Sidonia's Story

The woman crawls out of bed and stands, her bare feet touching the cold tile floor. Ansha looks to her lady and sees a sour look in return. Ansha shrugs it away as she has always done, but this day in particular she must keep her temper with the young mistress. She goes back to making the bed then goes to the armoire to find a suitable dress. While doing this she speaks to the woman.

She takes it from her servant's hands and puts it on grudgingly.

With that she storms out of the room leaving a sorrowful Ansha looking after and shaking her head in dismay.

* * *

The young woman shouts aloud as she storms into the dining hall. She sees the man she is looking for seated at the table. He rises upon hearing her call out his name.

He asks, a bit crossly himself.

A mistified look comes across the aging father's face, but then it is quickly replaced by a hard, angered look.

She then turns around and rushes haughtily out the doors and out to the gardens.

* * *

The air is warm and the sunlight is golden upon the leaves of the flowers. She sits on a white bench near the marble fountain crying. The unfairness of it all does not seem right. Then, suddenly, there is a snap of a twig and she stands, quicky wiping the tears from her eyes, lest someone should see her and think her weak.

From behind a bush steps a young man with sun-blonde hair and sky-blue eyes. He sees her and smiles.

With that he picks her up in his arms and twirls her around while she laughs in her mirth. He sets her back down on the ground and she fixes her dress.

He sits with her back down on the white bench and he looks at her curiously.

He asks her, half-smiling.

Jarin laughs at this.

He smiles and she presents a weak smile in return.

This produces another smile from her.

She looks up from the ground after he finishes and looks into his eyes. She watches for a moment as they dance around playfully and catch the glare of the sun. Then she throws her arms around him in a huge embrace.

With that he disappears through the bush and back where he came. Her mood is considerably lightened now at the thought of not having to face the count and his smile dripping with preversity. She shudders at the thought then rushes back inside to her room to pack a few things and wait for the moment when she can finally escape the future that has been so carefully laid out for her.

* * *

The sounds of guests fills the hallways as the dinner is being laid out. Ansha is busy getting her young ward ready for the evening.

She produces a lovely rose pink dress. The young woman slips into it quietly, with no more argument. A bell sounds and Ansha looks up.

She draws the woman close and kisses her quickly on her cheek smiling.

With that she leaves her ward alone to contemplate her escape. Her mind is racing with thoughts on whether or not this will work at all. Another bell sounds and she knows that is the signal that everyone is seated and ready to begin the meal. She hears footsteps coming down the hallwayclickingon the stone floor. With each step she is filled with more and more fear. There is now way she can get out of it now. Hanz will soon be at her door asking her to come to dinner. She gets up from her bed and paces a bit then stops as the door slowly begins to creak open. Her eyes are fixed on the wooden door. From behind comes Jarin!

She exclaims.

"It was supposed to be Hanz, but I told him that I would come and fetch you. Now come, we don't have much time before they realize that something is amiss."

She grabs the few things she decided to take with her and Jarin leads her down the hallway. They veer off to the left into a secret passageway that was once used in case intruders decided to invade the castle it's occupants could escape with their lives. Now it allows a young woman to gain her freedom. The rush off into the night on their horses and ride all evening.

It is soon becoming daylight when they reach the cottage hidden in the very depths of the forest. Jarin dismounts and helps the lady down from her own horse. He takes her inside and she examines the place. It is not as nice as the castle, but it is quaint and homely. A warm atmosphere is all around it. She smiles as she begins putting her things in the dresser by the bed and hanging things in the closet.

"Come, there is something I wish to show you."

Jarin takes her by the arm and leads her outside again. They take the horses and ride full gallop for what seemed to her like forever. Jarin stops and she follows. He dismounts and she does the same. He brings her through a bunch of trees and into a wide open field.

He looks at her in excitement.

"Just watch!"

She looks to where he is looking and see the sky begin to gradually lighten in color. Suddenly there is a blinding flash and the horizon is aglow with sunlight and it makes the clouds appear to be on fire. They stand there side by side watching the whole magnificence of the dawn.

"I wanted to share this with you."

"Oh Jarin, you have done so much for me!"

"No need to thank me my lady. As I said before, having you here with me is reward enough."

"Jarin, I shall always be your lady!"

She throws her arms around him and they embrace. They trotted slowly back and when the sun was fully in the sky they laid down to sleep.

