Grassland, Duke Barrington's Manor
It was a very busy day for everyone at Barrington Manor. The servants walking here and there. Some of them were arranging and decorating the room and the others carrying the foods to be served. Because today is a very special day, The Barrington Manor owner's daughter's birthday party. The Duke and Duchess Barrington hosted a festive luncheon and invited many of their relatives and acquaintances. The busy atmosphere was not only visible in the room but also in the Barrington family's kitchen. The Barrington family cook, Mrs. Hughes shouted over and over again. Even though she was quite old, Mrs. Hughes still seemed enthusiastic about her work. She was busy cooking while giving instructions on how the food would be served.
"Mrs. Hughes, Lucy asks me to give you this.", Someone came up to Mrs. Hughes with a big bag of apples. "Just after Lucy bought your order, she was suddenly called in to help decorating the unfinished room."
Lucy is Duchess Evelyn's personal maid.
"Oh. Thank you, Dumar. You can put that on the table over there.", replied Mrs. Hughes while still stirring the food.
Dumar swiftly put the apples down. Mrs. Hughes fetched a glass of iced lemonade and gave it to Dumar. "Drink this. You must be exhausted after a busy day at the stable and suddenly being asked to bring these many apples. Have the horses finished grooming?"
Dumar drank the iced lemonade quickly, "It's okay, Mrs. Hughes. My work on the stable is done. Lately Duke Barrington has been commuting to Nova Mesto frequently. So, I rarely see him. How is the Lord now?"
"Where have you been? All the servants usually gather to welcome the Duke's arrival, asked Mrs. Hughes with her hands on her hips.
Dumar scratched his head, "You know my father was a very strict. He always told me to wait at the stable when he came home from traveling, so I could get the horses done right away. And..yesterday… I can only catch a glimpse of him from a distance."
Mrs. Hughes just shook her head at Dumar's reply, "Your father never changed. He's always been tough from the start but...he's a loyal person too. Your mother is gone but she never intended to find a replacement."
Dumar just smiled faintly, "Yes that's the way father, Mrs. Hughes..."
"Okay, time to get back to work. I have to prepare Duchess Evelyn's favorite dessert. She specially asked for it." replied Mrs. Hughes while getting ready to wash the apple that Dumar had brought.
Unbeknownst to Mrs Hughes, Dumar's smiling face turned gloomy for a moment before he finally left the kitchen.
And that afternoon the party was very lively. Many guests came to celebrate Duke Barrington's daughter's birthday party. The servants were busy pacing back and forth bringing food and drinks to the invited guests. Dumar was no exception, he was busy directing and helping the coachmen of the invited guests to put down their carriages. Without realizing it was evening. The servants began to clean up the remnants of the party and Dumar's work for the day was finished after the last guest had left Duke Barrington's residence. He was wiping his sweat when from a distance Mr. Otis, Dumar's father seemed to walk up to him staggering.
Dumar approached his father with a panicked face, "Father, are you drinking again?"
Mr. Otis pushed Dumar away. There was a faint smell of alcohol coming from Mr. Otis' mouth, "I met an old friend of mine among the guest coachmen. We were just chatting to pass the time."
"But…" Dumar hadn't finished speaking yet, Mr. Otis patted Dumar's shoulder, "Our job is done for today. You go home first and WAIT your father at home."
Dumar just silently watched his father leave. He walked home with heavy steps. Unlike the servants and Mrs. Hughes who lived in Barrington Manor; Dumar and his father live in a small cottage near the stable.
Inside the hut, Dumar unenthusiastically lay down on the bed and stared blankly at the ceiling. His thoughts went back to five years ago, before they were accepted to work for the Barrington family. They still live together complete with Dumar's mother. Then, since when did his parents always fight and one day Dumar's mother, who couldn't stand it, decided to run away and left them. When they were accepted to work for the Barringtons and moved there; Mr. Otis told anyone that Dumar's mother had died. And he forbade Dumar from telling anyone the truth.
Tired of his thoughts, Dumar closed his eyes and somehow, he fell asleep soundly. The evening turned to night. And Dumar would still be fast asleep had it not been for the loud noise to wake him.
"BRAK" The sound of the door being opened loudly immediately startled Dumar, who sat up immediately.
