Mourning in Agony

Year 1600 (Dark Ages) Sun shines through the window, along with the chirping sounds of the birds outside. Louis Rosewoods, an eight year old lad, lying on his bed with his mind drew in the deep slumber. A tap on his window startled him, making him wake up from his unconsciousness. He rubbed his sleepy eyes and walk through his window. "Hey, Louis! You lazy lad! Come down here and play! " A little girl around his age, shouted. A grin spread across his face, and he didn't hesitated to immediately changed his clothes and run down the stairs. He run to the grass field, and soon enough he saw Raven running around the meadow and chasing a butterfly. "Hey! " he called, making the little girl's attention averted to him. "Louis! " She chirped, and welcome him with tight grip hug. "Let's play hide and seek! " "Alright. But where's Harry? " asked Louis, wondering where his older brother could be. "Oh he was right there. " Raven pointed at the little boy reading a book under the tree. "He's still wants to finish his book, so he doesn't want to play with us. ""If that's the case, I'll hide and you'll seek! " In the whole afternoon, all they did was played around the field. And when the sun set comes, the three of them sat on the small hill. "What do you want to be someday? " Raven asked, as she watched the clouds mixed with color of pastel blue and orange. "I want to marry you. " Louis stated, making Raven giggle. But in Harry's eyes, there is nothing but jealousy. Even though they were still young, he still can't deny his feelings for her. "How about you, Harry? " Raven asked, turning her attention to the older lad. "I um... " He trailed off, and clear his throat. "I-I want to be a doctor. Just like my dad. ""Oh yeah. That's very interesting. I want to be a doctor as well, so I can heal my mum." said Raven. "You know that can't be happen. You females were destined to serve us. " Louis urged, and a frown on Raven's face appears. "If that's the case, I won't marry anyone then. "Harry smiled at how feisty she can be.Day, months, years has passed, the three children has turned into men and woman, but their friendship are still bond. 15 years later, Louis works in the bakery, while Harry became a doctor as he wanted himself to be. And Raven on the other hand, was only work to serve at home, and to take care of her ill mother. At night, she always wonder if Louis was right. If all the women's faith are the same. Her mother was almost on the verge of death, and she's starting to lose herself by staring at her almost lifeless body. A lot of people came to say their good bye, even her uncle who is a priest, came to pray for the sake of her mother's soul, because they all know that her mother's journey of life shall come soon to an end. But she knew better. The night of their last agony, she called the only person she could trust... Harry. Harry didn't say anything when she came knocking on her door. He didn't asked, or hesitated as soon as he saw her tears running down her beautiful face, making his heart broke into million pieces. He just followed her to the path where her house is. And that night, the impossible turn into possible. Her mother healed again. She looks so alive. Not even a trace of evidence from her sickness was found. Everyone in their family filled with joy, but only one was different. He watched Harry with suspicious eyes. Priest Horan. He suspected that there is something only a miracle could happen, and he was referring to sinful supernatural activities that only goes under a demonic possession. He suspected that Harry was doing something that the church forbid. Churches these days are running the whole country with iron fist. It was all started from the fallen of the Roman empire, and the Roman Catholic religion has spread all over the Europe. Every kingdom has been under the dominance of the church, but Harry knows it's all about greed, and possession. They are using the wrong interpretation of the Bible to rule the world. How pathetic and ignorant those people could be?Raven and her family set a celebration for her mother's second chance of life. People are dancing around... even Harry and Raven are joining the crowd. They hold each other's hands while dancing around the crowd. For Raven, it was only a friendly gesture, but for Harry, he felt something more. It was like millions of butterflies spread all over his stomach just by touching her hand. Their eyes were filled with joy, and Harry not wanting more but not to end that moment. But of course, Louis had came to the picture, and took Raven by the hand and kissed her in front of him. Harry smiled to cover the emptiness he felt inside. He watch her taken away, and disappear to the crowd. Any day, Harry would wished he was in his brother's place, than to be left alone in the dark and make him feel he's too far to reach her. He wished he could take her hand, make her laugh, cherish her, and feel her love. But he knew it's a sin to steal something from someone he didn't own... Especially from his own blood. Even though Raven's family are not fond of Louis Rosewoods, since he's only working in a bakery, Raven still fight for what they had. And for all those years they had been together, she never lose her faith in him. But little