A Silent Beginning

Silence.

He walked quietly, hidden under the blanket of the night, carefully treading as to not break the silence. His wife followed his heels, constantly being reminded to stay silent by her anxious husband, as she held their sleeping child close to her rapidly beating heart. The King had installed guards along the river side. Many people in this couple's sleepy town didn't care for the rules, but not Ernest Pennyworth. He hated the Empire, for his wife was the love of his life, and in his humble opinion, no woman could be valued less than a man breathing the same air. Catherine's been married to Ernest for around five years now – tonight was the eve of their sixth. Had they been in the upper class, the Pennyworths would have led an easier life, but alas, they were not.

Instead, Catherine had been branded a 'workslave'. But no child of the Pennyworths could lead the horrendous life dictated by the Empire; this young Pennyworth would be brought up in a land far more fair, where gender's irrelevant to matters pertaining to basic rights. That will be the land our child shall grow in, Ernest would assure a sobbing Catherine. And so, the couple planned their escape for the eve of their sixth anniversary. In the days prior, Ernest had arranged a small boat to be docked along the river, which was carefully stashed with food and survival items. All that was left to do was to get to the boat tonight, and row into the night towards their new beginning.

Crack, snapped a twig under Ernest's right foot. He froze in place and Catherine followed suit. But the guards had heard the sound, and began their slow movement towards the family. Ernest gestured for Catherine to move in front of him so he could protect them from behind as they continued their path to the boat. A cold bead of sweat raced down Ernest's cheek. He could hear the leaves crush under the guards' boots, but reminded himself not to look back. He'd give his lady love a reassuring smile when she'd turn, but panicked in silent despair. Finally, they reached the boat, and could no longer hear the guards following them. Breathing in relief, they shed some tears and kissed. Ernest undid the knot anchoring the boat as Catherine and their child boarded it.

But that's when it happened. Catherine turned to hear Ernest's scream shatter the silence as the guards stabbed him from behind. A mortified Catherine wanted to fight back, but Ernest wouldn't allow it. With all his might, and tears down his face, Ernest bid his loves farewell as he pushed the boat towards the brighter future. Catherine held their daughter closely as the boat floated away, crying as Ernest took his final breaths. As he fell and succumbed to his bleeding wounds, he smiled and watched his family float into the star-studded night, knowing they'd lead a happier life.