Spirit of the Jamaican Maroons

By Alfred Wright

Shes a princess. Hes a warrior. Theyre teenagers and deeply in love. Enjoying an intimate interlude, theyre captured and shipped to the West Indies to be enslaved.

Kwame fights deranged, fellow captives, and Teala is the object of the captains lust. The drunk, egotistical captain bypasses a safe port during a storm, and the slave ship sinks off the coast of Jamaica.

The teenagers reunite, escape to the mountains and meet Akoo. He adopts them and introduces them to the Maroons, a guerrilla-type, fighting organization of runaway slaves. Akoo is brutally killed by slave hunters, yet Kwame avenges his death . . . in full.

A new, deadlier group of slave hunters is formed, with an objective to kill Kwame and the now very pregnant Teala. But Kwame again distinguishes himself in battle to the chagrin of the slave hunters and their sponsor, the ruling British authorities. So now, they want Kwame dead even more than before, offering a huge reward for Kwames demise. However, the Maroon Chief intercedes. He stages a fake funeral for the teenagers. This deflects attention away, and Teala suffers through labor pains, but escapes with Kwame on rafts and a mule-drawn wagon in a desperate attempt to secure their freedom.

This book is dedicated to my daughter Deborah Wright-Watson.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Feb 6, 2017
• ISBN: 9781524582340

Book preview

Chapter One

The Early Voyage

The only sounds that were as incessant as the groans of the unwilling passengers were the squeaking of the old sail ship, and the constant complaining of the crew. The passengers were in constant physical and psychological agony, and their moaning was their only means of solace. The Madeline was courageously battling the elements, and was well on her way to completing her latest mission; another brutal Atlantic crossing in the late 1600’s. She should have been retired because of her age, and deteriorated condition, but her owners sought to extract whatever return that she could still produce.

An examination of the crew indicated that they did not have an easy life either; although they were responsible for the well-being of the passengers, the preservation of the ship, and ultimately their own welfare, they were in reality, almost as badly off as their charges; living in squalor, diseased, malnourished, drunken, ragged and unkempt.

As for the passengers, their lot had been a nightmare, for as long as the journey lasted. It is inconceivable that more than three hundred people could be jammed into the decks of such a small vessel, yet on this voyage, there had been initially more than four hundred aboard. The overcrowding was an indirect result of decisions that were based on callous disregard for human values, of ultimate power, and of greed. Since the passengers were captured Africans, they were considered sub-humans, and treated as such. The slave traders had access to, and utilized modern weapons for that era, and had no reluctance in using those weapons on unruly slaves. The slave ship captains shared in the profits based on the total proceeds from the missions, and sought to maximize the number of slaves that arrived in port intact. As a result, the more Africans that were transported, the more money that was made by all.

Kwame stared through his bloodshot eyes into the eerie darkness, and all he saw were the ghostly outlines of his fellow passengers. All around him were fellow captives in various states of distress. Occasionally someone would scream uncontrollably in the dark, and this only added to the eerie feeling of hearing the cries of distress, without the benefit of seeing the source. His home away from home was the dark recesses of the underbelly of the Madeline, who’s every movement through the water with her pitching and rolling, added to the misery of those aboard. The passengers should have by then become used to the agony, for they were at sea for almost two months. But how can anyone get used to the decadence that surrounded them? - Only with hope, faith and their beliefs.

Most Africans believed in the wisdom of their elders, and the mysterious powers of their ancestors. This belief served those aboard well, in trying to cope with the stressful situation that they were enduring. Almost everyone expected that at some latter date, their ancestors would intervene, and would remove them from their wretchedness. As a result, there were countless prayers from the passengers, and Kwame’s entreaty was just one of countless offered to his ancestors.

Oh fathers of my father, once again I appeal to you, for removal from this misery. You, who are the utmost power in the universe, can do anything that you, wish and I know you can help me. I most respectfully appeal to you, my ancestors, to relieve me from this suffering, said Kwame I have utilized all of my endurance in surviving, and am exhausting my resolve to simply stay alive.

There would, however, be no respite from his suffering.

The Madeline and other slave ships of that era were, as a result, heavily engaged in bringing captured Africans to work their plantations. One estimate is that at the height of the slave trade, the British alone were transporting more than thirty thousand Africans yearly, to be sold as slaves.

As the Madeline continued her journey, it became apparent to her crew that she was nearing land. There is an area that borders the Bahamas that is called the Sargasso Sea, and is currently known as the Bermuda Triangle; a more appropriate and a popular name, is the Devils’ Triangle. It is an area where frequent storms materialize without notice. At other times, there is an appreciable lack of wind that renders the entire region treacherous to sailing ships such as the Madeline; this condition at times transforms the area into a virtual stagnant lake. To the crew of the Madeline, though, the presence of multitudes of sea birds was, the first real evidence that they had indeed entered the enigmatic Sargasso Sea, and that before long they would have reached their destination.

