.
"Probably," Daffydd agreed as he watched the naked boy streak across the yard.
Nathan gathered himself and charged after the boy only to slip, fall and slide several feet in the mud created by the spilled wash tubs.
Peter rushed foreword only for Trevin to dart between the long legs, tripping the big man. Peter looked up from the squelshing mud in time to see Trevin headed back in his direction trying to avoid Eban's grasp. Adding insult to injury, muddy little feet knocked the wind out of him as the child bounded like a deer out of Eban's reach.
"TREVIN!" Daffydd barked.
The little boy came to a screeching halt, causing the gangly Thomas to trip over him and go sprawling into the mud next to his father.
"Come here," Daffydd ordered and pointed at a spot just in front of him.
Trevin hurried over and looked up innocently.
"What has happened here?" Daffydd asked softly.
"We were playing, Tadig," Trevin bounced excitedly. "We'th playing tag."
"Trevin, this was not playing," Daffydd sighed. Kneeling down, he turned Trevin to see all the damage.
Trevin's litte brows drew down. "Tadig, Vin didn't do. Promithed not play near fire."
"Were you playing in the barn?" Daffydd studied the mess.
"Yes, Luthy, 'Dolph, Anna, Tom, and Nate," Trevin answered. "We'th playing Look-over-the-Hill." Vin chewed on his bottom lip.
"Look-over-the-Hill?" Peter walked over, trying to shake the clumps of mud off.
"All but one hide, then he looks for his companions. It is good training for a hunter or warrior," Eban answered softly.
"Hide and Seek." Thomas named the game as he walked over. His attempts to wipe off the mud only smeared it around.
"I sorry Massah Jefferson. I was trying to keep the little ones out from under foot while the women was doin' the laundry." Nathan stood before the big man shakily.
"Do you know what happened?" Peter asked gently.
"No suh, not for certain," Nathan admitted.
"Tad, It's not Nathan's fault. He was helping me get Lucy out of the bull's stall," Thomas interrupted.
"Oh God, she could have been killed." Peter paled and shakily made his way over to the steps and sat down with a thump.
"Nathan distracted him while I grabbed Lucy." Thomas sat down beside his father and leaned against his father's powerful shoulder. "I've never been so scared in my life Tad."
"Were you hurt any of you?" Peter reached out and began to examine Nathan worriedly.
"That ole bull didn't hurt nobody," Nathan soothed.
"Thomas was a fussin' and shakin' Miss Lucy a might. He didn't hurt her none, just scared was all. That's when I heard Trevin a fussin' up a storm. Randolph was climbing the ladder into the loft. I went over and pulled him down and took him over to Thomas. I got Trevin and Miss Anna herded up. I'm sorry Suh, I never seen she had unfastened Maude's stall door." Nathan confessed.
"I guess Maude decided on a snack. She loves getting in the garden," Thomas reminded with a defeated sigh. "The next thing I knew, she was tangled in clothes lines and dragging clean laundry in the dirt. Momma tried to keep her out of the garden with a broom. I think one of the clothes lines got tangled around the wash pot and the laundry tubs. There were women screaming and the little ones must have thought it was a game because they were out in the middle of it playing tag. Nathan and I were trying to save what clean laundry we could. We found the four of them making mud pies once things settled a bit," Thomas yawned widely.
"Tomorrow is a new day," Peter sighed and hugged his son. "I am proud of both of you. Very proud. Some times things . . . happen. You saved my daughter's life today. Tomorrow the bull gets moved to the far field. I should have never left him this close to the house. Will you two help clean this up before you go get baths?"
"Yes Suh. I might as well milk Maude since she's close to the house, don't you think? It's not very much early." Nathan studied the sun for a moment.
"That would be fine. That is, if you can find the milk bucket in this mess," Peter laughed.
"I'll start with the laundry lines." Thomas stood up and moved tiredly towards the dirt strewn laundry.
"I will take care of those baskets of clean clothes since I'm still clean." Eban bounced off.
"You gather up as much of the corn as you can and put it in the basket," Daffydd ordered, tapping Trevin's nose.
"Yes." Trevin sat down in the dust and worked diligently at recovering each kernel.
"Daffydd, the baby is naked," Peter reminded softly as the two men rinsed out the wash tubs before setting them back up.
"Yes," Daffydd led the way over to the big iron pot resting in the ashes of the smoldering fire.
"Jane is not going to be happy," Peter grimaced.
"Your people wear too many clothes," Daffydd huffed, lifting a line full of muddy clothes out of his way.
"Jane just gave him a bath," Peter reminded.
"I'll take him for a swim when we're finished here," Daffydd said distractedly.
"He's a baby," Peter protested in shock.
"We traveled much by canoe. Trevin swims like an otter," Daffydd explained. "I would not have my grandson drown. It made the journey easier if he had a chance to wear himself out as well."
"Oh, that makes sense. You'll make sure he's clean when Jane see's him again?" Peter asked.
