Fallow

By Laura Camby McCaskill

As she helplessly rides in a carriage steered by her kidnappers, the only thing Adine can do is wait. The marketplace is ahead of her and her future is growing dimmer with every mile. A short time later, she is sold into slavery with three other women, leaving her with nothingnot even hope. But everything changes when a band of Freedom Fighters storm their wagon and snatch Adine and her fellow captives from their new owners.

Now as Adine is left to wonder whether the men are really freedom fighters or slave traders in disguise, she struggles with her decision to trust them. As the caravan travels through a desert rampant with murderous slave traders, poisonous vipers, and an ex-slave with an evil mission, one Freedom Fighter appoints himself as Adines bodyguard. Drake must not only protect the nave girl from the dangers in the desert, but also from himself. As he tackles threats and attempts to keep Adine alive, his loyalty to the caravan is tested, leaving him with an agonizing choice and the power to transform Adines future.

Fallow shares an exciting tale of adventure after a young girl is kidnapped, sold into slavery, and rescued by Freedom Fighters who lead her down a dangerous path where a new destiny awaits.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Sep 23, 2016
• ISBN: 9781532006661

Laura Camby McCaskill

Laura Camby McCaskill is the author of the paranormal thriller, Her Keepers. She currently works as a nationally certified pharmacy technician and lives in North Carolina with her husband, Adam. Laura loves animals, nature, and music, and thinks traveling the world would be life changing and exciting.

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FALLOW

Laura Camby McCaskill

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FALLOW

Copyright © 2016 Laura Camby McCaskill.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

iUniverse

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

ISBN: 978-1-5320-0667-8 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5320-0668-5 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5320-0666-1 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2016915757

iUniverse rev. date: 9/21/2016

Contents

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

CHAPTER TWENTY

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

In memory of

Sherry Wright Camby

True love is like ghosts, which everyone talks about and few have seen.

François de La Rochefoucauld

Thank you to

my Beta Readers,

Teresa Pearman and Patti Reid.

Thank you also to my Editor,

Frank W. Kresen,

of

pp for business card.jpg

Kansas City, Missouri

A special thank-you to my sponsors,

Sandi and Patrick Bryant

FALLOW

CHAPTER ONE

I T WAS DARK, COLD — ALMOST COLD ENOUGH TO SNOW. (At least that’s what one of the men had said. She wasn’t sure what snow was.) She was still, afraid to move in the boxed prison that moved. It had all happened so quickly, so forcefully; she was still trying to figure it all out. Their yells could be heard from outside the box, all around her. If she did break free, it wouldn’t take a second for them to capture her again. By herself, huddled in the corner as the carriage bounced on the sand, she stared into the darkness. Although she wanted to cry, she was too scared to. She didn’t know these people, although she’d been taught to be afraid of them. Now, as the shock subsided, she realized why she had been taken. She knew where she was headed. The village, which was now days away knew where she was going the moment it happened. No one would come to rescue her.

Another night’s ride into the day would take them to a huge marketplace, where everyone came from near and far to buy anything. Tomorrow’s special item would be her— a new slave for the slave trade. She rested her head on her knees as the men began betting on how much she would go for. They laughed as if it were a joke. In all of this madness, she thought back to only a few days before — before she had been jerked away from the life she had once lived.

Her mother and father were dead. She’d been an orphan at five months of age. The village, which was very small, kept watch over her. She learned to survive with the bare necessities: food and a blanket to sleep on outside. When the cold weather came, Abitha allowed her to stay inside her home for the night by the fire. Although she grew up with no friends or family, she was always willing to help people and thought of herself second. The village accepted her because of this, fed her (sometimes twice a day), and gave her a place to stay — as long as she worked.

Only a few days ago, she’d been at home, by the huge well that supplied all the water for the village. Abitha, a woman she had come to think of as a mother, came with her. Abitha was aging but had four young children of her own.

Adine, Abitha called. Pull on the rope, and I’ll grab the water.

Abitha was pregnant with her fifth child. Adine smiled as she watched Abitha bend down to get the water. Her huge belly got in the way, but Abitha was used to this by now. Being pregnant so many times, she had learned some tricks to getting around. Adine helped carry the water as they began their walk home.

Abitha, Adine said. How did you meet Gant?

Abitha smiled. Gant was her husband and friend.

We were young. Our parents knew each other, and we played together as children. When we grew into adults, we fell in love, Abitha said.

