Spirit Ran Free
Chapter Two / Page One

Somewhere obscurely in the Bahama Islands, Paul Marceau of Savannah, Georgia, was visiting his cousin Justin Marceau. Both pompously dressed men wearing ruffles and tall silk hats were having a splendid morning, laughing and socializing among a host of slave marketers. Paul Marceau glanced at the auction block and abruptly stopped laughing. This man was astounded at what he saw.

"My God. A most stunning creation. Godly stunning."

"Yes, surely more of our uncouth desire for the darky wench."

"Perhaps, Cousin Justin, but that is nothing less than a rare jewel. I beg to tell you, sir, this is something truly remarkable, such exquisite beauty of which, I have never seen."

"Oh Christ, surely an insult to our own lovely White ladies."

"Yes, it is surely absurd," Paul responded absently while his eyes never left the uncommonly beautiful African princess.

Lyakena stood calmly wearing the soiled remains of her best dress. As it was stripped from her body by the slave auctioneer displaying her worth, the shy young princess wanted to cry. Rather, she remained regally poised, seemingly above it all.

Paul Marceau, a most dignified wealthy attorney raised his hand and the severe bidding that went on for the African princess would be told and retold from father to son. A story renown as those told of the most beautiful women throughout history.

Princess Lyakena was being led away from the bizarre slave block just as Jushetta was being ushered on. Their eyes touched and they both sensed that this was their last goodbye.

Jushetta waved and finally spoke again. "Goodbye, Princess Lyakena. You are so brave and so wonderful. I love you."

Cont. / Page 2

the author


Forest Hairston