It appears that the shadow walking with staggering steps is none other than Mr. Otis who seems to have just returned home in a state of drunkenness.
"Why is it so dark! Dumar! Dumar!", Mr. Otis shouted angrily.
Dumar hastily lit a lamp and approached his father to help him sit up. But Mr. Otis instead pushed him violently until Dumar fell.
"You useless child! Just guarding the house is not good!"
"I'm sorry father, I..." Dumar had not finished speaking, his father threw the beer bottle in his hand towards him. Broken beer bottles scattered on the floor. Fortunately, Dumar's father missed the shot because he was drunk so it didn't hurt Dumar.
"Who gave you permission to answer! Useless child! Why did your mother run away without taking you with her! Damn woman!!"
Dumar was silent while Mr. Otis was still angry and drunk. Mr. Otis hit Dumar several times to vent his emotions. Dumar didn't even fight.
With a blank stare he tried to withstand the blow he received. It was not the first time that Dumar had been abused by his father when he was drunk. So he was not surprised by his father's action even though he himself did not remember when his father had changed like that. Slowly his little heart seemed to tell that this was the reason his mother left them. But what he couldn't understand until now was why his mother never took him. A tear seemed to flow in Dumar's eye but he hastily wiped it away. It seemed his father was tired of beating him and fell asleep. Dumar lay back down and tried to sleep while trying to forget what had just happened.
It was a cold night outside and the faint sound of an owl could be heard. It was as if nothing had happened that night. And no one at Barrington Manor knew what was going on except Dumar and his father.
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The next morning as usual Dumar went about his routine of cleaning the stable while his father was walking some horses around Duke Barrington's sprawling manor. When suddenly someone known to Dumar came to the stable.
"Young man, is Mr. Otis here?" a man who was quite old but still looked dashing and looked dignified.
"M-My father is taking some horses for a leisurely walk so they don't stiffen. Is there anything I can help you with, My Lord?" Dumar replied, looking down nervously. Never before had he spoken to Duke Barrington directly. So far, he's only ever seen it without ever speaking directly at all.
"Ooo you are the son of Mr. Otis. How old are you now?" asked Duke Barrington as he walked around the stable.
"This year it is eighteen, My Lord", Dumar replied as he followed Duke Barrington's footsteps.
"You are big and strong now. I remember when you first came here you were little. Now you have almost surpassed my height.", Duke Barrington turned his head with a smile.
Dumar simply nodded awkwardly.
"Time flies very fast, yes for those of you who are still young. Yesterday you were a child, now you are a man. Last week, my daughter Elizabeth just celebrated her fourth birthday. I wouldn't be surprised if she's soon to be a pretty girl like her mother.", Duke Barrington spoke of his daughter with an indescribable sense of pride.
"You must love her very much, My Lord."
"Of course. She is the child of us both. How about you yourself? Your father must also be very proud of you. The only son he managed to raise to be as dashing as he is now."
"O-of course sir…M-…M-My father is also very proud…", Dumar struggled to finish his sentence while trying to smile.
"Daddy!", suddenly a little girl ran towards Duke Barrington.
Duke Barrington immediately welcomed her and carried her with a happy face. In the distance Duchess Evelyn smiled while waving her hand.
"It seems that my wife has already called me. Then please tell your father that tomorrow morning we as a family will go to Nova Mesto. I should be the only one going on business but Elizabeth always cries when I say goodbye and I don't like making her sad. And it just so happened that my wife wanted to visit her friend as well. So, the two of them will come with me tomorrow.", replied Duke Barrington walking away carrying Elizabeth
"Very well, My Lord. I will tell my father when he returns.", Dumar replied politely.
Duke Barrington suddenly turned to look at Dumar, "Have you ever been to Nova Mesto, son?"
"Never, My Lord. I only know the village where I come from."
"Hmmm…. Then how about tomorrow you help your father take us to Nova Mesto?"
Dumar looked up in surprise, "Is it okay, Your Grace? I mean…is it alright if I leave my job at the stable?"
Duke Barrington smiled, "Of course. I don't think it will be a problem."
Dumar's face looked happy but soon replaced with doubt.
