- From Crispin's point of view
- Realistic to Crispin and Bear's characters
- Accurate to the setting (Middle Ages)
- Should be several paragraphs
Friday, January 15, 2016
Crispin Section 3 Due Friday, Jan 22
Continue the ending of Crispin. What do you think happens after the book ends? You can pick up right up where the book left off, or pick up several years later. Requirements:
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“CRISPIN!” bellowed Bear.
ReplyDeleteI flinched, preparing for the worst. “Y-yes?” I replied cautiously.
“What in the sacred name of Jesus have you done with my fiddle?”
“Um… I just… I may have borrowed it… to clean it,” I replied, pleased with this excuse.
“May I have it back?” asked Bear, his voice dripping with sarcasm. Taking the fiddle, he scrutinized it, his face turning stormy. “Crispin, this is FILTHY!”
“Sorry,” I said, my shoulders slumping. “I wanted to try to play it.”
“I have told you a thousand times, boy, this is an expensive fiddle, only for me to use when we are performing! London is a difficult place to live, Crispin. Lodging has a high expense, and we need to work to earn our keep! We can't spend time breaking others’ fiddles!”
“I wasn't going to break it…” I muttered under my breath. Bear pretended not to hear me. We had been performing in London for the past three months, where Bear had purchased a fiddle to aid our performances. He would play it and dance while I juggled and sang, and it was his prized possession. Meanwhile, I was determined to learn how to play it.
“Why can't I learn?” I whined.
“You’re not ready,” replied Bear, per usual.
Later that day, after countless tiring performances, we made our way back to our home on the outskirts of town. I was still amazed whenever I saw it, never quite believing that it belonged to us. Well, almost. A penny a month was a small price to pay for our own home, let alone a home with two small stories! On the lower level was the kitchen, where we ate our daily meals. My favorite part of this room was the two little hooks by the door, one for Bear’s enormous sack and one for my own, small, newly acquired one, in which I kept my flute and my juggling balls. In the loft of the house, connected to the ground floor by a ladder, was our bedroom containing two small mattresses for Bear and me, and a straw mat for our dog, Wolf. He ran over to us now, bowling me over, and not even making Bear stagger as he launched himself at us. I sat up, laughing and utterly content with my life.
Sorry, there were indentations for paragraphs, they deleted when I pasted it here!
DeleteI love how you added a modern twist to your story.
Delete
ReplyDelete"Crispin, we are free men for the moment. But we must always remember to stick together. I took a lot of beatings back there for you. I care about you Crispin". I was surprised with his sudden, powerful words. I replied "Of course Bear. But let's celebrate! We are free men! I would love a rabbit right now. Should we settle here for the night and make a fire?" "Yes that's a good idea". Suddenly he whispers in a firm voice "Crispin holt. Look 5 feet in front of you" It was a big rabbit. I started to drool thinking of me chewing on its delicious meat. Suddenly i see Bear pounce and step on its tail, then he held it up, and it was our first meal as free men.
I woke up to a drum playing right next to my ear. "Get up Crispin, we will be traveling until daylight next morning. And next time we see the sun rise, we will be looking at a beautiful, free land, named Scotland" "I know Bear, I dreamed about it all night. I can not wait" I said. "Well get up and let's get going" he said.
It was now very close to nightfall and we stopped for a snack of nuts. "Bear i said, what if we encounter a wolf?", "No worries my friend, they are more scared of us than we are of them. We will be fine". "Are you ready for one more period of traveling until Scotland?" "Yes sir I said". I pulled out my recorder and off we were, dancing and singing like the happiest men in all of the world.
"Marvelous, I said to Bear. I am so excited". "As so am I Crispin, right there, 5 minutes away, is the free, safe land of Scotland". Watching the sun rise was amazing, and so was watching Scotland so peacefully.
"Well I said, Bear are you ready to get going to a wonderful, free life?" "Of course I am, son". And from that moment on I knew Bear was my best friend, someone who I could call Father.
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ReplyDeleteAs Bear and I were walking away from great Wexly, Bear thanked me for going in there and saving his life. He didn't think I could do so much and be able to save Bear. As we walked for a while we realized we got to a small village that looked very familiar to me. I was back in Stromford. It brought back all of the bad memories I had there including my parents death and working on the fields everyday from dawn to dusk.
ReplyDeleteI got a little happy feeling though because I just remembered how I am a free person now and I doesn't have to work the fields or give my share of crops to the lord or any of that stuff. And I also had Bear to help him in the rest of his life.
I asked Bear if they could go back to his old church where Father Quinel would always be, but however he would no longer be there since John Ayecliffe had killed him. I was really sad
and mad that John Ayecliffe killed Father Quinel, he was one of my only good friends in Stromford.
As we went in i started to pray and as i was praying i saw someone come out from the wall, he looked like a ghost and then i was shocked to find that it was Father Quinel! I tryed hugging him but i then remembered he was a ghost but we talked for a while and he was just as glad to see me as i was glad to see him. But he told me he had to go and he also told me something important. He said i was always with him and he helped me along my journey to Wexly and helping him get Bear. Father Quinel was by my side all that time and he still is by my side.
We continued to boastfully walk around outside the gates of Wexly. This feeling was like no other, a free man at last! I could not stop playing my recorder as I was filled with glee.
ReplyDelete"Bear, I'm hungry", I pronounced.
"We will stop soon to celebrate with a feast", Bear exclaimed.
Soon enough we stopped and I remembered that I was carrying Bear's sack, which contained food that could last for ages. We prayed before our meal using my cross. As soon as we finished praying, we began to eat like wild animals.
"So this is what it's like to be a free man", I stated proudly.
"Pretty awesome isn't it?" Bear said.
A little while after we spoiled ourselves with food, we began to walk. Bear and I continued to play our music, but I began to hear strange noises behind us.
"Hey Bear, do you hear that? I asked nervously.
"Nothing but a little wind", he said.
We walked on, and I have to admit I began to question Bear as I continued to hear some noises. Nothing but a little wind, I reminded myself over and over again.
The sun started to rise over the hill to the behind us. I stopped and gazed at the beautiful sunrise, until Bear yelled at me to stop daydreaming.
"Bear, stop and listen", I whispered.
"Stop being silly", Bear muttered.
"No come on now, I swear on my life someone is following us".
"If you say so kid", Bear groaned.
We pushed a bunch of bushes out of our way and the noise escalated. We turned the corner to the right, and there he was.
"Get your dagger out", Bear shouted.
The one eye man had returned. We circled the man and ripped out our weapons. The one eyed man was not match for Bear. Bear picked the man up and threw him into the water, and continued to drown him.
"Let's, continue shall we", Bear said.
I was Crispin. A boy only thirteen years old. I could hardly believe I killed John Aycliffe. The Soldiers looked at us in disbelief and Bear and I. I began to play the recorder while Bear danced. There were children there as well. "They are still accusing me of killing Father Quinel!" I shouted. Bear told me "Speak up young lad, you should be happy you defeated your enemies!" I began to walk over the Children.
ReplyDeleteAll the children there were scared to see me. "I have something to say." I quietly said. No one heard me. I was enraged. "I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY!!!" I shouted. That drew their attention. I walked over to them and spoke up! "The Murder of Father Quinel was not caused thou by me, but by a man!!!" The children were in shock. "A man by the name of John Aycliffe!!!!" I started to get scared.
"There was a lady!" A lady named Furnival!" "I am not in charge of this murder and I am not called Asta's son!!!" "Lady Furnival sent someone to kill me!" A man who I killed named John Aycliffe!" "I know who I am!" I am Crispin!!" I then bowed. Then all of a sudden there was a major applause! The Children clapped and cheered. I have never felt so honored in my life! Then Bear and I strolled along and continued our journey..... To be continued
Bear and I were walking away from Wexly and all of the sudden soldiers started to run toward us saying that we are arrested for murder. We started to run into a nearby forest and dived behind a tree. They followed us, and did not know we're we went as we were farther away from them. Bear immediately said that he will distract them by running at them and trying to fight them off.
ReplyDeleteBear lunged at the soldiers and tackled them to the ground he told me to run as fast as I could away from here. I started to run and looked back and saw Bear with a spear through him and two soldiers running at me.
Once I got far enough from them I climbed a tree and hid there the whole night. I woke up to the sound of something under me. I glanced down and saw nothing. I fell back asleep and then woke up again to the same sound. I realized it was coming from behind me. I looked behind the tree and saw a knight looking straight at me and people below they had swords and pitchforks. The knight took me by the shirt and threw me to the ground. Everything went black.
THA NEXT DAY
ReplyDelete"Crispin, as we are heading towards London, please keep in mind that our... scuffle yesterday may have caused us quite a bit of trouble."
"Alright."
"And please, for the love of God, do the best you can performing music in the city. We might actually live a decent lifestyle in this rotten system of society."
Ever since the steward died, I was always worried that I would become a wolf's head again. But, I felt oddly joyful, since I finally was free from the weights on my shoulders. I felt that my prayers to be like the deer Saint Giles protected had finally came true. I was looking forward to my new life as a free man.
As we left the city, I felt happy, I finally escaped! As bear and I cheerfully pranced along the path, something felt off, besides us, it was awfully quiet. "Wait, I see something", said bear quietly and nervously. There was the sound of a horse, there was a horse coming from the city. It happened so fast, all I saw at first was a glimpse of a horse, dressed in blue and yellow garments, and the sound of a sword. It was so fast I only saw it for a fraction of a second.
ReplyDelete"Bear?" I said,quietly. Bear was standing there with a shocked look on his face and a big cut through his neck, he didn't move, he must stood there. Then his head tilted a little to the left, and kept tilting, until his head came off. His head landed in the ground with a thump and his body came after. I felt like crying, who would do this? When I finally had the courage to look up, Lady Furnival was standing in a horse, a bloody sword was in her hand.
"Get him", she said in a cruel tone, then I was pushed to the ground, then everything went black.
A few hours later I woke up in a dark room, only lit by a torch, I couldn't move, I tried, but I couldn't. Seconds, minutes, then hours, I didn't know how long I was laying there, but finally someone came to where I was. It was a hooded man I never had seen before .
"You're finished," he said slowly, " did you hear me? You're FINISHED!" He was screaming now, he briskly walked to a crank next to the table I was laying on. He turned the crank slowly, and my arms and legs stretch, I was confused, then I realized. I was on a rack, I heard children talking about it back at Stromford, it stretches your limbs with excruciating pain until they dislocate The pain started, it wasn't subtle and then building its way up, it was immediately the most painful thing I have ever felt, I screamed, but no one would come to help, I was sure, I don't know if it was fear of the pain, but I fainted.
When I woke up, I was laying on my stomach in front of a crowd, I was on a stage of some sort, with lady Furnival in front of me, she was speaking. "… and this wolf's head will finally get the death he deserves, for robbing the lord, for killing a priest, for killing the steward…" There was a blade above me, I was in a guillotine. They apparently didn't tie me down good enough, and I was able to untie the knot. Instead of running away, i tackled lady Furnival, she screamed and we fell off the stage. Her head was smashed against the street. I have finally avenged bear! I was happy, but I felt pain in my chest, I looked down, there was a knife through my torso, as the red blood stained my shirt, I collapsed.
I was now free! What shall I do? Where would I go? Just the thought has struck me speechless. Bear and I would go on many adventures. Wait bear! He was in pain so we could not travel anytime soon.
ReplyDeleteHe was sitting down at the edge of the woods due to the vicious beating he had taken from John Aycliffe. But John Aycliffe will no longer bother us. Everything seemed better and better. But before I start my life, Bears well being was my first priority. I gave him some water to drink, hoping he could continue but he was to feeble.
That left only one option: I had to go back to Great Wexley to get medicine. I managed to push bear out of sight and hung up his hat so I remember as to where to return. I took a couple of pennies to purchase the medicine. I looked down the path to Great Wexley and thought we couldn't have gone that far.
It seemed as though hours have passed and still no sight of any people. It was a small drizzle out but the raindrops felt like bee stings. The trees swayed as the wind blew roughly against my direction. I was nervous for bear. What if something happened to him? Keeping those thoughts in mind, I trudged foward.
Trying to keep my spirits up, I played my recorder, but all that did was make my feelings worse. If I don't get bears medicine, I may never perform with him again. All of a sudden in the distance, I could see the torches lit. It was not as bright due to the water coming down from the sky.
I reached the gates and the guards that were watching, looked confused. But now that I am free, they no longer scare me.
It was day out so most people are out shopping or trading or even just talking. I saw the pharmacy and walked in. I purchased the stuff and left great Wexley again.
I reached bear and fed him the medicine. In a day he was up and walking. We then started to walk towards Scotland, our next place to visit.
ReplyDeleteBear and I couldn't walk very fast because of Bears severe injuries. Despite the pain, Bear still played the drums and sang as much as he could. I can't believe I was a free man! Well, boy I guess. Bear said he had to take a break so we sat under a big oak tree. While we were sitting there I started thinking. What if I hadn't saved Bear? He would have been beaten much more in that gross cell. Maybe he even would have been killed. I shook myself out of it. I shouldn't think about that because we got out. Me and Bear. The Bear and his cub, safe at last. I liked the thought of that. "Bear?" I said. He grunted. "Do you really think of me as a son?" I asked.
"Crispin," he said, turning to face me. "I took a lot of beatings for you, and you risked your life for me. Family isn't always by blood. Family is when you will risk your life in the blink of an eye if it means even the slightest bit that your family will be safe," He replied.
"Why didn't you tell them where I was?" I asked.
"Crispin, I thought they were going to kill me. I might as well be killed and maybe keep you safe, than tell them where you are and be killed anyway."
"Thank you," I said.
