Burlington

Chapter one

         As the morning fog cleared and the sun arose came the thundering sound of horses, chains, and manic yelling in the streets of Burlington district. General McCullough and his order of skilled swordsmen rode into the town of Burlington, along with the disorder, chaos reigned through the streets, as the smoke cleared and early birds scattered in search of a crevice. Everyone feared the soldiers and what great power they hold. When people abandoned their goods, the soldiers took an opportunity to pick, choose, and refuse. Carriages of goods were speared and swished. All that was not was taken by the bandit-soldiers, packed in the saddle, and would most likely be divided among the troops. After an early morning assault, the soldiers treated their gold-sheen horse. About ten-feet along, they continued their assault on anyone in the way. Burlington was once a peaceful place, where trees thrived and fruits bloomed in abundance. People were happy with whatever little they had. It was always so peaceful and full of life. But it all changed when a dreadful plague hit the town. Almost every living creature was wiped out. Animals went into hiding, some were found floating alongside the countryside riverbanks. It was unheard of. More than three-quarters of the human population had died from terrible diseases, starvation, and in battle. There were a few that disappeared without a trace, then there were the few that were too scared to come out so they lived a life in solitude and others assumed their passing. After the plague had ended, destruction was behind its wake. No one bonded together anymore, instead, everyone fought for whatever truffle of resources. Resources were hard to come by. The trees had lost their luscious color and in the end, had fallen to assemble a huge mess of the deserted forbidden area. The dirt was infertile, everything grew and reaped the little reward. 

      Wesley Alistair was the town’s mayor. He was a big, bulky man with massive arms, although his chest was small. Speaking of, which didn't match his pompous demeanor. He was a despicable man, very goosy and cruel in every sense of the word. No one knew where he came from, he just magically appeared overnight, and then he was just there—demanding and ruling over everything. General McCullough was his lapdog, the loyal foolish soldier he often sent to do his bidding. The two went well together. For anyone to live peacefully in Burlington once more,  they would first completely abide by his niggardly rules—which can be daunting not to break. The rules were simple. No outsiders were allowed, the town was already overpopulated. They were written in fine cursive plaques and placed on the walls of the city, a steady reminder for the local townspeople. Wesley liked to be in control of everything—it was his town, and without order, there would be literal chaos. He liked that the local people feared his magnificent stature; he thrived on it. But little Wesley wasn’t the only gloomy cloud around the town. 

        There was something else that haunts the town of Burlington—something more sinister, something so terrible it captivated the people in fear. Thus, it is unknown like an everlasting ominous shadow over one’s head. With the introduction of the third Revolution,  the town had become a mess. Now looking at the town all you could see was the swollen, miserable look on people’s faces as you passed them by. It overran the streets with the homeless drunkards, and most houses were in shambles. Only a few houses were proper—and those belonging to the upper-class businessmen and their prestige offspring.

            As horses run through the streets, it awakens a few people from their slumber. One of those people being Evelyn Elisabeth Watt, a young woman of poor stature. She was a gem of the town, even though she didn’t realize it. She often kept to herself, only spoken to persons when necessary. Many people have complimented her about her exude beauty. Her teetered attire wasn’t the best, but she was beautiful in whatever she wore. Her twisted brunette hair was a sight to see as soft wisp blows in the summer breeze. Soft pale lips only lightened her magnificence as she stood by her parents who had also come out to see what’s going on. If Evelyn's assumptions were correct, the mayor had sent his lapdog McCullough again to announce another rule for the townspeople. She huffed out in anger. She hated the mayor’s way of doing things. As she remembered, it was only yesterday that they drove into town and demanded farmers to pay the extra money. Now they were here once again.

And what ridiculously unheard of a rule will be announced next?

A rule against speaking incoherently, perhaps?

Or maybe a rule against the clothing worn?

      A horseman mounted onto the platform and donged the town’s bell, gaining the attention of the people. They gathered around impatiently. They know what it meant, a recent rule was about to be announced. General  McCullough might not like it, but it has to happen. Icy blue-eyed McCullough stood close, a tight smirk on his face when he put a hand behind his back and watched the people’s expression. Evelyn Loathe that man with greater hatred.

‘'Listen up you brutes. On the decree of your Royal highness Mayor Alistair, it is said that 7 percent of one’s income must be allocated to taxes…’’ the townspeople began rambling, they were outraged. It was ridiculous that they hardly get enough money to sustain themselves but now they have to pay more taxes. The horseman had associated the mayor’s names with the superiors. He was not a royalty of any sort, just an egocentric man with a beer gut, and cigarette breath. That was the kind of bastard the mayor was, he thinks too highly of himself and looks down on people with lower stature than him.

‘‘..failure to do so will result in 4th punishment by the law of the town.'’ the young horseman continued, eyeing everyone.

The fourth punishment law was being stripped naked in the town center, flogged and feathered, Evelyn thought to herself. As poor as it sounds it was the greatest punishment one could ever have. Others include stripped of dignity and social stands. And in a town like this, that is all that seems to matter. No one ever cared just for living. You could practically see how the greed of stature was making the town dead inside.

