Teen Ink

Prologue

I woke up next to my beautiful wife Juliana. She was pregnant and our child was due soon. As I was thinking of my wonderful life with Juliana, she to awoke and greeted me with her melodic voice and sweet smile. I kissed her on the cheek and I got up. I got dressed, but Juliana just stayed in her nightgown and sat up in bed. I said good bye once more and headed out to find a vocation by which to support my family. The King somehow heard of my seeking and he appointed me the town’s herald. I was so happy. It took him almost until nightfall to explain my duties and responsibilities, which would include announcing the King’s words to the public, and keeping the townspeople updated with news and decisions the King had made. I would also read tales from the King’s library and sing for the people who gather in the town square.
When I came back to the house two of our neighbors were there, one of whom was holding a baby.
“ It’s a boy,” she said.
The other quickly added, “Juliana wanted to name him Cedric.”
“What do you mean ‘wanted’? Did she make it?”
“No,” sniffled the lady, still cradling my Cedric. The way she said this was as if I had stirred the pain resting inside of her.
I grabbed the baby from the lady’s arms and ran into our room. I sat down next to Juliana on the bed and gently laid Cedric onto her unmoving corpse. “Cedric and I will make you proud.” Then I hoped to the deepest core of my heart that I could keep my promise. I whispered my final good-bye and I took her to Shambles's Abbey where she could be buried in her hometown. I had an elaborate funeral and wished nothing had ever happened to my love.

Ten years later. . .