Over Cross

Chapter 2

Two

 

Sam woke up to the sunlight streaming down their small window. He stretched his body and looked around. He’s the only one still in bed. He heard noises on the other side of the hut; he gets up and lifts up the wide cloth hanging by the wire that serve as the immediate divider of the hut; and sees his family is already preparing for the day ahead. His elder brother and sister were washing themselves by their well outside their hut. His younger siblings, who were twins, were still eating breakfast at the table, stale bread and corn. His parents are changing into farming clothing.

“Morning dear,” his mom gave him a quick hug. “Um. M-morning mom,” but his mom exited the hut before he could reply.  His dad followed suit. Pretty soon, his sister entered the hut.

“Hey Suzy,” he asked her. “What’s with all the ruckus? Why’s everyone so busy today? And why are Diane and Jim awake this early? And why,” he gestured to her now clean body, “Did you take a bath?”

“Oh, good, you’re awake,” her sister dried her hair with a towel. “Have you eaten yet?” Sam shook his head. “Well, you’d better eat a whole lot. The baron came in early, and announced that the King Henry will be having guests a few weeks from now. He demanded more supply of the root crops, corn and hay. So you, me and the twins will be going to the main field and gather enough to fulfill our part of the fill. Meanwhile, mom, dad and Aaron will be in our field, gather extra food for ourselves and food in case we couldn’t fulfill our part of the fill. Carlo and I took a bath because mom told us to, in case something special happens. Hurry up!”

**********

Soon Sam, Suzy, Diane and Jim are trudging along the dirty path that leads to the field the King owns.

                Oh gosh, Carlo’s already a freehold, Sam suddenly realized, No wonder he didn’t go to the field with us! He already accomplished his part of the work and now he gets to help mom and dad till the land!

                Sam’s family was a family of serfs. But they weren’t at first.

                His mother and father were freeholds in a far off village. They owned huge plots of lands—or at least that’s what they tell in their stories—until one day, a nobleman accompanied by a huge army of knights attacked the village and seized the throne. The king and royal family were killed. In the midst of chaos, the knights looted the houses, killed the serfs, and burned their houses and fields. Some, like their mom and dad, got to escape, but others, who were not so-fortunate, were forced to serve under new management.

                His mother and father met in the woods while looking for a town to stay in. At first, they were hostile with each other, but soon learned to be friends after realizing they needed each other to survive with all of the wild animals, knights, and whatnot threatening their lives.

                Pretty soon, they were able to find a big kingdom heavily protected rich in sources and lands. At first, they could not get in because of the knights guarding the giant door that led inside the kingdom. But after the kind-hearted king gave them a chance to audience with them, they immediately pledged their loyalty to him.

“By the Lord before whom this sanctuary is holy, we will to King Henry be true and faithful, and love all which he loves and shun all which he shuns, according to the laws of God and the order of the world. Nor will I ever with will or action, through word or deed, do anything which is unpleasing to him, on condition that he will hold to me as I shall deserve it, and that he will perform everything as it was in our agreement when I submitted myself to him and chose his will”** (wikipedia)

 

                Making them his lifelong servants of the kingdom, otherwise known as serfs.

               

Seeing that they’re in the lowest status, Caroline and James worked hard in the field for years. They were the first ones to arrive and the last ones to leave. They produced more than their share of the whole whenever the king requested them (the serfs to). 

The king was pleased with seem so pretty soon, he gave one of them their freedom from serfdom. James, realizing that he loved Caroline, sacrificed himself to earn her freedom.  Caroline was moved by this and decided to live with him (seeing as serfs were not allowed to get married, since they have no rights whatsoever.)

Caroline, now a freehold, was able to purchase a land and hut for them to live in. The hut is small and simple, made from rocks and thatched roof. (This is where they presently live)

Not long after, Caroline was pregnant with Aaron. Imagine their joy when they found out this. James got even more motivated to work, and soon after, just in time for Caroline’s birth, James gained his freedom as a serf and became a freehold. James purchased more lands to till while Caroline took charge of the household.

Soon, their family grew bigger and bigger; and with each additional member is a multitude of joy for the couple and the kids.

**********

That afternoon, everyone went home and started preparing for supper.

Now, this is Sam’s favorite part of the day. It’s wherein every one sits together and talk about the events of the day, make jokes, and just simple spend quality time together.

“Oh, Sam, dear.”  his mom called out, snapping him out of his thoughts.

                “Yes mom?”

“Can you be a dear and gather up some more firewood? I’m making something extra special tonight.”

“Sure mom,” he kissed her before heading out into the woods.

“Be careful!”

“I will!”