"Don't thank me. I only do things like that for people that deserve them," he replied. "Plus, you saved my life, call it equal." We sat for the rest of the afternoon watching the clouds roll by and talking about playing and performing. Bears injuries were pretty bad, but a little water mixed with crushed herbs are definitely helping it. Bear insists that he doesn't need them and that he is fine, but when he goes to stand up and winces in pain, I know otherwise. I've managed to catch a few rabbits and a squirrel for us to eat. Having Bear teach me how to hunt surely helped. That night we headed off to Scotland. According to Bear it was very far away and it would take many moons to get there. I honestly didn't mind because Bear was no longer that scary man that kept me captive to be his slave. He is my father, my guardian, and most of all, he is my friend.
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ReplyDeleteFinally, what I have dreamed of for so long has finally come true. I am finally free. "So now what Bear?" I asked. "Well boy, I guess we will continue what we are doing now, playing music." Bear replied. I nodded with enthusiasm as we continued on the path to the next town. "You know Crispin, you really have come a long way from when we first met," Bear told me "You were just a small, shivering child when we first met, now look at you, you're playing music for a bunch of strangers." I smiled and nodded with agreement. "So, where to next, Bear?" I ask.
ReplyDeleteWe travelled for many days, taking frequent breaks because of Bear's injuries, but we finally reached our destination. It was a very crowded town. Bear and I looked at each other and laughed, we were sure we were going to attract a lot of audience members here. And so we played, Bear on his drum, and me on my recorder. This is what we did now, everyday. I would have never thought that a serf like me, who spent his days working on a field in a manor, would ever spend his days playing music for people in different villages
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ReplyDelete"Im free" I said jumping up and down. Bear is pretty hurt after what he has been through so we took him to the doctor and got him all patched up. He was all better after that. "Bear thank you for taking me in when I needed it most." I was really exited to use my money to buy something for bear so I bought him a new sword from the blacksmith his was pretty beat up.
ReplyDeleteI bought a new house and brought bear in but he said he had to leave to follow his dream the next day. I was sad to see him go but I knew that he loved what he does. I was pretty lonely in my house by myself but I figured that this money is not going to last forever. So I made a business on selling surfs freedom for cheap because everyone should be able to be free.
It was a hit every one in Stromford was free from their kingdom.
I realized that bear was the best friend I was going to meet because he brought me up when I was down. He also taught me there is more to life than working in the fields. Bear also taught me how to really enjoy my life and make some money. Bear also taught me some skills that were beneficial to survival. Even though he had wierd ways of getting his point across he was a good mentor.
As bear and I started to walk after we "killed" John Aycliffe, we heard a grunt. Frightened we turned around. John Aycliffe was breathing hard, trying to catch his breath and to get up. Bear went back quickly to finish him off and then suddenly, Aycliffe grabbed his sword and stuck it through Bear with extreme quickness. "No!!!!" I said in tears. Bear stuck out his hand after touching his wound, blood, dark, dark blood is what I saw. John Aycliffe dropped to the ground and laid there with is eyes rolled back and white. He was dead. Bear dropped to his knees with a single tear running down his face. I ran over to him in shock. "Go on Crispin, remember what I taught you. Use your skills!" Bear said in a raspy, rough voice. "No. Your coming with me! I can't do this on my own. I need you!" I replied in tears as well. "Yes you can! Ever since I saw you I knew that you could do anything in the world. I knew that you would be the most wonderful boy. I accomplished many things. It's my time now. You were like my son Crispin." Bear said in the most emotional voice. "I will!" I replied. Bears eyes close slowly and his breath was taken away. I sloped my head down and I died as well. At least it felt as if I died. I was determined now to continue. "For you!" I said pointing at the dead corpse of Bear. I got up and I never looked back.
ReplyDeleteI love this a lot and it's really touching and awesome. Too good for words to explain:)
DeleteIt’s been three years since Bear and I left Great Wexely, three years since John Aycliffe has died, and three years since I was a serf. I rub my eyes and roll over onto my side. I stare at Bear as his chest heaves up and down. I want to ask him something, only I don’t want to wake him up from his slumber. Quietly, I sit up and go to brush my hair. Suddenly, I can’t help but remember the day I chopped off all my hair. How unconfident I had felt afterwards! Chuckling, a sense of warmth spreads across my body. This time, it is from the thought of Bear. When I first met Bear, I had thought that this was a psycho that was bound to kill me. Instead, we had developed such a close relationship that I often thought of him as a father. Only, he was a caring father, unlike Lord Furnival. I hear Bear stomping down the stairs. His hair is disheveled, his red beard tangled up in knots. Yawning, he plops himself into a chair, and I hastily pour him a bowl of porridge. Obviously, he isn’t awake, for his head sags down to his chest and later, it is in the porridge. Sighing, I walk over and pull his face out of the porridge. “Get up, sleepy Bear,” I joke. Then, I remember what I want to ask him.
ReplyDeleteAfter breakfast, I finally gather up the courage to ask him. “Bear?” I ask, tapping him on the shoulder. “I want to go to Stromford. Just to see if anything has changed.”
This question takes him by surprise, for he trips and falls. Blinking, Bear stares at me as if I have three heads. With butterflies in my stomach, I watch as Bear laughs and points at me. “Foolish Crispin! Are you kidding me?” Bear asks, with tears in his eyes from laughing.
“I am serious.”
Bear immediately stops laughing. Then, he contemplates over the possible risks that could happen. Eventually, he smiles and I know that it is within a matter of minutes that I will be a Stromford, the place that created my misery, the place where my mother died, and the place that I once called home.
ReplyDeleteAbout two years later...
I wake up bright and early from my room and I run downstairs and out of the house to the water well in our new village. In this village there is no leader or feudal system it was just a system run by everyone living there. I felt safe in this new village, it's just me and Bear but it's the best family I have.
Once I filled a bucket with water I went inside the house again and boiled it for tea for me and bear.
I went up to my room to get dressed for the day and by the time I came downstairs again Bear was holding a fresh pie.
"What is the pie for?" I asked
"It's your birthday Crispin!"
"Wow, I almost forgot, thank you!" I said smiling.
This birthday was the best I ever had, me and bear played music for people and we ate lots of food and we danced with local villagers.
To this day I still remember when Bear killed John Aycliffe, but the past is beside us and we have moved on. But sadly for Bear and we can't forget our past, without that story how would we have found each other in the first place. I am greatful and pray to God for his generosity, and for me and Bear. This is a great new and free life for me and Bear.
I have always dreamed of being free but now it has come a reality for me. I couldn't believe I was a free man! Despite the injuries to Bear we danced and he played his drums for what felt like days until we eventually stopped.
ReplyDelete"Do we move onto the next town?" I say
"I think it is the only thing to do" Bear says
As we start to walk to the next town we discuss what would do since we are now free. I always wanted to travel the world and look at many different villages. We have little to no food and water so we have to try to find a village, then preform so we can get some money, then buy food and drinks for us. As we are walking on the destroyed road we hear a cry for help. We look around and I spot out of the corner of my eye a man ensnared in what it looked like an animal trap.
"Thank you" he says
"Anytime" we reply back
"Let me show you something" he says
As we follow him we come to a village then walk into a castle. Me and Bear starred at each other in awe.
"For saving my life I have rewarded you with an all you can eat buffet" he explains
He leaves me and Bear in a room with a big long table full with food.
We walk down the long table on each side and eventually I pick up a piece of food and we dig into all the food and drinks.
"I feel like we are royalty" I say with my mouth stuffed with food
Bear can't reply because he is stuffing his face in the food. We ate for what it felt like hours until we couldn't eat anymore.
"That hit the spot" Bear says
"It sure did" I reply back
I thought of performing for money to buy food but this is way better than waiting for money to have food because we got all this for free. We hear a noise in the hallway outside of the big doors and we hear whispers. Me and Bear stay silent to try to hear every word that the people said. We see the door slowly opening and you wouldn't believe who was behind that door.
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ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteYay! I'm finally free I thought to myself. The thought of being free delighted and overjoyed me. Though there is nothing really to do in Stromford village, I'm still excited about going back to my home. I have nothing to worry about because Aycliffe is dead.
ReplyDeleteBear? I started to speak
Yes son?
What are we going to do after we return to Stromford?
My dear God, who said we are going to Stromford?!?
Then were are we going?
Um.....I don't know?
Bear, you are hiding something. I can sense it.
What? Why would I hide something from you?
Then why don't you want to go to Stromford?
Fine, fine Crispin, I'll tell you because you are one of my best friends. I used to be a serf
What? I said shocked
It's true
Shocked, I stopped speaking
6 months later:
The thought of being free still overjoyed me even 6 months later. I was no longer a serf and finally had enough money to build myself a big house because I proved to people that I am Furnival's son. I was living with Bear and I also bought some land. I had become so popular that people had thought of me as more than a serf but then again less than a lord. Though some of the food planted by serfs was mine, I made sure I shared stuff with the serfs and give them the stuff they deserved.
(Takes place 1 year later)
ReplyDeleteI awoke to the sound of the chirping birds. It was just like the past couple of months. Sunny but dry, with hardly any harvests lately. I hadn't seen Bear in weeks, ever since he set off to find us a place full of food and water and good potential for us to stay there for at least this coming winter. Life was frightening without him. People are dropping every other day from the Great Illness. People say it from insects spreading God's will. From day to day I am afraid of being taken over by this horrible wraith. However, Bear assures that the son of a lord would never be taken by such a miserable outcome. I like to believe that.
I stood up from where I lay. Bear would be back in a day and so I have to start packing for the journey ahead. I only own so much. Some money obtained from both me and Bear. Some bread and nuts that shall last us at least another week. As well as some water for surviving. Of course I still hold my instrument as well. I like to play it from time to time. It reminds me of simpler times when I hardly knew anything about who I actually was. Nowadays I can look after myself with knowledge of who I really am and the skill of welding a sword. However, I still feel safer with Bear.
I continued to pack up our things onto the wagon that me and Bear had built. We had lived this same way for the past year. Looking for a place to live for a certain amount of time until we would decide to move again. Bear said that the mistake that everyone made was that they kept themselves in one place. He claimed that we could outrun the plague until it vanished from this world. I finished packing and sat, waiting for Bear. It would be another half day until he returned. I just hope this next home is a bit more promising.
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ReplyDeleteI wake up and I run into bears room to wake him up. It’s 8 o'clock and we can't be late for our performance.
ReplyDelete“Wake up! Wake up! Bear! We can't be late!!”
As bear rolls over about to get up I meet him at the other side of his bed. I give him a great big hug just telling him how happy I am to have him taking care of me for all these years. We get ready and head out onto the town to start playing our instruments. We set it down on a bench and starting playing our fiddles. Sometimes we played together, other times I sang and danced and he would play. I loved having these memories with bear, he was the closest thing I had to a father. He's taught me so many lessons over the years, I was so grateful. We continued playing and got quite a crowd, for the most part. We started heading back to our home until we passed the church. Church hours were just starting so we decided to go in and pray for a bit. Once it was over we went back home and did our usual routine of him cooking and me setting the table. I loved our daily routines and having bear in my life for so long. I treasured all our time together and couldn't wait to live longer with my best friend.
Several years had past since Bear and l escaped Great Wexly. I began to reflect on my journey and experiences I had with Bear, and began writing a letter to him:
ReplyDeleteDear Bear,
Oh, how grateful I am for being able to have had you in my life. You've taught me how to be more confidence in myself, and to have strength. As you noticed before, I was, mentally, very weak and only thought poorly of my existence. But ever since I met you, you helped me discovered the meaning of my existence, and no longer did I think I was just a worthless serf. You also helped me experience many things that I haven't before. I was able to experience happiness, and wasn't gloomy anymore. You taught me how to play the recorder, even though now that skill isn't as useful as it was before. You helped me discover my identity, and molded me into the ‘Crispin’ I am now. I am no longer ‘Asta’s son’, but your apprentice, and adopted son. As you saw me as your son, I too saw you as my father. Thank you for everything you've done for me; you'll truly be missed. I hope you were able to fulfill your wish of being to experience heaven before your death, and that you're also enjoying your time in heaven right now.
See you soon,
Crispin
It was then that it finally hit me—Bear was no longer with me in this world.
It was then I realized that Bear has been dead for a year now, but that I was avoiding the reality of it.
It was then that the ‘Crispin’ Bear molded me into began to disappear, and was becoming the boy I was before.
The happiness that I experienced was becoming sadness. I became unmotivated to play the recorder since Bear was no longer there to dance along, so that skill soon became forgotten. Also, I had difficulty in obtaining food, so I became very weak and frail—although I didn't care. Slowly, I felt as if I was becoming ‘Asta’s son’ again. Only this time, I was Bear’s son.
This is a very moving story. I think it's creative that you had Crispin write a letter to Bear. It really shows how much his character has changed. Good job!
Delete
ReplyDelete"I'm finally free!" I shouted.
"Oh no you're not boy" Bear responded.
I had forgotten that I was forever his property after we met at the church. He took me back to the place he called France. It looked awfully big and full of people who didn't look like peasants. We left the sight of the city and when to the rural farm lands. He brought me to a small shack next to a field of wheat and shouted, "Get to work Crispin!". I thought that he was my friend, but apparently I was wrong. I broke out in tears. We traveled together through many lands and he taught me so many things, but he's bringing me back to my past farming life. He hit me when I didn't farm enough and whipped me when I was too tired. When I tried to run away, he searched and searched until he found me and brought me back to work. I wondered and wondered why he was doing this to me so I asked him myself, "I thought we were friends", I asked him one day after working.
"No, we aren't, I just wanted to act like one so that you didn't run away from me until we got here."
"Then why did you kill John Aycliffe for me and get tortured for me?"
"You think that I would let that man take away a perfectly good slave?"
I cried on and on, he deceived me into thinking that we could get along. He yelled at me to get back to work. "I've finished for the day though"
"You do what I say or you die slave"
I was overwhelmed with sadness and couldn't take it anymore. I bit Bear and took his dagger from his pocket. Then I stabbed him with it. My rage took over me and I couldn't control myself.
"It was just a joke.", he said with his wobbly voice.