did she know, everything has to come to an end?Another years has passed, and the coronation of the new king has begun. They watched how the throne passed to another Royal blood that shall be soon the ruler of their kingdom... Prince Liam James, the only son of King Gregory VIII, oath to follow his father's footsteps to become the new great King. He's a great warrior, and he would sacrifice everything for the land he owned. His life was perfect, he had everything served on the silver platter, and all he have to do is to follow his faith. But he did the exact opposite. In able to become a king, he have to marry someone who can be his Queen, to increase his pride. And in that night of celebration, his eyes catches the most beautiful girl in the ball. Her sea blue eyes pierced with joy, and her porcelain skin casted by the moon light. Although he saw her dancing with another man, and her heart might already owned by someone, he doesn't care. He grew up in a world where he can get everything he wants, and he will have her no matter what. With his pride, he approached the girl that catches his eyes. She was talking to another male who almost looks the same as the lad who's dancing with her earlier. As soon she saw his presence near her, she immediately bow her head in respect. "Good evening your majesty." She greeted him with polite, which is the same as the lad who stands beside her. "Good evening. Are you enjoying the party?" Asked, the king. "Indeed. " Raven replied. "This is a great celebration for our great new King. ""Thank you. Mind if I take you to dance. " He offered, and Raven gladly took it, leaving Harry once again in the dark. That night, the interest of the king was only set on one girl.When the morning comes after the celebration, Raven woke up by the shriek in excitement of her mother. "Go get dress nicely, we have an important guess waiting for you downstairs. " her mother announces, before leaving her room without anymore words has spoken. Raven was confused, but she obliged anyway. She dressed up nicely just like what her mother said, before going downstairs. And a gasp leaves her lips when she saw the person sitting on their living room. "Your majesty! What brings you here. " asked Raven, with one eyebrow raised in confusion. "Raven please take a sit first. " Her mother patted the empty seat beside her, and Raven hesitantly obliged. "As you see, my sweet child, our king here wants to propose an engagement for you..." As soon as Raven heard those words, she immediately insisted. "No! I insist! " she shouted, before standing up, making all of the people inside the room turned their gazes to her, including the King."I don't want to get marry! ""Can you excuse us for a moment, your majesty. " her mother stated to the King, before dragging Raven by her forearm to the other room. "What on earth are you doing?! Are you trying to embarrass me? You can't just reject him, he's our king! " Her mother scolded. "You want me to marry the man I didn't know? ""Is this about that young Rosewoods again? He's not worth for you! You will never find a bright future in him! ""Is this about me or you?" And that made her mother's mouth shut. "You said women who are selling themselves for fortune are whore. But aren't you doing the same thing? You're exchanging me for your fortune! " her voice was raised, and in a matter of seconds, her mother's palm collided on her cheeks. A tear escaped from Raven's eyes, and that gave her an opportunity to leave. She meets Louis near by the dock where they usually met when they were young. She told him her problem, and the answer she didn't expect and want to hear came out from him. "Then you should follow your faith. " her eyes widen at his statement. Not believing the words he just said."Louis... I thought you loved me!" She cried."Yes, indeed I love you. But if this is where our destiny will be heading, then let's not fight for it. You and I both know that there are no other solution for this." Her heart broken into million pieces, knowing the only man that she loved, gave up on her easily. She shook her head and run away. There's only one person she could talk to, and she knew that person would never tear her down.Harry woken up by a loud knocks on his door. He fell asleep while doing his research about the cure for the disease that spreading all over their country these days. "Raven. What a surprise! " he said as he open his front door. She took him by surprise by hugging him tightly and cried on his chest. He soothed her by rubbing her back with his big rough palm. She told him her problem, and Harry was devastated after hearing her whole story. "You should decline it then! " Harry stated. "It wasn't her choice! This is your life what we're talking about, and you have the right to make your own decision!" "What should I do then? I can't even became a doctor as I always wanted myself to be, just because I'm a woman. ""No you're not. You can be everything you want. There's no such thing as gender differences! Our society is just full of ignorant people! I believe that women can do, what men can. And I'll be here support you. " with all her excitement, she wrapped her arms around his torso, and buried her face onto his chest. "Thank you Harry. You're a great friend. " she