Life Without Life
Chapter 5:
It is the year of our Lord, thirteen hundred and thirty-eight. The day: 24 November. I have been in isolation in this pit for nearly one week and just now they have given me paper and ink. They say my punishment is banishment but I have not even gone above to see the Baron about my sentence. I might as well be banished, though. I have lost my Matthew and he will be married shortly. Occasionally a Baron's son can be just as stubborn as his father! I just hope I get out of here alive so that I may live out my sentence.
Truly yours,
Emily-Elizabeth
It is the year of our Lord, thirteen hundred and thirty-eight. The day: 28 November. I have just received word that my sister, Kathleen Marie, has come down with The Fever. I asked and pleaded with the guards to let me go back to my weak sister, but they would not believe me. They thought I was lying just to get out of prison! I must see her before she becomes worse! If they
find these papers, they will surely burn them. "It is a plot against the King!" they would say. Such fools they are!
Truly yours,
Emily-Elizabeth
It is the year of our Lord, thirteen hundred and thirty-eight. The day: 1 December. Already the colder weather has arrived. Either that or the castle is very drafty! I am to leave this chamber on the eve of 5 December, pack my belongings, and leave this land "as quickly and as quietly as possible." The feasting will begin for my Matthew's wedding and I do not wish to interfere. My Matthew, ha! He is no longer mine and apparently never was!
Truly yours,
Emily-Elizabeth
It is the year of our Lord, thirteen hundred and thirty-nine. The day: 3 January. It has now been a month since I last wrote. They told me I could leave to see my sister but they lie! They never expected me to leave! They expect me to remain here until I die of either starvation or of self pity! I must go now, there someone here to see me.
Truly yours,
Emily-Elizabeth
"What do you want?" she says as she is greeted by a peculiar young face she has never before seen.
"I have come to speak with Emily-Elizabeth, the farmer's daughter."
"You have come to the right chamber. Who might you be?"
"My name is Josette. I have come to ask you for a small favor if you be so kind."
"Are you Josette of Cannock, the one who is betrothed to my Matthew?"
"Aye, but your Matthew? What on earth are you talking about?!"
"I am sorry. I always find myself identifying him as such. Please excuse me for being so impolite."
"I beg your pardon but, why do you call him your Matthew? I was told he was not married to anyone."
"He is not married at the moment."
"I don't understand. Please, continue."
"Aye, milady. There was a time from whence I believed Matthew could love but one soul. That soul was mine. For that reason, I find myself calling him 'my Matthew'."
"You speak of a love you had in the past. Do you still love? Or has Matthew not returned your love?"
"At one time I thought he did love, but recently my thoughts have changed. He seems so heartless and distant. I think he never wants to see me or be near me again."
"I see your point. As I was riding into town I met up with a very handsome, young man. I am not sure, but I think he works for the Blacksmith. Do you know of whom I am referring to?"
"Aye, that I do. You are speaking of my friend Timothy, the Blacksmith's apprentice. Why do you ask of him?"
"I was thinking, if I can get you out of here, you may be able to help me with Timothy."
"I would be more than happy to help, but how do you plan on getting me out of here?"
"I haven't exactly thought about it yet. Give me time and I am sure I can figure something out."