Historians

01.

01.19.4010

History is recorded by the victorious. Seldom do you hear the defeated side of the story? For years I have explored the archives that reside under my home. It is one of the only access points to the old world nowadays. It holds the remains of a once great empire that was known as the United States of America. Father says that no one can know about the hidden treasure. A treasure that has been passed on from my grandfather and his forefathers. It is said that history, when forgotten, is bound to repeat itself. This understanding of history was never to be my burden until today...

Anastasia stood on the balcony overlooking her family estate. Her family home was seated on a beautiful expanse of land that held a plethora of secrets. To look at the farmland and foliage you would find it hard to believe that a mere 20 feet below the surface lay the old world shrouded in cement. The sun would set in an hour which was why she found herself looking out over the land. Not only was the setting sun with its cascading colors of warm red and cool blues breathtaking, but she was watching for two travelers that would be approaching. Her beloved Jacob and dearest brother Asher were supposed to have returned from the new capital on this very night. After many months of correspondence, Jacob had declared his love to her and wrote that when he came he would announce to her mother his intentions to marry her. This, however, would not be where the good news ended. She hoped that Asher would also announce his replacement of their father as Historian to the Gran Seim. This would allow her father to return home before she would have to leave for her new life as a wife. Before the last bit of red faded from the sky, two horsemen came around the bend in the road headed toward the home. She stepped back from her balcony and checked her dress before she left to join her mother. This night was going to mark the beginning of great change for her.

Anastasia found it hard not to race through the hallways of their ancient looking house. She was so eager to be with Jacob at once, it took all she had to calmly walk down the stairs as her mother playing the part as hostess greeted her brother and his guest. "Thank heavens you've made it!" Her mother was moving to embrace her brother. "I was starting to worry that something had happened." As Anastasia approached her brother smiled at her and then responded to their mother. "We were stopped in town by a search party. There is a rumor that there is a resistance building." Her mother's face grew pale and Anastasia could only find herself nodding in understanding. Where there is order there will always be opposition. Inevitably someone always disagreed with a central government, especially when it was a government that kept history a secret. Knowledge was not power but a burden, ignorance worked best when it came to the general masses. The news of the search party did disturb her nonetheless. Organized government action against a resistance uprising only occurred when an actual threat was perceived. Such an occurrence had occurred only once before by someone who had known the burden of power. New policies had been enacted as a result tightening the government's control. As if a switch had been flipped her mother turned to Jacob with her best hostess smile plastered on her face. "Enough fretting over a silly resistance. Please introduce us to your guest!" Asher shifted on his feet before patting Jacob on his back. "This mother is Jacob Grinter. He is the politician that represents New Fenwick." Jacob gave a short bob of a bow as if he were nervous. "Descriptions of your family estate do not do your elegant home justice." Her mother chuckled heartily and gestured for Jacob and Asher to follow her further into the house. "I believe that cook has prepared us a fine feast for the evening. Let us continue our talk over dinner."

The formal dining room had a high and intricately decorated ceiling. This had always been Anastasia's favorite room in the main house. Her Great-Grandmother had a love for architecture from the Old English Enlightenment period. The house staff set the table with an abundance of food. Most of the discussion peeled on with Anastasia mulling over her food. She was trying her best to wait patiently for Jacob to branch off and lead the discussion toward her. It didn't help that she was acutely aware that he hadn't looked at her since he had arrived. This caused a knot to form in the bottom of her stomach. What had really happened in town? Turkey was brought out as the main meal. Asher loved a well-cooked turkey and had just begun to enjoy his meal when Anastasia got tired of being ignored. "So what news do you have from the capitol? Clearly, we know there is a resistance uprising but what else is new?" Between bite, Asher responded. "Well within the capital, there seems to be no real concern over this so-called resistance." Anastasia cocked her head to the side reviewing what she knew about the government's' responses to resistances and the words that had come from her brother's' mouth. "Asher, how can you be next in line to take father's place and be so ignorant of our own government's reactions to uprisings?" A look of confusing paired with a look of outrage passed over Asher's face. "Who do you think you are? What right do you have to call me ignorant?" Anastasia was sure that if she could have looked dumbstruck she did at that very moment. "Clearly if the government is taking action by searching for this so-called resistance. Then the government is truly concerned." When the words left her mouth the rest of the room seemed to fall still. Dinner had taken a dark turn in a matter of minutes. In the foyer, a commotion could be heard. Time seemed to stand still as puzzle pieces seemed to fall into places. Her head knew what was happening but her heart did not want to believe it.