The horsemen exited the platform, unphased by the people’s hysterics. A black crow sore passed the young horsemen’s face, the gathering went silent as the young man’s head darted. A crow hasn’t been seen for 40 long years. Many thought they were extinct, and with a good cause. Crows are supposedly a harbinger of death and destruction, said to be the devil’s bird for its back beady eyes cast upon a village of people, watching their every move. It was rather a silly superstition, it was Evelyn's first time seeing it and it could not cause any bad luck whatsoever. The crow landed on the town’s bell, c*****g his narrow head in curiosity. 

  ''Shoo!'' The horseman grunted.  But it sat there, casting its curious set of black beady eyes on the town's inhabitants. A stone struck it on the wing, it flew off into the north. General McCullough coughed in his hand, his eyes darting back and forth.

  ‘’Go home, there’s nothing to see here.’’ He ordered the people. Evelyn s hand dug into her palm and began walking back to her house. Her parents are in suits. They knew little about superstition, they cared neither. 

   They believed once you go around looking for vile things, they will show up at your doorstep willingly. Believe, kill, and believe cure, the Watts were mostly concerned with the law of the land. Surely, nowhere else in the land were suffering these inhumane conditions. Mayor Alistair has to be the worst pig of his kin.

  ‘‘That infuriating man, when will he stop with these absurd rules?’’ Her mother, Flo fumed.

   ‘‘Be quiet, or else you’ll let them hear you.’’ Evelyn's father; Monroe muttered to his wife. 

Flo rolled her eyes at him and crossed her arms. ‘’There are no laws against voicing one’s thoughts, so let me speak.’’

  ‘‘You know the consequence of these animals, once or if they hear talking poor about them, they will forever be eyeful of you.’’

Sadly, that was true. If the mayor or anyone in government comes to hear of anyone poor-mouthing they would be under constant observation, it would take further disciplinary steps if or when anything gets out of hand. This is so because the Mayor feared a riot more than anything else. If this happens, he would have no one to commit to him.

‘‘Evelyn, it’s very unfair, don’t you think?’’ Asked her mom, barely concealing her rage.

‘’It is ma, but there’s nothing any of us could do about it.''

‘‘I wish I could do something about it, the mayor is way over his head.’’

‘‘As I mentioned before, it's either you keep your mouth shut or pay the consequences.’’ Monroe cautioned.

''Don't tell me what to do, Monroe. Wrong is wrong, nothing else to it.''

Evelyn glanced over at Flo and sighed. Whenever it comes to a discussion, Flo and her father never agree on anything. Flo was one of those people that couldn't stand by and watch people being taken advantage of. Evelyn was too, but she understood that with their low stature there was absolutely nothing she could do about it. While as for her father, he was one of the many that feared the Mayor and General. So even if Evelyn Would do anything, the town's people would have to stand by her. Very unlikely, there would be only a handful of people who did not fear the mayor and his horsemen. Nowadays, they are hard to come by.  Besides she was smart enough not to risk it all. 

     She sauntered back home with her parents. As they arrived, Flo immediately went to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. Breakfast was quick and calm, Evelyn prodded into her bedroom afterward and changed into her new silky dress for school. She was studying medicine in the town's central school boards located on the outskirts of Burlington. Even though she and her parents were considered pheasant, they had enough money for schooling and annual recreational activity. But that was just about it, her father worked as a plumber around the mayor's grand office. Her father despised working there but he had to get the money somehow. While Flo runs a small bakery in the district. Evelyn Usually helps Flo at the bakery, but mostly on Saturdays.

      As Evelyn Came out of her room, she was greeted by Flo. In Flo's hand was a small round bun neatly wrapped in a brown plastic paper.'' What's that?'' She questioned, searching for her satchel.

''It's a bun, child.''

''I know that mama but why are you giving it to me? You know I have borderline diabetes.''

''It's sugarless, I made it especially for you.''

She smiled skeptically.''A sugarless bun? first I heard of that.''

''It's my special invention.'' Her mom lean to whisper dramatically, ''Don't tell anyone.''

Evelyn Burst out laughing at her mum's paltry behavior. It was amazing how she could be like this, even when in chaos.

''Of course, I won't, ma, thank you so much.''

''Here, I'll just put it in your satchel.'' Flo hummed, disarming the lest her from Evelyn's arms. ''Don't lose it.''

''I'm not a child.'' 

''I know, now give me a kiss.''

She smiled, kissing Flo on her head. She was about two shoes taller than Flo but compared to other girls in town she was short.

''Leaving already?'' Her father who recently entered the room asked.

''Yes dad, you know how awful it can get in the streets. Besides, I always leave this early anyway.''

''Oh right.'' Monroe hummed, opening his arms inviting Evelyn to come to embrace him. When she did, her father pecked the side of her head before releasing her. ''Stay safe, honey.''