whispers, leaving for the both of them to smile.For the past few weeks, Raven stays in Harry's place, and she help him to work in his patient. Raven was impressed by Harry's excellent skills in healing sick people. Even a person who's in between the line of life and death, he can find a cure for it. One afternoon, the two went to go to the market for groceries, downtown. And coincidentally, that Raven's mother was also there. "Raven, my dear child, please come home to us. " her mother begged. Her eyes are full of desperation. "I will, if you cancel my engagement with the king. ""Stop being stubborn Ravenna! I am your mother! " Her tone changed into stern. "I don't care. "Her mother gasped, not believing the words that her daughter said. She stared at Raven's eyes if there's any ounce of regret, but she just leave her disappointed when her own daughter stood on her own ground. "You. " she says through gritted teeth, while pointing her bony finger to her daughter. "Are out of your mind! You think you can take care of yourself, by turning your back on your family just for that boy-""This isn't about Louis anymore. I just want to be on my own, and not depending on anyone. Harry helped me to get a new job, and if I continue it, I might become a doctor just like him. ""A doctor is no job for a lady! ""Well now it is!" Raven yelled out of annoyance, earning some attention from the other people around them. "Why can't you just support me with my decision for once? "Her mother shook her head disappointedly. "You are such a disgrace to our family! You are nothing but a selfish brat!" with one last glance, she turn her back to her daughter and walk away. Raven stood for a minute, before running away from the scene. Harry followed her, calling her name multiple times. Raven stopped by the river, and Harry took a sit beside her. "I lost everything, Harry. My mother, Louis... They can't just understand who I really am. I'm going to be alone for the rest of my life. ""No you're not. " Harry urges. "You have me. I'll stay by your side even if you're sick of me. "Raven smiled. "Thank you Harry... For everything."The news immediately spread like a fire, and the King didn't take it well, as it brought to him. "Who's that man she's with?! " he yelled at the person who witnessed the scene. "Harry Rosewoods the third. They are currently living under one roof. ""She has to be mine! " he yelled, before throwing the bottle of wine he recently drinking. "I will do anything to win her! Find that Rosewoods person! I'll teach him a lesson he should learn. " he commanded to one of his knight, and he immediately obliged.Louis heard about the news too, and he can't say he doesn't like it, because he finally got a chance to be with Raven again. They once again meet by the dock, where they last seen each other. Louis has a bright smile on his face, while Raven's expression remains blank. "Raven! I'm glad you came! I heard about what happened at the market, and I'm so sorry for your mother. I want us to be-""Louis. " Raven cut Louis' statement off. Her tone tells Louis that she still wasn't happy. "If you're going to offer your heart to me again, I'm sorry, but I can't take it.""What?" Louis asked, disappointment written all over his face. "B-but why? I thought you said you loved me? ""Well not anymore. Louis, you said the same thing, but you gave up easily on us. It's not fair for me to fight for nothing. " she doesn't wait for him to say anything as she stood up and run away. Harry was on his way to his mansion, when 5 soldier men block him to prevent him to go further. "Harry Rosewoods III, come with us. The king wants to have a word with you. "At night, Raven became anxious by waiting for Harry's arrival. She paced back and forth, and anxiously looking for someone to enter the front door. She heard a loud thump outside, and she didn't hesitate to open the front door. And the sight before her, shattered her heart into million pieces. "Oh my. " she cried, and immediately carry Harry inside the house. Harry is still half awake. Even though he wants to sleep away the pain, he still wants to see the face of the only girl who owns his heart. "Raven. " he breathed, and Raven cry even harder when she heard his hoarse voice."Harry,... " she cried. " You don't deserve this Harry... I did. I didn't follow my faith, and now this happened to you. ""No! " Harry used all of his strength that he had, to reach for her hand. "You have the right to live on your own way. They are the one who's making your faith, not you. I don't care how hurt I am. As long as you are happy, then I'm fine with it. ""But why?! What am I to you, that you have to sacrifice everything?!" "You... You're the only girl who stole my heart. " Harry reaches to wipe the tears off her face by his thumb. "I love you Ravenna Victoria. Ever since we were little ""Harry I-""You don't have to say anything. You don't have to force yourself into pathetic man like me."But she took him by surprise, when she collided her lips against him. Harry closed his eyes, enjoying the lips of an angel that he's been carving for a very long time. That night, they made love. Harry claimed Raven like she was the most precious treasure thing he got... And by the morning comes, they immediately set