It must have been nice, Adine said. You had parents and friends to grow up with and a love waiting for you.

Don’t get discouraged, Adine, Abitha said. You never know — you could have a love waiting for you out there. He could come riding into the village any day now and sweep you off your feet.

I doubt that, Adine laughed. No one ever comes into the village. What is here that anyone out there wants?

Just remember, Adine: If you ever leave this place, you have to use your head. It’s dangerous out there. Out there, no one will stand up for you — they won’t even stand up for themselves.

Adine smiled as they began to push through the crowd. Everyone came to get water from the well before dark. The village was small, with no walls or gates to protect it. Most of the people were families, with a few loners here and there, like Adine. The noise of all the people rushing to and fro before dark was something she had grown used to living in the village.

Which was the reason she became confused when a hush fell over them.

Abitha, what’s wrong? Adine asked, looking at her.

Abitha stared toward the well. Everyone had stopped moving. Adine’s heart skipped a beat as she heard the hooves of horses coming closer to the village. She turned to see the men everyone in the village feared racing toward them. No one knew who they were or where they came from, but they knew why they had come: The same reason they had always come to the village — slaves. The men didn’t try to hide that fact. They were up front and personal with anyone who tried to stop them. Slaves brought big money. Everyone in the village knew this, even if they knew it was wrong.

The men never took married women or men — none Adine had ever seen. Nor a child younger than four, but anyone else was a priceless jewel to them. Adine remembered the last time the men had come into the village, unexpected as usual. They took three teenage boys with them that day, all younger than sixteen years of age. They promised to return and take more, and they had kept their promise. The horses came to a stop in front of the crowd; a rough-looking old man led the line. He looked like he hadn’t shaved in a few days. Just from the way he looked, Adine could tell that he stunk. He cleared his throat and spit. Everyone watched as he wiped his mouth with his old glove. He looked through the crowd, scanning for new victims. He removed his hat, and his hair dripped with sweat from a hard day’s ride. His clothes were filthy.

Adine could see the wagon behind him. That was what they brought to carry the victims away in — a prison.

Well, who is it? he yelled in a hoarse voice. Who will be taken today?

The men behind him laughed. There were four of them, all in their thirties, dirty and sweaty. No one spoke as the men slung themselves off their horses.

No one wants to come with us? the man laughed.

The man’s wandering eyes landed on Abitha. He smiled as he looked at her. He motioned to the other men to start making their way through the crowd. Adine always wondered how these men got away with this, what it was that gave them the right to do this. But no one in the village ever tried to stop them. People moved out of their way as they made their way toward Abitha.

There is a special in the marketplace this season. Two for one, the man said, smiling. People have come to realize that buying a pregnant slave is a good thing. When the kid grows up, they get a second slave for free.

Adine froze as she realized what was about to happen. She heard Abitha gasp. Adine felt Abitha release the bucket of water and grab her hand, Adine dropped the bucket. She could feel the water gush over her feet as she began to step back.

Adine, run! Abitha cried.

They both bolted through the crowd, but Abitha couldn’t run as fast as Adine, and soon the men caught up with them. Abitha screamed and yelled as they began to drag her away. Adine held onto her hand, trying to pull her back. As they fought the men pulling them through the crowd, Adine lost her grip on Abitha. Adine couldn’t let this happen, Abitha was the only mother she could remember. Before she knew what she had done, Adine grabbed the empty bucket on the ground and swung it down on one of the men’s head. He turned, grabbed Adine by the hair, and dragged her with them. Abitha’s husband, Gant, ran through the crowd and latched onto her.

Sir, please. She is my wife, Gant cried.

The men stopped and looked at the old man on the horse.

That means nothing to me. the old man said.

She is the mother of my children, Gant cried.

I don’t care! the old man said. Put her in the wagon.

The men began to carry her off. Adine struggled with her captor.

Anything, sir — anything. I’ll give you anything. Just don’t take my wife, Gant cried.

The old man looked down at him from his horse and smiled.

Anything? the old man said.

Anything! Gant gasped.

Very well, the old man said. Your wife will go free if you give me what I ask.

Anything — whatever you want! Gant cried.

The men who were holding Abitha stopped and watched them talk.

I will let your wife go this day, in return for the child she carries now — plus the children she has already birthed, the old man said.

A horrified look came across Gant’s face as he realized what the deal was. The old man smiled down at him.