Duke Barrington was aware of Dumar's doubts. He lowered Elizabeth from the sling and patted Dumar on the shoulder, "Don't worry, I'll assure your father that it's all right if you come with him. A young man like you, needs to see the world outside."
"Th-thank you, My Lord.", Dumar replied excitedly.
Duke Barrington walked over to Duchess Evelyn holding Elizabeth's hand and left the stable.
Dumar watched from afar until they were out of sight. It wasn't the first time Dumar had felt a tap on his shoulder. His father often patted him on the shoulder but… Duke Barrington's pat felt different. It was warm and didn't scare him. For a moment, Dumar felt he had someone he could rely on and trust.
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The next morning, as promised by Duke Barrington, Dumar went with his father to accompany the Duke's trip to Nova Mesto. After last night's rain, that morning the weather seemed still covered in clouds. Apart from Dumar and his father, Lucy also came to accompany Duke Barrington's family. The cold air after last night's rain made the atmosphere gloomy between Dumar and his father who sat next to each other in the saddle of the carriage. Mr. Otis seemed busy driving the carriage and paid no attention to Dumar.
They traveled for about one hour and after walking along the forest and meadows, they began to see towering buildings. Nova Mesto looks magnificent.
With eyes full of enthusiasm Dumar gazed at the view of the city of Nova Mesto. They passed the gate and entered the bustling market area. The sound of people selling retorts on the right and left of the carriage. Elizabeth seemed excited also peeking from behind the curtains of the carriage. They stopped at a house that looked grand. There Duchess Evelyn, Elizabeth and Lucy descended. After Duke Barrington said goodbye and promised to return as soon as his business was done, they continued on their way until they arrived at a part of the city full of towering buildings. They stopped in front of the cathedral which appeared to be under renovation. A white-robed and aged person greeted Duke Barrington. They shook hands and seemed to chat for a while before they finally walked into the cathedral.
Dumar and his father were waiting outside the cathedral. They waited a long time when Duke Barrington finally came out.
"Looks like my business isn't finished yet. I'll be late coming home. You two take the Duchess and my daughter home first. When you're done, come back here to pick me up." Duke Barrington's orders.
Mr. Otis and Dumar nodded, "Very well, My Lord."
Dumar and his father went to pick up Duchess Evelyn. Arriving there, Mr. Otis delivered the Duke's message. After saying farewell to her friend; Duchess Evelyn and her daughter and Lucy entered the carriage to head home. The carriage runs toward the gate to leave Nova Mesto.
Dumar glanced at his father, the old lines were clearly visible on his tired face, "Father, if you're tired, let me do it."
Mr. Otis shook his head, "No. You've never taken a carriage with passengers and it's getting dark now. I'd better go because I know this way."
Dumar nodded. They continued on their way home by the same route as when they left. The sound of thunder sounded several times, signaling that it was going to rain soon. The carriage was running through the forest area when suddenly the sound of horses galloping behind the carriage was heard. And the loud noise was getting closer and suddenly there was a gunshot being directed towards them. Everyone in the carriage was shocked to hear that. Dumar and his father looked back, they saw three horse riders chasing them, aiming their weapons.
"Grip!", Mr. Otis immediately shook the horse's rope to run fast. The carriage sprinted through the dim forest. For a moment there was a chase accompanied by gunshots. The gunshots grew louder and louder.
"AHH!" a shot hits Mr. Otis causing him to lose control of his horse. The carriage rolled sideways swooping sharply down off the track. The carriage slammed and rolled for a moment before finally coming to a stop. Dumar opens his eyes. His head felt dizzy and blood seemed to be trickling down his temples. He looked around. Not far from him, his father could be seen lying quietly.
"Father?", Dumar crawled over to his father. But it turns out that Mr. Otis has died.
"Please...help..." a faint voice sounded accompanied by a cry. Dumar forced himself to get up and look for the source of the sound. He walked past Lucy's corpse. Not far away, was Duke Barrington's daughter; weeping next to her mother who was pinned down by the carriage. Blood seemed to be pouring out of her body.
"My Lady, are you all right?", Dumar hastily approached. He tried to push the carriage to help Duchess Evelyn but his efforts were in vain. The carriage didn't budge.
"You… Mr Otis' son… please… take my daugther away from here…"
From a distance, the sound of horses approaching.
