Road to Freedom

Chapter 2

As he did every morning, James said a prayer at the breakfast table. His sons reverently bowed their heads until he finished with an “Amen,” then they would dig into their food as conversation erupted. 

Daniel was too anxious to eat or get involved with his brothers’ conversation. Instead, he pushed his food around on his plate while stealing a few glances at his father. The older man sat at the head of the table, lightly salting his eggs as he did every morning. Only unlike every morning, James was quiet. He wasn’t planning the day’s farm chores or planning for harvest like he normally did. Instead, his dark brows were furrowed and he seemed oblivious to everything around him.

Daniel thought about asking him if he had made a decision yet, but feared if he pushed his father too much, then the decision would be a firm and final “No!” Daniel shifted positions in his seat, and his foot tapped a timely, nervous rhythm.

Daniel could see no reason for his father to refuse. After all, he wasn’t asking to go during school. Nor was he asking to go to another state. This wasn’t even a permanent position. He would come home soon. Surely his father didn’t think he wasn’t man enough to handle the job.

Daniel eagerly looked up when he heard his father’s deep sigh.

“I’ve come to a decision.” James said, though his eyes still looked unsure.

Daniel leaned to the very edge of his seat. His breathing ceased.

“You’re a young man now, Daniel. I feel this decision is completely up to you.” James said, in a firm yet slightly shaken voice, “If you feel you’re ready to step out into the world and teach, then I give you my blessing and wish you the best.”

Daniel’s heart beat rapidly, and joy flooded his very soul. Though showing emotion wasn’t considered the “manly” thing to do, Daniel jumped up from his seat, wrapped his arms around his father’s neck, and told him he loved him. His father squeezed him in a return hug, and Daniel could barely feel the strong shoulders sag. Daniel pulled back. While resting his hands on the older man’s shoulders, he looked him earnestly in the eyes.

“Don’t worry about me, Pa! I’ll be all right.” he said, confidently, “This is only temporary. I’ll be back soon.”

You’ll be proud of me! Daniel silently added.

~~~~~


Two weeks later found Daniel at the train station in Fredericksburg. Daniel’s father and brothers were not the only ones there to see him off. Miss Wilson, Sam, and Will were also there. Miss Wilson was full of praise for Daniel. With a little pride and a great deal of embarrassment, Daniel endured it for he knew it would put his father’s mind at ease to hear someone had confidence in his son.

All too soon, the conductor called, “All aboard!” It was time to say goodbye.

A teary eyed Miss Wilson hugged Daniel and he wasn’t the least bit embarrassed to return it. “Thank you for giving me this opportunity,” he whispered to her.

“You’ve given me something too.” she said, “One day you’ll know the feeling of seeing one of your students go out into the world to accomplish their dream.”

Daniel smiled at her, and then went on to shake hands with his brothers and friends, all of them wishing him well. He came to his father, and wasn’t ashamed to hug him in front of everyone. He knew it was hard on the older man, but Daniel would show him that everything would work out all right.

“Take care of yourself!” James said, “And don’t be afraid to come right back home if things don’t work out.”


“Everything will work out all right, Pa! You’ll see.” Daniel said, smiling a confidant smile.

“All aboard!” the conductor called again and the train whistle blew as a signal that it wasn’t going to wait on anyone.

Daniel picked up his suit case and hurried into the car. Setting his things in the overhead compartment, he sat in his seat. Looking out the window, he saw his family and friends waving to him as the train whistle blew twice more and started pulling away. He waved back until they were out of site, and then settled back for the ride.

Along with the excitement of his new job, came the added excitement that this was his first train ride. He didn’t sleep a wink last night in anticipation of this trip, and now he wouldn’t sleep during the trip either. Who knew how many future chances he would have to look through the window of a train at the rolling hills of Virginia.

~~~~~

The trip took most of the day. Daniel didn’t arrive in Bedford until six o’clock that evening. When he got off the train, he took a moment to survey the town from porch of the station. It wasn’t much larger than his home town. It seemed the same amount of buildings lined the main street. Yet for the first time in his life, Daniel saw a Pub. Not that he had any intention of going there. He promised his father not to have anything to do with such a place.

An older gentleman approached Daniel. To Daniel’s surprise, the man was shorter than he was. His dark hair was streaked with gray at the sides. Wearing a fine, gray suit, Daniel figured he must be a man of some importance.

“Daniel Marshall?” the man asked in a deep voice that did not seem to match his stature.

“Yes, sir!” Daniel said.

The older man smiled and extended his hand.

“I’m Jacob Conrad. I own the General Store here in town.” he said, “I’m the one who sent the letter, inquiring about a teacher.”

“Then you’re the one I ought to be thanking.” Daniel said, smiling. “This is my first teaching job. I have to confess that I’m a bit excited and nervous at the same time.”

Jacob chuckled as he took Daniel’s bag.

“I suppose everyone feels that way when they’re starting out in something new.” he said, then nodded toward his wagon. “I’ll take you to your new lodgings. It’s about an hour outside of town. A small community the villagers call Freedom.”

Daniel followed Jacob to the wagon and climbed inside while Jacob placed the suit case in the back of the wagon. Once aboard, Daniel began questioning the man.

“Freedom?! That’s an interesting name.” Daniel said, “What are they like?”

Jacob slapped the reigns against the horses side, and the wagon set off northward. Jacob kept his eyes on the road as he talked.

“They’re newcomers to area.” he said, “They haven’t been here long: about a year.  They’re starting a farming community.”

“I’m surprised that they’re only an hour outside of town.” Daniel said, “I would think they’d come to school here.”

“They can’t!” Jacob said.

“Why?”

“People around here want nothing to do with them.”

Daniel looked hard at the man, curiosity and worry creasing his face.

“What…what’s wrong with them?” Daniel hesitantly asked.

“Nothing’s wrong with them.” Jacob said, “Just some people are plain too stupid to get certain notions out of their heads.”

“What kind of notions?” Daniel asked.

“Thinking that a person isn’t as good as them ‘cause of their skin color.”