By our next return, the child should be born. Meet us at the well when we come, and have the children with you, in return for your wife’s life, the man said.

Gant stumbled with his words, trying to find something to say.

Do we have a deal? The man spit.

Yes, Gant stammered.

Adine was shocked at what Gant had just promised, but, in the circumstances, there was no other way. Adine knew that Gant wouldn’t be here when the men came back. He and his family would leave the village, even though everyone knew going out of the village was certain death. No one knew what was out there and didn’t want to find out.

And a warning to all of you, the old man said. If this man and his family leave this village before I return again, not only will I take all of your children, but I will kill any man older than fourteen. So it’s in your best interest that this family stays.

Adine shuddered as she realized the trap the old man had set for Gant and his family: The village would sacrifice these children to save the others. Gant shook his head, shocked; his mind left him, and he stood there, expressionless. The men let Abitha go, and she rushed to him. Her tears spilled for her children. Adine tried to pull away from her captor so she could comfort her, but he jerked her back and put his arm around her shoulders. The old man looked down at her and smiled.

But this trip was not a lost cause. Look at this beauty we will sell in the market, he said.

Adine jerked away from the man in fear, pulling and fighting, screaming for her life. But the men just laughed at her, and the villagers stood there and watched. The man picked her up over his shoulders, carried her to the wagon, and threw her in as she screamed. Another man slammed the door in her face.

Adine was forced to spend the next three days in a box, with water and bread to keep her alive. She had to listen to the men call bids on her and laugh about the way she’d fought in the village. The only thing Adine could do now was wait. The marketplace was ahead of her; her future was growing dimmer with every mile. All the stories she had ever heard about the market place terrified her. There were mad men there, cruel people. They tortured slaves and sold them, made fools out of them. All for money and a good time. Adine lay down on the floor of the carriage. Exhaustion fell over her, and she shut her eyes.

The screaming and yelling of people outside the carriage woke her. She sat up and watched through the cracks in the wall of the wagon. There were hundreds of people crowded in one place. She could see slaves up on a platform being bid on. The wagon stopped, and Adine shrank into the corner, terrified of being jerked out. She heard the old man talking with someone.

I have to go, but I’ll give you a good deal on them if you take them off my hands, the other man said. Three for the price of one.

Adine could see three women, standing behind the man, chained together. They stood there silent. Two of them were the same age as Adine; the other was older.

What’s wrong with them? the old man said.

Nothing. I just want to get them sold off before I leave. It’s a good deal, my friend. Trust me. I’m not trying to cheat you, the other man said.

Fine. Three for the price of one, the old man said. Put them in back with the girl.

The men gathered up all three women and pulled them to the back of the wagon. Adine watched as the old man paid the other. The wagon door swung open, and the men threw the three women into the wagon. The doors slammed shut again. All three women looked tired, scared, and pale, and they all had a wild look in their eye. Adine didn’t say anything; she stared at them as they stared at the floor. The wagon began to move again.

After a while, the wagon stopped, and the men opened the doors.

Alright, ladies. It’s time to work, one of the men said.

The three women stood up and walked out of the wagon without question. Adine stayed shrunken in the back, terrified. The man sighed and slammed his fist on the floor of the wagon.

Don’t make me come back there and get you, he said, pointing to her. You won’t like it.

Although she was terrified, Adine found the strength to stand and walk toward him. He grabbed her arm and jerked her out of the wagon, She fell to the ground and moaned as she pulled herself up. The old man came around and looked at her. With a sudden flick of the wrist, he smacked the other man in the back of the head and shouted.

How many times have I told you not to damage the merchandise?

Sorry, sir.

I know you’re sorry, the old man snapped, grabbing Adine’s hands.

He slapped chains around her wrist, hooking her to the other three women. The men pulled them forward, quickly and silently. She could only assume this was a market. It was packed. She had to push her way through the people while being dragged behind the others. Several fights broke out here and there, and there was a lot of yelling that accompanied all the buying and selling. Adine watched as an old man, a slave, stood on the platform. His captor was trying to sell him, but because he was old, no one wanted him. The captor smacked the old man down and yelled at him. Adine looked down. How awful, she thought.

Come on, girl! one of the men shouted. You’re going too slow.

Adine moved faster as the man yelled at her.

Keep your eyes in front of you. Are you smart enough to do that? he shouted.

Adine cowered and said nothing; she walked even faster now. The old man would stop an occasional person and greet them with a kind word.

