Princess Ces'alena (Webster Fields)

by Mercedes Keyes

  “It’s too soon yet to get tired. We have more than half of Mississippi to comb through. Thank goodness Alabama is behind us and off the list.”

  “What if we don’t find her here? Then what?” Pearson asked.

  “Let’s not worry about that now. Somewhere out there is King LuMaden’s daughter, Princess Ceś alena. I figure she got to be a slave at one of these plantations.” Casey stated.

  “You know what we didn’t consider? She suppose to be so beautiful, what if she works in a brothel?”

  “Oh hell! If that’s the case, we’re going to have to go back through Alabama again.” Casey despaired, “But on second thought, it would be more fun than searching plantations …Oh well.” He smiled with the flexing of his brow.

  Sighing, he returned to reality from his lecherous fantasy. “We’ll do every plantation we find here. We’ve done Meridian, Hattiesburg, and here. Next on the list is Laurel, Natchez, then Vicksburg.”

  “Hell and damnation! Casey, we ain’t gonna find that woman. She been gone from that Island close to fifteen years now. For all we know, she could be dead. Or her father the king. If we do find her, who’s to say it won’t be too late?” Pearson went on to complain.

  “You just keep in mind how much wealth it means for us if we do find her. Until there’s nowhere left to search, we will search on. I like the idea of never having to labor again.” Casey dreamed, caught up in the search himself.

  “She may not even look the same. She close to thirty now, a whole lot can happen to a wench to change her looks. What if she gone to fat? Or changed her name from Ceś alena?” Pearson complained, his desires to stop clear.

  “Don’t matter - all that. I figure with features like hers, she’ll stand out. How many Negro women we run across with gold eyes, and amber colored hair-…”

  “Excuse me gentlemen, I apologize for listening in, but couldn’t help but overhear your conversation. Did I hear you correctly - did you mention the name…Ceś alena? A Negro slave?” Katherine turned in her seat, chill bumps racing up her arms.

  Both men turned to look back at her. Casey took a deep breath and was careful with his reply. “Ahhh, yes ma’am, we did. My name is Harold Casey, and this is my partner Timothy Pearson.”

  Katherine looked from one to the other nodding. “I’m Katherine Webster, nice to meet you. You did - you said the name, Ceś alena?” She pressed.

  “Yes we did. Would you like to join us?” Casey invited feeling a twinge of excitement.

  “No, I can’t really. I’m here with family, and they will be returning shortly, however…I was quite taken aback at the mention of our house servant’s name. She cooks for us. Her name is Ceś alena, we call her Lena. How would you know of her?”

  Pearson felt sweat pop out on his head as he looked at her with wide eyes as Casey continued to confirm this maybe lucky turn of events. “If I may do so, I’d like to give you a description of her so that we know we’re speaking of one and the same.”

  “Certainly, by all means.” Katherine agreed.

  “She would be around twenty-eight years old. Very attractive, some have said, beautiful even. Amber color hair, gold eyes-…”

  “Yes…that is her…that is Lena. She has been at my husband’s plantation over fourteen years now. My father-in-law won her in a poker game.”

  “Hallelujah!!” Pearson leapt from his chair shouting to the heavens so overcome with relief that they’d found her. “We’ve found her!!”

  “Sit - you imbecile!” Casey ground out. Pearson dropped back into his seat as those in the restaurant looked at them disapproving of their disruption. Casey took a deep breath overjoyed himself, he couldn’t believe it.

  “Ma’am, Mrs. Webster that is. We’ve been searching for her, for years now. Where exactly is your plantation located?”

  Katherine decided to join them after all.

  Seating herself comfortably, praying for time before her aunt or Mildred returned, she began immediately, “Before I tell you where my plantation is, suppose you two tell me why you’re looking for my slave, Ceś alena?”

  Both men knew they had to be careful here. They couldn’t let on about the treasure. The thought of this caused all types of greed in people to erupt. For those reasons, Casey as usual, did all the talking.

  “Well - it’s like this. We work for her father.”

  “Her father? Ceś alena’s father?”