The events played through a slow motion for Anastasia. Darkly clad soldiers filed into the dining room seizing Anastasia, Asher, their mother, and Jacob. One by one shackle was placed on each of their wrists. A man with white hair had the soldiers move Anastasia toward the wall. He then proceeded to issue orders to take the others to separate rooms. The man with white hair watched as the others were escorted out before approaching her. He did not have a chance to speak though. "Remove those shackles." From across the room at the entrance her father stood. He face was drawn and the grey at his temples. The shackles fell from her wrists and she sank down to the floor. Her father approached her and knelt in front of her. "My little Ana. Everything is going to change after tonight. I am sorry you were swept up in all of this. It is one of those wrong place wrong time situations." Anastasia solemnly nodded. Then her father moved away. "You'll need to compose yourself. There is much that needs to be done before we leave tomorrow." Anastasia watched as her father left. Most of the soldiers followed him. The man with white-haired lingered watching her. Then with a frown, he turned and walked out the same way her father had. The last of the soldiers followed him out leaving Anastasia all alone in the dining room.

Sometime later Anastasia pushed her way into her room. She looked at the door astounded when she made it in. Piles of trunks and boxes stood blocking her door. Her maid Tiffani cried out clutching Anastasia's' journal to her chest. "Tiffani, what are you doing?" Tiffani ran over to the door and pushed it closed. "No worries Miss I found the diary before they could tear your room apart for it. They'll never have reason to suspect you of treason." Anastasia snatched her journal from her maids grasp. "They have no reason to suspect me of treason when I have done nothing of the sort. Now if you are well and done mucking up my room you need to prepare my wardrobe for an extended stay in the capital." Tiffani gave her a quick bob before beginning to open trunks that would be needed for the mass of attire that was her wardrobe. Before Anastasia made any more arrangements to prepare the household for their leave she was going to write in her journal.

History is recorded by the victorious. Seldom do you hear the defeated side of the story...

After a short while, Tiffani interrupted Anastasia. "Miss?" Anastasia looked up at her maid. "Miss, will I need to pack your festive outfits? Given the circumstances of your family?" Anastasia nodded and then went back to her journal.

This understanding of history was never to be my burden until today. My world is about to be swept up by politics, policies, and many complications. I am the only child left to aid my father in his legacy. Little Noah has been pulled from our branch to become a politician. His path has been set for him leaving father just me. Was I truly foolish enough to offer my heart to a spineless coward that would foolishly and blindly follow an ignorant man to his death? History clearly does not lead us all where we should go...

Anastasia Fenwick 

Anastasia closed her journal. She looked up to watch her maid moving to and fro about her room. The night had only begun and it was already going to belong. She would have to speak with all the staff about their change in pay. She would have to inform those who would be traveling. The servants would at least eat well for a while. Cook had plenty of food and he certainly would not let it go to waste. Then there was sending a note to the bank to have them transfer the household money to the capital bank. Not to mention preparing the grounds staff for the transportation of the goods and people that would accompany Anastasia. Rather than dwell on the list as it grew longer Anastasia got up from her writing desk to set about her task. She would not be back in her room until it was well into the night.

A/N: Don't forget to vote if you enjoyed this chapter! As always leave me a comment. After reading this chapter if you can think of a tag that would work for the book let me know!