Changed Circumstances

By: Jean-Christophe
(© 2011-2015 by the author)

The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's consent. Comments are appreciated at...

Chapter 60
"Reconciliation"

As I approach the courthouse, I have a sense of "déjà vu" - of having been here and done this before. Which of course is true.

Three years ago, I'd unsuspectingly entered Judge Matthews courtroom unaware of the momentous events that were about to irrevocably alter my life. I'd done so with the confidence and perhaps even the brashness of Lucien Barrois. And I'd left his courtroom as the crushed and naked slave, Rafe stripped of my human dignity, my identity and all my worldly possessions. And as I was driven away from the courts by Guy Maratier, I was publicly humiliated by the waiting crowd of voyeuristic, jeering spectators who'd quickly gathered to watch the fall of another "tall poppy".

Now, from what I've been told, that is to be reversed. Yet, I remain unconvinced and fearful.

As I approach the steps leading up to the courthouse, that uncertainty makes me momentarily pause on the bottom step. Then, I feel a steadying hand on my arm and I hear Thor's words of support and encouragement.

"It's alright, Lucien! It will soon be over and you'll be a free man once more. And I am here at your side!"

I turn to look at Thor's smiling face and I marvel at how fortunate I am to have him stand alongside of me both as my lover and my support.

I barely recognize Thor; for the first time since I've known him he is clothed and his clothing suits him. He wears fawn colored trousers and a crisp, pale blue shirt opened at the neck to reveal just a tantalizing glimpse of his broad, manly chest. These colors help to complement his Nordic features and highlight his startling blue eyes and flaxen-gold hair. And as I look upon his handsome face, I am consumed with my overwhelming love for him.

Shortly before leaving Mile's home, Thor and I had shaved and shared a warm shower. That shower was symbolic; it washed away the stench of slavery from our bodies and left us smelling like free men. Naturally, after three years of showering under a cold water hose, we luxuriated in the hot, cascading water and were reluctant to leave the shower cubicle. We only did so at Miles' insistence as he reminded us that we were still to eat breakfast before leaving for my appearance before Judge Fitzwilliam.

Anticipating my needs, Miles had purchased new clothing for me; he is familiar with my size and my former style preference for clothes and had chosen well. I couldn't have done better. He'd thoughtfully laid out two sets of clothing; one for me and another for Thor. Dressing after three years of enforced nakedness felt strange and at first it was constricting. But that feeling soon passed and as we ate a hearty breakfast we began to relax.

As we ate, Miles and François briefly went over what is to happen. Essentially, they said, it is a forgone conclusion; the earlier verdict that had delivered me into slavery is to be reversed, my freedom restored and the Barrois family fortune returned to me as its rightful owner. I remained skeptical as it all seemed too good to be true. Three years of slavery has done that to me; I no longer dream or hope for things beyond my control.

And yet, from what Miles and François had related to me in the early hours of this morning, there does appear to be hope that I'll be set free. But defensively, my instincts don't allow me to accept this as a foregone conclusion lest I be doomed to fresh disappointment.

After we'd returned to Miles' home from Schuster's Slave Emporium, Thor and I sat side by side and listened in silent amazement as all four of my friends and the attorney, Michael Stewart brought us up to date with what was happening. They told us of the "Save Rafe" organization that had worked so hard to raise money to buy my freedom and of Guy Maratier's intransigent refusal to even consider their offer. This was all news to me; I had no knowledge of the "Save Rafe" group and it was obvious that Guy had kept all knowledge of its existence from me. This was confirmation - if any was needed - of his bitter enmity towards me.

But it was sobering to know there were people who'd worked on my behalf when I'd thought the whole world stood against me. This knowledge that they'd done so reduced me to tears of regret for the past ill will that I'd felt towards Miles, Jack, Daniel and François. Thor, sensing my distress, protectively placed his arm around my shoulder and allowed me to compose myself. Now, it was my turn to beg forgiveness.

"I had no idea! I thought you were against me and I hated you all for ......." my voice breaks. "... for that day at Schuster's and later at Guy Maratier's getting to know the neighbors soiree. I had no idea that you were working to set me free. Can you ever forgive me?"

"Lucien, there is nothing for you to forgive." Jack interjects. "Our behavior that day was cruel and inexcusable. You have every right to be bitter towards us and to hate us even. But I can say that it has haunted Miles, Daniel and myself for a very long time. However, we did nothing until François first made contact with Miles and everything happened from then on. François took the initiative and we followed his lead. It is us who need forgiving, Lucien. We need your forgiveness. Do you think you can ever forgive us?"

The revelation that it was François who'd initiated the efforts to free me came as a surprise. I recalled the day when we'd come face to face at his family's quarry where I'd been a member of a team of draught slaves used to haul gravel back to La Forêt. I remembered it was François who'd convinced the reluctant, young overseer Conn to allow us water to quench our raging thirst. This was a similar act of kindness not unlike Miles' actions at Lionel Schuster's.