It was too late, my inner savageness told me to murder him. I stabbed him repeatedly until there was a pool of blood under him. It was over. I was free for real now and I had enough food to live a lifetime, because Bear was a fat bully.
ReplyDeleteBear and I traveled onward even though bear is severely injured. Despite the agony, Bear still pounded his drums and bellowed his song. I was still in shock over my new founded freedom!Bear claimed he needed rest so we sat under a big oak tree. While we were relaxing, I started thinking. What if I hadn't saved Bear? He would have been continuously in that disgusting chamber. He could have possibly died. I broke from my disturbing train of thought. I shouldn't think about this for we escaped. Bear and I, safe at last. I liked the thought of that. "Bear?" I said. He grunted. "Do you really think of me as a son?" I asked.
"Crispin," he said, turning to face me. "I took a lot of beatings for you, and you risked your life for me. Family isn't always by blood. Family is when you will risk your life in the blink of an eye if it means even the slightest bit that your family will be safe," He replied.
"Why didn't you tell them where I was?" I asked.
"Crispin, I thought they were going to kill me. I might as well be killed and maybe keep you safe, than tell them where you are and be killed anyway."
"Thank you," I said.
"Don't thank me. I only do things like that for people that deserve them," he replied. "Plus, you saved my life, call it equal." We sat for the rest of the afternoon watching the clouds roll by and talking about playing and performing. Bears injuries were pretty bad, but a little water mixed with crushed herbs are definitely helping it. Bear insists that he doesn't need them and that he is fine, but when he goes to stand up and winces in pain, I know otherwise. I've managed to catch a few rabbits and a squirrel for us to eat. Having Bear teach me how to hunt surely helped. That night we headed off to Scotland. According to Bear it was very far away and it would take many moons to get there. I honestly didn't mind because Bear was no longer that scary man that kept me captive to be his slave. He is my father, my guardian, and most of all, he is my friend.
Bear and I laughed merrily as we walked alongside each other, with me playing the recorder and him pounding a steady beat on his drum as he belted out tune after tune.
ReplyDelete"Where are we headed again?" I asked Bear, putting down my recorder and looking at him straight in the eye.
"Winchester, for the third time. It's not that far away, you know," Bear replied. "And don't run off this time," he added jokingly.
"Hey!" I nudged him indignantly. "I won't. I promise."
It was but a few days since we had strode out of the gates of Great Wexly. Last time, my ignorance and impulsiveness had landed Bear and I in a predicament. I was determined to be more prudent, but my curiosity and urge to explore overcame me sometimes. The vivid memory of John Aycliffe impaled by the spears and his blood pooling the ground still haunted me as well.
However, the majority of my thoughts were not spent on the past, but the present and future. I was a freeman now! I was a bird who could fly anywhere I pleased and do whatever I wished. I was no longer a pitiful serf, but Crispin, the apprentice of Bear.
Bear stopped abruptly as we approached Winchester.
"Start playing again," he commanded. As soon as I pressed the recorder to my lips, he began to dance. As we came closer to the gates of Winchester, more and more people appeared. Some began clapping and while others simply stared with interest. Once we had passed into the city, I gasped.
Though it was not quite as grand as Great Wexly, there appeared to be an equal amount of people milling about. The manor house bore a striking resemblance to the one in Great Wexly, with its stone walls and pennants that flapped wildly in the wind. I supposed that all cities looked very much the same. I gazed at the people in filthy rags on the side of the street trying to sell their wares. They were freemen, like me, but peasants all the same. Poor peasants who had to work under a merciless lord.
"Ah. I have found a place to spend the night," Bear said triumphantly, interrupting my thoughts. We turned and headed into a small inn. A small sign on the front indicated that it was the Red Lion inn. After a brief conversation with the innkeeper, Bear led me upstairs into a cramped room not unlike the one in the Green Man tavern in Great Wexly. Bear patted the cot, gesturing for me to sit.
"Now listen to me, son. We are getting up early tomorrow. I know an area of the city that's more crowded than the others. Hopefully we'll get a decent pay."
I nodded mutely. He had called me "son"! Then I thought of my true father, Lord Furnival, with disgust. How dare he throw my mother away to suffer like so? I wanted nothing to do with the likes of him. The same would never be true for Bear; although he was a bit rough, he was kind.
"Bear," I started, "what is a father?"
Bear thought for a moment.
"Interesting question, my boy. Having never had a loving father myself, I can only imagine. I would say that a good father is a vigilant guardian, mentor, and best friend all at once!" he responded.
Had I imagined it, or was there a hint of wistfulness in his gaze?
"Then, would you ever consider becoming a father?" I pressed, eager to hear his reaction.
"I think that... yes, I would like to be a father. Preferably better than my own. I would love my son and protect him at all costs. Teach him my ways and prepare him for the risky world out there." At this, he turned to face me. "And perhaps he would learn to change the world into a place where peasants could feast as lords do, where one could see stewards harvesting crops for a change."
"Me?"
"Crispin, how would you like to be my son? Be warned. The son of a mighty bear such as I," he winked, "must work hard—"
"Yes!" I cried, cutting his sentence off. My heart nearly exploded with joy—I had a father.
This is very interesting way to think about what happens after the story ends and it's also very creative :)
DeleteI really like your representation of Bear and Crispin's relationship. This is an amazing ending to the book, great job!
DeleteI look at the sunset, trying to take in what happened today. Bear was almost killed. Jon Aycliffe is dead, and I have been set free. Free. It sounds so distant to me. I feel happy and confused inside. Overtaken by exhaustion, I finally drift off.
ReplyDeleteI awake to the sound of bears chanting and singing.
"Lady fortune is friend and foe
Of poor she makes rich and rich poor also.."
I wake up to finish my daily prayers.
He hears me whispers
"Why hello dear Crispin!" he bellows.
"Hello bear," I says sleepily. He doesn't care that much of my lead cross anymore. He understands my feelings toward it. We set out for my old village, stromford. The news hadn't spread yet to my village so I was eager to tell them.
The moment I got there, there were yells of terror of bear, and me. No one recognized me. It was probably my hair, I thought. And bear has so many scars and burns, he looked like a monster. But I told them we mean no harm and they welcomed us.
That night I told them the story. How I ran away, found bear in an abandoned village, learned to play music and juggle, and saved bear from the prison. No had heard of music, more because is was abandoned, but I showed them. Everyone was trying to quiet me, because, it was still forbidden. But I told them to calm down and let him finish the story. He told them that while he was trying to free bear, they had met up with Jon aycliffe with his army.
Everybody gasped.
He said that Jon was killed by bear, and bear had a proud look on his face. And everyone cheered.
There are supposed to be indents
DeleteI hadn't believed my eyes when Bear threw Jon Aycliffe into the swords of the Knights, I had been set free and Bear had nearly died during the fight. Everyone in Stromford had not shunned me like they had before but they had praised me and Bear as their lords.
ReplyDelete"Bear? Where are we going to go now?"
"Hmmmm... I don't know Crispin!"
"Bear? Why don't we go to Wexley and show everyone I am actually an heir of Lord Furnevell?"
"Not a bad idea Crispin! I will help you!"
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1 year later
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Bear and I had shown everyone in Wexley that I was the heir of lord Furnevell, when I walked outside everyone would bow. I had felt loved once again.
"You did it son!"
"No Bear... WE did it, not just me... You were the one who helped me show everyone! Thank you Bear!"
"Your welcome Crispin!"
The scariest moment in my life has happened and it won't get worse than that. The fact that we survived and now free is still amazing and I am happy of what had just happened. I never experienced freedom and I hope I will keep it. Well now it is over, it is time to move on in life. Bear and I sat on top of a hill cooking food for dinner. Thinking about freedom sparked my curiosity.
ReplyDelete"Bear, what will I do once you are gone?"
"Why do you ask? That is a long time, for now, enjoy the life you have."
"But Bear..."
"Just relax, it is time to go sleep. Anyways, we have an extreme journey upon us."
Bear fell asleep as the fire went out. He's probably right, I shouldn't worry. I bet the time we have together will be fun and it won't be as hard as before. After that thought and I slept till the next morning.
We woke up at sunrise. Ready to travel more and start my life once and for all. We climbed up hills, sprinted in the valleys, and sang some songs in the villages we passed by until it's time.
It has been 2 weeks since John Aycliffe died and we made it to the town. We walked to our new home right in front of a crowd of serfs and they looked hungry. It looks like they have escaped their own lord. Both Bear and I looked at each other and we knew what to do. We walked up to them offering some food and they asked us for one thing. They asked us to work for us. We accepted them as our helpers as they were pleased. We guided them to our new home. We opened the door and seen someone I remember. I see the face and my happiness turned to fear. Is that...
Ever since I was a free man according to Bear, life couldn't be better. We went along from town to town. I played my recorder while Bear sang in his raspy voice. We were on our way to the next countie when we heard wrestling in the bushes. Two Knights astride their horses clomped out. "It's them!" One knight exclaimed to the other.
ReplyDeleteOh gosh, not again. I thought to myself.
"Gentlemen, it has been taken to note that more than one person has seen you take the leftover food you were served at your housing areas." The other knight informed.
"What?" Bear hesitated, "We didn't take anythi-"
I looked at Bear mortified. He looked back at me with an ashamed look on his face that he tried to cover up with a smile. I knew were this was going, and frankly, I was not about to go through that entire process again. I quickly pulled out my blade and Bear did the same. The Knights began to charge. "Run, Crispin!" I could hear Bear shout. But I was way ahead of him. Bear taught me how to fight. But there were times where two Knights and two horses are going to beat two guys with two blades. I ran and ran, trying to stay close to Bear. But I was surprised to see that the Knights weren't behind us anymore. Bear asked, "Did they really give up that easy?"
"Wow, they must be new." I replied, trying to carry on the conversation.
Bear let out a laugh that startled me. We started to make our way on, but, instantly stopped when we faced the heads of two white horses. I let out a shriek and Bear grabbed my hand and pulled me away just in time before the knight seized me. As we ran I thought to myself, if Bear is going to continue being Bear, I better get used to it. But it would only be a matter of time till things went my way again. I still kept my hopes up high that one day, there might be a little bit more justice in the whole way life was.
I looked up at Bear and smiled, knowing that he would always be there for me as I would be for him.
ReplyDelete"Bear" I said hesitantly.
"Yes Crispin?" He replied very weakly. "What is it?"
"Bear... You haven't betrayed me, I am so lucky to have you amd I'm so sorry that I ran away and-". Bear had cut me off.
"There is no reason to be sorry, you did as you were told, to run if you were being attacked, and so you did. And also without your help of warning me... I could have been dead by now. It's called teamwork Cripsin, it's one of your new skills that you're conquered while we were in the Great Wexly, and that's a good thing to be able to inherit. Be proud boy!"
I looked up and smiled at Bear, took out my recorder and played the first tune he had ever taught me. I played it for a while and looked up at Bear. Tears rolling down his face. He took out his drum and started playing. More tears started rolling down his face. He got the enery and started to dance for a long while, until suddenly he dropped to the ground. Shocked I looked down and dropped to my knees in an instant.
"BEAR!" I shouted at the top of my lungs. I rolled him onto his back and saw a dagger had impaled his side. Blood rushed to the ground.
"BEAR!" I screamed again and many more times after that. He laid they're, eyes dosed on the blood rushing out of his side, and slowly, his eyes began to shut.
"Bear do not give up now. You still have to teach me!" I said. Bear reached for my hand and held it close for a minute, then suddenly, his tight grip has loosened and I let go of his hand knowing he was gone. I threw myself over him and made a cross over my chest and his, and prayed for Bear to reach heavan. He had been the only fatherly figure and best friend in my life, and for that I thanked him. I looked up at the sky and prayed.
"Lord, please bring this soul to the gates of heavan, and let him in".
I then dragged the dead body to a tree a few feet away, and dug a hole, where he would then rest forever in peace. I carefully placed Bear into the ground and kissed his cheek. Tears rolled down my face at this point, knowing that I would never see him again or be able to talk to him, or play music with him, or be his apprentice, or be able to dance and play music with him ever again. Knowing this a river of tears ran down mr face. I then I placed his two-pointed hat, and his sack and drum in his handmade casket.
"Thank you Bear, for saving my life, and becoming my teacher. For you I can fend for myself now. I wish you well, my friend". These words took about a few moments for be to get out, and then I filled the hole. Walking away with my head hung down low, knowing that it was his time, and it was now time for me to life for myself.
Me and bear walked for miles, passing towns on the way. "Were are we heading bear"? I said. "To the city of London to get you out of England," bear said. We were approaching another village when bear saw someone with a sword in a open field. "Crispin, get down," bear said.
ReplyDelete"Who is it"? I said.
"Its john aycliffe," bear said. We found a nice rock to hide under.
We were heading for the rock when i tripped and then screamed. "Who's there"? John yelled walking up towards us. "I said who's there," he yelled as i was getting up. "Who are you"? He said, "is that you, crispin"?
"We were just leaving" bear said as we ran into the woods.
As we were approaching the other village, i took out my recorder and started to play as bear was starting to dance. As we entered, it was just like normal, everybody stared at us. Then i stopped. "Why did you stop," bear said.
"its the one eyed man," i said.
"Ok, lets forget about hem," he said. We were walking up to the priest like always.
Bear got down on his knees and started to talk. "Can we play some music for the people"? Bear begged.
"ok" the priest said. I started to play some music on my recorder as bear started to dance. I took bears hat off and put it on the ground. People started to put money and food in it. When we stopped, people clapped for us and started to ask us questions.
