Genesis Chronicorum β1: Hellfire

Chapter 2: Duty

"Father, Claude! Wait for me!" Claude's brother Jehan said, a man who would later become the Archdeacon of Notre Dame. He caught up with his family as soon as he could. The brothers greeted each other before Jehan addressed his father and walked by his side. The three men were heading to the Palace of Justice, their home. Claude and Jehan's mother, Laverne, was waiting for them for dinner.

A sad soul that woman, sometimes she wondered if she made the right choice in giving children to Jacque. She considered herself guilty and needed punishment for giving them a life of suffering and sadness. Jacque was a very strict man, devoted to his duties in bringing order to Paris and his people. A Paris where no witchcraft or criminals exists. Sadly Laverne succumbed to insanity, Alzheimer got to her in a young age. Being the wife of someone so important was never easy. Claude praised her and cared for her, always grateful. He and Laverne always helped the poor and the homeless, even the gypsies when they could. Claude was brave enough to provide for the poor and help his mother. Jehan was more obedient to his father to avoid trouble, and his wrath. He was scared of Jacque and didn't want to bring dishonor to his father.

Because of Jacque taking his sons to the cathedral to study and get ready and how they were treated, a maid was hired to take care of their poor mother. As soon as Claude and Jehan saw their mother waiting in the hall, they rushed to her, asked for her blessing and her kiss. The two boys kissed their mother's hand and gave a small bow. Laverne was never so happy when they were home safe and glad to see her. With Jacque was different, she looked down and gave him a bow, addressing him as "my Lord" instead of dear or my love. 

Jacque was more of the same, but stopped talking directly to his wife after the boys started their studies and training. Jacque never believed love was a thing, he thought it was a weakness for people who want to spend their life with nothing and can send people to hell.  The brothers freshen up before dinner, changing their clothes and took a nice bath. 

Laverne started sewing as the maid was setting up the table and serving the food, Jacque tried to start conversation with his wife about the progress his sons were doing. However, she didn't listen, she didn't care. She kept her eyes on her sewing and focused on her work. Her frustrated husband headed to the table and sat, waiting to have a talk with his sons. 

Minutes later when they sat together, Jacque looked at Jehan and asked him to say grace. They ate after as Claude opened his eyes and rolled them, annoyed by all the formalities his father was getting them through. They started eating "finally" Claude thought. Laverne focused her gaze at Claude and cleaned her mouth. " Claude dear, tomorrow I will help provide food and water for the poor, how would you like your poor old mother with it?" She asked to her loving son, but that's when Jacque interrupted them, " Laverne, the boy will come with me to the Festival of Fools tomorrow, I want to show him what he needs to do when he's ready to take my place." He said.

Everyone went quiet in the room as the lord of the house talked. Laverne looked down, serious and disappointed, she kept eating not even listening or complimenting him that his idea was good. Jehan looked at his mother, held her hand and smiled "I can go with you mother. It'll be a good time to lift our spirits." he said. Claude let out a soft sigh of frustration and crossed his arms. Of course, Jacque saw his gesture and cleared his throat to get his attention.

" You're entering a marvelous age my son. You are almost ready to fulfill your destiny. It would give me such pride if you do this for me. You always wanted to go to the festival, did you not? Well tomorrow is a great opportunity for you to learn what it takes to have a position such as mine and do what it takes to protect this great city. " He said to his son, as any father would give advice to his offspring. Laverne stood up and left to her chambers, where she wouldn't hear any more  poison Jacque was giving to her poor child. Jehan and Claude just stood in place, unhappy, following their father's commands but not for long. Something inside Claude gave him the courage to rebel and write his own fate. That wasn't the life he wanted, a life dedication of someone who he has never seen.  He needed to do something for his mother and brother, the real demon was standing before him. 

After finishing his meal, he stood up. " I will do as you ask father. I will not let you down, for my family. For Paris" He said in a soft tone before leaving to his chambers and sleep it off. The festival of Fools, anyone could be anything. It was his chance to be himself and enjoy his youth before setting up as Judge and his true nature.