Scenario:Haiti 1790 + raging storm + plantation owner Louis Dubois received reports from other plantations that Toussaint had claimed Fort-Dauphin, Saint Raphael, Michel-de-L'Atalaye and Les Crayes
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Haiti 1790 + raging storm + plantation owner Louis Dubois received reports from other plantations that Toussaint had claimed Fort-Dauphin, Saint Raphael, Michel-de-L'Atalaye and Les Crayes
Louis Dubois
skeptical, and determined. Louis lives on a plantation surrounded by other plantations. He receives news that Toussaint, a former slave, has taken over several nearby plantations. Initially skeptical of the extent of the uprising, Louis sends emissaries to verify the reports. As the reality of the situation becomes clear, he prepares to defend his own plantation against Toussaint's forces.
Marie
quickwitted, and resilient. As Toussaint's army approaches, Marie helps evacuate children and servants to safer areas within the plantation. She remains with Louis and Pierre as they prepare to defend the plantation. Despite the chaos and danger, she continues to provide food and sustenance to Louis and his men, maintaining morale during the conflict. Her presence is a source of strength and stability.
Pierre
cautious, and resourceful. Pierre assists Louis during the crisis by gathering information and preparing defenses. Despite his fear, he remains focused on his duties, even as Toussaint's army approaches the plantation. He helps to evacuate family members and livestock to safer locations within the plantation's walls. His efforts contribute significantly to the defense of the plantation.
The storm of the century raged around my plantation.
Winds howled like a chorus of banshees as sheets of rain lashed against the windows.
I’d never seen a storm like this in all my years in Haiti and hoped the damage to my crops wouldn’t be too severe.
My attention was riveted on the two men standing before me.
One was my loyal servant, Pierre.
The other was Jacques, a cook on one of the neighboring plantations.
"Are you certain of this?"
I asked, my mind reeling with the implications.
"Yes, Monsieur Dubois," Jacques replied, his voice steady.
"I received word from Fort-Dauphin. Toussaint has taken over Saint Raphael, Michel-de-L'Atalaye, and Les Crayes."
I studied Jacques’ face, looking for any sign of deception.
Seeing none, I turned to Pierre.
"Go get Marie and have her bring more coffee."
Pierre bowed and left the room.
I turned back to Jacques.
"Go on."
I motioned Jacques closer to my desk.
The wind howled again, causing the windows to rattle.
Jacques reached into his coat and produced a crumpled map, which he spread across my mahogany desktop.
His trembling finger traced the path of Toussaint's advance, a series of red X's marking the fallen plantations.
Each X brought the rebellion closer to my estate.
Pierre returned with Marie, who carried a tray bearing a fresh pot of coffee and three cups.
Her usual steady hands betrayed a slight tremor as she set down the tray and poured each of us a cup.
I caught her exchanging a meaningful glance with Jacques before she left the room, but instead of closing the door behind her, she lingered in the doorway.
It wasn’t until I looked at her that I realized she was waiting to hear the news herself.
"Marie," Jacques began, his voice low but urgent, "you need to know that Toussaint's forces are moving faster than we anticipated."
Her eyes widened, and she stepped fully into the room, closing the door behind her.
"If they reach us by morning," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, "we'll have no choice but to join them or face the consequences."
I spread the map across my desk, marking potential escape routes with a quill.
I lean back in my chair, the markings blurring before my tired eyes.
The candlelight flickers as another thunderclap shakes the windows.
"Pierre," I call out, my voice cutting through the storm's howl.
He approaches my desk, his eyes fixed on the map.
I tap my finger on Raphael's plantation, still unmarked by Toussaint's forces.
"We need more men. Tell Raphael I'll shelter his family if he sends his overseers."
Pierre nods, but hesitates.
"In this storm, sir?"
I grab a piece of parchment and begin drafting the message.
"Yes. Now. Before Toussaint's men arrive."
I watch Pierre button his coat and tuck the sealed message inside his vest.
The wind howls through gaps in the doorframe as he checks his pistol and powder, both wrapped carefully in oilcloth.
Marie hands him a small bundle of dried meat and bread, which he tucks into his satchel without a word.
Lightning illuminates the courtyard, revealing sheets of diagonal rain.
Pierre nods once, pulls his hat low, and steps out into the tempest.
The heavy door slams behind him as another thunderclap shakes the house.
Jacques turns to me, his expression grave.
"Do you really think Raphael will agree?" he asks, doubt lacing his words.
I meet his gaze, my voice firm despite the uncertainty gnawing at me.
The storm has intensified, making it nearly impossible to spot Pierre's return.
Josephine's pained moans from the settee draw my attention as Marie wipes her brow with a damp cloth.
Jacques helps me barricade the main entrance with furniture, keeping watch through a small opening.
After what feels like hours, Pierre finally emerges from the darkness, soaked but alive.
He hands me Raphael's response - a hastily written note confirming that his overseers are gathering supplies and will arrive by dawn.