I ment lady furnival, not john aycliffe
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ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteCrispin, alas, the name I sought to truly have. At once, I was only my authentic self, keen for future adventures. Who would ever think, that a poor lad like me, was the son of Lord Furnival? No one in their right mind, that is for sure. However, knowing that didn't change my life in the slightest bit. He never once bothered to ask about me, what a egoistical fool he was. He would rather have his son living his life as a peasant, working diligently all year long for cultivated fields than living the dream life--in royalty! Thus, his death didn't move me emotionally at all--who was i to care about someone who never cared about me back? After all, Bear was the only person that truly took care of me; he was my teacher, my role model. One day I dream to be like him, a person with the fewest flaws.
"Boy, what are you pondering about? Your eyebrows are fuzed together; your forehead is creased, lad." "I was thinking about how thankful I am to have you...if I knew about my father and his abandoning to my mother before I met you, I don't know where I'd be in this life.." "Crispin-" I smiled. "You like that name now, eh?" The notion of that being my name made me happy. "He proceeded, "Crispin, I am glad that we always have each other's backs. As I taught you the many keys to survival in this life, you taught me something--that sometimes, it's okay to be emotional. Not only mentally, but expressing it physically too, that's what tears are meant for, aren't they?" Bear seemed relieved to have me, and i replied "I guess I have taught you something...maybe I'm a bit of a teacher myself..." "Ah boy, don't push it. It takes lots of years to get there!" My expression must've sunken, because Bear chuckled and said "Crispin, you are a professor indeed, a wise one. I was only goofing around...you truly are my inspiration too..." I was happy for him--he was bound to become an even more successful man someday.
We stared off into space for a few hours, accepting us for who we were present day and not the shameful, lost people who we were yesterday. I stared at bear, and he looked back, cheerfully, licking his lips, and I inferred he was thinking about food. I sighed, and jumped up with joy--"Let's celebrate, Bear!" We clinked fake glasses in the air, and simultaneously said "To achieving the impossible!" We laughed, and clasped hands. It was only moments before we found ourselves frolicking into the sunset, off into a land full of the successful far, far away.
*with royalty
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ReplyDeleteBear and I danced through the cold stone grasp of the city gates as Aycliffe and his guards stood with mouths open in astonishment. We sang well into the woods before we stopped, collapsing beneath the thick trunk of a tree. Bear glanced at his wounds, then at me, his wince morphing into a smile. "We did it, Crispin! We really did it!"
ReplyDeleteI gazed into the clouds, falling to my knees and clasping my hands in prayer. Saint Guiles had watched over me and granted my prayers, for which I was eternally grateful. Whispered pleas found their way out of my mouth. I hoped God would appreciate my endless gratitude for Him in all His glorious mercy. Turning to Bear, I realized that both of us were at a loss for speech. Him, because he couldn't quite wrap his mind around the fact that I had just saved him from our enemy. Me, because I was still soaking in all the information I had received in the past few days.
My father, Lord Furnival. Bear's freedom rebellion. My mother's true identity. Life in itself came as a surprise after all I had been through.
Days and nights came and went as I played my recorder and Bear danced and sang his bellowing song. Sweet freedom made me feel as if I were an angel from Heaven itself. My name, my soul, my life all came together like one big mosaic, full of beauty and striking detail, unlike the bland and confusing mess that it once was.
Together, Bear and I explored the world. We made our way all the way to Scotland, earning enough pennies in a week to buy a loaf of light, sweet white bread here and there, not unlike the one I first enjoyed in Great Wexly on the day of my arrival. I savored the lingering taste of each bite; the powerful spice of victory, the floating softness of freedom. Each slice, each taste was a memory from Great Wexly— a reminder.
My name— I knew with all my heart—was Crispin.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAs Bear and I leave the great town of Great Wexly I begin to wonder how my life will continue. Questions pop into my head. What are we to go now? Who will we meet? Will guards come after us? As I think through these questions, I notice that Bear has A grand smile on his face and not an ounce of worry even though he has been tore apart from the outside. I soon realize that Bear has a plan.
ReplyDeleteMore questions pop into my head as to what Bear’s plan might be. Could it involve me? Where was he leading me?
After walking for an hour or two Bear and I decide to take a break. Bear sits under a cool oak tree as I try to scavenge something to eat. Since Bear and I had no money and could not risk going to any more towns, we both would have to live with wild berries. As I look for berries I ask Bear about his plan to get out of England. He told me nothing and just lay back on the tree.
I began to get suspicious once again. Bear sensed that I was at discomfort and told me that Scotland was only a 3 day journey from here.
Bear and I sat under the tree and ate the berries. After eating the sun began to go down so Bear and I hid behind some bushes and slept the the night away. After Bear had fallen asleep I got to my knees and prayed. Even though the cross was no longer with me, my spirit and my mother’s spirit lived on. I could feel it. In 3 days we will be in Scotland and a new life will begin for myself and Bear. A live I shall make my own and live as a freeman.
Fourteen days and fourteen nights had we been traveling. Just us. Bear and I, Bear and me all alone venturing through the thick patches of woods. Although a couple times I might have doubted that we might have been moving in circles. That’s alright, we enjoyed. Me being me, always kept an eye out for new adventures, while Bear did all the entertainment. Singing, dancing, making me giggle, all him. I am kept on reminding myself that now I am a free man, and I could run away from Bear, but I had no heart to. The only man that I’d ever care about, and believe it or not care about me, would be Bear. He was a father figure, or as I should recall, my only father figure, ever. Tis the night of the fifteenth day, and we had settled down in the unknown location, and made a small fort for our comfort made from canvas and clothes stitched together with a metal rods placed in the middle. The night grew darker and our bodies got tired. With all in me I walked over to where Bear was star gazing, which was by the hill where the sunset could be seen. I grabbed a blanket on my way for Bear to cover up, it was rather cold.
ReplyDelete“Crispin might I tell you this strange places are not meant for safety,” Bear told me as I settled him right beside him.
“What do you mean, who could possibly be lingering in this remote location, oh Bear we are in the center of a thick forest!”
“No, there are beings here, looting gold, burying them and making maps and throwing them in the sea! They go by ‘x marks the spot’. Hideous creatures they are, inside and out!”
“ By god’s name Bear, are they not human?” By then I was shocked.
“ Oh dear Crispin I was judging their character, indeed they are human” Bear shouted.
In embarrassment, I asked my last question, “Bear, are you familiar with these strange lands?”
“Although you didn’t keep track of how far we have traveled quite far. We are near a sea, I know it!”
“A see?”
“No, a sea, it is a large body of water.”
“Oh my, it must be large for the most water I’ve seen is the well from which I used to fetch water from.”
“Well Crispin, no offense but you’ve lived under a rock, haven’t you?
“Pretty much”
My words had brought chuckles to Bear. What possibly could I have said? Anyways I kept wondering where we were, but I didn’t want to interrupt Bear’s eye on the stars. So I left his supper out on the wood log and kept our fire going for Bear. I crept into the small shelter and fell fast asleep.
I could sense, it was a smidge after dawn when I heard my name being called out. At first I thought it was my dream. But it was Bear. Every time his voice getting louder. I felt small droplets of water rushing down my head.
ReplyDelete“What’s wrong? Bear where are you?” I shouted in worry.
“I am right here you dud. Pack your things we have to leave! Go on. Now!”
“What’s the hurry?” I felt like I was troubling him for he was in the urge of grabbing everything in his sight and stuffing it into his bag.
“ Pirates Crispin. Pirates. We have been spotted by pirates. Those mutton chopped creatures have nothing else to do that slit throats and destroy anyone who don’t belong to them. They will take us too unless we escape!”
By the say of Pirates, all I knew is that they were not good news. Before we knew it, Bear was soaring through the trees, me alongside him. Clueless of what was happening I ran as fast I could with all my strength. When suddenly I heard voices from here and there, I tripped and fell behind, all I could see was Bear stopping. I renewed my strength as much as I could. We were being chased by these so called Pirates. As I looked behind me I saw a herd of people like Bear, large and gnarly equipped with silver swords that glimmered in the blazing sun. Their wooden teeth and stenchy odor made me run faster. But no sooner, Bear had started to fall behind.
“Bear!” I shouted.
“Go, run for your life, I’m sorry Crispin, it’s all my fault. I will see you again I promise!”
Tears rolled down my cheek one after the other as I saw Bear being captured by the Pirates. I kept running, and then my last vision was sky filled with tree tops covering it for I had hit my head and fell beside a tree.
I woke up I couldn’t say how much longer. I walked as fast as my legs could take me. On my way I wondered what is happening? Why was my life rotting and falling apart again? suddenly I saw a small opening through the trees and ran for it. Before I knew it I was in a different land. A land with skin colored soil, and further ahead a never ending pool of pure blue water. I looked around to the right, I could see a troup of men aside a large black ship, a ship with large black shears. The men, were eating. Then past the other I saw someone I had recognized! It was Bear. But he was talking and laughing. This was not possible. I was too late, the men were aboard the ship with black sears, and it started to sail. I ran toward the ship but I couldn’t make it. I I fell knee down on the pale soil, I thought. Was this planned out? Did Bear want me to go on this mission? Well one thing I know that Bear taught me well was that answers don’t come to you unless you find it. I stood up with confidence. Bear was going to see me after all, because I was going to find him. My map in my head led straight through the water past the horizon line. This was my adventure and I am ready for it!
I really like the way you incorporated pirates into your story! It makes it unique, and overall it was really interesting.
Delete
ReplyDeleteBear and I walked out of the crowded city of Great Wexly and out the blue, soldiers and civilians with pitchforks and torches blocked our path. The soldiers said that we are under arrest for the murder of John Aycliffe. I thought, he was not a man of his word, tried to kill Bear and me, and in the end his reward was the lead cross. Living or dead, I gave him what I promised. I freed myself. "Run for your life Crispin," Bear said quietly. We waited for the right time and we both punched them in the gut and made those soldiers fall to the ground face first. "Not today", I said, sprinting toward the dense forest. "Stop those two!" yelled a solider. "Let's go, move!" said another solider grabbing his stomach. Right at the moment when the guards were about to catch me, Bear and I leaped into the forest's dense green vegetation like frogs.
"Crispin, I'm tired, climb up that tree" said bear out of breath. "Ok, I'll climb that tree and get my bearings", I said. Bear was heavy hearted, trying to follow me up the tree. After we fell out of the tree 10 times, we made it to the top. Out of the blue, I smelled something burning. I looked towards the city to see that smoke was coming from what looked like the top of a building. "It's a catapult" said Bear. I looked up and saw a spark of light, coming toward me fast. "It's a fireball" said Bear. Get down said bear pushing me off the tree. "We need to get farther away, before they launch another fireball at us," said Bear.
Bear and I ran as fast as we could, only to run into two guards with daggers. The fire wasn't too far away from us, burning tree after tree. It was our luck, a fire ball hit them right when we sprinted far away from them. "This should be far enough where we can't smell smoke and are out of range," I said to Bear. That night, I woke up to seeing something on the ground in the distance, moving around. I was too tired to figure out what it was, so I fell back asleep. I then thought some one was coming from behind the trees. To my surprise, I saw pitchforks and torches lying on the ground. Out of no where, a knight grabbed my leg and threw me face first into the tree, and then to the ground. I must have been a threat to more than just Aycliffe, as nobility often is. Bear is clever, he will survive. Everything went completely black.
As Bear and I left the Great Wexly, we saw the steward lying on the ground life being drained out of him. The soldiers quickly took the spears out of his body and hurried him to the nearest doctor. Bear and I just danced away from the city without being bothered. "Bear." I said, "Where are we going now?"
ReplyDelete" I must hurry to the next place I was told for our secret brotherhood meeting. It is in Shrewsbury, a large city a couple hundred leagues from here so we should get there in a week or two. I have not yet spoken to my friends there about our coming and so we may need to live outside of the city. I hope your skills I taught you are still in your head."
"Of course they are!" I examined. "Without them there was no way I could of defeated the steward."
"We should probably hurry then, We need to preform for some villages to earn some pennies to pay for our lodging and food."
With that, he picked up his pace leaving me stumbling behind him.
* * * * *
After two weeks, we almost reached Shrewsbury. We had earned lots of pennies from performances at villages in case that the lodging fee was very expensive. As we walked through a forest, I could hear Bear muttering about how he did not know this forest existed. I did not pay attention to his muttering and just kept on walking. We soon found out way out of the forest and I got y first sight of Shrewsbury. It looked very strange. There were very high buildings as well as fast moving objects covered in metal moving on 4 wheels. I dropped my jaw to the ground. "Is this Shrewsbury?" I asked Bear.
After a moment Bear replied to my question. "Crispin, I think we somehow traveled time..."
"Crispin, could you fetch me some more blankets?" requested Bear, "I feel terribly chilled."
ReplyDelete"Of course, Bear," I replied, "And anything else?"
"No, that'll be all."
It has been two years since the escape. Bear fought with all his might to save me from the steward, and I am forever thankful, but he hasn't been the same since. The years have only brought with them age and sickness for Bear. Alas, he says he's fine, but I have come to know Bear throughout our journeys, and this is not the one I have grown to love. He stays slumped in bed for most of his time, a cold wash cloth strewn across his forehead to keep the fever down, and he is covered head to toe in gross, purple lumps, coughing every once in a while a grotesque blackish blood. The disease is slowly taking over, and I know the energetic, protective Bear I once knew and loved will soon be gone all together. Perhaps Bear knows this to be true as well, for I hear him call for me from the next room.
"The plague is getting to me, Crispin," he said, tears welling in his eyes, "and we both know there is nothing that can be done."
"Bear, don't sa—" I try to console him, but he cuts me off.
"Why don't you go for your recorder, so I can hear one last song?"
"Of course. Anything for you, Bear." A tear manages to escape my eye, despite my protests as I bring back my recorder from its special place on my shelf.
I play the very first melody Bear ever taught me; the one he had heard so many times during our journey to Great Wexly. I hear a familiar melody coming from Bear: one I know all too well, and continue playing so as to hear him sing.
"Lady Fortune is friend and foe.
Of poor she makes rich and rich poor also.
Turns misery to prosperity
And wellness into woe.
