Chapter 2
Angela sat in the corner with both fear and comfort as a friend. She knew that there was much to learn about the past. Her mother hadn't told her that much, because she never had much of a chance. Her death was sudden and Angela's heart cut. Angela often asked herself why it had to happen and why things were this way. Could it have been better? Is life always so dark? Many questions plagued her. Nightmares were a horrible acquaintance that she could not shake.
One morning after one such horrid nightmare, Angela looked over at Muchael Angelo and asked, "Mister Angelo, you told me you had a story about how things were. How was it?" Michael Angelo smiled and took out a necklace with a quartz pendant. Looking over the necklace, Michael smiled and responded, "The story is very important to tell, my lady. My days are numbered, but you shall live a full life. You shall be the hope of the future. Knowledge is power and by that you shall live." Angela blinked taken aback from his comments. "Let me try and start back in a time long ago. Once upon a time, there was an old oppressive nation that had most people as slaves. A young man by the name of Jonathan Pickett started a revolt that was known as the Peasant's Revolt. This revolt eventually freed the people at the cost of many lives including Jonathan Pickett. Robert Russ I took over the charge and helped lead everyone into a new era. Several nations emerged and hope was high," Michael said.
Angela stared at Michael wondering how that had to do with now. "How long ago was that," she asked. "It was a good deal ago. It was a time of hope. Secfenia was created as a nation with a King. The King was Robert Russ I. He led the nation fairly and later appointed his son as king. I could say a lot about both Robert Russ I and Robert Russ II, but its stored in a well hidden place. Maybe one day you shall find it."
"Anyway, Robert Russ II lived quite a few days and had a son. I'm sure you can guess who," Michael said with a smile. Angela nodded and waited for Michael's next words. "Robert Russ III became King of Secfenia when he was very young. He was loved due to his heritage and the fairness of his family," Michael added. "But he didn't follow thier kindness? He showed his hatred," Angela asked. "Actually, he started off with hope and the desire to help us all. He helped write the first constitution that gave people power. He gave up almost eighty percent of all of his family's land that they owned. He also at one point was one of the most peaceful and concerned for the people person. Secfenia prospered and later he married," Michael told her. He paused and wondered if she should know.
Angela heard a noise and saw the door open. Some food was put on the table as well as two glasses filled with a bubbly green liquid. Angela frowned and knew that this drink would be one of their last. One of them was to die soon. That was the way it happened before. She has seen it quite a few times. The drink was like a kiss of death. The longest time one of them might have is a week if history proved correctly. It was the last taste of good life. Silently, she ate her half of the food and watched as he ate as well.
"Mister Angelo... something I need to say. It's a matter that, well, one of us will not be here soon," she said with fear in her heart. "My lady, I know. You are more valuable alive to the Emperor than dead. I, however, am not," he said knowing time was short. "Besides, the Secfenian Ale is nice. Sometimes you have to rejoice in the little things in dark times," he commented. Angela nodded and drank some.
"Angela... you know I have to tell my story to you. Not for me, but for you. It's important for you to remember that the future can be anything as long as you work for it," he said. Angela stared at him and asked, "How does these things relate to me?"
"Angela, your mother was Elizabeth Smith, who was a great lady. She helped in the time of hope. Her and Robert Russ III worked together to bring much happiness and freedom to Secfenia. They were married and all looked good. Soon came a time when they led a happy life and had children together," he told her as she looked on with fear of what he might be saying. Angela was wondering if she was one of those children. If so, then where was her brothers and sisters? What happened to her father that he abondoned her?
Michael looked at her seeing her thoughts racing and said, "Angela, you are not the child of the current Emperor. For your mother and Robert Russ III divorced. The divorce hit him hard. Your mother was very upset. The nation of secfenia was in tears. Shortly, the nation joined a new relationship with what we know as the "Animal" Star Empire. Happiness was restored for a time. All was good or so it seemed. Robert Russ III as Governor and Viceroy of the province of Secfenia found a new wife. Your mother hadn't found a new husband yet. She was bitter and resentful for several reasons. The wedding of the Emperor was very public and more money was spent on it than his last. Even the King of the Animal Empire attended. Robert Russ III and his new wife were even prince and princess of the Empire. All was looking good. However, soon internal struggle gripped the Animal Empire and Robert Russ III was accused of treason. He was jailed in a prison not far from here. Your mother had plans to kill him with poison while he was there, but General Angelico moved Robert Russ III into a different jail due to the political instability of the Animal Empire. Your mother joined those opposed to the Animal Empire. The Empire responded by sending in armies to crush down the people of Secfenia. Soon, your mother led the people to fight the great Secfenian Independence War. Meanwhile, Robert Russ III was found innocent. He left the main province of the Animal Empire. He could see the new nations that were being created from the Empire. He fled and hid in the mountains with me. One day as he went out to get some supplies, your mother's guards caught him and imprisoned him. He was there for a year before we could get him in a successful prison raid. He was a hero to us. We never thought he would become so bitter. Your mother had become the new governor. She had power. It went to her head. She found a husband and you were born. She regretted her actions against her former husband, but it was too late for that."
"Was that when she died so suddenly," Angela asked. "My lady, I fear I must bring you the bad news that the current Emperor actually poisoned your mother and took her spot," he said. Tears washed Angela's cheeks. Michael Angelo hugged Angela and tried to comfort her. Silence gripped the air as a rush of emotions took over Angela. The next noise she heard was the door opening. Three guards came in and said, "Michael Angelo, you must face the punishment of treason now." Michael Angelo kissed Angela's head and said, " It'll be okay. I promise you." Michael Angelo left with the guards and the door shut. Angela found herself alone in the room once again, but this time sorrow had left. She reached into her pocket and pulled out the necklace with the quartz pendent. She just felt somehow in someway everything would truly be okay.
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