an engagement party as symbolic of their love. But some people didn't take it well... Especially for Louis. As soon as he saw the celebration of their love, his heart breaks like a shattered glass. He can't believe that out of all people, why did she have to replace him with his brother. His own blood. "Raven!" Louis yelled over the crowd of dancing people around, and the celebration stop as everyone's head turn to the fuming man. "Is this why you don't want me anymore? " hurt was evidence from Louis' face, as the girl he once loved look down at him from the staircase with sympathy in her eyes. "And Harry, I thought you were my brother? How could you betray me like this?! " Guilt appeared on Harry's eyes."Louis, this isn't what you thought as it looks like. " Raven step in, but Louis shook his head... blocking Raven's words. "Is this because he's wealthy? He's smarter? You know I can give you everything. ""You know you're not the man of your words Louis," Raven urged, "you gave up on us easily-""So that's why you let my brother claimed you. ""He was there when I needed you the most. Why can't you accept it Louis? I don't love you anymore."And that's what Louis all feared to hear. His mouth parted, and he took a step back as if Raven's words sliced his heart. "I'm sorry Louis. " She apologized, but it was too late... She already hurt him. Louis just shook his head and run away from the scene with tears running down his face. Raven called after him, when Harry grip Raven's wrist and shook his head as if he was telling her that it was no use. Meanwhile in the palace, Priest Horan takes a visit to the king, due to the news he just heard. "Your majesty. I believe you're not taking well with the new issue about my niece, and I am here to help you. " The priest said. "What can you offer then? " asked the king. "I believe Harry Rosewoods was under a demonic possession by practicing witch craft to heal his patient. And it was forbidden to the rule of the Lord. I don't want my niece to bring a monstrosity to our family. Even my niece is learning his sinful way to earn money. ""They should be terminate then. If I can't have her, then no one can! "Weeks has passed, and Harry and Raven's life has been peacefully as ever. They did their usual everyday routine like a married couple. They also decided to get married if Harry bonded his relationship with his brother again. But a crisis decided to visit their town, and every people was affected by incurable disease. A lot of patient visited in Harry's mansion, to get heal and it became a very stressful week for the two loved birds. Harry found a possible cure, but it was on the other side of the country. "Did you really have to go? " Raven asked, as he watched Harry packed his clothes in his suitcase. "Yes my darling, but do not worry. As soon as I come back, I'll make you as my official wife. " Harry turned to faced the woman who stood behind him and held both of her hand. "I will always love you, you know that? " Raven nodded, and Harry kissed both of her hands. "But what about Louis? " asked Raven. Harry sighs and continues to pack his clothes again. "You know we can't just ignore him? He's your brother, our friend."Harry rolled his eyes. "Alright then, I'll run into him, before I'll go to my journey. " The bakery wasn't that busy like any other day, just a few customers here and there but Louis continue to work to busy himself to forget the pain he felt inside. When the bakery was almost empty, Louis decided to wipe the wooden table. He heard the door open, but he didn't dared to look at the intruder because he already knows who it is from the footsteps he heard. "Louis..." Harry called for his brother's attention but Louis continue to ignore him. "Louis I know you're mad and pained by what you just discovered, but I just want you to know that we're sorry. I'm sorry this happened to you, but I just want you to know that no matter what happened you're still my brother. And I can't marry the girl that I loved if I know my best mate isn't going to attend my wedding. I loved Raven, but I love you too... because you're my best friend. " Louis kept quiet and Harry just sighs, knowing it's no use. He's not really good in conversing with people especially comforting them. "You're invited to our wedding, and I want you to be my best man. But for a while, I'll be gone to search for something. And I want you to take care of her." Harry put on his hat, and carry his suitcase before he walk out of the bakery, leaving Louis to think by himself. The priest and the king decided to visit the villagers to reveal something unexpected. "People of Cameron, I want you to hear this out. " Father Horan announced to the crowd of people around him. "I believe you are all aware about the crisis that has been spreading all over our town. But you shall not fear. The lord has sent me to bring this message to you that the real enemy is right on your face. Harry Rosewoods III is not a real doctor!" Gasps were heard around. "He has been practicing some witch spell that under of demonic possession." "That's not true! " Someone urged among the crowd. "He's out of the town to find a cure." Louis was now one of the listening crowd. "And you believed him? It was just his excuse to get away, because he