  “Yes ma’am, you see - he is a king on the island where she was stolen from so many years ago and sold into slavery. She is a princess there, and he hired us to find her.” He informed her carefully. “It seems that he was especially close to her, and is willing to buy her freedom back so that she might be returned to him and her true home. Even after all of this time, he wishes that she be found. It sure would make an old man happy, and there would be a very large draft paid to you, or your husband for her.”

  Katherine sat before them in a state of shock. Never had she imagined such a blessing as this. ‘Oh thank you, God! As for you Lena, time for you to go home. Daddy’s been looking for you. I wouldn’t dream of keeping you from him a second more.’

  “Mrs. Webster? Please, the location of your plantation? As we mentioned, we’re willing to pay well for her.” Casey repeated. Katherine smiled so brightly it lit up her entire face.

  “My plantation? Why, surely…Webster Fields, on the out skirts of Vicksburg. I just happened to be in Jackson shopping with my cousin and aunt when I overheard your conversation. I assure you Mr. Casey, I wouldn’t dream of keeping Lena from her father. The problem you will face, is my husband.” She admitted simply. “You see, she is his bed-wench - and what is more, he is in love with her. I happen to know, there is no amount that will persuade him to sell her to you.”

  Casey and Pearson exchanged looks of disbelief at her absolute frankness. To admit what she did concerning her husband. Following that was the dilemma of what they would do to get through him.

  “But…” They both looked back at her. “…I’m willing to give her over to you for nothing. Just to get her off of my plantation and away from my husband. If you gentlemen are willing to follow my lead, I will get you your princess.”

  Both men lit up with smug smiles, understanding completely. “You have our undivided attention Mrs. Webster. What is it that you have planned?”

  “I can’t go over it with you now. As I explained, I’m here with family. If you hold tight here, I will return with an excuse of shopping - something along those lines. We can meet after I’ve come to a plan where you can take possession of her. What’s important is that you wait for me to come to you. I assure you, it will be soon. My husband is out of town, and you must take possession of her before he returns. Don’t even consider coming out to the plantation and speaking with anyone, because I assure you… if anyone were to find out, you will never get her – she is protected there.”

  “Please ma’am, don’t worry. We’ll wait for you. You have just saved us a lot of time and travel.” Casey informed her. Katherine smiled, “And money! Just think, you get to pocket what he would have paid us, and the reward.”

  Casey nodded in respect, realizing this was no stupid woman. It also told him, that if greed hadn’t stirred her, then revenge must be her motivation.

  There was a saying that in this case proved to be true, “Beware the wrath of a woman scorned,” not even greed equaled that.

  She stood and nodded, “Until then.” She turned from them and sat back at her table, smiling with a joy that shot right through her. She heard them call out behind her to the waitress, “Excuse me, …our bill please.” They paid what they owed and left the restaurant, passing Mildred and her aunt on their way back in. Both women came back to the table taking their seats. Katherine was smiling bright, as her eyes sparkled with excitement.

  “Did you make it in time?” She asked Mildred as she seated herself.

  “Oh yes, just in the nick of time. Oh look at it Katherine, isn’t it wonderful? I’m so glad we
came to Jackson!”

  Katherine sighed contentedly. “So am I…so - am - I.”

  FIVE DAYS LATER:

  Katherine stood on the front porch feeling the cool breeze of a season changing storm brewing.

  It felt good as it washed over her face, she held her head up smiling into the breeze that strengthened and refreshed her with its smell and moisture. She had made her contact with Casey and Pearson.

  They were to wait for Lena at the crossroads of Main and Okala. She had promised to have her there by midnight - this tonight. Katherine steadied herself as adrenaline forced the blood pumping through her veins so vigorously, it caused heat to rise to her temples as they throbbed with tension.

  Her stomach quivered with apprehension for what she was about to do. ‘It’s not my fault - King LuMaden wishes for the return of his daughter. As a king, his wish must be granted. Why yes!’ She thought, ‘Far be it for me, to hold onto his precious, Princess Ceś alena! Surely you should understand that Manny? A father’s love for his child!’ She suddenly stopped in her tracks on the way to Lena’s cabin, the wind blowing strands of her hair into her face as she felt a chill. Fear gripped her, fright rushed through her, making her doubt her actions. She couldn’t help but think of the possible consequence if she went through with this.

