The Watchman's Grace

Chapter Two-4

Eventually Ford found a willing horse on which to conduct his lessons. In the following days, Fortune became as adept as his instructor in fitting these graceful creatures. Pleased with Fortune’s progress, Ford’s mind raced ahead to the large sum he would receive for training him. Remembering Willis was expected the next morning, Ford ensured his apprentice was in fine form.

“Now look here Fortune. Willis is arriving tomorrow and taking you back to White Rose. But before that happens, I need to know if you have doubts about anything I’ve taught you. Speak up now boy, because Harriston Smith will deal hard with you if any mistakes happen over there! You hear me?”

Fortune knew all about the ill temperament of his supposed master. “I’m fine on it all Mister Ford, but you could show me again how you use the horn to make those rounded metal parts?”

“That’s no problem there Fortune. And is there anything else on your mind?”

“No sir Mister Ford.”

“Then follow me back to the work area. After all this, I want you to grab yourself some food and get a long rest. I don’t make my reputation on disappointments you know.”

Early morning at Springwater Plantation witnessed Herman Ford and Fortune anticipating Willis’s arrival. Before that happened, the instructor had some parting words for his charge.

“You’ve got good hands now. And well enough learning I reckon. It’s time for you to go back to White Rose and show Master Smith I taught you well. So don’t mess up anything. And boy, don’t ever forget that Herman taught you well. Be good now, ya hear?”

“Yes Mister Ford. I learned you well.”

Ford’s eyes then narrowed in displeasure upon remembering a nagging feeling he experienced throughout the apprenticeship. “I have to say something before Willis arrives. You’re an odd nigra, Fortune. I don’t know where you come from, nor care. But always remember where you are, and that any smarts you have still do not measure up to a White man’s! You are here to serve us, and if you get uppity, well, you will find your Maker soon enough.”

At that precise moment a speck approaching the front entrance of Springwater Plantation steadily grew larger. Soon the familiar outline of Willis and his cart came into focus. He wore the expectant grin of a soon to be father on his round, sunburned face.

“Greetings to you on this fine morning Herman. I hope there is good news to start off my day?”

“Good morning Willis. I told you when you left Springwater four weeks ago we had a good chance with this buck. And he’s proved equal to my thoughts. He came here knowing nothing, but he leaves here as your next blacksmith.”

Willis immediately reached into his side satchel and produced a large amount of colored paper. “Here’s the fee agreed upon by Harriston Smith for your efforts. I trust all will be fine with our arrangement?”

Ford grasped the thick wad of bills before counting it out. Afterwards, he placed both hands upon his haunches in a display of complete satisfaction.

“Everything looks to be in order. As for Fortune, this boy’s skills will lack for nothing.”

“Come along now Fortune. And thank Herman Ford for making you useful for Pete’s sake! He just made a place for you at White Rose.”

“Yes Mister Willis. Thank you Mister Ford. I know a lot now and can be a good blacksmith.”

“I sure hope so Fortune, because Harriston Smith will find out soon enough if you are. Good day Herman.”

“Likewise Willis, and once again give my regards to Harriston and Darlene.”

Willis’s cart rocked down the laneway at a steady gait. Meanwhile, Fortune reflected briefly upon his days at Springwater Plantation. He left its gates with more knowledge, though feared what lay ahead.

While he was never treated as an equal at Springwater, he was afforded a greater degree of latitude than at White Rose. Though no matter how he judged his situation, the bonds of slavery still held fast, maintaining cruel conditions he desired to flee.

For now, the cart driver held a smug look of satisfaction throughout their ride back to White Rose. Harriston Smith could not help but be impressed by his handling of the whole process. Herman Ford virtually assured Fortune’s success. And it was Willis who bought Fortune; only he could be accorded any gratitude a pleased Harriston would bestow.

*****

Several months after his apprenticeship at Springwater Plantation, Fortune had become quite settled. To his credit, he was equal to the unending tasks required in such a vast operation. Even Willis’s intense scrutiny found little to fault in his work. Though he would never say it aloud, Willis would be hard pressed to remember a time their smithing operations ran so smoothly.

Fortune’s competencies were noticed by those in higher authority. Harriston Smith would not suffer an incompetent in this crucial position, and even he found no cause for concern. Harriston heard positive remarks about Fortune’s handiwork every day while he oversaw White Rose’s operations. And for the first couple of months it was reassuring to him.

Yet into the third month, Harriston’s contentment began to turn towards a measure of envy. Here was a common slave garnering a pleasant word from drivers, overseers and practically most others he came in contact with. This made a proud Harriston Smith begin to fear the growing importance this one slave held in the running of his plantation.

Regardless, today found Harriston’s spirits riding high. Cotton yields were stronger than ever. Demand from Europe appeared insatiable. And his slaves were working harder than ever. He was maximizing profits at every turn, which meant White Rose Plantation continued to be the envy of Georgia. Now feeling a bit peckish after his morning walkabout, he looked forward to a delicious lunch with Darlene. Upon entering their grand dining room, he beheld his elegant wife awaiting his company.