"Yes. How does one wash clothes? The fire is easily rebuilt," Daffyd asked thoughtfully.
"It is a job that no man can perform satisfactorily as far as Jane is concerned," Peter chuckled, remembering several explosions of temper when he had attempted to help in the past.
"We can take these to the creek and wash the mud from them. That will be of some aid," Daffydd suggested.
"Bring the men in from the fields to help. They'll enjoy the break and a chance to get in the water," Peter agreed. "For heavens sake, don't put anything with colors in the same basket with whites. The red's and pinks need to be in their own basket. Jane will kill us all if we let them bleed onto the other clothes."
Peter began to laugh as the other hunting party appeared. The nervous men had their bows strung and arrows nocked. Disbelieving looks took in the mess.
The scent of burning filled the air and black smoke poured forth from the summer kitchen.
"Eban, take the laundry to the creek and bathe Trevin. It is deer for supper. Bring me back some watercress as you come. Owain, you and Gryffydd take your kill and clean it. The rest of you, we'll need corn to roast," Daffydd quickly ordered before hurrying into the kitchen to pull the burning food out of the heat.
"Thomas, where is Beth?" Peter demanded. Now the damn cook is missing.
"Sarah's in labor. Momma let Beth go to be with her daughter," Thomas answered.
"That's good. Thomas, run and tell Amos and Stephen that the punishment is temporarily rescinded. They can come and wait for the new baby. A man should be there when his child comes into the world. Amos should get to see his first grandchild as well," Peter smiled.
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Peter hesitated before joining Jane on the steps as the sun went down.
"Are you alright?" Peter handed her a glass of wine.
"Peter, I need brandy at least. Maybe some of the Irish whiskey," she huffed.
"That bad?" he smiled encouragingly.
"The twins are cutting more teeth. Lucy tore her favorite dress. My garden is a shambles. I have to do the laundry again tomorrow. I had to bathe the babies twice. I burned supper, yelled at my babies and I could just scream." Jane pounded her empty fist against the step.
"I love you." Peter stroked her cheek.
"I look like I was pulled through a thicket backwards. I sag. Where I don't sag, I droop. I found grey in my hair this morning. I'm going to be a grandmother in a month's time," Jane ranted.
"And you are more beautiful then the day I married you," Peter smiled warmly.
"He's right you know, you're a very beautiful woman," Eban walked up carrying Trevin wrapped in a robe.
"Don't push me little man," Jane scowled.
"Don't you smile at me, young man. I know what kind of mischief you're capable of," Jane huffed as Trevin smiled crookedly and reached out for her.
Peter chuckled and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear with a loving hand. "It's not like you to hold a grudge Mrs. Jefferson."
Jane sighed tiredly, "Just tired."
Trevin wriggled excitedly snuffling and began making hungry baby sounds.
"Oh," Jane groaned, wrapping her arms around herself tightly and rocked in misery.
Peter and Eban exchanged a look of masculine helplessness.
"Jane? Are you in pain?" Peter coaxed worriedly.
"Of course I'm in pain. YOUR children went to sleep to soon," she snarled.
Peter flinched back at the unexpected temper.
"Here." Eban held out the fussing baby. "He's always hungry." The warrior smirked.
"MEN!" Jane hissed, springing to her feet and snatching the naked baby before storming into the house.
"You're still beautiful," Eban called after the slamming of the door.
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Eban chuckled and sent a teasing look Jane's way when Lucy helpfully suggested that they should wash nightclothes first since Momma and Daddy had to sleep nekid last night.
Jane and Peter both flushed as they hurriedly went about their chores.
Later that morning, Peter walked out of the house to find Daffydd and Eban sitting on a buffalo hide with the three heavy packs off to the side waiting.
"Daffydd?" Peter asked curiously.
"It is time to make bargains, Peter ap Thomas Jefferson," Daffydd answered seriously.
"Business then," Peter agreed. "Tabitha, bring tea for three," Jefferson called into the house before he settled cross-legged on to the buffalo hide.
Eban's dancing eyes followed Tabitha until she returned to the house. "Beautiful woman, she has the heart of a warrior," he sighed dreamily.
"Eban will not trespass, Peter. He is one for sweet honey not the stick," Daffydd assured Jefferson for what seemed like the hundredth time.
"A man can dream," Eban huffed.
"Trevin needs to nurse." Daffydd began negotiations.
"You want to buy Tabitha?" Peter scowled. "I already told you I will not sell her away from Nathan."
"Trevin needs the companion even more. I would trade for the woman and her son," Daffydd responded.
"You would take them west over the mountains. A hard life, a dangerous life away from all they know."
"Nathan will be his brother. Tabitha his mother. They will not be slaves, Peter Jefferson." Daffydd answered. "Such a thing is worth much hardship."
"I can not afford to simply give them to you. They are very valuable," Peter answered miserably.
