The Slave

Read Story: SEASON 1 EPISODE 29

Just as they finished praying, Gilbert and some of master Tom’s boys stormed them. Gilbert started clapping when he sees them holding hands.

“Aha! I said it, I said it, I knew you guys were up to something.”

“And what do you mean by that?” Ukeh asked.

“Shut up Bush, you really have some nerves. You black dirty smelling monkey from Africa. See from the first day I saw you I hated you for no reason, I’ve always told master Tom to sell you off but he refused. Now he will gladly do so”

Ukeh was surprised because he has never had any bad encounter with Gilbert.

“But why Gilbert? What have I done to you that you hate me and wish that I be sold out.

“Nothing Bush, you have done nothing, but I just don’t like your face. Seize him” he ordered, and the other boys grabbed Ukeh

“But what has he done? “Amara asked.

“He dares to touch the master’s girl. How dare he touch you and violates you.?”

“Violate me?, Who said he violated me?

“I need no one to say, I saw you with my two eyes. We’re you guys not holding hands when I came just now? That to me is violation. He has violated you. (To the boys) Now take him away.

Ukeh did not struggle, he followed them like a lamb being taken to the slaughter. Amara ran along and kept on screaming that Bush did nothing wrong. But no one cares to listen.

Master Tom was sitted outside when Ukeh was brought in with both hands tied.

Master Tom: Oh Bush! There are so many slaves around, you would have simply taken one of the dirty ones and I won’t even blink. But no, you wanted to eat from my own very pot. Bush, Bush how could you.

“Master Tom I have done nothing…..”

A hot slap landed on his cheeks before he could complete his statement.

“Shut up, you don’t speak when I speak do you understand?

“Please master Tom, Bush have done nothing wrong, we were just talking that’s all” Amara said.

“Oh my Agatha, now you are defending him, you are defending him? What were you guys talking about? Do you know him from Africa?

“No my Lord, not at all”

“Then what were you both talking about?”

Amara became silent. Just then little Tom came in.

“Dad what is going on here?”

“Aha, am glad you are here. Your African friend here Bush has been sleeping with my African woman and today Gilbert caught him red handed in the act and here he is ready to serve his punishment”

“Dad I don’t believe Bush will do such a thing”

“So are you calling me a liar Tom?”

“Dad I am sorry but It wouldn’t be the first time you are lying”

Master Tom was furious.

“You useless child, get out of my sight. You are a disgrace to me, Agatha come here and tell me now, Did Bush touch you or not. If you say otherwise I will have your head.

Agatha was silent

“You see, you are now speechless.”

“But how can she say anything when you have threatened her?” Little Tom asjed.

“Get out of here Tom, get out. Master Tom screams at the top of his voice.

Little Tom walks away with anger in his eyes.

Master Tom turned faced Amara ,” as for you, (then he paused) Anyways I won’t say nothing to you because I still have need for you. As for you Bush I will teach you a lesson. Gilbert, tie him up to that tree and trash him”

And Ukeh was tied to the big tree upside down and they flogged him 167 strokes of the cane. Amara was made to sit at one corner and watched as Ukeh was being tortured.

Ukeh was screaming at the top of his voice and master Tom sat and watched and laughed as he was wailing….