At about the same time that the crew was feeling optimistic that the end of their voyage was in sight, Kwame was experiencing a period of extreme depression; his entreaty had not been successful. After quietly sulking for sometime, his anger returned and this time, his pent up fury was directed at his ancestors.

Ever since that fateful day when I was captured, chained and dragged into the belly of this thing, I have dreamt of the day when I would exact my revenge on my captors. I have been degraded incessantly and have suffered in conditions that would be insulting to even the filthiest hyena. My food is worse than a vulture’s vomit. My companions here are mostly diseased carcasses, and even the air that I breathe is a mixture of rotting blood, urine, filth and mud. You are my esteemed and all powerful ancestors, but you have abandoned me in this period of my greatest needs. You, who control the mysteries of the universe, could cause rivers to run backwards, command the sun to stand still, and can rein famine and pestilence on my enemy. Yet, you have not responded to my pleas. I am a Coromantee, the fruit of your trees, the son of your sons, he said, pausing to give his ancestors a chance to hear his plea, but there would be no relief from his suffering.

The blood that even now boils in my veins is your blood, handed down to me through countless generations. This blood was to have flowed in the sons, and the daughters that Teala, and I should have had. We planned to teach our children the ways of the proud Coromantee people, and insist that they praise and revere you, my ancestors. But you have observed my degradation without retaliating. Worst of all, you have allowed my enemies to destroy my Teala. Where are my swords and my spears? Where are my family and friends? Why I am not allowed the opportunity of fighting my enemies, and if vanquished, allowing me the privileges of dying like a man. A Coromantee man; a warrior of your tribe. I hear the cries of your daughters from the decks above and am powerless to help. Can you hear them? he again paused to give his ancestors a chance to hear for themselves.

I see fellow warriors of various tribes shackled, and chained like beasts. These men would give all they have ever dreamt of, just to have a chance to fight, and to die like men. I see once proud men wither away and die, and are so tightly packed unto the living, that they cannot even fall to the floor. Even so, I envy them; compared to this, death is welcome, and fully embraced. I will now close my eyes, and when I open them again, let me be dead, so that in dying, I might restore some of the dignity that you have allowed my enemies to take away from me.

For a few pleasant moments, it appeared that his wish was granted, and that he was indeed in paradise. His subconscious mind transported him back in time; far away from the world of filth, stench, and suffering that he had come to know. Only pleasant memories flooded his mind, as he relieved many of his pleasant boyhood memories. Yet, his subconscious seemed to race over those wonderful memories, and instead focused on the specifics of his last day of freedom; a day that he spent with Teala.

Chapter Two

Kwame meets Teala

The sun was barely up, as the two eighteen year old Coromantee tribesmen, Ola and Kwame, departed their village, and left on a fishing expedition. The fact that the locality of the river was more than ten miles from their home, did not deter the young warriors since they were fully capable of protecting themselves. Furthermore, since the neighboring tribe was also of the Coromantee kingdom, the boys anticipated no hostilities because of territorial infringement. Infrequent meetings of the tribal chiefs were maintained to cement their friendships, and alliances. However, neither Kwame nor Ola knew anyone in the territory where their targeted river was located. The boys were not disappointed in their effort since the fishing proved to be fruitful and rewarding. Before long, they had caught several fish, built a fire, and started to roast some of their catch. While the fish was being roasted, they busied themselves swimming, and diving from rocks that were natural diving platforms, into crystal clear pools in the river. Eventfully, they returned to their fire, ate a few of the roasted fish and relaxed.

I bet I could locate some succulent roots to complete our feast, remarked Ola as the two friends sampled their meal. This whole area has so much great stuff. We should come here more often.

That would indeed be a treat, but this is great as it is, replied Kwame. This is good food, Ola.

Yes, its okay, but we should have the best. You tend the fire, Kwame. I’m going off to find some better stuff and if lucky, I might even locate some honey too, Ola said, and started walking towards the nearby forest.

Kwame, ate some more fish, had another swim, and curled up lazily by the fire to dry and to rest. At about the same time that Ola left on his quest, Teala, respite in an attractive ankle length robe, decided to go for a walk. Her path meandered through fields of wild flowers along fruit trees laden with ripe fruits and birds, and finally brought her to the river. Once there, she found an attractive spot where she sat on a rock to fully enjoy the serenity, and beauty of the surroundings.