"Hurry… there is no time..", Duchess Evelyn grabbed Dumar's hand.
Duchess Evelyn looked at Elizabeth, "Elizabeth you go with him… whatever he says… you have to obey…"
"I want to be with mommy.", Elizabeth cried even louder and she grabbed Duchess Evelyn's hand.
"There!" one of the shooters shouted as he got off his horse.
"Hurry… go…", Duchess Evelyn let go of Elizabeth's hand.
Dumar immediately picked up Elizabeth and ran as fast as he could; until he found a tree with a small hole covered in bushes. They hide in it.
For a moment the gloomy atmosphere in the forest was broken by the sound of gunfire from afar.
Dumar and Elizabeth shuddered at each other in surprise.
"Shh…", Dumar covered Elizabeth's mouth while gesturing to be quiet.
The rustle of the leaves accompanied the footsteps of the people near them. One of the shooters stopped while looking around.
"Tick.tick.tick..."
It started to rain heavily.
"Did you find them?!", someone yells.
"No. Not here. They must not be far from here. We'll comb the area over there.", One of the shooter replied as he walked away with his two friends.
Dumar waited for the sound of their footsteps to go away before he finally decided to take a peek and make sure the pursuers were gone.
Dumar and Elizabeth came out from their hiding places. The rain was getting heavier with thunder and lightning.
"We need to find shelter, Miss.", Dumar looked around him. The rain made it even more difficult to see the surroundings. But he finally found his destination not long after he walked. From a distance he saw a lit lantern and as he got closer it turned out to be from a farmhouse with a windmill nearby. Dumar immediately ran while still carrying Elizabeth. When he got there, he knocked on the door in a hurry. A middle-aged farmer couple opened the door.
"What happened?", asked The husband.
"W-we're being chased by people and we need shelter right now.", Dumar replied breathlessly.
The farmer couple looked at Dumar and Elizabeth who looked wet with cold and looked pale. The farmers couple looked at each other.
"Please…allow us to take shelter. We'll leave as soon as the rain stops.", Dumar pleaded begging.
"Never mind, let them in. Moreover, they look very pale.", The wife let them in.
"Take this.", The wife gave Dumar and Elizabeth a towel and warm milk.
Dumar and Elizabeth's bodies started to warm up gradually. Their faces began to blush not as pale as before.
"Mister, I'm sleepy...", said Elizabeth rubbing her eyes and then fell asleep on Dumar's lap.
"She can sleep in our room. I'll change her wet clothes." The wife pointed inside her room.
Dumar got up and gave Elizabeth to her.
"Thank you for help-...", Before Dumar finished his sentence, Dumar fell to his knees. His head was spinning and his eyes felt heavy. He saw the couple farmer whispering to each other while looking at him.
"Y…you…what are you….", Dumar tried to reach Elizabeth but his consciousness suddenly disappeared.
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"TCAR!" lightning flashed loudly.
Dumar flinched and regained consciousness. It takes time to get used to seeing in the dim. Turns out he was at the windmill. His hands and feet were bound.
"Miss Elizabeth!" at that moment Dumar remembered what had happened to him. Nearby is a straw hoe. Immediately he shifted his body and rubbed the rope. As soon as his hand straps off he immediately untied his legs.
Outside it was still raining but only drizzling. Slowly he crept out of the windmill towards the farmer's house. From a distance, the group of shooters approached the farmer's house. Dumar crept closer and watched from the outside of the house. He tried to listen to their conversation.
"Where's our payment that you promised?", asked the husband, holding them at the entrance.
Without further ado, one of them shot the husband in the head. The farmer's body fell down with a loud sound. The wife screamed in shock and ran to her husband's corpse in tears. Dumar's heart was pounding so hard he could feel the beat. The shooters entered the house and searched every room. They found Elizabeth who was drugged to sleep.
"Where's the other one?", asked one of the gunners to the farmer's wife.
"We don't know. He ran away after leaving the girl at the door.", The wife answered angrily.
The shooter then shot the wife as well. Dumar lowered his head while biting his hand. Trying not to scream. The gunshot sounded like firecrackers exploding near his ears.