cursed this town! "The people panicked, and Louis's eyes widened in shock and fear. "We can't let him get away then?!" Someone shouted. "His wife was still here! They shall be executed! " Another one said. "Light your torches and get your pitch fork!""Yeah! " a wicked smile appear on the King's face, same as the priest. And that's the signal for Louis to run away from the scene. He ran as fast as he can to warn Raven, but he was already too late when he saw guards around Raven who's being tied up against a tree. And that hit him. They already planned all of this. He was about to fight for Raven when two guards held him back. People of village set fire on Raven's body, and Louis couldn't do anything but to watch the horrific scene in front of him. He watched her die until her body turn into ashes. The day after that, Harry was exhausted but at the same time happy that he is finally going to marry the girl that he loved. When he step off the boat he used to travel, Louis immediately run into him and dragged him to hide behind bushes. Guards are everywhere in search of him. They stopped by Louis' apartment, and when the horrific event was brought to Harry, the Rosewoods brother cried with their hearts in melancholy. "This is not fair! It's not fair for her to die. I should be the one who burned there. Only if I let her go... " Harry cried. "I'm so sorry, my dear brother. " Louis apologized, "I'm sorry that I failed to protect her. "Harry let out a growl. "It wasn't your fault. It was those prick! " Harry yelled, and bawled his fist in anger. "I'll take my revenge! I have to get my vengeance for her! ""Are you insane? " Louis urged, and gripped his brother's shirt. "Stop doing something you're going to regret! ""And then what? Stand here, while those pricks are out there and celebrating for pain? ""I lost her too, Harry. You're not the only one here who's mourning in agony. " Louis step closer to his brother. "I already lost her, and I don't want to lose you. " But in Harry's eyes, his words are being ignore. "May God forgive you." Louis whispers."There's no God Louis. I already abandoned him ever since she died." Harry says one last time before turning away from his younger brother. Harry's face illuminated on the light candle all over the church. The figure of the vicious priest appears on the aisle, praying. He have no soul, nor heart. Harry thought. He slowly and carefully, approached him, before attacking from the priest's back. He pointed the knife to his throat, making the fear appear in Horan's eyes. "Give me one reason, why I shouldn't kill you, you demonic prick! " Harry yelled, his green eyes turn to dark. "Demonic? The only demonic here is you and your witch mother." Although Harry could kill him without mercy, Father Horan covered his fear by speaking calm. "What is this have to do with my mother?! " anger radiated all over Harry's chest, as he pressed the knife even harder. "You poor child," Unexpectedly, Horan let out a humorlessly laugh. "You think you know everything when you are not." "The hell do you mean?! " Father Horan shook his head. "Your entire family is such a disgrace to our society! Forbidden to enter the palace of God! "Harry was confused, as he lose the knife slightly. His mother died 5 years ago, and as far as he know, she's a good woman. "Your prick of a mother killed my only sister. She was in love with only man, until that wicked woman stole him resulting my sister to kill herself! " tears stream down on Horan's face, but Harry showed no sympathy. "That's not a good reason to kill my wife! " Harry yelled. "Oh, it is a good reason! As you see, I'm seeking for vengeance for a very long time, and that sick woman you called your mother luckily died before I can even make a step for it. But I oath to my sister that I will do whatever it takes to tainted your family's name. I just pity her soul, because she has no way to go to heaven, since her soul was corrupted. ""Same as yours. See you in hell then. " Harry stated in very dark and deep voice, before slicing his throat. Harry sneak into the palace of the king when all of the guards are asleep. He goes to the room where the vicious king sleeps, and he immediately grab his neck when he saw him on the bed. The King grab the lamp from the wooden table beside his bed and smash it to Harry's head. And that give him a chance to yelled at his guard. But Harry was faster. He slice the king's throat from behind, using the knife he used to killed Father Horan. When the guards came, they were all too late. The King's body was lying lifeless on the floor, while Harry sat on the bed with a knife in his hand. "He shall be hang. " One of the knight says. Louis wrote the book Mourning in Agony after Harry's death. The book sold out all over the Europe in only one year, but the author's identity remained anonymous. The story passed from generation through centuries, until the Renaissance era comes around. Every copy of the book was burned along with the forgotten memories of it, due to offensive perspective of the author about religion. Louis died at the age of 90. He married a girl named Margaret who's a known daughter of a Bishop of Rome. The memories of Harry Rosewoods III and Ravenna Victoria has been buried within his grave... THE END.