She was the perfect picture of elegance, as she finally resumed her slow and deliberate walk by the water’s edge. In addition to her robe, she was donned in sandals, an expensive tiara, golden bangles on both wrists, and a necklace that signified her status among her people.

Upon reaching a particularly secluded pool in the river, she paused, contemplated the inviting water, and spontaneously decided to have a swim. After scrutinizing the vicinity to be assured that she was alone, she carefully removed her clothing and some of her jewelry, and placed them on a rock that overlooked the pool. Fully dressed she was considered elegant, now that she had disrobed, she was absolutely stunning.

Teala was sixteen years old, but had the mature body of a fully grown and mature woman. This was testimony to her athletic lifestyle, and partially to the fact that people mature relatively young in the tropics. She was five feet four inches tall, and weighed about one hundred and fifty pounds. Among her outstanding physical attributes, were her prominent well-formed breasts that stood out proudly from her body, firm full buttocks, and exquisite appealing lips. The sun’s rays accentuated her glowing, flawless dark-copper complexioned skin, which almost glowed in the sunlight. She continued to stand on her rock perch for awhile, before she dived into the water. She was an excellent swimmer, and being in perfect physical condition, swam vigorously about the pool, expending great energy until she became exhausted, and returned to the riverbank.

Eventually, she decided to resume her leisurely stroll, but the sun’s rays were so pleasant in that area, that she was reluctant to leave the vicinity. And so she continued her walk along the river, but with the added freedom of being completely naked. Pausing to examine what seemed like an unusual rock, which was in fact a well disguised snake, she became startled, tangled her feet in a vine, and fell more than ten feet into the water. Her loud piercing scream followed by the loud splash, could be heard for quite a distance from where she fell.

Kwame, who was napping just around the bend in the river, hastened to investigate the source of the noise that he had heard. A quick sprint brought him around the curve where he was shocked, and amazed to see the most beautiful girl he could imagine, stumbling about in the water. She seemed to have hurt her ankle, for she limped as she attempted to climb up the riverbank.

Here, he said, extending his hand. I’ll help you up.

But the surprised and embarrassed Teala slipped back into the pool, sat and cowered, and sought to hide her nakedness. She did this, by covering her breasts with her arms, which she wrapped securely across her chest. At the same time, she tried to submerge herself even further in the waist deep water, in an attempt to completely hide her body.

No! Go away! I’m fine, she screamed. Just go away.

I’m only trying to help. Are you okay? asked Kwame.

I’ll be fine if you leave me alone. Who are you anyway? she asked. What are you doing here?

Despite her embarrassment, and a probably sprained ankle, Teala still found herself admiring the handsome stranger, in more ways than one.

My name is Kwame. Believe me girl, I mean you no harm, replied Kwame. As I said, I’m simply trying to help. Is your ankle okay?

‘What a man! I wish I could have met him under different circumstances,’ she thought. ‘Well too bad, I could never look him in the eye after this. What a shame though. He looks so good, and he has such a reassuring voice. I wish I had the nerve to try and see him again.’

But she managed to summon as much dignity as she could under the circumstances, and said: Thank you for being concerned, Kwame. Now, leave me alone; this is embarrassing enough without you, ah…. dressed as you are, and you being there…. and, and, you know…looking at me.

Kwame suddenly realized that he was naked also. He knew that he must have been a spectacle, to the defenseless girl looking up at him. He was the physical male equivalent of Teala, a sturdily built, handsome eighteen year old. He had rippling muscles with a barrel chest that belied his youthfulness. Although he was about five feet ten inches tall and about one hundred and eighty pounds, to Teala looking up him, he seemed like a giant.

Furthermore, she was being treated to a special show; his imposing member, prominent to begin with, loomed even larger, from her sitting position in the pool.

I understand, and am truly sorry for the intrusion. Where are your clothes? I’ll get them for you, he said. It’s the least that I can do to make amends. I promise that I’ll never bother you after this. Please trust me.

They are just around the corner on top of a rock, she said. "Thanks for being

so understanding, Kwame."

‘Will he be back? What a man.’ She thought to herself. ‘I like him already.’

Upon locating her clothes, Kwame was surprised, and amazed to discover what they signified regarding the girl’s standing in her kingdom; the naked bather had the apparel of a princess.

‘Royalty! Damn! Well, it was too good to be true. She is probably married, or at least engaged by now. Well too bad, but life must go on,’ thought the disappointed Kwame. Donning his own attire, he hurried back to bring Teala’s clothes, as promised.

Thank you, Kwame. This is very kind of you, she said after Kwame tossed her the robe. I’ll be dressed in a moment.

Kwame, disappointed, but knowing that she needed privacy, appropriately walked the short distance towards his fish fire.

