- The Prouds 12
“This is Wanda, the most beautiful slave woman in
the entire kingdom, and this sack contains twenty golden
coins,” said the king. Whenever he saw Wanda, he was
reminded of his beloved wife Heather who was once a
slave.
Like an overwhelming flood, joy filled Milton’s
heart. “This is very generous of you, My Lord... very
generous.”
The king said, “This is nothing compared to what I
give for those who love me and I love them. I will give you
many times as much, but I want you to convince Leader
Addison to obey me without going to war.”
“You got it, My Lord,” said Milton.
The king, who was very good at using the carrot-
and-stick approach to get what he wanted, added, “My
soldiers are on their way to you and shall camp near your
land, and unless you give me an answer within two weeks,
we will fight you, and that can never be to your best
interest.”
Milton replied, “I will do that, My Lord,
particularly as Leader Addison’s oldest son, Hammond, is a
friend of mine, and I am the closest to him of all the
Prouds. I am even closer to him than his father and
brothers.”
“Very well, then. Have him convince his father and
I shall give you more,” said the king.
Milton returned to the tribe of the Prouds, fascinated by the
most beautiful slave he had ever seen and the shining gold,
which, to him, was the most beautiful scene in the world.