So let no man trust this lady
Who turns her wheel ever so!"
When we finish, I rest my eyes on Bear for a moment, remembering all of the things he had taught me: how grateful I was to have him by my side, what it was like to have a father. Looking down, I see that Bear is smiling at me, so I return the gesture.
"You always were like a son to me, Crispin."
And with that, Bear, the man who had saved me from Aycliffe, the one I had risked my life to save, to whom I had gotten to know so well and love with all my heart, took his last breath, and abandoned me, just like everyone else I had ever known.
Not sure what happened to the tabs...I did add them, I guess they just got deleted.
DeleteNow this is a satisfactory ending! Great job relating it to the Black Death! Some nice and vivid descriptions going on..I love it. Good job!
DeleteMine is a tad long, if you didn't notice
DeleteAs I walked away, I wondered where we would go next. First, of course, I know that I must help Bear recover. He has to be in so much pain I thought to myself. My thinking abruptly ended when Bear said, "Crispin, stop. I hear something behind you...". His voice was rather quiet, and seemed worried. Suddenly, he grabbed me and we both dived into a bush and hid. Then, I heard it. It was the sound of horses galloping, at full speed I might add. The sound got louder and louder as the horses came into view. There, surrounded with knights, was none other than Lady Furnival herself, dressed in royal robes and complete with a full carriage. They sped by us quickly, "Bbb....bear", I stuttered, "who are they looking for?". He whispered, "Crispin, my boy, they're looking for us! Quickly now, we must get to London. We'll be safer in a city if they're after us". And so, for the next few weeks we traveled upon little-traveled paths, but eventually, once we were sure they would no longer be after us, we transferred back to the main road. As we approached London, I knew that this was where I would stay.
ReplyDeleteThe next day Bear and I found a hut.
ReplyDelete"Let's make our home here" Bear ordered me.
We were very far away from the Great Wexly. We set out to find lots of sticks and dirt. We then mixed pond water with the dirt to make it into mud. Then we tied the sticks we found to the top of the hut and covered it with mud. That was our roof. Then Bear and I set traps and rested for about 30min.
"Are you ok?" Bear asked me.
"Yes just tired. This is the best thing I've ever made from hand."
"Let's get back to work."
We worked and worked till we couldn't even stand. Finally we looked at our finished product. It was a medium sized hut with a waterproof roof and and a wind resistance door.
"This isn't a royal house for you" Bear spoke.
"I don't need royalty I just need you" I responded.
"Thanks. Let's get some rest then we can continue working on getting a farm started."
"Ok thanks see you tomorrow."
WE SLEPT
We worked the whole day making our farm liveable. Finally at the end of the day we official had a farm on our hands. We used the bunnies we caught and decided to breed them.
10 years later....
We had a whole village created when people passed by and wanted to build farms near us. Bear and I tried to help everyone and any body who asked for help or anything we gave to them.
Bear lived for another 35 years while I am still in my village helping people and playing my recorder.
The air had a cold, brisk feeling as we entered the town. “Take out your recorder” said Bear giving me a hearty smile. I took out my new recorder, the one Bear had gotten for me in the village we passed through before, and started to play a lovely tune. Bear has taught me so much more since we escaped Great Wexly. As we walked on the curving dirt road Bear started dancing along to my song. We continued our way gleefully, people watching with joy as we made our way to the church. I have had two birthdays since the last time I saw John Aycliffe. Since then, Bear has gotten back to his joyful self and we've been wandering through town bring our music with us to get by. I still couldn't get past the fact that I knew someday everyone would be free from their masters and not bound to a certain manor.
ReplyDeleteThe sound of cheering interrupted my thoughts. I realized just now a crowd of children tagged along with me and Bear dancing to our music. The church was just a few yards up ahead, the same church I once visited often a lifetime ago, and near it a area of unmarked graves. The children scattered away as I came up to the grave I remembered was my mother's, and said a quick prayer. “We must leave now again, I promised myself I would only come to Stromford Village for a short time” I said, wondering who the new steward of the village is now. Then I remembered the image of the former steward, John Aycliffe, impaled in the swords of the soldiers and shuddered. I needed to leave this village of many bad memories and move on. By now it was almost sun down and Bear and I decided to walk to the abandoned village, where we met, to stay the night. We turned back to the dirt road and looked on to the horizon, both lost in thought, thinking of the sadness, the joy and the mysteries of the future that lie ahead. THE END
My heart couldn't stop pounding, and I couldn't stop thinking about how amazing that moment was. No more worries for me, I thought. I now must show the people of Wexley that I am a heir of John Aycliffe and that I shall not be treated as a peasant anymore. Then I realized how much I hated royal people, and thought to myself if I really wanted to become one of those, lazy, spoiled, jerks that don't allow peasants to do anything, or learn anything. I realized that life isn't fair, so screw it, I'm done with the peasant life. I wanted to get Bear's input first before I made my final decision.
ReplyDelete"Bear, what are we going to do now?, I said.
Bear replied and said, "Crispin, you must make up all of the negative moments you had in your life, by becoming royal. You don't want to be a peasant again do you?"
"No I do not, however I still want you by my side for the rest of my life, you can't just leave me. We're a team and besides, if it weren't for you, I wouldn't be a free man right now. So I say that you and I both become part of a more wealthy class, live in a new house, explore what this world has to offer and we'll move on from there".
"Deal, maybe we'll get married, or have jobs, but whatever we do we are still best friends."
"Sounds like a plan."
The next day felt so different than any other day. People we're actually respecting me and waving to me, compared to last time in Stromford where my mother and I were shunned by others. So I decided to be kind back, even though I wasn't a peasant anymore doesn't mean I can start being rude to others that are not as lucky as I am. I know how that feels, and I don't want anyone else experiencing what I've been through over the last few years. From that moment on Bear and I started our new adventure of what it was like being free.
"Shall I tell them who I am? You vowed," I threatened as John Aycliffe glared at me with hatred. The soldiers looked at him, perplexed.
ReplyDelete"You shan't live to the day anyone finds out! I am Lady Furnival's kin, and you are none but a wolf's head! Bring down your mighty blades, soldiers, and be wealthy as high nobles from this day onward! Serve your Lady Furnival and serve her right!" Aycliffe yelled abruptly with a burning rage in his eyes.
Bear grabbed my arm and put me behind him, trying to shield me from my death. My hands felt the cross of lead and I knew there was only one thing to do. The soldiers stepped forward with a bit of hesitation, clearly pondering over the words I threatened to spill from my mouth. Little did they know of the poison interlaced in the cross I clutch in my hand. As they close in on me and Bear, I yell out with tumult.
"I am Crispin, son of Furnival and Asta! If you believe me not then believe me now, as I bestow below the gaze of your eyes the evidence!" I shout. I raise the cross in the air, attempting to keep the tremor in my voice hidden.
"For you fair men with eyes blessed to read, you will see the words emblazoned across the holy lead of this cross. Crispin—son of Furnival! Dare you betray the lord himself and kill his kin—fair Asta's kin—then God may lay his unmerciful eyes on your souls. Decide now, and decide right! Follow this betraying man, who forgets his vows to God, or lower your swords and accept the truth that He shines in your eyes," I finish, my lip quivering as I think of my coming death.
John Aycliffe lunges forward, sword raised in the air with a crazy expression in his eyes. "I am the true heir!" he shouts as he brings the sword down. Too penetrated to use my wits and move, I stand still as a stone before Bear pushes me away from the silver blade of death.
I jump in surprise when the tallest soldier and two others hold Aycliffe back.
"Is it the truth you speak?" shouts the soldier. I nod in bewilderment.
"Are you the grandson of Lord Douglas?" the same soldier asks again, in a kinder tone. I nod again. "Then, you have found your cousin." He pulls as the other soldiers look on, confused, but none as much as I.
"What?" I ask. "Your cousin?"
"Why, Lord Douglas is my distant uncle. He has been looking for you, as rumor has it you can make a claim to the Furnival wealth. Dear Crispin, you, son, are a miracle," he pats me on the back as I look at Bear. His eyes were full of sadness—sad but kind.
"Crispin, I pray for you. May God give you everything," he said as if he were saying farewell.
"Are you not coming with us?" I ask, looking at the soldier expectantly.
"Am I?" Bear questions, looking from me to the soldier.
"Of course you can come—you brought him here after all," the soldier replies. "Now, hurry, we must get to a carriage and make our way to Lord Douglas's manor. You will be quite a surprise, I think."
Bear and I went with the soldier, who later introduced himself as Cerdic. We traveled for two days in order to reach Douglas's village. As the horses carried us through this new world, I knew that my life would never be the same. I clutched at the cross of lead in my palm, the only familiar trinket from my previous life, as I prayed to Saint Giles and to God Himself. I prayed for my fair mother, for my bitter father, and of course, dear Bear.
I accidentally rewrote the ending from when they were about to leave and Joh Aycliffe attacked Crispin, instead of continuing it.
DeleteI really like the way that you changed the ending of the story. It is very creative and entertaining. Great job!!
DeleteIt had been raining for weeks. Bear had been sick for almost 10 days now and I feared the worst, the Black Death. We were in the middle of nowhere and I was scared, if Bear dies, I have nowhere to go, I don't know how to get to the nearest village and we aren't even on a path. It's been 3 weeks since. We left Great Wexley and I blame Ayecliffe for this. He weakened Bear and now he might die. I had never thought of what would happen if me and Bear stopped traveling together, I had just assumed it would last forever.
ReplyDeleteNo matter what I did, I had to find a way to get Bear out of the rain. So today, with a little bit of light still sifting through the clouds, I told bear I was going to go look for a place with better cover from the rain. Sure enough, not a 1/4 days walk was a cliff face with many caves, we would go here. The next day, I half carried Bear to the caves, and what was 1/4 days walk for me took all day with the ever so worsening Bear. When we first got there, Bear pulled me close and whispered in my ear "Crispin... When we walked in...I saw another cave...stay there...you will be safe...don't check in...on me..."
I did as he said and feared the worse. He was preparing to die. I spent the next two weeks worrying but then I realized that I was hungry. I made some of those snares that Bear used to catch rabbits. As I was hunting, I heard noise. I ducked behind a bush and as I tried to look at what made the sound, someone tapped me on the back. I turned around to a fist flying to my face, then I was out.
I awoke some time later tied to a tree. I screamed, then I thought, who would hear me. We are in the middle of the forest and Bear has gone crazy and tried to kill me. Then Bear came back, but I saw that it wasn't Bear, it was John Ayecliffe.
"Bbbbbbbutttt I thought you were dead!!!"
"I almost did die" said Ayecliffe. Then he unbuttoned his cloak revealing the spots where all 10 of his own men's swords had impaled him. "Bear did this to me... AND YOU ARE GOING TO TELL ME WHERE HE IS!!!"
All of a sudden, Bear came flying out of a tree and tackled Ayecliffe to the ground and struck his dagger deep into his chest and turned it to make sure he was dead this time. "Oh my god Bear, aren't you sick?"
I heard you scream and I instantly got better.
From that point on, Bear and I we to on out Journeys, me playing the pipe while he patted on the drums and danced.
As we where settling down for the night, bear tended to the fire, and I grabbed my makeshift cross that I contracted out of a few twigs and some twine. I knelt on the wet and moist ground and began my evening compile.
ReplyDelete"Dear god, please grant me and my friend bear safety on our journey".
But as I sat there, I thought about how much God had given me. I had become a free man, I had begun to make more money then I ever imagined, and I had been reunited and became safe with bear.
I bag an to thank god. "Thank you for response to my prayers, and may you grant me and bear a long life and prosperity".
Once I finished, I turned to look at Bear who had a look in his eyes that seemed as if he was mocking me about my constant asking of God.
"hasn't God given us enough Crispin", Bear said.
"your right Bear, we should get some sleep, aren't we ark I g at a village tomorrow", I replied
"correct", bear said. "You better have practiced, or you'll make a fool of us both". Bear said with a slight chuckle.
With that, we both closed our eyes. I thought about all that had happened in the past few days. I had went from a hunted monster on the run, to apparently becoming royalty and gaining my freedom.
the next day, after hour of walking, we reached a crest of the hill and before us. Lay a huge village.
"we will be performing here for the next week Crispin, I also need to pick you up something". Exclaimed bear.
"what do you mean something for me", I said. I was exited to play and perform again. I was growing restless and eager to perform.
As we walked up the to the church, we began to play. A huge crowd approached is and began to clap along.
we entered the Church and bear went up to the priest and asked if we could play.
"sir, will you give us your blessing for us to perform", asked bear.
"do you know any religious songs", asked the priest.
"of course", exclaimed bear.
Then, we walked outside. Again like the last village, there where crowded shops and people, bustling about. We went outside and walked to the center square.
When bear spoke,he had to talk louder than normal.
"this will be our biggest event we have ever done. Don't be nervous, and have fun", bear told me.
I was nervous on the inside, but exited to finally play again. We reached the square and began to play. I had never seen more people, in my life who were looking at me. We played and danced for three long hour. Bear then went around to collect some of the money. When he was finished, he directed us to an inn that we would be staying at. While walking, bear was quite.
we reach the in and went up to a room that bear he payed for.
"how much money did we get", I asked.
Bear turned and said "100"
"one hundred pennies"! I asked.
"no, one hundred dollars" bear said.
I was wordless. I had never thought that we could ever have that much money.
I was being thrilled, and restless to go another the town and spend some. I looked at bear and he looked at me. A huge smile grew across both our faces. Bear looked at me and said,
"this is going to be a good time". With that, he stowed away the money and we set out for the next big city, holding our penny's close.
The feeling in my heart as Bear and I traveled down the road was that of complete joy. I was free! I kept playing my recorded as Bear beat his drum and bellowed out his song. We continued down the road for several minutes, until Bear gestured for me to halt. He turned to me with a smile and said,
ReplyDelete"So Crispin, where shall we venture off to?"