The recollections of those two acts of kindness serve as a catalyst. My ill-will towards all four dissipates and all I can say is.

"Let's not have any more talk of forgiveness! What you have done since then deserves my gratitude and everlasting friendship."

The next few moments were emotional ones as we all fell silent. As I looked around at the four, I saw the tears of relief in their eyes. I felt my own tears of gratitude welling up in my eyes and impulsively I moved to where François was sitting and embraced him. He in turn wrapped his arms around me and I could feel the nervous heaving of his body and the rapid beating of his heart. Francois had never been in the foursome made up of Miles, Jack, Daniel and me. Rather, he'd been a friend outside that tight-knit circle but my feelings for him had always been special. He'd been my regular companion during school vacations at La Forêt and we'd grown up together throughout our boyhood, our teenaged years and into our young adulhood.

I'd always harbored special feelings for him and if I'm truthful they were feelings that went beyond mere friendship. Indeed they were lustful ones that tormented the times we spent together. I can't count the nights when I'd lain awake thinking of François lying naked at my side. I never knew if he entertained similar thoughts about me but sometimes, as we looked into one another's face, I suspected he did. Regrettably, neither of us was sure of the other's sexual orientation and so the question of our true feelings for each other remain unanswered. Now it's academic; Thor commands all my love and affection and I could never be unfaithful to him.

My embracing of François proved cathartic and I moved from one to other of the remaining three embracing them as I had done with him before rejoining Thor. As I sat down next to him, he reached out and squeezed my arm and whispered.

"Lucien, I am proud of you for what you just did."

His praise and approval meant a lot to me.

François told us of Claymore Jackson's chance meeting with my grandmother's elderly and absent-minded cousin, Odile Thureau at Charlotte Maratier's funeral. Their meeting was to prove providential for me; Odile asked Claymore about me and was shocked to hear the reason for my enslavement - she being unaware of it. She adamantly rejected that I was slave-born and told Claymore she was the custodian of my grandmother's personal effects which included her diaries and my birth certificate which recorded me as the legitimate son of Henri and Francine Barrois. She'd also told Claymore that she was present at my birth and there wasn't any doubt that I am Lucien Barrois, the true heir to the Barrois fortune.

Miles went on to tell us how Claymore had passed this information on to François and how they'd subsequently met with Odile who'd handed over these documents to them. They in turn consulted with Michael Stewart who acted in a voluntary capacity as the legal advisor to the "Save Rafe" group.

He'd advised them to keep these documents secret and in a safe place as he set about having my trial re-examined. He'd also told them not to expect a quick resolution as such cases didn't rate highly in the justice system and were notoriously slow to be re-opened.

Miles went on to tell me of the group's disappointment with Michael's warning; they'd hoped for a speedy resolution that would see me set free within days. However, despite their disappointment, they now had genuine hope that one day, I'd eventually regain my freedom.

Of course, all this is news to Thor and me; I'd no idea that Claymore Jackson was involved. Up until the time of my enslavement, I'd always been close to Claymore and I have many happy childhood memories of the times I'd spent with him. Therefore, his treatment of me as the slave Rafe had been hurtful. Now he is redeemed in my eyes.

Miles then tells us how Claymore - acting on nothing more than a "gut-feeling" - suspected Guy Maratier intended to harm me and for that reason he'd persuaded Guy to allow him to take the two of us back to La Forêt ostensibly for "pony conditioning". The real reason however, was that he wanted to remove us from Guy's presence to somewhere safe where he could keep us under his close scrutiny.

That part I am familiar with as this happened immediately after Charlotte Maratier's funeral. At the time, Thor and I were puzzled by this but we accepted it as another whim of our betters. And for three days we'd worked on the waterwheel to improve our stamina for running - or so we'd thought.

Claymore's suspicions were further aroused when, after just three days, Guy had ordered we be returned to him without delay. And he'd conveyed his suspicions to François who in turn passed them on to Miles.

Miles had acted swiftly and arranged for members of the "Safe Rafe" group to keep surveillance on Guy Maratier and me and to report any unusual activity to him immediately. And so it was that the group had witnessed us being delivered to Lionel Schuster for illegal export. The fact that Guy had left us with Lionel Schuster alarmed them and they'd consulted with Michael who shared their unease.

He'd sought an urgent appointment with Judge Fitzwilliam - a close friend - who'd listened sympathetically to his petition on my behalf and his request for help. Judge Fitzwilliam ordered that I appear before him the following morning where he would re-examine the circumstances of my enslavement in light of this new evidence.

The judge asked for my present whereabouts and when Michael told him that Guy Maratier had left me in Lionel Schuster's keeping, he too became suspicious and he asked the court's officers to keep a discreet watch on the slave-dealer's premises to ensure no harm came to me and, if necessary, to intervene on my behalf.

