Genesis Chronicorum β1: Hellfire

Chapter 11: Empty words and promises

The dining chamber was quiet that night as the Judge and his sons dined. The clink of spoons and forks hitting against plates were the only sounds filling the room. The judge was to drink that night, gulping bottles of wine until he met the bottom in each. Claude and Jehan quiet, behaving like they were raised to before their father, for the sake of not witnessing his wrath. Jacque started muttering words as their plates were taken. Claude made out pieces of his sentences. "I will make every gypsy pay for plaguing our land." and "They will all die".  He might have been drunk but he still had darkness in his heart. Claude looked at his brother, he looked as if he was about to run away because of the aura their father had around him, it was dark, threatening and intimidating. 

It felt like an eternity before they were allowed to leave, the brothers wouldn't dare say a word to their father. They parted their ways that evening, Jehan headed to their mother's chamber to watch over her and Claude outside the palace. It saddened him to see his mother like she was, losing her mind and suffering two attacks. Claude headed to the cathedral, to the top to gaze at the stars. They were beautiful, almost as if they were meant to appear to make him feel like everything will be alright, at least that is what Claude though.

Moments later, as Claude was enjoying the calm and quiet, he felt someone embracing him. Hands traveling from his shoulders to a hug, female hands. Claude turned his head and saw an angel, or that is what he thought. It was Maria who came to visit and check on the man who invited her for a bit of fun that day. Claude gave her a small smile, he was happy to see her well. Maria sat beside him to enjoy the stars and peace the night had to offer. However, Claude had to be serious and certain that Maria is his friend. "My mother is sick, and she was supposedly attacked, by your people." said Claude. Maria didn't like his words. "What do you mean my people? We are not thieves. Why should we hurt a poor lady? " Maria looked away, in anger and offended. Claude knew she didn't have anything to do about the attack, and had no intentions in hurting anyone near Claude.

Claude: Forgive me. I just thought..

Maria:  I know what you mean. There are bad gypsies and good gypsies but don't talk wrong about  people you don't know. How are you so sure it was one of mine?

Claude: You are right. It must've been a peasant or one of my father's enemies.

Maria: Your father is a hated man. Mistreating and misjudging people who are in need. People like us needing homes and food to live. 

Claude: You're not wrong on that. Father can be so heartless to others, even my mother. One reason she has a mental illness is because of him. Their marriage isn't happy or romantic. They just married to have sons.

Maria: I'm sorry to hear that. I hope that you find someone you love and she loves back. I hope your mother recovers quickly. She seems very sweet. 

Claude: Maybe you could. We must wait for midnight, when everyone goes to sleep. I can take you there so you can meet her.

Maria smiled and kissed his cheek. Claude never felt so happy and so blessed to be close to someone,he felt happy and, if he thought about it, in love. They headed to the same bar they met Clopin and drink to their hearts' content. Maybe everything was getting better as he was around Maria. Maybe he would court her once they see Laverne and have the lives they always wanted.