How could I choose just one? The possibilities seemed endless!
"I don't know, Bear. There is so much to do and to see, but yet, it feels as if this journey has given me everything I've ever longed for and loathed to see" I replied. He chuckled to himself and told me,
"Boy, you've barely seen anything yet! Well, let us just see where the road takes us. I know there's an inn a couple miles from here. We can stay there for a night."
I packed the recorder into my bag and adjusted the strap. I looked over at bear, who nodded confidently. And so we started off.
The sun had just began to set as we arrived at the Milky River Inn. It was located in a small village, that seemed nice, albeit slightly overcrowded. To our surprise, they had rooms open, and we settled in. I quite liked the inn. It was warm inside, and gave a very welcoming feeling. Once we put our belongings in our rooms, Bear and I headed to the bar.
"One beer", he muttered to the bartender, tossing him a coin.
I pulled out my canteen of water and took a small sip. I peered over at Bear and saw a look of suspicion on his face.
"Bear, is something wrong?" I asked him.
"Definitely", he whispered.
I looked around the room. I had no idea of what Bear was talking about, until I saw him. A tall, skinny man with a large coat sitting in the corner alone. Watching us like a hawk. Our eyes met for a second, and a chill went down my spine. Suddenly I heard Bear yell out in pain. I whipped around to see a figure with its arm around Bear's neck. I heard the swoosh of a knife being put back into its sheath and the figure darted out of the bar. The entire room erupted into chaos. I spun around, looking in all directions. Then I noticed, the man that was watching us had left as well! I ran over to where Bear lay on the ground. His eyes were squinted as he looked up into mine.
"Bear! Bear are you alright?" I said.
"No boy, no I'm not. I have a lot of enemies, and I figured it was a matter of time before something like this happened, especially with the recent events. Please do not be sad Crispin, my friend. I hope to reunite with you in the other life. I only ask one thing—carry on my work. You may take my place on the Guild of Free Men. Let them know of my fate. Thank you Crispin, goodbye. May God watch over you."
His eyes slowly closed, and his last breath of air escaped his lips. I started to cry. My only friend, my best friend, had just been taken from me, before my very eyes. Its hard to say what I felt. Anger, sadness, denial, confusion, all at once. All I knew was that I had to fulfill Bear's wishes. I would get revenge on whoever committed this crime.
As I was walking down the narrow alleys and roads, I had never felt more elated in my whole lifetime. I reached into Bear's bag and grabbed his small recorder. As I started to play the notes, beautiful sounds rang out to let everyone know that I was now a free man. After a few minutes, I put the recorder back. Bear noticed that I was done making music, and took advantage of the moment to talk to me.
ReplyDelete"Crispin, I have something to tell you". Eager to know what he was hiding from me, I decided to try and comfort the big man. "What is it Bear? You know that you can tell me anything that is on your mind.". Bear looked down at the ground and a small tear trickled down his long face. I had never seen Bear look so depressed before. Something was definitely strange. "Bear, it's alright. Just tell me". For a long moment, I could only hear the chirping sound of crickets in the background. But finally, Bear started to muffle some words. "A long time ago, my dearest brother had ran off, similar to how you escaped Stromford. His name was Henry. He was always there to support me. Let me tell you Crispin, Henry was the best brother you could ever have. But one day, Henry spoke up for equal treatment, because he was not statistics with the life of a peasant. He was the leader of a group that boycotted the feudal system. Within a few days, my brother was in deep trouble. The lord was very angry with Henry. The lord was going to punish him, but Henry ran away as quickly as possible without telling me of any notice". Luckily, the lord did not send out a search party for him, so I still hope that he is alive. But ever since then, I had never seen my brother again, I looked back at Bear's face. Huge droplets were forming under the man's eyes. "I am very sorry for you. I hope that your brother is safe in another village", I replied. "Thank you Crispin. I appreciate your help in trying to comfort me. But their is a reason why I brought up this conversation. I had always dreamt about finding Henry once again. Crispin, will you help me find my brother?". There was no way I could say no. Bear had impacted my life in such an amazing way. I owed it to him. "So what do you say?", he said. "I will certainly go with you", I said. A smile appeared across Bear's face.
7 months later...
My feet were numb and my limbs ached with pain. Bear and I had been traveling for the past 7 months on a lookout for Henry. Bear believes that his brother had traveled all the way to the north of England, because the north has several small villages that would make Henry very difficult to find. So Bear and I have visited all the villages that we have past on our way to the north of England. Now, we were only a few feet away from a small village called Hargerut, up ahead. Bear and I always entered a new village by doing our little music and juggling act. Bear thought that villages would welcome us with more kindness that way.
A moment later, Bear gave me the signal to play the recorder. All the people of the village noticed us, and they seemed very delighted to have the wonderful entertainment. Then, Bear started to juggle, and the village people were very fascinated. While playing the recorder, I looked out into the distance. About 100 feet away, I could see a figure running toward us. When he came closer, I could make out some of his features. He was a very tall man, and had a dark hair. His face looked oddly similar to Bear's.The man sprinted now, coming closer and closer. Soon later, I looked over at Bear, who had dropped all of his juggling balls and was looking at the running man in awe. I had no idea what was happening, so I stopped playing the music. Before I knew it, the man and Bear were rejoicing together. Both of them were laughing hysterically. Bear brought the fellow over to me, and introduced him. "Crispin, this is my brother Henry!".
I can't believe what had just happened. The torture is finally over.
ReplyDelete"Bear are you okay?"
"Yes but I can't believe what just happened"
"Me either"
"My boy why don't we go back to Stromford?"
"I believe that we can, but what about the other soldiers?"
"Ah Crispin, after what just happened I don't think any soldiers will be searching for us."
We then left to see everyone outside in the village. We all gathered around each other, we laughed, we danced, and we sang together as a joyous moment. I haven't felt this kind of happiness in my entire life.
"Bear, we must announce our news to everyone before we leave in the morning."
"We will announce it now. EVERYONE..."
"Bear and I will be leaving Great Wexley and going to Stromford."
People gasped and whispered but then everyone started yelling,"WE WILL COME WITH YOU."
Everyone including Bear and I decided that we should double the size of Stromford and let everyone have a fare placement in the village.
5 years later.....
Everyone is working peacefully there is no conflict. Bear and I rule the land now and we have doubled the size of our land. We are hoping to expand more land in a few months.
As me and Bear walked away from Great Wexly that day I thought to myself,
ReplyDelete"is this real, Bear?" I said.
"Yes my small friend" he replied
"What do we do now? I asked.
" We do what we desire now Crispin, we don't have anything in the way, or we could continue our journey and share our talent with the people!" "Oh, ok" I replied. And we walked. I still really didn't know what would happen from that day on. I knew me and Bear would stick together, we were such good friends now. I wanted to learn to play the drum, and then maybe Bear could play the recorder! That would be funny.
I asked him, "Bear, can you teach me how to tap the drum? And can you teach me to use this dagger well?" I then drew a small decorated dagger.
"Well... Were you get that beauty?"
"I took it from the castle, please don't be mad!"
"Why would I be mad?" He asked... "Nevermind that, I would be delighted to teach you both.
Here we are today 3 years after. I have my own tap drum that I practice everyday to keep up with Bear. I also, practice fighting with my dagger. I am very prepared for attack. And the best part about being free is I haven't heard or thought any thing about John Aycliffe, besides him still bossing around my old village. Sometimes I wonder about that place. But, now me and Bear have traveled all over the kingdom! We go from town to town, village to village entertaining people. We play music and have a good time! It's not that we have to, we don't have to travel on the run but, because we are free men, no longer wolfs heads but, let alone to do as we desire.
As Bear and I continued to walk down the street in search of their next village to play in, Bear complained of his pain from the steward. They stopped under a tree and Crispin went to hunt for some food. When he returned bear was sleeping so he decided he would also sleep. I was awoken to the feeling of being shaken. When I opened my eyes I realized I was in what appeared to be the back of a wagon. I turned his head and Bear was next to him. Suddenly, I realized my hands were tied behind my back. "BEAR WHERE ARE WE" I shouted frantically. "We have been kidnapped" he mumbled as he told me to try to reach his dagger which was feet away.
ReplyDeleteI screamed and screamed, until the wagon finally stopped. To my surprise, lady Furnival opened the back. "Surprised to see me?" She shouted loudly. My eyes welled up and my cross hung round my neck. She told us to get up and took us to her castle. As we walked down the long brick floor I wondered. What could get us out of this mess? Just then, I began to dance, which made the lady distracted. Bear quickly wrapped his arms around her throat until her face turned blue and she fell to the floor. Before any soldiers could come, we made it out of the castle. Since John Aycliffe had died, they moved into the Green Man Inn. Bear and the Widow fell in love, got married and treated Crispin as their son.
Chapter 59-
ReplyDelete“Where do you suppose we go now?” I asked, while staring at the little dust clouds that my feet kicked up.
“We need to find food and a place to rest for a while. Although I wish we could continue to travel and live as we did before, when we juggled, sung, and danced, I am afraid I will not be strong enough to go on like that for some time.” Bear seemed quite distraught about his lack of strength at this point and it put me on edge to see how easily Bear, a man I had considered to be the strongest of us all, could have his spirit waver.
“I think we should head to Scotland after you have recovered. There we can build a new life with no fear of being discovered.” I said merrily, hoping my cheer would rub off on him.
“I agree, Scotland is to the North and should not be too difficult to get to, but until that time, I know of a house not far from here that lies in seclusion. It will be perfect for my recovery. A man by the name of Alexander Rolfe lives there. I knew him when we were children and were both studying to become priests. He had always known he wanted to see the world and explore. I always admired his lack of interest in pursuing a fortune or living within the limits of what was widely accepted as correct social stature. I had emulated him for as long as I could remember and his ideas of freedom are what made me eventually decide to become a juggler and live freely on my own.”
Bear seemed to be lost in thought, so I didn't think it necessary to respond. Just hearing that short description of Alexander, I was very eager to meet him. Hopefully someday I will be able to see the world and have knowledge about other places just like Bear and Alexander.
〰
Bear was not kidding about how close Alexander's house was and we arrived later that day, just after dusk. He lived in a small clearing in the forest that was covered by sunflowers. His house was bigger than all of the peasant houses in Strumford Village, but was of made of weak materials. The walls were simply logs stacked on top of each other with a roof of branches and twigs. It was odd to see a house of this size, built in such a way, but I was glad it would be big enough to fit Bear comfortably. The house seemed welcoming, and I could see light flickering from inside the windows.
As we approached, a short man with wiry gray hair and a slender face stepped out of the house. His back was slightly hunched and his steps were uneven, and a closer look showed that one of his legs was shorter than the other. Despite these anomalies, he had a sturdy build and large arms that made the sleeves of his shirt bulge out.
He called from across the meadow, “My golly! Bear? Is that you?”
“It is, old friend,” Bear rumbled back with what I assume was a smile, but looked more like a grimace seeing as how his face was so swollen.
“Come in, come in,” Alexander said, stepping back from the threshold to let Bear and me pass. He offered us chairs at a small table, where a partially eaten bowl of soup lay and then he left the room.
When he came back, he was carrying two more bowls of soup which he laid in front of us. I had not realized how ravenous I was from not eating all day until I saw the food there. I didn't even use the spoon, I just picked up the bowl and began drinking directly from it. Alexander let out a chuckle at this, but Bear was too busy eating his own food to notice.
Once we had both eaten more than enough soup to fill ourselves, Bear finally introduced me, saying, “This is Crispin, he is like a son to me and I hope you will not mind housing us for the time being.”
ReplyDelete“It is very nice to meet you Crispin, I am Alexander”, he replied,”and of course you may both stay here as long as you would like. In fact, I have a spare room right over there.” He said while pointing to a large wooden door in the corner of the room. “Now Bear, what on earth has happened?” he asked with great concern.
Bear instructed me to go to our room and get some sleep, so I shuffled into the small dark room and shut the door. However, I did not go to sleep, but instead pressed my ear to the door and listened as Bear explained all that has happened to us since we first met in the abandoned church.
Alexander listened without a single interruption throughout the whole story. Then there was silence in the room for a long time.
Eventually Alexander said, “It seems to me that there is only one clear path for you two from this point on. If Crispin can't make a claim as to being the son of Lord Furnival, then it seems as though you should instead go to his grandfather, Lord Douglas, and ask him to take you in. I have heard he is a decent man, and it is my firm belief that he would be willing to help his kin.”
“If I offer this idea to Crispin and it turns out that Lord Douglas has no interest in helping us, the boy will be heartbroken.” I could hear the chair groan underneath Bear’s weight as he shifted position.
“But think of what it could do for the both of you if you were to be taken in by a Lord. I think the possibility of gain is worth more than the threat of defeat.” Alexander stated with the confidence of a much older man. “I have learned a lot in my travels, but I think what I learned most is that calm and stability is all a person really requires. What Crispin needs, what you need to do for him, is find him that stability and I think Lord Douglas is the man to provide that.”
Bear let out a long sigh then simply said, “Alright, we are leaving in the morning.” Without another word, I heard his chair scrape back as he stood and I scurried to the bed of hay and pretended to be asleep.
Bear entered the room, but instead of laying on the hay, he kneeled on the floor and clasped his hands together. He then proceeded to pray to God to keep us safe and to please help him to find Lord Douglas and give me the best life possible. Only then did I realize what Bear would be giving up if we went to find the lord. He wouldn't be able to travel, or perform, or live his life before death as he had so often talked about.
I decided then and there that I did not need to find Lord Douglas or any other members of my family for that matter. All the family I needed was right inside that room.
It was not long after we had left Great Wexly that the smiles and joyful singing turned t o silence. I feared that Bear would not make it much farther, for he was badly bruised and scarred. More than once I asked if he was sure he could keep walking. Bear staggered with a limp. “Bear, please rest, I know that you cannot walk much further. If you are to become ill and fall to the greater world I am not sure what I would do, for you are all I have left” I pleaded to bear as I watched him bending over to catch his breath.