And these are the events that lead to Thor's and my rescue.

I had no idea of their tireless efforts to free me. And as I listened to what they told me I was humbled and a little ashamed that I'd harbored such bitterness towards my former friends. It would seem that I owe a great debt of gratitude to so many who have worked so hard to set me free. I think of Claymore and especially of Odile both of who were an important part of my boyhood and whose chance conversation was instrumental in having Judge Fitzwilliam re-examine my case. Should I regain my freedom, one of my first actions will be to visit them and to thank them.

Their actions have given me hope but I still hesitate to believe that I'll regain my freedom. The trauma of my last visit to this same courthouse is too real for me to ignore and I fear fresh disappointment.

As I pause at the bottom of the steps leading into the courthouse, it is Thor who encourages me to take the next step.

"It's alright, Lucien! It will soon be over and you'll be a free man once more. And I am here at your side"

Supported by my four friends and Thor how can I not hope? Thor takes me by my elbow and together we climb the steps and enter the courts' building.

Judge Fitzwilliam's courtroom is identical in appearance to the one where Judge Matthews had sentenced me to slavery. As I enter, I am reminded of that day and my apprehension returns.

Unlike that day, the public gallery isn't overflowing although there are spectators who have obviously come to watch proceedings. Never-the-less, I am surprised at the number who are present and I wonder how they'd learned about my hearing. It is as though they have a sixth sense for such events. And inevitably, I see there are reporters present eagerly anticipating a story to send back to their editors.

I remember that day three years ago when the spectators had jeered and taunted me as I was forced to strip naked after Judge Matthews sentenced me and outlined what my obligations as a slave to Guy Maratier were to be. Thankfully, today I am allowed to wear clothes.

At nine thirty, I timidly enter the room expecting to be greeted with boos and jeers but instead, the spectators rise to their feet and applaud as Miles leads Thor and me to a table where Michael Stewart is sitting. Miles tells me that I am among friends and that the spectators are my supporters from the "Save Rafe" group. I am surprised by my reception and I acknowledge their applause by a slight wave of the hand and a shy smile.

Michael Stewart has me sit next to him with Thor on my other side. Michael tells me that from past experience, the proceedings should move smoothly and quickly. He tells me that Judge Fitzwilliam runs an efficient bench and the first issue to be dealt with is the one of slave smuggling. All four defendants were caught red-handedly in the act of slave-smuggling and as there are no extenuating circumstances the verdicts are a foregone conclusion and sentencing will be mandatory.

Once Judge Fitzwilliam has dealt with the slave smuggling charges, he'll then move to re-examine the circumstances behind my enslavement and, he adds confidently, the judge will find in my favor. Michael assures me that I will leave the courtroom a free man with my true identity as Lucien Barrois restored.

Nervously, I ask if I will have to speak on my own behalf. Michael tells me most probably I won't as he'll be presenting my case to the judge. He does qualify this by saying it's possible the judge might ask a question of me in which case I should answer confidently and without hesitation. This leaves me trembling and then I feel Thor's comforting hand squeezing my upper leg and I draw comfort from that.

The minutes tick slowly by until promptly at nine fifty-five the four defendants shuffle into the dock. All four are dressed in prison garb and wear bright yellow coveralls boldly emblazoned with a large, black "P" for prisoner on the chest and back and they present a woeful sight. All four prisoners wear shackles on their wrists and ankles and it's obvious none of them have slept overnight. Disheveled and unshaven, their faces betray their fear. Desperately, they look around the courtroom searching for a sympathetic face or some other show of support. But there is no one present who feels pity for them. Least of all me.

As I look at Lionel Schuster, Simon Barrow and Guy Maratier I steel myself against feeling any pity for them. From what I'd heard overnight, all three had schemed to get rid of Thor and me by smuggling us out of the country to an unknown fate. All three had been motivated by greed. In Guy's case it had been the fear of me regaining my freedom and reclaiming my birthright. And his two co-conspirators had aided and abetted him for the large sums of money he'd promised them.

The fourth prisoner I don't know. Later I am to learn that his name is Luis Martello and he too had been motivated by greed and is as guilty as they are.

All four had conspired to flout the law in their own selfish interests and their avarice had caught them out. Greed had been their downfall and now they must face the consequences and pay the price for their actions. And I for one want to see them punished to the full extent of the law. I wonder about their future and what their changed circumstances will be.

I see a visibly shaking Simon Barrow looking fearfully at the clock which shows two minutes to ten. Nervously, he licks his lips as he stands alongside a frightened and trembling Guy Maratier.

The remaining seconds tick down with agonizing slowness until precisely at ten o'clock the Clerk calls the courtroom to order.

"THIS COURT IS NOW IN SESSION. ALL RISE! FOR HIS HONOR, JUDGE HENRY FITZWILLIAM!"

To be continued...

Posted: 05/29/15