''Always.'' Evelyn beamed, waving her parents as she bounced out the front door.

''Be back before seven!!' Flo yelled.

Of course, it's not like she had a choice. Some laws and rules governed everything in this town.

After schooling at the community center had ended, Evelyn Sat outside of a bench,  a book in her lap as she nibbled on the pastry Flo made. Whenever everyone else had gone home, she stuck around for a little bit more time and studied since she can't do much of it at home when her parents are arguing. Medicine was a hard topic to cover, 

''Evelyn.'' Yelled a voice, she looked up and saw her childhood friend, Luke Sivan jogging towards her. Luke had been her friend ever since she saved him from drowning when they were kids. He has ash brownish hair and icy blue eyes and is over 6 feet tall. Her eyes wandered to his clothes. He was still in his white fencing uniform, he must be coming from the practice she thought to herself.

''What are you still doing here? Isn't past your bedtime?'' Luke snickered to himself. If there's one thing she disliked about luke, was that he was quite arrogant and spoilt. His father was a high court judge, both of them were high-classed while she wasn't. His father pampered him since birth, so he never grasps the hardship others have to endure. At times,  she wonders if she wasn't his best friend, or if she hadn't saved him would he still liked her anyway, or would he look down on her like he did with the others.

''You're not funny anymore, and I'm still here. I thought you left.''

             Luke smacks the fencing equipment stacked on his back.'' I just finished practice. I was about to leave but then I saw you. '' Luke was studying the art of the swordsmen. Not because that was what he wanted, his father made him think that there are no other alternatives. It's ridiculous how parents forced their kids into abandoning their dream in pursuit of theirs. His grandfather was a swordsman, his father, himself, and therefore must be one as well to continue the family tradition. And though, every male in town was also practicing fencing, why not? Being an accomplished swordsman is the most available prize in town. Even though it only takes a few months—with the proper teachings of course. 

''You know what would happen if soldiers caught you outside of the curfew right, little ladybug?'' Evelyn Used to hate the embarrassing not to mention, cringe-worthy nicknames he gives her. But after fourteen years of devoted friendship, it doesn't bother her anymore. If anything, she likes it now. He treats her totally from other girls he encountered, and that made her feel special.

''I know but it won't come to that. How was practice?'' She asked, not looking at him.

''Mmm, it was fine. I learned a few things, like this perhaps.'' Luke unsheath his fencing sword and used it to tilt Evelyn's chin towards him. ''Pay attention to me at once, little ladybug, or risk losing thy delicate neck.'' Her eyes widened when she felt the sword under her chin and Luke now gazed deep into her eyes. Her throat thickened, she wanted to swallow but she couldn't move. What was he doing?

Luke's mouth slightly parted as he took in the beauty in front of him. She was magnificent in every way, a gentle flush of pink had arisen to her that made her looked vulnerable.  As if in trance, Luke took in her appearance. Her moss-green eyes were so alluring but behind them, he could see a bit of fear deep inside her soul. He quickly withdrew the sword, sheath it, and slightly hung his head in shame.'' I'm sorry ladybug, I sometimes  go overboard with my pathetic antics.''

''It's ok, you don't have to apologize. I know you didn't mean to scare me.'' She replied softly. And this was why she liked him and enjoyed his company because he cared for her, no matter her stature.

Luke sat beside her, his hand on his face. He moved them downwards so his face was stretched finally resting his hand in his lap.'' I shouldn't have done that, I know you missed your grandpa. It was awful of me.''

''Luke, forget about it, I don't want to talk about it. Please.''

It pained her whenever she thought of her favorite grandfather, who had died from a sword fight

even years ago—that was all she knew. That her grandfather died from a weapon like swords, she's been terrified of shape weapons ever since. Luke touched the side of her face, moving her hair out of the way. She didn't flinch, this was pretty normal to her. She welcomed all of his soft touches, for there was nothing behind it but brotherly love. ''Ok, honey—''

''I told you not to call me that!'' She cursed, hitting him on the arm. ''Anything but.''

''Ow.'' Luke yelled, rubbing his arm.''You can't hit me like that.''

''Well, whatever.''

''You're mean.'' He countered, his lips drawn into a pout, Evelyn chuckled and threw herself over his back.

''But you like me, right?''' She whispered to him.

''Yes, honeybun—

''That's it.'' She climbed off his back and threw her hands up in the air.'' I'm heading home.''

''Yeah, I was wondering when you were going to. Do you want me to walk you home? A lady with exuding beauty  as you aptly portrait shouldn't be walking home alone by herself?''

She shoves her book in her satchel and paused.'' Don't flatter me with those meaningless words, you live farther than I and I don't want you to get caught in the curfew so no.''

''Accompany you halfway, I could.'' He insisted, absently starting staring at her.

''I'll be fine.'' She mused. ''See you tomorrow then?''

Luke nodded his head as she departed. He stared at her until she was out of sight, then he turned around and started walking in the opposite direction.