ReplyDelete“Crispin, if we do not keep walking we will never make it to Scotland. I assure you I am fine, now please go on, I want to hear of how your were able to save me” argues Bear.
Knowing not to argue with Bear I agreed and told him the story with great pride. After what seemed like hours the sun began to set and I knew night would soon fall. My stomach ached from hunger so I went off to fetch Bear and I dinner. When I returned bear was fast asleep, snoring like a pig. I knew he need rest so I decided not to wake him. Whilst roasting the rabbit I caught I could not help but wish Bear was awake. I had wanted to show him that I used what he taught me to catch dinner. After eating dinner I was quite tired so i decided to lie down for bed.
“Crispin I am not feeling so well, you may have to continue on without me” said Bear weakly after he awoken in the morning.
“No, I will not leave you Bear. I am your apprentice, how am I to learn without you there to teach me?”
“Listen to me, if you do not go you will regret it the rest of your life. Crispin I am weak and will most likely not be able to survive the next few days, I thank you dearly for coming to my rescue but I am afraid they already got me.”
“Bear I will not leave no matter what you say. You have been there for me all this time, and now I will be there for you. I do not want to leave you alone. If I do I am sure you will die because you are to weak, but at least if you die whilst I'm here you will not be alone” I cried.
“Fine, do as you please” said Bear begrudgingly.
It was barely a few hours before Bear died. In some ways I knew this was coming and I was just acting like it wasn't to trick myself into being okay. Bear was all I had left, he was my leader, my father, my friend. Without him I had nothing. I was lost. So as tears streamed down my face I prayed one last time that Bear and my mother’s souls may rest in peace, and with that I took Bears dagger and slit my throat. Within seconds the world went black and my pain was over.
The weather was fogy and depressing. Just like the rest of Europe. Bear and i have been walking for 1 week straight while stopping in-between towns and playing our music for the joy of the townspeople. Suddenly bear dropped to his knees.
ReplyDelete"Bear!" I said as i began fearing the worst
"Im fine boy" he said "just really tired". "I think we should stop here for a bit" "I'm not feeling very good". I agree with almost no hesitation. My body ached from walking so much.
as bear starts snoring heavily i began to think of the events at the great waxley. Was i foolish for giving up my chance to claim the throne? Did my mother have any living relatives? I am the bloody heir to lord funival and i sitting here sleeping on the ground! I said to myself. All the thought of the potential riches and land i couldve inherited raced through my mind. Suddenly i came to my senses and realized that the reason why bear got tourtured and all my loved ones were killed was because of nobility. Riches can change a man and i didn't want to be like my "dad" or john acclife. Suddenly i hear bears familiar voice saying we should keep moving on.
after walking for hours we see a village in the distance. Bear and i start playing our music as we walk into the village. This village seems different for some reason because it wasn't as poor as the villages back home. Everyone seemed to have equal wealth and did the same work. We must be in a different kingdom. The village was a free village! No peasants and serfs just ordinary villagers growing food for themselves! I watched as kids and adults gather round us and laugh at bears jubbling and our music. After we are done playing they welcome us to their village. We stay there for a while and then decide that we should just live there. Bear remained unmarried and instead claimed me as his son. After years of feeling unloved and neglected i now know what it feels like to no longer be called "astas son".
As it was several years after my encounter in great wexly, I still thought about those days often. I was Lord Furnival's son. But I was never in contact with him. Bear was my one a true only friend. He had taught me so much over the years, showed me more care than I've ever been showed before. I couldn't thank him enough for all that he's done for me, even risking his own life for the safety of mine. Killing John Aycliffe was the riskiest thing he's done, but it was the most worth it. He had gained my trust completely, and I would do anything for him. Even all these years in the future and I still feel the same way. I thought back upon the beautiful loud singing voices and colorful clothing, even the smells. As bad as they were, those are good memories for me. Now bear and I traveled from town to town, singing our sings as I played the recorder. Bear juggled as the townspeople smiled with delight. Pretty much nothing had changed, except now I was a free man who had no fears in the world. This life is much better than my other one. I still remember my days before I found bear. Lonely, weak, and hungry I hobbled through the forest, desperately trying to keep myself alive and out of the way of soldiers.
ReplyDeleteBear had showed me what real courage was like, and how to defend myself. Without bear I would surely be dead. He showed me the beautiful ways of music, and the humor in his juggling. Nowadays we travel as far as miles from town to town, trying to get as far away from the last town as possible. I've thought about what life would be like if my mother hadn't died when she did. I wouldn't ever find out who I am. Just a peasant called 'Asta's son' that was shunned upon in the villages. Going through life working for one penny, not even aware of my true identity. Not able to discover my talents. I would be blind to almost everything beautiful in the world. Never seen the rainbow colors of the citizens of great wexly, never smelled those smells or heard those voices. My life had taken a turn for the better, all because I was found by bear by accident when I lost my way all those years ago.
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ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAnd by the ever-loving God who sits above, my heart was full of more joy than I had ever felt before. I was unfettered, alive to an earth I hardly knew but was eager to explore. What's more, I knew that feeling to be my newfound soul, a soul that lived in freedom. And my name—I knew with all my heart—was Crispin.
ReplyDeleteBear and I continued to walk along the roads leading to some unknown place, while I played the recorder and Bear sang. Bear promised that he would teach me how to read in a few days.
"Why a few days?" I asked. "Why not today, or tomorrow?"
"Let's enjoy the freedom we have earned, and then start with the lessons, huh?" He responded.
I honestly liked the idea. Enjoy the freedom we had earned.
It was a long day, and finally night came around. Bear found us a good place to sleep, and as he gathered some food, I went to get my lead cross to pray. I couldn't seem to find it. I recalled where I had left it. I remembered that "I ran to where the steward lay. From around my neck, I removed the cross of lead and laid it on the steward's bloody chest" (Avi 295). I decided that I would have to do my prayers without my cross. As I began my prayers, a big shadow loomed over me. I slowly crawled forward, frightened. I looked back, only to see Bear praying. I rubbed my eyes to make sure I was seeing correctly. Bear was praying with me? I guess so.
We ate dinner quietly, as I thought about what I should do next. Bear said, "So, are you willing to become a Lord of a manor, now that, you know, that traitor and oath breaker is dead?"
I shrugged. I thought about it, but was clueless. I didn't know how to answer to that.
"I really don't know, Bear. But I definitely know, that I don't want to be like my father. I want to be nice, and interesting like you," I said.
Bear smiled and said, "Thank you Crispin."
And with that, he decided to call it a night. On the other hand, I couldn't sleep. I tried to think of what would've happened if I didn't run into Bear. Would I have lasted this long? Would I have ever learned about my past? Questions kept popping into my head, and it gave me my head another pleasing twirl. And with that, I slept next to my best friend.
It was over. The worrying, the terror, the stress. It was all over. John Aycliffe was gone. And I, Crispin, was Lord Furnival’s son. I was no longer a piece of nothingness. No longer a filthy boy with no importance. I was something. I did not need to reassure myself any longer. I knew, as much as I possibly could, that I was Crispin.
ReplyDeleteBear and I spent our time, walking, traveling, looking for a better life. This was the beginning of a new life for us. Even though the late Lord Furnival was my father, Bear had been more like a father to me than anyone has ever been. I am so glad that I have met him. If I hadn’t, I’d still be proclaimed as a wolf’s head, I’d still be running. After the steward’s tragic, but deserved death, Bear had not been like himself. Not the joyful, large man he had once been. We continued to play for villages, his dancing to my recorder. I could tell though, he was weak.
“Crispin,” Bear said, looking in the distance and pointing his large hand towards the north. “I think we have found our new life.”
I looked to the direction of where his hand was pointing. In the distance, I could see a small village gate, and the fields and fields of the serfs. I ran to catch up with Bear’s fast pace. I believe we have finally reached our destination. We had arrived to Scotland.
“Crispin, my boy, after many, many hard days of traveling, our long journey has finally come to a stop. But this is not anywhere close to the end. Get ready, my boy.” Bear exclaimed.
I thought of what would come next for us, I knew since Bear was weaker, I would have to take extra great care of him. I would not be able to live without him. i thought of what my life would be like not as a peasant. I imagined riches and royalty, though I knew that would not be how my life will end up. I began to wonder if I would have lived a full, memorable childhood, if my mother and Lord Furnival were to be together. I could not picture it as serf life was the only life I had known. I imagined the servants, serving for me, instead of myself serving for the steward. I shook the thought out of my head. For I would not have met Bear if it weren’t for my life as a lowly serf.
Bear and I inched closer and closer towards the town. Both of us, breathing heavy, from our long journey from great Wexly. I could not believe my life had transformed from being a small piece of nothing to an apprentice of a great master.
I was terrified, but in a positive way. I was excited to see what things would happen next for Bear and I. We walked up to the gate and Bear instructed me to start playing recorder. I began to execute the notes, just as Bear taught me and he began his dancing. the two of us walked through the gates, eager to start our life ahead of us.
Great ending, Anjali! I like the way how it flows as if that was part of the book itself. Good job!
DeleteContinue the ending of Crispin. What do you think happens after the book ends? You can pick up right up where the book left off, or pick up several years later. Requirements:
ReplyDeleteFrom Crispin's point of view
Realistic to Crispin and Bear's characters
Accurate to the setting (Middle Ages)
Should be several paragraphs
Crispin and bear started an empire called the Peasent empire. Lord Furnivil fled from England and started an empire and implemented the feudal system. While the peasant empire declared war On lord furnivils empire. They fought several battle but you will be hearing about the final battle called the battle of Budapest
"Get your dagger out", Bear shouted.There was a guard .We circled the man and ripped out our weapons. The guard was no match for Bear. Bear picked the guard up and threw him into the water, and continued to drown him."Let's, continue shall we", Bear said. After me and bear killed the guard we decided to call out to our soldiers. I yelled
"Common, Attack" as all the men ran towards the wall bear began to speak
"We need to get to lord Furnivil"
I told him "That's made, we don't have enough men"
As my soldiers headed towards a village we where fired upon by archers, and where immediately pin down we decided to split up into two groups. The purpose was that one of the groups will act as a distraction while the other will shoot at them As I yelled to the men "it's time to execute RUN !!!"
As we began to run I noticed a wounded man it was bear he had a arrow in his leg, he forced me close to him and said
"Crispin leave me, I will just slow you guys down"
"but I can't you are my only family I love you" as Crispin began to cry he noticed there was a way to take the arrow out I told bear "i'm going to take the arrow out don't move" I commanded. As bear began to scream I notice there was no blood coming out and he was ready to fight. Bear began to speak
"don't ever do that again or I will kill you" I replied
"your welcome".
I had to copy and past half of it so the one at the bottem is the second half
ReplyDeleteAs I looked up i noticed that the village was on fire and that there could not be a single person left. As me and bear moved towards the village we noticed civilians and they offered to help us.
ReplyDelete"don't kill us we are not armed we want to help" they said, we replied by giving them weapons and said follow us. The village men followed us but then tried to attack us!!! We fought them off by ducking and hitting there legs we threw them into the fire and and me and bear decided not to trust any village men. As bear and I caught up with the soldiers we decided to regroup. I began to notice a town that reminded me of the great welxy because of the walls and how complex the doors where , bear told me that "that town is used for trade and there could be allot of money in there that we should take so we can buy weapons a and build structures"
"that's a good idea we should take the money back home"
I realized that it will be almost impossible to get in there, if it is any thing like the great welxy it will be almost impossible to get in "bear its will be almost impossible to do such thing, look how heavily guarded that place looks". But I believed, I believed that we could do it, I yell too my men
"head for the walls" I heard yelling and load sounds from both sides. I could see the fear in the enemy's eyes as we ran towards the walls. With our catapult that we got from the Romans we threw a massive stone into the wall knocking it down . We saw rocks and enemy soldiers flying of the walls and injured.
As we got into the walls I commanded my men to loot, I said "Take everything valuable and bring it back to the ships". Bear said that
"There's no way we could fit all the valuables in our ships, we don't have enough"
"We can get more, we can do it understand"
"We will have to steal some ships from the enemy"
As the our soldiers struggle to battle the enemies we kept our heads high and fought, then there was a weird smell in the air it was Black Death gas. The air was filled with a fine black fog in the air and started to affect some soldiers but we came prepared with our bird gas masks and where able to reach the one thing that I thought that we could not reach, it was lord furnivils castle. I told them to wait "do not harm my father, leave him to me" I commanded. As my men and I walked up to the castle we reached lord furnivils room. I opened the door and screamed at him" get on the ground you filthy wolfs head"
"Crispin "
"Don't talk to me" I commanded
"don't heart me I am your father I want the best for you"
"shut up old man, if you loved me then you would have not done what you did to me"
"it was not me I swear, Don't kill me please" as my father began to cry I realized that this man almost got me killed and started a offal system of iniquity and slave labor. I realized what he had done and did I not have a bit of forgiveness in my heart and took him and threw him off the roof of the castle. I began to cry a little but realized he deserved it.
The Peasant empire deafened lord furnivils empire, and ended the feudal system in Europe and Crispin was able to expand his empire and end the feudal system. Crispin saw his father and decided to kill him because of what he did.