"We will buy their freedom," Daffydd answered calmly, opening one of the packs and displaying a wealth of pelts.
"I would have to travel many miles to trade the furs for silver and then I would still need a housekeeper," Peter sighed wearily.
"Silver?" Daffydd frowned.
"Like this." Peter offered a silver coin.
"Peter, this will not keep you warm at night. It will not protect you from the elements," Daffydd chided.
"With this I can purchase all those things and more. Things from so very far a way," Peter answered.
"The old ones say that the pale people treasured the shining rocks." Daffydd opened a pouch and poured the contents into Peter's hand. Stones sparkled, others glowed.
Peter stared in disbelief. "Are those diamonds?"
"Some. There is topaz, ruby, sapphire, emerald, freshwater pearls, amber, this one is called turquoise. All our people gave toward Trevin's need. For these will you sell the woman and boy?" Daffydd asked.
"Daffydd, where did you find these?" Jefferson asked in amazement.
"The diamonds came from the west. Ruby and emerald we found near our home on Grandmother Mountain before we went north. Sapphire we traded from the people to the west. The turquoise and topaz we got in trade from the people to the south. The pearls can be found occasionally. The amber came with the grandfathers from the old home. There is much trade. The pale men want the silver metal?" Daffydd asked.
"Gold is even better and easier to pack than furs," Peter responded.
"Gold? The yellow metal that the Spanishmen hunt?" Daffydd asked.
"I will sell them to you for the furs and five of the stones. But only if Tabitha is agreeable to it." Peter examined the stones in his hand.
"Free them Peter. If they go or stay it is then by their choice," Daffydd answered.
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"Is this what you want Tabitha?" Peter Jefferson asked quietly.
"Yes, Master Jefferson. That's where Nathari and I is suppose to be." Tabitha stood proudly.
"Well then, here is your emancipation papers. Take care and don't loose them. I'm no longer your master Tabitha, please call me Peter." Jefferson smiled warmly and hugged the proud woman. "You're right going with Daffydd and his people. I envy you I think."
"I know I'm right Ma . . . Peter. My name is Tiaret," the freed woman answered proudly, her eyes lingering on bright blue eyes and a quirky grin.
"I will miss you Tiaret. Good journey and a happy life." Jefferson nodded. "Nathari, grow tall and make your mother proud.
"I will try very hard Suh," Nathari answered determinedly.
"A mother could ask for nothing more. Don't forget learn, learn everything you can." Peter smiled down.
"Eban, be careful courting your warrior woman. If you haven't noticed, she's bigger than you." Peter smiled into dancing blue eyes.
"The winters can be very cold beside the muddy water. She will need a good hunter and I can keep her very warm," Eban teased, delighting in the glare he was sent from the tall woman.
Peter and Thomas moved through the group, bidding private farewells to their distant kinsmen.
Thomas handed Trevin to Tiaret with a watery smile. "Be happy, take care of him. He's special. Him and Nathari both."
"I know, and they are even more special when they're together. Your path will be different young one, but even more special." Tiaret's dark eyes seemed to see a far away place. "Yes a very special path."
Tiaret turned and started walking after the departing warriors with Nathari beside her and Trevin looking back over her shoulder. Eban bounced over only to scamper back, avoiding the playful slap sent his way.
"Daffydd, you never said why it was you sought out the white people," Peter questioned.
"We were on a hunt," Daffydd answered, eyes lingering on Thomas for a moment before walking after his people.
"But what were you hunting?" Thomas called after him.
"A Tywysydd. We sought a Tywysdd for the young Gwyliwr. May the Hanging God bless you young Thomas ap Peter." Daffydd laughed and disappeared into the forest.
"No one will believe us, will they Tad?" Thomas whispered.
"No, I doubt they would." Peter held his son close, realizing how close he came to losing his son to a child hardly more than a babe.
"What did Daffydd mean they were hunting a guide for Trevin? And why did Daffydd call him a sentinel?" Thomas looked up at his father.
"Let me tell you a story from Cymru my grandfather Thomas told me. . . " Peter wrapped his arm around his son's bony shoulders and led him back towards the house.
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Author's notes:
Welsh words
Tad -father
Tadig-grandfather
cystal-so good
Tywysydd-guide
Gwyliwr-sentinel
Tiaret-lioness in one of the African dialects but I am uncertain which one.
Tabitha/Tiaret has three diagonal scars on each cheek. A custom still common in eastern Africa.
Slavery was still common through out the world during this period. The American Indians kept slaves, as did the Welsh, the English, Norsemen. I can't think of a single culture that didn't use slaves at some point in its history. Don't fool yourselves. Slavery is still widespread in many areas of the globe. Race, gender or social position has never been a deterrent. Slaves sold out of Africa into the Caribbean and US mainland in what was commonly called the triangle trade were most often war captives. I would never consider slavery to be a good thing but it was perhaps preferable to the alternative and ending up in someone's stew pot.
