by Rene Folsom
Today was a good day, even if things didn’t go exactly as they should have. I need to pay better attention to my surroundings if I ever wish to get out of this life. Or I need to at least leave myself little reminders—little breadcrumbs like that odd Hansel and Gretel story my mom used to tell me when I was little. Otherwise, how else am I going to survey the grounds? It’s obvious I won’t be able to get out tomorrow or the next day, but I can’t be here for longer than necessary. I have to remember that an idle mind is the devil’s playground… and the devil would like nothing more than to see me rot away in this hell he’s created just for me.
While chewing, I pull the cap from my head and finger comb the tangles out the best I can before braiding it. There are more red strands, and the more I wonder about the red strands multiplying, the more scared I get.
Has to be this place. Something about the air.
I am no scientist, but it has to be the new environment I am exposed to. There is no other reason. Graham didn’t say anything about the streaks when he saw me earlier. But he did seem interested, even if he had never seen my hair before I came to this place. But then again, it was dark, and my black and red hair could easily blend into the night.
He saw me with my cap off.
He didn’t reprimand me, but he did remind me to always keep it on.
If anyone sees my hair, they might believe something is wrong with me, or that I carry some sort of disease.
Then again, having a reason for people to steer clear of me might not be all that bad of an idea. It’s not like I’m a social butterfly or anything.
I idly smile as I continue to stuff my face with the warm bread. Only my messed-up mind would find it amusing to scare the others over nothing.
As soon as I finish the last crumb of food, I glare at the tiny sink again… I should at least attempt to wash myself up, especially since I won’t see a shower tonight.
The food settles nicely in my gut, but the stress and work from earlier today are catching up to me. I can’t deny that my bed is an invitation I don’t want to pass up. It’s one more day down, and with a little due diligence, there will only be a handful more before I gain my freedom.
The next day starts like the last few I’ve spent in this house—chaos.
I exist in robot mode as I use my thumbprint to pass through the gates and greet Langston at the stables.
At least I made it without getting lost this time.
He has the horses out in the pastures, grazing. According to him, we’re in charge of cleaning their stalls today. I don’t tell him about my adventure in the garden the night before. It’s probably best I keep that to myself. As we work, I make sure to pay attention to his directions while he shows me how to properly clean the stalls.
“Fresh hay daily, girl. Don’t forget that. It’s the most important part. Especially with Tyrant. He’s picky that way, which makes Vulcan all kinds of specific. Each brother is very particular about their steed.”
“Got it. Fresh hay, daily,” I repeat. First, because I want him to know I’m listening. But second, because if I plan to take one of these beasts, I want to know how to care for them.
“You can get the hay from the barn across the path over there.” He points. “If you notice it’s getting scarce, you need to let me know so I can get Jasper to go out and gather some more.”
I’ve just finished cleaning out the stalls when I get the sense that someone is watching me—again.
Maybe it’s Jasper, the other stable hand, and he’s here to help.
Or maybe you’re certifiable.
The heat from the sun casts an unforgiving fire down on my exposed neck and arms. Sweat beads on my skin, peppering my face with moisture. My cap is keeping the slight breeze from hitting my skin, and I want nothing more than to take it off and wipe the sweat from my brow. I hesitate, though, reminded of Graham’s words to me. Since he was nice enough to only give me a warning about my slipup last night, I’d be an idiot to let it happen again.
Looking around cautiously, I watch as the horses all graze in different parts of the yard. I see no one around—no one watching me.
Tempie is the one that greets me first. The only reason I’m confident it’s her is because of the single braid in her mane. Regardless of what Graham told me the night before, I didn’t get close enough to see her eyes. Langston was out talking to the horses earlier in the day, and I made sure to keep an ear open with one eye on his tasks.
Tempie isn’t shy at all, but curious. She trots up to me with no care in the world, and the first thing she does is bend her head and sniff my hands.
“She’s looking for an apple or a carrot.” Langston comes from out of nowhere to stand next to me, then places an apple in my hand. “Here.” My first instinct is to back away. It’s no secret this horse is huge right along with all the others.
Her head towers over me, and my eyes are barely level with her massive belly.
Still, my lack of height doesn’t seem to faze her as she picks the apple from my hand, devouring it whole. While she chomps, I can hear the crispness of the apple and watch as the juices from the fruit drip from her lips. Just the sound makes my stomach rumble with hunger. The damn horse eats better than me. I’ve never had an apple before, but they look and smell amazing.
“I’ve never seen her warm up to a stranger so quickly,” Langston says, breaking my trance with the horse. “You must have a calm spirit. That or you’re a horse charmer and didn’t tell me,” he jokes right before turning back to peek at the other horses. Tempie butts me softly with her head, causing my feet to shuffle back a few steps.
She has a lot more muscle than I anticipated, not that I thought she was weak. But just the nudge from her snout makes me realize I’m way out of my league with these animals.
She does it again, and before I think about what is happening, she backs me into some sort of fenced-in arena.
“Langston, what does she want now?” I call to him, trying to keep my voice calm so as not to startle her.
