short stories

Tragedy

Set somewhere in Medieval Times

Athena or more commonly known as Thea was born to two loving parents; Harold and Elizabeth. Her parents borrowed money from the local banker to raise their daughter, their little light.

They had until their daughter was eighteen to pay off their debt or so they thought......

The local banker, passed by the time Thea was sixteen. His son, Eric, took his father's place as the banker and ever since he was a young child he knew he wanted Thea as his wife.

Eric had earned a reputation as the town mercenary. he killed people for money whether they be innocent or guilty.

Harold, Thea's father had passed away due to a wave of influenza to pass by their home two years ago. The now family of two had no means to make money but they got by through Elizabeth's two jobs as a waitress and as a bartender.

Eric saw his new position as the perfect reason to get Thea to agree to be his bride. So he demanded for the family of two to pay their debts even though he knew that they wouldn't be able to. When they said that they couldn't give what they owed he gave the family an ultimatum, pay their debts by the following week or sell their daughter to him as his bride.

Eric had been waiting for the chance to marry the beautiful Thea since he was a boy. She was always the talk of the town.; everyone wanted to be her or be with her. Although she came from a low income family she lived a happy life with her mother.

When she heard the news about their debt she was devastated and worried about what would happen if they could not come up with the money.

"Sweetie, we will get through this together. I will not let you marry that awful man." Her mother said running a hand down her tired eyes, "Your father would have wanted a better life for you."

Thea let out a few tears but nonetheless felt better due to her mother's assurance. She tightly hugged her mother , feeling safe in he arms she soon let darkness consume her.

The sun rose the following day, both women woke up to light shining into their small home. A loud knock was heard throughout the small home making them both jump at the sudden noise.

"Hey, open up." a muffled voice yelled from outside the door. Thea got up and went to open the door, it was her best friend Mary. As soon as Mary saw her she immediately hugged her.

She released Thea and said in a worried voice "I heard about what happened, the news is spreading through the whole town like wildfire."

Thea sighed and said, "I figured as much, everyone is always looking for the newest gossip to spread."

"I wonder what will happen if you don't agree to his terms." Mary wondered out loud.

Ever since her father died her mother has been sickly but tried her best to provide for her daughter.

The stress of what happened the day before had caused her to grow ill and within the next two days she was on her deathbed. Elizabeth died peacefully in her sleep while her daughter was sobbing at the loss of her only family member left. Her mother's last words to her were, "Do not give into Eric's demands. Flee from her earn money to pay him back one day if he finds you, but marry for love like I did with your father.

Eric was overjoyed at the morbid news knowing that he would for sure get Thea as his bride soon.

Thea mourned for her mother over the next two days but then she suddenly remembered that the day Eric would be coming was tomorrow.

"Mary I have to go," Thea said while packing everything she would need to go. "Calm down, Thea we will figure this out together." Mary pleaded with her.