Hello, there, sir. Nice day. Would you like to see these lovely girls? Hard workers, I promise you.

But people whisked by him, in a hurry to get somewhere or buy something else. Hours passed. Adine was tired of walking. She was hungry and had bruises from people running into her. The sun was so hot it scorched her. She was glad to have her shoes; the sand burned under her feet. Finally, the old man sat down on a rock in the middle of the market and wiped his forehead with his shirtsleeve.

These girls won’t do at all, he said.

Oh, come on, Wynn, one of the others said. It hasn’t been long enough yet. Someone will want these girls — no doubt about it.

Yeah, well, with the way they look, they should have been sold by now. Harold, what are we going to do? Wynn said.

Just think about the money we’ll get from them and all the beer that comes after! one of the other men said.

That one looks odd. She doesn’t look like a slave at all, Wynn said, looking at Adine.

Is that the one we got from the village?

Yes. She hasn’t become accustomed to the life yet, Harold said.

Well, let’s give her a taste, Wynn said.

Harold smiled and stood up. He grabbed Adine by her hair and smelled it.

Very nice, he said. If you hold still, this won’t hurt.

He jerked Adine’s sleeves off her dress. He rubbed the dirt off her sweaty face as hard as he could. Adine whimpered a little, scared to move.

Now, what else is different about you? Harold asked, looking her over.

I — I don’t know, she mumbled.

I do, Harold said, pushing her to the ground.

Adine looked up, shocked.

The man smiled at her and kicked her leg.

Take your shoes off! A slave doesn’t need them.

But the sand —

I said, ‘Take them off’! he yelled, kicking her in the arm.

Adine jerked her shoes off and threw them to the side.

Now, stand up.

Adine felt the sand burn into her skin as she stood. Tears welled up in her eyes, aggravating the burning on her cheeks. The sun had now given her a nice burn not only on her face but wherever her clothes didn’t cover.

Now, see here, Wynn? We have nice shoes to sell, too.

All the men laughed as Harold picked her shoes up and handed them to Wynn. The other woman stood there, silent. Adine noticed they didn’t have shoes, either. Their clothes were torn, and their faces were dirty.

Alright, girls. Let’s get back to work, Wynn said. I’ve rested.

All that day, they walked around the market. The sand burned Adine’s feet every step of the way. The women didn’t get to eat until they were dragged back to the wagon, but it was only bread and water again.

You’re not worth the money we spent on that! Wynn yelled from outside the wagon. You’re lucky I even feed you.

None of the other girls said anything. They remained silent and still as they inhaled the food. Adine watched as they ate. Suddenly, the older woman grabbed Adine’s scrap of bread and shoved it into her mouth. Adine sat there shocked as the woman practically swallowed it whole. Someone banged his fist against the side of the wagon.

Go to sleep now. You have another big day ahead of you.

The women lay down and shut their eyes. Adine watched as they fell asleep. It was as if the men had control over them. Adine rested her head against the side of the wagon. She shut her eyes and prayed for help.

CHAPTER TWO

T HE WAGON DOOR SWUNG OPEN, AND THE SUNLIGHT poured into the darkness, waking Adine and the other women.

Time to work, Harold said.

Again they walked through the market. Wynn stopped the occasional man to ask if he was interested in the girls. Wynn went on and on over not selling the girls, and he became angrier with every person he spoke to.

These girls are worth nothing. No one wants them, he snapped.

Adine had gotten a chance to look the three women over. She noticed more about them now. They had been slaves longer than her. The first woman was tall and skinny, with dark circles under her eyes. Her long, blond hair covered most of the bruises on her arms. Adine felt sorry for her. The second woman had a darker tint to her hair, which also was long. She, too, was tall and thin. They all were. This woman looked like she had lost all hope. The third woman, though, frightened Adine. It was the woman who’d snatched the bread out of her hands the night before. She had long, red hair and a wilder look in her eyes. Every time a person turned them down in the market, she smiled.

All morning, Adine had noticed Wynn fiddling with a golden necklace he’d been carrying at his side. After a while, he spun around and grabbed Adine by the arm.

Here! he spit. I’m tired of carrying this.

He dropped the necklace around her neck and then moved away from her.

Where did you get that? Harold asked, looking at it.

One of the slaves we sold last week had it. I figured it would bring some extra cash. It’s heavy.

It was. The