* * *

Years went by like this. Jarin and his lady spent their days at their little cottage deep in the forest. He was a good hunter and killed all the food that they ate. In the winter months it wasn't too harsh. They had a warm fire in the hearth and it was suitable for cooking soups from the meat stored from the summer. The two lived together in harmony with eachother and the flora and fauna that surrounded them. Then, things took a turn.

* * *

Spring has come again and the flowers are blossoming grander than ever. The trees are regaining their leaves and fruit. The animals are coming out of hiding to play and explore.

She is out walking the dirt path through the forest when she happens upon and old beggarly woman sitting on the side of the road. She stops and talks with the woman for a bit.

"You aren't from around these parts are you?"

The old woman asks.

"No, I'm not."

"Do you like it here?"

"It's very nice and peaceful."

"Yes, I've always liked it here too compared to the streets of the town."

At the mention of the town she knows that the woman could probably recognize her if given a chance.

"Please, excuse me, but I should be getting on my way now. Take care!"

With that she gets up and walks quickly away feeling the woman's stare on her back the whole way. She reaches the cottage and rushes inside.

"Jarin!"

He is not there. She begins to panic.

"Jarin where are you!?"

No answer.

She sits down in a chair at the table and begins crying uncontrollably. The door opens and in walks Jarin from a day of hunting.

She is suprised as ever and almost knocks him down with her huge embrace.

"Oh Jarin, I thought somethinghad happened to you! I met and old woman on my way back and she talked of the town that I grew up around! She might have recognized me!"

He sits with her down at the table and tries to calm her.

"Hush now, it will be alright. That woman probably doesn't remember you anyhow for when she saw you last you were probably only a little girl."

She takes a big gulp of air and forces it down her throat.

"Yes, I guess you're right."

"Of course I am!"

He smiles, but notices that she hasn't fully recovered.

"This is really bothering you isn't it?"

"Yes, it's bothering me a great deal."

"I'll tell you what. How about we go out tonight?"

She looks at him in wonder.

"What do you mean?"

"There is a little gathering tonight in this clearing. All of the other people of these woods will be there."

"No, I'd rather not, thanks."

"Oh come now! You can't expect me to let you sit here to wallow in this silliness!"

She looks from him to the table then back to him.

"Alright, I'll go, but I don't want to stay too long."

"Good!"

* * *

That night was full of splendor and merriment. All of the people of the woods gathered in celebration of their lovely home and of spring. Many danced around together while the rest sat around discussing certain things of the area.

Jarin and his lady danced the night away and laughed with the others gayly. The grand night came to a close and it was time for them to part ways again. They each said their departing sayings then headed back in their own direction.

Jarin rode with his lady in back on horseback. The reached the cottage and he helped her dismount and put the horse to bed. They crawled to bed themselves after that. Things, following that night, would never be the same again.

* * *

The next morning she woke up in bed alone. She was used to this though because he always went out early to catch the best game. She fixed some nice herbal tea and sat down at the table reading a few of the books she brought with her when she fled years ago.

It came noon and still no sign of Jarin. This began to worry her. It was not like him to not tell that he might be late coming home.

Nightfall and all of the night creatures are out making their noises. She is filled with fear because she has never spent a night alone in the cottage and is worried to death about Jarin. In the middle of the night, while in bed, the door is busted open and in barge ten fully-clad armored soldiers and the great Count Harrington along with her father.

Her father walks over to her and smacks her roughly across the face so hard that she falls to the ground.

"You deliberately disobeyed me! You are a most ungreatful child! This will not go unpunished!"

She stands up, wiping the blood that is now flowing from the corner of her mouth.

"Where is Jarin?" she asks in a monotone voice.

This surprises them both and they step back. They had expected her to start whining and screaming aloud. Instead she is calm yet steadfast.

The count decides to speak.

"We found him while he was hunting game. He is now locked up."

"Did you have intimate relations with that man?"

Her father asks accusingly.

"And if I did?"

She says cooly back.

Again they are suprised. She has changed greatly and they are not able to stand up to her cool remarks.

"You are to come with us."

"I have done nothing."

"You ran away never to come back against your father's orders."

"And I suppose running away from a situation that you do not particularly care for is now treason?"

"Silence!" Her father shouts.

"You just shout because your concience knows I speak the truth."

"Guards! Take her away from my sight!"

He shouts as he stares her down and as the guards take her away she stares back, her eyes never leaving his face until she is out the door.