‘Damn, I wish she would stay awhile. Yet, I suppose I have to be realistic. She is without a doubt, rushing home right now. Ola won’t believe me, but who cares? I’ll find a way to see her again,’ Kwame thought, as he added some more wood to the fire.

Several minutes went by, and with each passing minute, it seemed more likely that the princess had indeed departed for her home, as Kwame expected.

‘Maybe this whole thing is a dream. Probably the damn fish has some strange drugs in them; that’s it, they were too easy to catch, so something must be wrong with them. I’m just hallucinating. A princess? No, not just that, but the most beautiful girl in the entire world. I would gladly die to be close to a woman like that, no matter who she was. Maybe the ancestors are having a little fun at my expense, for no one can be that beautiful, Kwame philosophized.’ He was resigned to the fact that he might never see her again, so he decided to tend his fish fire, and wait for Ola to return.

You are the first man that has ever seen me without clothes, Kwame, said Teala, announcing that she was back. That is a privilege that was reserved for my future husband. What are we going to do about it?

Kwame was so startled that he almost jumped in the air from his sitting position; so unexpected was her presence, as he turned to the direction of the voice. To his great joy, he was able to confirm that she was really there with him.

‘She is real, is here and is not just a figment of my imagination. Did I hear her say something about a future husband?’ Kwame thought, but the normally articulate young warrior could only mumble some unintelligent gibberish for a response. In that moment he knew without a doubt that he had found his soul mate for life. Still in shock at his good fortune, he turned to see the smiling princess. She was resplendent in her royal robe, as she stood behind him with the warmest, most assuring angelic smile he had ever seen. He remained speechless, but somehow managed to mention something that was still familiar to him.

I’m Kwaa…Kwam…I’m Kwame, he blurted out. Kwame of the Coromantee.

I know, silly she replied. And I am Teala. Well, what does a hungry girl have to do to get invited, to eat some fish?

The ancestors are not as mischievous as I thought. For a moment there, I thought that they were bored, and was having a little fun with me, Teala, said Kwame. It’s an honor, and a great pleasure for you to be here with me. Please sit with me, have some fish, and let me look at your ankle.

It’s nothing really. Just a little twist as I fell, but I’ll gladly sit with you, for awhile, replied Teala, accepting Kwame’s invitation and sitting on one of the rocks that overlooked the fire. And don’t be too concerned about the ankle. I think it’s just a simple sprain, so I know it will be fine.

Stay here. I’ll be back in a moment, said Kwame, after he examined her ankle, while disregarding her mild protest. His examination indicated that her ankle was indeed twisted. One of the first things a young Coromantee learns is that nature is a friend, and that natural medicines are available, and is to be used whenever they are needed. He only had to walk a short distance, before he found the tree he knew would provide a suitable bark to be used as a bandage. He returned a short time later, and after securing some mud from the river, he carefully placed it on the bark, before applying it to Teala’s ankle.

Oh revered ancestors, the provider of all things in the universe, fill this bandage with soothing balm, and ease the pain of your daughter, Teala, said Kwame as he held the bark overhead before securely wrapping it around Teal’s ankle. I request that you heal her injury at once, so that she will be able to run as quickly as the deer.

There, it should be as good as new, with the help of our ancestors, said Kwame, happy to be able to impress Teala with his knowledge, and his belief in the traditions.

You are so eloquent even when you speak to the Ancestors. I don’t know though, you make me wonder; maybe you are not real. Perhaps you do not have flesh and blood. Your wisdom and manner is that of an elder. Could you be an ancestor in disguise? With you, I feel as secure as if a hundred warriors are with me. Come here and let me touch your face to see if you are warm, said Teala as she reached to touch Kwame’s brow. If you are not, then you must be a spirit, but even so, you would be a good spirit; I sense that.

The gentle pressure of her fingertips on his face introduced him to the physical excitement that she brought to his senses, for just the mere touch of this woman was sufficient to stimulate him like no other girl had ever done before. In vain he recoiled from her touch, but there was no use fighting, he soon realized. Every sensation and feeling was being magnified to almost intolerable limits. His breathing became rapid and loud. His eyes were threatening to close, his nostrils quivered. He tried breathing through his mouth with the hope that his pulse rate, and his heart beat would be controlled, but it only made matters worst. Teala was a smart girl, physically mature and exciting. Teala was also naive in matters of love, despite her physical attributes, and the only man that she had ever really known well was her father. This interlude with Kwame was an entirely new and different experience for her. In fact, she was never alone with a man before, and she had no idea what she was doing to this one. The one thing she was certain of, was that she cared for him greatly, and if he was hurt or uncomfortable, she wanted to make him well and comforted.

From time to time she was in the habit