Momma Laveau Momma Laveau had heard how a savage had turned into a wolf to protect his tribe. If only she could do the very same. She would tear up all the white masters and send them straight to the hell they deserved. She knew no such thing would ever happen to her. She was a slave and would die a slave. The mistress of the house at least allowed her some freedom. She was sent off to the plantation down the road to fetch some eggs for the party the family was having this weekend. All the white folk in the little swamp town would attend. Their parties gave her, at least the ones that were too dark to be seen, some freedom while the house slaves would have to work all night cleaning up after them. Momma Laveau was happy she was one of the dark ones, only in this country for a few years from her home in Africa. She started to sing a hymn taught to her by the black preacher that often visited the plantation on Sundays. All slaves were expected to attend services. She never understood the white man’s God. She barely understood why the gods she served didn’t help her. Ahead, a young woman barely clothed sat in the road crying. Momma Laveau rushed up to her. “You shouldn’t be out here. Them hunters will come and skin you alive.” “I’m free,” the girl whispered. “How?” Momma Laveau gazed down the worn road. “Ain’t no man holding me,” the girl said. “Ain’t no man ever gonna make me his.” Momma Laveau’s pulse quickened. “Help me.” “Help you?” The girl smiled. “Why?” “I want to be free.” “No … your kind don’t know freedom. You only think you want to be free.” “I’ll do anything.” Momma Laveau dropped to her knees. “I’ll do anything. Just tell me what I need to do.” The girl laughed. “You ask for a lot. Are you willing to give to receive?” Momma Laveau didn’t care what it took. She wanted to help her people. “Yes, I’ll do whatever it takes.” The girl stood. “Then you will do.”