Genesis Chronicorum β1: Hellfire

Chapter 20: Mother and sons

When Jehan returned to Claude's room, this one was already sitting up and reading one of his books. Claude didn't notice his brother's presence until Jehan got closer to him with some food for his brother. Claude closed the book and stretched his hands. "I can feed myself, brother. Where were you?" said Claude, taking the plate. for Jehan, it felt like his mouth was sewn shut for what he saw earlier that day, he didn't have the courage to talk about it.

"I was studying. Soon, I will become archdeacon, when the current one leaves us." Jehan made up the excuse as fast as he could, his eyes looking down to the floor, avoiding contact. Jehan kept an eye on his brother as he ate until he heard his father yell at him. He realized he needed to attend his classes. Finishing his meal, Jehan dismissed the tray and himself while Claude sat up and dressed up. The silence and tranquility made him think of Maria and his mother. He was to look for her, look for the woman who stole his heart. Once he was ready, a chilling wind stroke his skin and invaded the room, odd, the window wasn't opened as he saw a snowy storm, he thought. The door opened by itself and a voice whispered his name. Claude didn't help but follow, he thought his mother was still among them like she wanted to tell him something., the question was, what?

A creaking was heard, the door to the master bedroom opened. Claude approached with caution, yet no one was there. A deep silence covered the room, "Just my mind playing tricks on me. Perhaps the fever has not yet left me." he thought, a chill went up to his spine and when he turned he saw it. A shadow of one of the witches, "mother?" he said, almost heartbroken. The shadow pointed to a purple chest trimmed in silver and a ruby in the center of the opening.  As soon as he opens it, he spots two things, his mother's ring and...a dagger. It was very beautiful, it had a very beautiful design, but what was Jacque doing with such an artifact? 

"I gave it to him as a wedding gift, he hid it from you when you were a child. You liked it so much and wanted to grab it." He heard a female voice, right behind him. It was Laverne who showed him the way, Claude didn't believe it, he was right. He was frozen in place and tried not to cry as he saw his mother materialize. 

Claude: Mother, why. How can a father be so heartless? You have never done anything to him.

Laverne: I didn't, but you can my darling. Your father has hurt so many people, it is our turn to strike before he hurts you, boys. Jacque has hurt our kind, son. Avenge our gypsies, look for Maria, she might be in danger.

Claude grabbed the dagger, examining it, in awe until the door opened and Fleur entered, making Claude cut a bit of his fingers and hip, hiding it.

Fleur: Son, what are you doing here?