  She shook the fear as a thought occurred to her, ‘How was I to know that Lena was a princess? That her father had sent for her? Two men came to the house, explained who it was they were searching for, and I told them where Lena could be found. They talked to her, convinced her that it was of an urgency that she go with them. It seems that her father was on his death bed and they found her just in time. As any daughter would, she left with them. What reason would I have for stopping her!?’ “Yes…it’s as simple as that.” Katherine smiled and mustered her nerve.

  With the evening wind whipping at her skirts, she proceeded to Lena’s cabin, pausing again. She stood as the wind howled around her, remembering the first time she had laid eyes on Manny. That night of the dance came to her mind. He was splendid in his formal wear, and as they danced…they were the perfect couple. All who saw them knew that it was so. She smiled, then it broke as she was about to cry. Both hands went to her face, holding her hot cheeks.

  “Why couldn’t he just love me? That’s all he had to do. Just love me.” She whimpered to herself, as if the night winds heard with the answer in the wind as it blew at her, whipping more of her hair loose. “No one loves me. I am to be used, but never loved. It is not fair…” She swiped at her tears, and snapped out of her misery. The smile was back. She picked up her skirt and stepped onto the porch. ‘Tonight, you my dear Lena…shall know the pain and hurt I feel. You will know the taste of being lost and alone. No longer will you hide away in this little love haven he has set about you!’ She promised vehemently, squaring her shoulders. With her heart pounding in her chest, she took a deep breath and knew the hour was at hand. Finally, once and for all time…she would rid Webster Fields of Lena. Finally, there would be no one for him to return to.

  ‘I might not have him, but you shan’t have him either…and neither he…you.’

  With determined firmness, she knocked on the door.

  The night was a restless one. Leaves raced tossed about by winds as the tallest pines and birch bent at the top from gusts promising to uproot a few. No sound competed with the whistling wind, except rattling loose windows, not soundly shut.

  No answer to her initial knock, she tried again, this time pounding. Finally as she noticed the gray clouds covering the light of the moon, she heard a groggy call from within. “Who is it?”

  ‘Aaaah, doesn’t she sound sweet, and oh so delicate.’

  “Open the door Lena, it’s Katherine…I’ve come to see your Hope.”

  Lena had retired early that day, she and Hope. She wasn’t feeling well of late, and couldn’t shake the lethargy. It helped her that Jordan kept Hope with him most of the day as he did his rounds, with her on the front of his horse. His patience with her was incredible, and if Hope couldn’t have Manny or Leon, her next choice would be Jordan. Jean would feed her, when Jordan came in from the fields to eat, and back they would go, Hope enjoying every moment. By the time Lena got her back, she was worn out.

  When the first knocks came, Lena thought herself dreaming, but the next were with such a strong pounding, they woke her. She rose trying to shake the heavy fuzz of sleep that weighed down on her as she made her way to the door. The reply that came back after her enquiry was an explosion to her senses - startling to her heart. She lay against the door, her head against it for support as her mind screamed in alarm, ‘Oh my God…it’s Katherine! Here to see Hope? How does she know!? Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God!’ Her mind screamed rapidly with her breathing deep and frightened. Nausea washed over her so she thought she would wretch.

  “Oh help me be strong, help me with this, please! Manny loves me and there is nothing she can do to harm us, nothing! We’re going to be okay, just keep calm… Manny won’t let her hurt us, he won’t, but - he’s gone. Oh my God he’s gone!” She cried, trying to talk herself into being brave.

  “Lenaaaaa…it’s awfully windy out here. I know you’re there, open the door now.” Katherine talked against the door listening for movement on the other side. “Come on Lena. I just want to talk to you. That’s all, please, let me in so we can talk.”

  Lena closed her eyes, ‘Breath deeply, relax and remember she cannot hurt you. Don’t let her frighten you. See what she’s about, and let her say what she will and it’ll be over.’ She coached herself for needed strength. She felt dizzy, as the nausea sat in the pit of her stomach tempting her to be sick. She took a deep breath, and knew she had to face her.