Darlene was beaming as she greeted her husband at the finely set table. “Harriston darling, did you hear that White Rose’s bale production has increased by a quarter since last year? The overseers’ say those last batch of field workers we bought are doing mighty fine work. And one of them said our blacksmith Fortune is keeping all our wagons working so fine!”

Of course Harriston already knew these figures, but always wished to please his wife. Her beautiful appearance, grace and connections greatly enhanced his position in Georgian society. Therefore it paid immeasurably to keep her approval.

“Yes Darlene, I believe you are correct. Thank you.”

“And did you hear those drivers lately?” she gushed on. “They say their carts have never run so smoothly. The horses seem to prance when they used to wince, like old Bailey did, don’t you remember?”

Harriston could not imagine he would be hearing more accolades for Fortune while dining with his wife. “Yes, I know how everything is working here Darlene. Now can we talk about more agreeable topics while we take lunch?”

“Well now, it is very agreeable to me that we both know how White Rose is keeping. Besides, I find it peculiar I have to learn about these things secondhand. After all, we know my family’s efforts laid the ground for what we have here today. And it does White Rose a lot of good to make sure workers like Fortune have a little better treatment, if you know what I mean…”

“I don’t want to hear any more about that boy!” interrupted a hollering Harriston, pounding his fists hard on the table. “You continue to carry on about that nigra, and I find it insulting!”

Darlene shook her head in disgust at his emotional display. “Judging by your reaction, one would think your position was threatened. Now pull yourself together and enjoy this fine meal before us!”

A sullen Harriston glared at Darlene before settling his nerves somewhat. “Yes, I am feeling quite hungry. Let’s celebrate our recent success.” With no further exchange, both ate in contemplative silence.

The following week, Fortune began noticing another pair of eyes studying his movements. None other than Harriston Smith began making frequent visits to his work area at the stables. His cool demeanor made Fortune wary. He would frequently watch upon Fortune’s activities for minutes at a time before moving on. Fortune became certain his sole purpose was to intimidate the blacksmith with his presence. Fortune was clueless as to the reason why.

Despite these circumstances, he improved daily upon his craft. Afterwards, in the scant hours afforded him, he would learn as much as possible about his surroundings. Speaking with other servants, Fortune gathered an informal knowledge of how affairs were conducted at White Rose.

It was one such evening during frequent talks at Nathaniel’s hut when he looked upon a familiar sight with fresh eyes. He knew it was forbidden fruit, though desired to taste its contents even more.

Today, Fortune eyed the old Bible lying near Nathaniel’s night candle with great focus. He could only explain his heightened curiosity one way. It was based on his assumption there was a powerful reason the pale man sought to keep its meaning from slaves. And because of their actions, Fortune came to the conclusion he must learn to read his oppressors’ secrets.

“I want to know what my enemy’s words mean Nathaniel. When I can read his thoughts, I will know his actions. And if I know that, there may be a way to get back to Africa!”

Nathaniel continued to be astounded by Fortune’s brash ambitions. “Good Lord, what makes you think I can teach you son? You know a slave is not supposed to read in these parts. And even if I could, why would I risk the few years I have left to help you? Have you lost your sense as well as your freedom?”

“True, there is nothing I can do to force my will upon you. But see how fast I learned the pale man’s spoken word! My mind is strong and my will even greater.

“Nathaniel, you still speak the language of your ancestors, and I believe some pride still remains in that wise mind. So let your last moments aid a fellow captive, and not smother my desire with our oppressor’s hate!”

Nathaniel studied every contour of Fortune’s strong facial features. After deciding there was no benefit to risk one’s life for such a troublemaker, he turned away towards his beckoning sleeping mat.

Then, Nathaniel remembered a kind old servant from past days at White Rose. That elderly man Perry saw something in a young Nathaniel and taught him the cherished gift of reading at great peril. Why yes, did he not hold Fortune’s same fire in his youth?

On second thought, it seemed a hollow act indeed to deny Fortune and snuff out his flame of promise. Abruptly he turned to face a puzzled Fortune.

“Fortune Smith, your head is strong, and that will get you an early grave. Now listen to me! You have a quick mind, but it ain’t gonna be enough to stay alive at White Rose. If you get uppity with Master Smith he will beat you down for good! To him we are nothing more than animals, and he expects all his animals to be well trained.

“Any time you challenge the rules at White Rose they will give you a nasty beating. You’ve got to let go of your high mind and think before you speak! If you promise me that, I will teach you how to read the pale man’s words. But always remember, if others hear tell of this, both of us will hang. Of that you can be sure.”

Fortune was pleasantly surprised by Nathaniel’s change of heart. “Thank you for this. I will never forget the faith you showed in me today.”

Nathaniel took Fortune’s outstretched hand, delivering a firm handshake. “Don’t thank me yet Fortune. I still don’t know if I’m doing right here, and I feel you will only use learning to put yourself in harm’s way. But I reckon at my age it won’t hurt to make some atonement to get in the Lord’s good books. Hope I’m wrong, but my old mind has been right too many times to think otherwise.”