The father shakes his head and puts his hand to his forehead.

"She has changed. She is so much older and wiser now. I'm afraid I've done the wrong thing."

The count comes over and pats him on the back.

"No need to worry, you did the right thing. You found the man who took her away, he will be held accountable and she will go back to live under your care until she is married to me."

"Yes, I think you will be able to handle her better than I. You may have her whenever you wish, I cannot care for her any longer."

"Thank you my Lord."

The count bows and leaves. The king sits down in a chair at the table and puts his head in his hands.

* * *

She wakes up in a cold, damp jail cell. At the door is Ansha. She brings with her tea and food.

"I wasn't allowed to bring you anymore than this Madame."

She eats in silence. When finished Ansha picks up the tray to leave when her once ward calls out to her.

"Ansha!"

She stops in the doorway.

"I thank you for not being cross with me about all that has happened or why I did what I did. I thank you for just being here for me without reprimanding me. You understand why I did what I did though don't you?"

There is a very long pause then she softly says,"Yes, I do Madame."

With that she leaves. In the middle of the day the Count pays her a visit.

"I have come to ask you what you wish to happen."

"What does it matter, you have the final say anyhow."

"I know this, but I want my future bride to be happy with me and not cross and make it a bad marriage."

"I will never marry you!"

"Or so you think my dear lady.."

"What are you talking about."

"You have choices to make."

"What choices do you bring me?"

"Your lover, Jarin, will be tried as your kidnapper and more than likely be hanged as a result."

"No!"

"Yes my dear! Now, if you marry me I will revoke that sentence and he will be a free man, but he will go to America, away from YOU!"

"And if I refuse!"

"Then your lover shall meet his death by hanging."

"How can you be so cruel!?"

He smiles mischeviously. He advances towards her, grabs her around the waist and kisses her lustfully. She wrenches free and spits right in his face.

"You bastard!" She shouts.

"Whore!"

With that he smacks her across the face, throwing her to the ground, her head smacking against the wall. She slumps to the ground, but thankfully not unconcious.

The count is seething with rage as is she.

"So be it! He will be shipped off to America and YOU shall hang in his place!"

With that he walks out, slamming the jail door behind him with a loud clang. She puts her hands to her head in great physical pain and begins crying. She falls fitfally to sleep, knowing that this very night is to be her last.

In the middle of the night she awakens to a noise. She looks up to see Ansha over her. She sees another beside Ansha. It is Jarin. He bends down and presses a cool washcloth to her forehead to help ease the pain from the blow. He ever so gently kisses her lips that are all swollen from the previous encounter. She smiles weakly. He smiles in return and whispers in her ear.

"I love you my lady. Tomorrow I hear that you shall be hanged in my place. Is that true?"

"Yes.." She says softly.

"I will not let that be! If you are to die then I will die with you!"

"No, go on with your life!"

"I have no life without you!"

"You are speaking with your heart Jarin. Go, go to America and be free. Away from this tyranny and foolishness. I wish I could go there.."

There is a silence.

"You could."

This mystifies her.

"What do you mean?"

"We could escape, tonight!"

A light of hope flashes for a moment in her eyes.

"Yes! Now! We must hurry!"

Ansha knows of their plans and out of love for these two she decides to help them in their quest for freedom. She puts some raggedy clothes over them to disguise them as beggars. She lays in the cell and piles hay overtop of her body to make it look like her young ward still lays there fast asleep.

In the black stillness of night the two lovers creep swiftly to the horses. Then in a moment they are both off. The noise of the horses has awaken the guards. The come out on horseback and give chase. They get to the woods where it is hard to see in the midst of all the foliage. One of the guards takes aim and takes down her horse. She falls to the ground with the horse. The horse gets up and gallops off leaving her on the ground. Jarin looks back and sees his love on the ground. He dismounts and begins running back to help her to his horse. She is now on her knees and sees Jarin running full speed towards her. She hears a noise to her left, she turns her head to see one of the guards aim his gun. Everything seems to go into slow motion. She sees the man take aim and screams.

"Nooooo..!!!!"

She rushes towards the guard to grab the gun from his hands, but before she gets to him he fires and the bullets report is heard echoing off the trees. She looks to Jarin and sees the bullet impact his chest and he falls to the ground on his back. She screams again and rushes over to him, but one of the guards restrains her back against her will.

"No! Let me go! I have to see him! Let me go damn you!"