I can’t see him, but I can still hear him as he shouts. “She wants to ride, girl.”
“She wants to ride what?” I must sound stupid, but I’m at a loss for what this beast of an animal wants from me.
“No, girl, she wants you to ride her.” His voice sounds surprised, yet confident. “It’s another first from that beauty. You might as well make her happy while you can.”
“But you said not to ride her.” Is this man senile to think a female house attendant is allowed to ride one of the owner’s horses?
“I said not until I tell you. I’m telling you, girl. Take her out for a ride. Although, you just might need some help getting up on this massive beast.”
Tempie may be my ticket out.
I don’t know the first thing about riding a horse, and the mere idea of it makes me nervous. Langston must sense my hesitation because he finally steps out from behind Toke. At least… I think he’s brushing Toke, Seneca’s horse. It takes me a split second to see the flecks of gold, solidifying it is indeed him.
Without explanation, Langston hands me something he calls a halter and bridle. At least I know that much from what he has explained to me over the past two days. Before I can ask any questions, Langston proceeds to show me how to place it onto Tempie’s head.
I pay close attention to what he does, trying to memorize each step in my head.
“Okay, girl, you’re ready,” he says, patting Tempie on the meaty part of her neck. “Zhavia here is too short to mount you, so you gotta help an old man out.” I finally realize he’s talking to the horse as Tempie kneels and allows me to mount her—bareback.
I’ve never ridden a horse before, but I’ve seen some of the guards do it. Usually, they have leather saddles to protect their butts from direct impact with the animal.
Clearly, that’s not an issue when it comes to the Kincaid horses.
I settle on Tempie’s back, relishing the feel of how comfortable it is to be on her. She’
s warm, sturdy, and she clearly knows I haven’t ever been in this sort of situation before because she’s patient with me. It’s as if I can feel the calming aura surrounding us both.
Tempie looks back at me, the flecks of blue in her eyes making it clear she is Graham’s baby. Still, I am confident, without a fraction of a doubt, she will be just as patient with me as Graham was the night before.
They’re soulmates, even if it is man against beast.
“Jasper usually rides them,” Langston blurts out, again breaking my intense connection with Tempie. “But if she wants you to ride her, I’m happy to oblige her. These horses are damn smart, and I’m sure Master Graham won’t have a problem with you giving his horse some exercise.”
Suddenly, worry creeps into me. What if Graham gets pissed I’m on his horse? He seems to be the most patient of the brothers I’ve met, but I’d hate to get on his bad side.
“I hope not,” I tell Langston. “I don’t want to get you into any trouble.”
But I do want to escape, and earning the trust of the horses is the first step.
“No trouble at all.” Langston rubs Tempie’s long neck, whispering something in her ear I can’t hear.
Without any more of a warning, she takes off at a slow pace, trotting around the arena.
I feel ten feet tall. Hell, I am ten feet tall at this point. The ground is a long way down, and I try not to get queasy as she begins to trot in circles. She smells like hay and sunshine, the perfect combination for a horse.
I’ve never felt so free.
After a while, I realize I have a huge grin on my face. Langston glances over at me every now and again while tending to the other horses. He wears an almost permanent smirk on his face, and keeps shaking his head in disbelief as he watches me ride Tempie before continuing what he’s doing.
I’m on what must be my hundredth lap around the arena when I hear a female’s voice shriek in my direction.
When I peek over my shoulder, my entire mood falls. Just beyond the pasture fence line is Greann and Madame Kincaid.
9
“Langston, what is she doing on Graham’s horse?” Madame Kincaid questions. No one would be able to ignore the deep scowl on her face even if they tried.
I can’t hear more as Langston starts in their direction, but I do immediately notice Tempie’s reaction.
Still in the arena, the horse slows to a walk before stopping, her eyes on Lady Greann and Madame Kincaid. I still can’t hear what they are saying, but I can tell Tempie is not happy.
“Shh, girl. It’s okay,” I say as I lean forward and pat the side of her neck, feeling the pulse of adrenaline coursing through her. “They’ll be gone soon. Don’t you worry.”
Tempie huffs out a loud breath through her nostrils, her left-front hoof stomping on the ground with impatience.
Slowly, attempting to ignore Greann and Madame Kincaid’s existence, I tug at the reins and steer Tempie toward the stables since the horse seems bent out of shape that the two women are here.
Langston wasn’t joking when he said they were smart mammals. Clearly, they know evil when they see it.
Just as I approach the entrance to the sables, Langston breaks away from the women and heads in my direction, his eyes downcast and his hands shoved in his pockets.
I don’t even get a chance to ask him if everything is okay before he starts to speak. “Don’t worry. I told them it’s common for us to exercise the horses. They won’t be bothering us anymore today.”
He doesn’t say anything else.
“There’s something you’re not telling me.” It’s clear on his face there is and that he knows he has to spill. After all, it’s because of me the ladies of the house have caused a fuss.
Langston places a stool to the left of Tempie, then helps me climb down.