  Katherine stood waiting about to coax her further when she heard the latch lift, and the door opened slowly with just enough space for Lena to see out. Katherine smiled down at her. The sky lit suddenly with displays of lightning like scribbles of ‘y’ and zipping ‘z’s, turning the night to instant daylight for a brief illumination and then back out as if someone flipped a switch on and off. The wind whipped Katherine’s dark tresses loose from its coiffure, sending the strands across her face, over her eyes and mouth. Eyes vacantly dark and stormy as the night, giving true evidence of the suppressed anger she tried to hide.

  “How long will we stand here staring at one another? Let me in Lena … surely you aren’t afraid of me?” She challenged cunningly.

  Swallowing, Lena prayed, ‘Hurry home Manny…please, hurry home.’ She backed up pulling the door open to let Katherine in. She strolled in with an ease as if she floated instead of walked. The look and feel of the cabin once again closed around her, layering on another coat of anger and resentment. Across the room she saw the end of the bed, and over from there, the window where she stood outside watching as they lay in bed, such a lovely little, happy family, all snuggled warm and cozy. Visions of Manny and Lena, Lena and Manny…the scene cleared and there lay Hope, his child. Manny’s daughter, ‘Another of his bastard children by his whore!’ She thought. ‘Well no more shall she bare by him!’ Her mind declared.

  Lena stood at the door watching her from behind as she glared in direction of her bed, and her sleeping daughter. Katherine took a few steps in that direction to clear the partition from blocking her view.

  There she lay, the child.

  Katherine stood staring at her. Making Lena nervous and her protective instincts rise. “Katherine…you wanted to talk to me?” She asked carefully.

  Katherine, as if in slow motion turned to look at Lena. When their eyes met, it sent shivers through Lena. No matter how she tried to control her fear, she was afraid. The look directed at her now, was filled with such bold hatred, she wondered if she might try to kill her. She then wondered if she had the strength to deal with what might come of this confrontation.

  Silently Katherine stood as if seeing through Lena, then finally she hissed softly. “Yes, I did say I wanted to talk…didn’t I.”
>
  Lena nodded.

  Katherine turned her upper body to look back at Hope again. “My my …” She started, then turned back to Lena. “…-how light she’s become since last I saw her. Why, she’s almost white now…isn’t she? I wonder how that could have happened, for a child so dark at birth?”

  “One minute the color of Mississippi soil, and the next - like too much cream in my tea. Imagine that. Never heard of such a thing happening… you?”

  Lena avoided the question. Katherine turned back to look at Hope again. Lena wanted to distract her from looking at her daughter. “Katherine won’t you have a seat, so we can talk here.” Lena suggested. Katherine turned knowing eyes back to Lena. “No. I won’t be here that long. You see, I’ve come to tell you something. Something real important!” She smiled then, a smile out of character for the visit. A smile almost childlike, innocent - as if she would burst with laughter any second. “Guess what Lena, guess what I’ve come to tell you? Come on guess?”

  “I - I don’t know Katherine, what?” Lena asked gently.

  Katherine made a face, crooking her mouth to the side as if exasperated with her. “Come on Lena, play along!” She chirped.

  Lena only stared, nervous, quiet.

  “You’re no fun. You ruin everything - everything!” She pouted; then looked back at Hope again, staring for moments, as if unable to keep her eyes from her. She looked back at Lena again, this time, there were tears in her eyes.

  “Manny - loves her…doesn’t he?” She nodded as if answering her own question. “And…your father…he loves you - doesn’t he?” Again she nodded in answer to her own question. Shaking her head, she confessed, “Mine…my father, Gerard Sanders, that is my father’s name.” Again she shook her head slowly thinking. “He didn’t…I know … I know he didn’t.”

  Lena’s eyes squinted puzzled at her odd behavior. Katherine went on talking to her, yet, she wasn’t really speaking to her as one would in conversation, this was different and disturbing. There was pain in her words, Katherine was hurting, it was plain to see, hurting from something that had nothing to do with her and Manny.