She screams to the guard that is holding her. Then she watches as the other two guards pull Jarin's lifeless body onto one of the horses and cover it with a brown dirty horseblanket. All hope is lost and she sinks to the ground in her misery and sadness. She has no more will to fight.

* * *

The next day she is given for some time to mourn the loss of her friend and lover. She is thankful for that at least. She eats hardly and mostly cries and sleeps through the day.

* * *

In the middle of the night her jail cell door opens and in walks Ansha accompanied, this time, by two guards. She is carrying a bucket of warm water and a gown to change into. In respect of her privacy the guards leave the room. She undresses and steps into the warm, soothing water. Ansha helps her bathe because she barely has any strength left in her to do the simplest of tasks.

Softly Ansha whispers to her friend.

"I have always looked upon you as my own little girl. I know you are grown now, but to me, you will always be my baby."

"Oh Ansha..!" She cries out and embraces her nurse.

"I've always been such a hard time to you. Please forgive me for all the trouble and pain I've caused you. I have always been greatful for all that you have done for me even though I didn't always show it."

"I understand young one. Now lets get you into this dress and looking nice."

She grimaced. It all seemed too surreal. This was to be her last bath, the last time she would probably ever talk to her compassionate Ansha. The last time she would get dressed. Strange, how she is to get all dressed up to go to her death. But she did not want to die looking weak and uncleanly.

She looked at the dress Ansha held before her and gasped. It was the very dress she wore the morning of her argument with her father. The billowing white one with the black lace covering. Quietly she slipped inside it and Ansha helped her pin it up tight in the back. Ansha did her hair up nice in a bun and cradled it in a black netting cap with diamond jewels adorning it that would make her hair shimmer in the sunlight. She smiled and hugged Ansha warmly. She saw that Ansha had tears in her eyes and wiped them away for her.

"You must not cry Ansha. I have no regrets about any decisions I have ever made in life. I am going to a better place, a place where I can be free to make my own decisions and be the keeper of my own future."

Ansha just nods. The guards come in then and she is again left alone to her thoughts. She lays back down on the ground and sleeps a bit more.

The jail door is opened and the guard sees her standing at the window, watching the coming dawn, knowing full well that dawn is when she will be hanged. Ansha walks in and stands silently, probably at the advisement of one of the guards. The guard speaks.

"Are you Sidonia, the woman to be hanged today at dawn?"

"I am her."

"Come then, it is time."

She takes one last look at the sky then is escorted outside by the guard. She is lead to a clearing. She is stood on a platform and a noose is put around her neck. The local preist says a few words then asks her if she has any last words before she dies. There is complete silence.

She looks around at all the people who have shown up to witness her death. Most are townspeople whom she does not know. She does see Ansha sobbing in the back with a handkercheif to her face covering her eyes from the spectacle about to happen. She sees her father and locks eyes with him, knowing full well that he will be haunted by her face years after she is dead and gone. This goes the same for the Count as well. Then she decides to speak.

"I have no regrets about any of the decisions I have ever made in my lifetime. I am going to a better place. A place where I can be truly free and be the master of my own future. My friend and lover once told me,"I have never heard of a revolution beginning with someone sitting still." That is the reason I stand before you now. That is the reason I chose to runaway those many years ago. I felt trapped and I knew that something must be done or I would be trapped forever. In those years when I was with Jarin I felt more free than I had ever had in my entire life. I was content and at peace with all and everything. I wish and hope that all of you may one day get to know and experience that same thing. But know this, you will not find it until you achieve true freedom. Then and only then, can you truly be at peace."

* * *

Sidonia was hanged that early morn. Her body was buried next to Jarin's body in an unknown cemetary by the Count's orders. Years later her father had their bodies placed in the royal cemetary alongside one another. Only then did his visions and hauntings stop. The Count had immercifull nightmares and took up drinking until, one night, he drove himself into a frenzy and shot himself in the head to end his misery. Ansha married a kind hearted peddler and went away with him to live in the cottage that Jarin and Sidonia used to inhabit.

Every now and then she looks at the picture of the little girl she keeps with her all the time and smiles. Now knowing the full meaning of Sidonia's last words as she watches her little ones play in the fields and her husband chop wood for the winter. The warm sunlight streams down through the branches and makes the woods appear to shimmer and shine. It is a true treasure that one does not need money in order to experience it's beauty. All one needs is an open-mind, patience, a warm heart, and above all,....freedom.