The trading sloop was read to go, sails up and luffing in the breeze.
Timpoochee pushed off the vessel from the stern while one if his men pushed from the bows. The boat turned gently away from the wharf as the wind filled its sails.
Over his shoulder, Timpoochee spotted the reason for the commotion up the road from the fort.
A band of Creek people, dressed in the formal clothing of Yonega, marched into the settlement.
William Panton rushed from his warehouse to greet them.
Alexander McGillivray, Timpoochee knew immediately; Miko of the Creek Confederation.
Although he’d never met the famous Yonega-educated Miko, he was easy to spot because of his dress and manner.
Behind the Miko and in front of his own men, slaves of varying shapes and colors bore the Miko’s effects. It was rumored McGillivray kept many slaves, most captured in battle by his warriors.
Most were dark-skinned, some were jet black, others were lighter and some appear to be Hathagalgi.
One of the slaves stood out from the others. He was taller than the others but skinny and frail. He was Hathagalgi, certainly, from which people?
Timpoochee squinted to get a better look as boat slipped further away from the shore.
Recognition was difficult, vague. But the sight of that slave stirred something deep inside Timpoochee’s soul.
He knew him. Or, as least, knew someone like him.