There was the sound of horses walking away. Dumar peeked and saw the pursuers go and disappear in the dark and rainy night. Dumar tried to rise but his knees felt weak. He fell to the ground and sobbed…
5 days later….
That afternoon it was cloudy over Barrington Manor. But that wasn't the only thing that made Barrington Manor cloudy. It was the day of Duchess Evelyn's funeral which was held not far from Duke Barrington's house. In the meadow near a large tree, the invitees gathered. The funeral was held in private. It was attended only by Barrington's close family and servants.
"…. We come together today not only to show love and remember Duchess Evelyn Barrington, a wife and mother whom He loved dearly. But today we are also here to show support and love for the family he left behind. We believe that Duchess Evelyn is in the best place by Your side. And finally, we who are here, also seek and receive comfort from God. Father give strength and comfort to continue our lives and find new paths in Your name. Amen"
The priest made the sign of the cross and the coffin was placed in the grave. There were sobs that accompanied Duchess Evelyn's burial. The guests who came began to pay their last respects one by one before leaving the cemetery. Among the guests present, Dumar was one of them. This was the third funeral that he had to attend on the same day. Her father and Lucy had been buried this morning not far from Duke Barrington's estate. Dumar stared blankly until the coffin was buried. He's not alone. Duke Barrington was still there too and was staring at the grave with a somber look. His face looked old and weary.
Dumar approached to say words of comfort but somehow when he arrived his throat felt dry. Not a single word was spoken. For a moment both of them were silent as they looked at Duchess Evelyn's grave.
"You came too. Are your wounds okay?", Duke Barrington started the conversation.
Dumar held his head which was still wrapped in bandages, "My wound is not serious, My Lord and has started to dry."
"Good. How are you? When we found you, you were very shaken. Your body didn't stop shaking until we brought you back to the Manor. It must have been very hard for you to go through all that. And today…you attended three funerals and one of them was your father, your only family…"
"…."
Dumar was silent for a moment before replying, "I don't know, My Lord…. everything happened very fast. Until now I'm still trying to understand everything. I…don't know what I'm going to do now…."
"I understand that feeling. We are the same… We are both grieving….", Duke Barrington sighed heavily and looked up at the sky.
"Live for your father and keep your memory with him. You are the pride of your father, son," continued Duke Barrington, patting Dumar on the shoulder.
Dumar hoarsely replied, "I'm…. not my father's pride, My Lord. My father… never loved me… To him I was just a burden for him to bear… even my mother thought that way… that's why when he ran away from my father… he didn't take me. "
Duke Barrington seemed to be trying to hide his surprise, "As far as I know isn't your mother dead?"
"No, My Lord… it was a lie made up by my father and he forbade me to tell anyone. He… really hated my mother who ran away. To him, my presence always reminded me of my mother and he always hit me when I was drunk. I'm just an emotional outlet for my father. That's why…when Your Grace said to keep the memory…and I am the pride of my father….I…I can't see that…", Dumar smiled bitterly with his eyes starting to turn red and teary.
Duke Barrington took a deep breath and seemed to think before finally replying,"Son whatever your father does. You are not a burden. You are currently alive and safe from yesterday's events. That means your life isn't over yet… there's still a long way to go. You're still given a chance. It's better than anything but death. You can start your life over with a new beginning."
"No, My Lord… it should be me who deserves to be in the coffin not Duchess Evelyn. Because of me…Lady Elizabeth was kidnapped. Supposedly when the shooter came back to pick her up, I should have fought back and took her back. But... I was too scared... and just kept quiet about it. Even though…Duchess Evelyn entrusted her to me…", Dumar sat up while trying to cover his face which started to shed tears.
Duke Barrington lowered his head and grabbed Dumar's shoulder, "Son, you don't have to blame yourself. The two of us will go through this and I'll find Elizabeth."
Duke Barrington's answer saddened Dumar even more. The cry he had been trying to hold back finally burst out. Dumar could feel Duke Barrington's concern and kindness towards him. At that moment, there was a strong desire in Dumar's heart to help Duke Barrington find his daughter at any cost.
The sound of thunder sounded from a distance and soon a small drizzle began to fall.
"Let's go home, Son.", Duke Barrington helped Dumar up.
A small drizzle quickly turned into a heavy rain that accompanied their departure.
-end-