“I am to be reported to the brothers for allowing a female servant on one of their horses, and they will punish me as they see fit.” He doesn’t look at me as he talks, though I don’t need him to. I understand just what he’s saying. He’s getting in trouble all because he let me ride a horse—the horses he cares for day in and day out. “If you don’t see me for a day or two, just take care of the horses like I have taught you and do your best.”
“It’s all such bullshit,” I blurt out. I’m livid, and my anger makes it impossible to beat around the bush about my feelings toward House Kincaid and all that it represents.
He nods, though his expression is somber. “Don’t say that out loud, Zhavia. You have no idea what kind of trouble you could get into if someone hears you.”
“You mean someone on their side.” I didn’t phrase it as a question, because it wasn’t one. I’m clear as crystal that I don’t like snitches, and it’s also obvious Langston agrees with me, even if he doesn’t have the balls to say it out loud.
“Again, hold your tongue, girl.”
After I’m done dethroning Tempie and remove her bridle, Langston and I take our time walking deeper into the stables where the other horses have gathered, probably to soak in some shade from the unforgiving sun.
Langston startles me as he grabs my hands, his grip fierce and strong. His face is close—a little too close—though I don’t dare pull away. I can see all the lines that age his skin. It doesn’t even begin to tell me of the trials he has been through in this society.
“Promise me,” he demands, his eyes boring into mine with a ferocity and passion I haven’t seen in someone for many years. “Promise you’ll care for them?”
“You’re scaring me,” I admit.
“Just please, promise me. If I don’t happen to come back, just promise you’ll care for them like they’re your family. Like they’re your friends.”
I nod, though I hate that he even has to ask.
“They can’t take you away simply for letting me ride Temptress, can they?”
This time, he matches my nod with a shake of his head, his eyes finally breaking away from mine and looking at our clasped hands, dirt caked under both our fingernails. “They don’t have to answer to anyone but God. They’re capable of anything they set their minds to.”
He lets me go, but barely manages to turn before adding one additional string of words that has me scratching my head. “Plus, I spoke unkindly to the madame. It’s very likely going to be my last words remembered by anyone on this earth.”
“Not true,” I interject. “I’ve only been in your services for two days, and I already know you’ve made an impact on my soul.”
A tear trickles down my cheek, though I swipe it away before anyone sees it. I won’t be caught crying. Not now, not ever.
“You’re way too kind to an old man, child.” He doesn’t look back at me as he continues to walk out of the stables. “Just care for them. They’ll need you.”
The sun is still bright on the horizon, even though it won’t take much time at all for it to fall. Still, I don’t move. I feel like I’m cemented to this spot for all eternity after the utter defeat I just witnessed in Langston’s eyes.
So when I see three guards meet him at the entrance of the pastures, their bulky bodies flanking him with weapons like he’s some sort of criminal, I stay rooted to my spot. I want to run for him, to tell those bastards he did nothing wrong. But I know damn well it’ll do no good.
Nothing we say or do will help an honest soul.
They don’t handcuff him, but the statement is clear.
He’s in trouble. All because of something he did for me.
I didn’t know the man for long, but I still want to throw my body in front of the guards and demand they take me instead. Hard-earned experience has taught me that my offering won’t save anyone. Time spent in the hole has taught me that no good deed goes unpunished.
Plus, I should really try to stay focused on getting out of this place. I just hate there will be collateral damage along the way.
This isn’t me.
It isn’t like me to just stand along the sidelines and let injustices unfold
beneath my nose.
That’s it. I’m going to stand up for Langston, even if it means I get the lashings in place of him.
One step.
Then two more.
Five steps in and I am now boiling with rage and hatred toward anyone who would hurt such a harmless soul. I am determined to put a stop to this, no matter what the consequences are for me.
“Stop.” The male voice invading my mind sounds distant, but right in my head at the same time.
I listen and stop, though I’m unsure as to why my leg muscles would choose to halt when time is of the essence.
“Good girl.”
The voice is patronizing me… goading me on so I will have no choice but to defy the silky smooth texture of his words.
I look around, my eyes searching for the source, yet my feet still stay rooted to the hay-filled stable floors.
Finally, I spot him, though I shouldn’t be surprised it’s Graham who has come to gather me. After all, it was his horse I rode. I’d be a fool to think he wouldn’t want to be involved in disciplining the creature who has bonded with his mare.
He stands in the shadows, even though the welcoming sun is still casting a warm glow along the barnyard floor. His form isn’t clear, but I know it’s him.
“I’m not quite sure what’s happening right now, or why you’re here, but please let me go. I need to go save him.” I don’t even pretend to be a servant of his right now.
I don’t belong to him. I don’t belong to anyone.
But my heart pours out for my friend, and even though I’ve only known Langston for a mere two days, he still deserves every ounce of energy I can muster to save him.
I can barely see the nod of his head beneath the shroud of darkness he is allowing to envelope him. “I get it. I honestly do. I heard my mother and Lady Greann talking about the incident, though I wish they’d both just mind their own business. Trust me when I say it won’t be an issue. It’s my horse, my house, and my decision on who I allow to ride Tempie.”