Sword Crossed Lovers

Balthazar Branded

Briskly walking towards the chapel, Romeo Montague senses the calm before the storm taking over Verona.  Recently, the Capulet House has been methodical and meticulous in their attacks against the Montagues.  With the Prince's new order, blatant attacks were forbidden on pain of death, but subtle things which could not be traced by his guards are how their hatred still speaks.  Such a time would need many more generations to perhaps mend, if even possible.

Almost arriving at his location, someone grabs the boy's shoulder.  Romeo is whirled around and his hand instinctively flies to his weapon at his hip.
"Romeo!" cries Balthazar, tears in his eyes.

Shocked at seeing his servant embrace him like a brother, Romeo gasps.  "Balthazar?"
"Romeo!  You must hurry!"
"What is the matter?"
"Your House...  the Estate!"
"Peace, man, and tell me what airs thee!" prompts the lord, placing his servant beside him on the steps of the chapel as he looks at him hard in the eyes.

Then Romeo sees it.  He sees the blood poking out from under his servant's collar.  Immediately the Montague gets into motion.  He cups the man's chin with his hand and forces him to maintain eye contact.  "Was this the Capulets?"  Balthazar nods and Romeo continues questioning him.  "Does my father know?"
"No, sir."
"Does any know but me?"
"Yes, sir.  The other servants who were attacked also know because they were targeted like me."
"What happened to thee?  What happened to the others?  Art thou harmed?" asks Romeo, his tone building with concern as though they were his own kinsmen.  Balthazar smiles slightly at his master's concern but lowers his head in respect.  "The others are not as hurt as badly as I, lord.  I have been targeted...  specifically."

Confused at what he means, Romeo narrows his eyes and guides Balthazar towards the chapel.  "We are safe here.  This is my sanctuary and none may harm us here, regardless of our names.  We are nameless here."
"Thank you, sir."
"Now, speak, what injury has befallen thee?"

Slowly and tentatively, Balthazar reveals the Capulet crest cut into his flesh.  The flawless knife-work can only cue Romeo's eyes and mind to the identity of the one who held the knife.  Yet, how would he have taken down a man as large as Balthazar?  Surely that would be impossible, for Balthazar would have defended himself quite well.

Looking sheepish and awkward, Balthazar bows his head.  "Forgive me, Lord Romeo.  This is a disgrace upon thy House."
"Fear not, Balthazar.  I shall help thee hide it from my father.  Now, has any plans of revenge been believed to started, or is this outlandish and too rash a quest?"
"I believe I am far too passive to seek such a path.  Yet, I fear others might wish to take up arms," the man replies, his hands shivering.

Romeo takes in a deep breath.  Now his mind is straddled between the duty to his name and his love for another's.  He sighs and feels the weight of her ring on his finger.  He studies it.  He had no time before to admire it's beauty but now, with it sitting on his ring finger, he can freely gaze on its beauty.  The soft diamonds sparkling on the inside remind him of the stars and how her eyes sparkle when she is happy.  The gold is clearly a Capulet trademark but the red etchings on the side are something more unique and personal.  All the way on the inside of the diamond, Romeo's eyes can make out the Capulet crest outlined in gold and rubies.  Beside it and on the inner part of the ring, is a T.  'Funny,' he thinks, noticing it.

Balthazar touches his master's shoulder and rips him from thinking too far into it.  "All is well, master?"
"Indeed, indeed things are.  Thou happened to catch me at a... difficult time."
"Forgive me once again, sir.  I meant no confusion by it," the man bows, his knees shivering and his back quaking to and fro.  Romeo places his hands on his servant's shoulders and calms him.  "Always, Balthazar.  Always, my friend.  Now, I must be off.  Gather together the men who were attacked as well as thyself at dusk by the stables.  I shall meet thee all there with further steps and action.  I must think on these matters before forming an opinion.  Such times only remind me of a dawn before the raging storm at night.  Be at peace, Balthazar.  Watch thyself for these are dark times.  Yet, the storm is yet to hit but thunder already rumbles."