The Cry of Liberty

Chapter One: Africa

Sasha couldn't wait to see the exotic lands of Africa. She had begged her husband to bring her along on one of his voyages and he finally caved to her constant asking. Her darling Thomas warned her how hard the trip would be, two months at sea to get there and two months back. Though he tried to scare her into changing her mind, the tales of how beautiful the land was and the thrill of a new place kept her will strong.

Thomas was a captain in the Royal African Company, transporting trade goods to Africa in exchange for livestock to bring to the British West Indies. He had proposed to Sasha during one of his rare visits to England. She couldn't refuse such a well off man's offer so she agreed. They had thrown together a fast ceremony before he was to leave again. He moved her into his manner and kissed her goodbye before parting.

"Mrs. Wainwright, Captain wanted me to inform you we are coming up on the Nigerian coast. We should be at port in a matter of hours." One of the crewmen said through the door of the captain's quarters.

"Thank you!" Sasha called, jumping up and rushing to get changed. She practically ran up the stairs to stand by her husband.

"There it is, love." He pointed to the lush green and rocky coastline.

She watched as they got nearer to the port and couldn't believe her eyes at the sight at the docks. People with rich ebony skin the likes of which she'd never seen before. They were absolutely stunning in her eyes, from their dress to their hair. She looked back at Thomas and noticed how amused he was at her reaction.

"Impressive, aren't they?" He chuckled.

"Can I go ashore?" Her blue eyes glimmered with uncontainable excitement. Thomas nodded and motioned over his first mate.

"Roland, I'm entrusting you my most valuable possession. Please act as Sasha's escort while we're here."

"Yes, Captain."

"And take that new crew boy with you. I want to ensure her safety." He nodded towards the young man tying the sails down. Roland guided Sasha to where the gangplank was being laid. She was fit to burst as she set foot on the dock. Roland stopped, turning and calling to the young man to join them.

"Jack! Captain wants you with me." The man hurried down the plank to them. Sasha had talked to Jack a few times on their voyage to Africa, he seemed a nice young man. He had felt comfortable confiding with her about his past, as they were close in years. She had found his background as a pirate's son fascinating and his attempt at trying at a life of lawful employment admirable.

"Nice that you could come along, Jackie." She teased as they began walking into the port market. Everything was so different to what she was used to back in Bristol, it was hot and humid, the people were exotic and their languages so mysterious. She marveled at the furs and ivory stalls but the clothes and food caught her attention the most. Elegant fabrics were expertly stitched to form skirts and dresses. At one food vendor, she bought the three of them different things to try.

"I'd suggest you try the suya, Mrs. Wainwright. The fish is fresh caught each morning here in the bay." Roland suggested as she tried to decide. She handed the woman the money to cover three servings, smiling at the sticks of spiced fish.

"One for you," Sasha handed the brutish Scot a stick. "And one for you." She handed one to Jack and took a bite of her own. It was spicy and tender and probably the best food she'd ever eaten. Roland smirked at the blissful look on her face.

They spent all day in the port town, both men amused at the childlike wonder Sasha was experiencing. Roland brought them to a restaurant he frequented when in town. On the walk back to the ship, Sasha and Jack talked about what they'd seen during their excursion while Roland walked behind them, looming like a watchful guardian.

"I hope you enjoyed yourself, love." Thomas was there to greet his wife upon their return. She ran into his arms and began regaling him with her adventure in the market. He guided her to their quarters and spent the night pleasing his devoted spouse.