Snap! Oh I got it. That's the third squirrel I captured today. It's been a year today since I've left Great Wexly. I've traveled to Scotland with Bear. We have made a amazing here and I have met a really nice girl named star. Me and her got married and live in a cottage with Bear. I feel at peace here. There has been no interruptions in my life until that afternoon. Bear and I were walking along the rocky beach to the east of my cottage when I seemed to spot a long line of dots on the horizon. I told Bear and he looked and then began to run. He screamed "Crispin come on we have to warn the others." When he said that I pulled out a telescope from my satchel where I store my cross and I looked. I looked for several moments until I sense a shiver down my spine. What I saw that moment changed my whole life. What I saw was the lead ship of a Viking invasion fleet. As soon as I saw it, I to began to run back towards my cottage. When I got there I grabbed Star's arm and said run. Me, Bear, and star ran to the west. In the west was a castle where the King of Scotland was and all of his army. As we trucked through the forest, all of us were getting bruised and cut from the branches and thorn bushes. We didn't care, all we cared about was getting to the castle. After about a half hour of full sprint, we reached the castle. The King and several of his best guards were on the middle of the courtyard talking to one of the venders about something, when Bear went up to him. The King looked delighted when he saw his best warrior. But then his face went white, as Bear exclaimed what he had saw. Then he motioned to me and I came to my former master, new fathers side. The King looked straight at me and he said, "Crispin you are one of my finest most trustworthy ranger's. I need you to go to all the manor and gather everyone to the castle, especially the knights." I gladly accepted his offer and as I turned away to say goodbye to my wife he tugged my soldier. What he said gave me a dreadful feeling in the pit of my stomach. He told me" Crispin we are now in full on warfare preparations." I just nodded and looked back said my goodbyes and began on my journey. It only took a few hours to get them all rounded up, thanks to the help of all the priests telling them to listen to me. I ran to the castle sweat pouring off my like it was raining. I finally reached before 3:00 in the afternoon. When I got into the castle the King was awaiting at the gates. He praised me and began to look around at the people who followed behind. Then as everyone entered the castle, knight fall reached. As me, Bear and the King were climbing to the top of the castle walls we heard a terrifying sound off in the distance. It was the sound of a Viking horn. They had reached the shore. The war had just begun.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteThoughts rolled through my mind after my quick snooze. Was I stupid to leave Stromford should I have taken the position of the King I think to myself. Then I realize why should I, money would change me turn me into a John Aycliffe or my dad and I don't ever want to be like them. Bear finally woke up and we were headed on our way. "Bear are you ok your not acting normal.
"I'm fine boy why do you ask"
"I don't know" when we finally reached the other town and we started playing music Bear collapsed on the ground. I checked his pulse luckily he was still breathing he must have fainted I thought. When he woke up h e asked
"What happened"
I told him everything and gave him some water. We stayed the night at the village and then we were on our way. These blackouts kept happening I didn't know what to do. When we reached the village we did the usual and he blacked out again but this one he didn't wake up from. I cried I have nothing at all I thought what should I do. I was sad and depressed I have nothing he got a rope put it around the branch and I hung myself. My pain and misery is now all gone.
I woke up with a start. Bear was kneeling next to me and shaking my arm. As I slowly opened my eyes, I realized the sky was still pitch black. I rolled over to face him.
ReplyDelete"Bear why are we up so early?" I whined. He put one finger to his lips and crawled across the forest to where there was a break in the trees. We were on our way to the next village to perform for the villages. Bear looked behind him and motioned for me to follow. I crawled up to where he was, poking my head outside the trees. At first I saw nothing but a dim light. But as I squinted my eyes to look closer, I nearly screamed at the sight. There, was John Aycliffe and some Knights. It looked like he had many scars on his face and was using a walking stick.
"What are they doing here?" I whispered to him my face probably going pale. Bear turned to me.
"I'm sure they're looking for us. If anyone finds us, they could turn us in! We have to stay hidden." He replied.
"W-wait I though John Aycliffe was dead!" I said, recalling the memory of him being impaled by a sword. The Knights must of heard because right when I said it, their heads turned simultaneously to me and Bear. We stood where we were, not even breathing. The Knights pointed and I heard a shout,
"There he is! Go! Go!" John Aycliffe screamed. They started climbing up the hill to where we were hiding.
"Quick! Run!" Bear shouted. I turned and sprinted the fastest I could. I didn't even look behind me, for I could hear Bears huge, heavy footsteps. We were into the clearing where our sleeping bags were. I grabbed my bag filled with what I need to survive, but I didn't stop running. We reached the dirt road and I waited for Bear to tell me what to do.
"Go right!" He shouted. I turned to my right, but then felt a strong tug on my arm. Bear was pulling me to the left! First I was confused, but then I realized what he was doing. As we heard the Knights clattering footsteps, they all turned to the right and ran down the path. Bear and I hid in the forest until the sun rose. We were safe...again.
Chapter 57.
ReplyDeleteI was a bit shaken up about what had just happened, but it was worth it. I don't care about Furnival's money, I could care less for the man that tortured my mother mentally. God will get back at Aycliffe for all he's done.
"This way" he says gruffly before whispering to the cautious soldiers. I saw their faces twitch in realization. He unlocks the door revealing a very beat up Bear chained to the wall.
I run to him not if paying attention anyone behind me
"Bear." I say while his eyes flutter trying to open fully.
"I told you to run. Now we are both doomed." He says in a deep weak voice. I turn back to find Aycliffe closing the door.
"Hey! Open up! You took an oath!" I scream infuriated that he would do this.
"Why would I make a deal with you."
I don't remember what else happened, many days passed like minutes. Hours felt like seconds. I don't feel hungry anymore. He disrespected the word of God, he deserves pain. I heard the rebellion got to his men, and he was killed. It didn't let up on the torture. Not beating but keeping me from any human constant I have hardly any food, it makes eating worse and wanting more. They are keeping me alive to only think about the ones I love that have died. I don't know where they have Bear or if he is alive. I love my mom, Father, and Bear. I hope the best for them. As this was my last thought, everything went black...
ReplyDeleteBear and Crispin ran in to town. Crispin didn't notice this before but both him and bear are covered in blotches. A concerned look ran across Crispin's face!"Just like what happened to mom"! I panic, "we are going to die just like mom did". Bear tried to claim me down. Just as I was started to claim down these knights show up and start demanding anyone who has the Black Death to follow them. Crispin said what ever they are going to do to us is better then diene of the Black Death. So both Bear and Crispin followed the knight.
The knight walked up on to the stand with a strange looking medal thing soaked in blood. I started to panic. Bear chimed in "you said anything was better then diene of the the Black Death as he walks up on to the stand, he kneels down so his head is in the strange thing. Sink! Bear's head came off and started slowly roll of by me blood was still gushing from his warm dead body. My face was in utter shock why did he just do that. The knight waked right up to me and grabbed my arm, " your next"!
I scream for him to let me go. The knight reset the strange killing contraction. He picked up Bears body then throw it on the ground. As I walked up to the killing machine, something snapped. I started to see a five course meal just on the ground so I walked over and started to eat it. It tasted so good I couldn't stop eating it. The knight yelled you discussed me eating your dead friend like that, then he spat in my face. I look down at the meal and it was Bear. I screamed! I walked over to the device and put my head in it. All I could hear was Sink and then something falling then there was just darkness.
ReplyDeleteAfter defeating John me and Bear began to wander down the road to see what we came across next. We decided to stop at a tavern for the night so Bear walked up to the tavern keeper and asked for a room while I say down at an empty table. There was three men sitting and talking at the table next to me I could barely make out what they were quietly saying but I knew that they were talking about about John AyCliffe as words like impaled and swords gave it away. I tried to get a bit closer to only hear the tallest of the three men say "I heard that Lady Furnival still wants them two dead". I backed up from the table and ran over to bear who happened to be talking with the Keeper still. "Bear it's not safe here Lady Furnival still wants us dead" I said panicking. "Now your talking nonsense boy, Lady Furnival would not dare come in our general direction". As soon as Bear finished his sentence the tavern door swung open and four men all wearing armor and brandishing swords followed kicking everything over in their path. "We are looking for a boy said the lead soldier", "I don't believe that I have seen such a person" responded the keeper. "You lie"! Yelled the soldier stabbing the keeper. "Run"! Yells bear, I instantly begin to run upstairs tossing anything behind me in attempt to slow the soldiers. I run into a run but then I realized something, I was cornered except for a window. Taking my chances I leaped out the window landing roughly on the ground next to bear who had run out the door. "Let's go" said Bear picking me up and running into the woods. "We can hide here" says Bear lying me on the ground and covering me in leaves.
I am surprised, I am surprised that I was not killed.
ReplyDelete" Bear I have been hiding for a long time now from my home, my village because I was declared a dead man".
I am now rested that I will not be hunted down anymore, for something I did not do. "Now Bear I am rested of all not frightened anymore but what will I do next I have nothing to live for In Stromford village".
Bear replies
"boy, I think we should continue our journey, the story the life of this adventure ended we shall continue our journey to music and entertaining people while traveling. What do you say?
I think in my head, this is my destiny which I would never think of forgetting all this systematic rules, and just live free. I said " I will join you as a free man" because for the rest of my life.
Me Crispin the serf was declared a free man that has his own rights. FREEDOM.
It had been almost 2 months since John Aycliffe died. It had been so long ago that my mother died, but it really felt like yesterday. My journey since then made me who I am today. It had also been two months since I was a serf, but a month since bear died. I really was upset. Having him in my life is something I'm most grateful for today. I certainly don't feel like I am a serf. I am now no longer considered a serf, I'm free. Now I'm stronger, and with the way I've changed I feel good about myself. Bear brought me into a whole new world. He taught me to be confident in myself, and to be happy. He made my skills shine. Without him, I'd probably be dead, or Aycliffe would still be looking for me. Thanks bear, for everything. Rest in peace, my friend.
ReplyDeleteNow, being as strong as I am, I feel better than ever. I feel like there's always more to do, and every day I still rely on Jesus Christ. Still to this day religion is one of the biggest parts of my life. Today I am no longer hiding from Aycliffe's men, I am now free. No longer a wolfs head either. When I first was told that I was becoming a wolfs head, I thought my life would never be the same. That day Bear killed Aycliffe was a big day in my life. Aycliffe's men were in shock. They didn't have a leader at that point. Since then I have bought a new home, and I no longer have to do hard labour. Now that I'm a free man life has been going a lot better. Ever since my mother died, my life changed dramatically, wether it was good or bad. The bad things in life made me who I am today.
5 years ago a man named bear had saved my life as well as my freedom. He was my only friend, he taught me how to play instruments, dance, and even read after a couple years. He was a fine gentlemen with great hopes. And after the steward was dead I had obligations to run storm ford. It was a different type of way. Where everyone got a fair trial, and if you're family died you were allowed to be accepted into a new one. I now live with bear at the manor house but we travel very often. We even went back to great wexly many times. We still aren't doing very well even though we raise money from performances and selling vegetables and goods. And we get money from the people.
ReplyDeleteI renounced my position at the village because I needed to travel more. But I still generally run it just from wherever I am. After reuniting with the bear I asked if he would join me to run
About three years ago I met a girl she had a lot of money and we got along. Now I'm married with 2 children. Bear took apprenticeship of a priest so when we traveled we could go wherever we wanted. When I went back to a different town everything was burned down. I heard the screams of young children they all looked like they were on fire.
when I ran through a building I saw a baby trapped in a tavern. I rushed over, I thought this couldn't be happening trying to escape with the baby in my hand. I met the mother outside but she had blood dripping from her head. I asked if she was okay but she said I'll be fine as she fell to the floor finding out there was a dagger in her back. I heard men running toward me they cheered as they got to me probably thinking that I had killed her. I found out later that the woman that had died was the stewards wife and that they had to rebel against the manor because they were leading everyone into despair the baby starting crying. Form that moment I knew I wasn't safe.
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ReplyDeleteBear and I continued through the gates as far was we could until Bear's wounds and injures brought him to the ground. I ran towards Bear trying to comfort, but there was nothing for me to do. Seeing Bear in so much pain was killing me inside because Bear has done nothing but help me through my time of need. I put my cloak over Bear to keep him warm from the harsh winds and cold temperatures. After a while we both fell asleep in a safe spot in the woods.
ReplyDeleteIn the morning I woke with the sunrise. I rubbed my eyes and rolled over to make sure that Bear was okay. Bear was sound asleep under my cloak, so I decided to try and get more sleep, but the idea of me being a free man popped in my head.i realized that without Bear I would probably be dead right now. I owe everything that I have to bear. As my eyes slowly started to close, Bear said,
"Crispin, are you awake?" He said in a soft voice. I quickly turned around and helped him sit up. His scratches and burn were still pussy and bleeding.
"Let's walk down to the river at the bottom of this hill to wash off your scrapes and cuts." I said
"Sounds good! Will you help me up?"
"Of course!" I exclaimed. He slowly stood up. We continued steadily down the hill careful not to slip on a leaf or branch. When we arrived at the river I lowered Bear to the ground so he could sit at the bank of the river. As I slowly rinsed his arm he moan in pain but after it made him feel much better after. Bear felt much better later In the day that we were able to continue on their journey.
After 4 hours of traveling Bear and Crispin came upon a small group of people that looked to be heading the same way that we were. I went over to talk to a women her name was Mckenneth she was traveling to a better manor because she needed to create a better life. Soon as the sun set in the west we camped out with Mckenneth because they were very kind, caring people.
When the sun rose in the morning we both decided to continue our journeys together as a group.
Eleven years ago from this day, I clearly remember the John Aycliffe, the man I’ve run from for so long, dead. His body lying helplessly on the ground with my mother’s cross of lead lying on his chest. I am now a grown adult, performing shows with the only man that’s been by my side the longest, Bear.
ReplyDelete“Next stop, Great McKenneth.” said Bear.
Great McKenneth was 4 villages over from the palace. It will be the closest I’ve been since that day wear I’ve accepted my name. The name pronounced, Crispin.
“After Great McKenneth, I was thinking we could maybe make our way over to Stromford? I feel as though I owe it to Father Quinel and even my mother to pray at the church that has served me as a shelter and a safe place for such important times in my life.”
Bear considered my words carefully. I could tell in his eyes that he was contemplating the risks of visiting the place where I was proclaimed a wolf’s head.
Finally he replied with, “I think that may be a good idea, actually. Praying in the church that has been apart of your life for so long, it may offer you closure.” And that was that.
Two weeks later, Bear and I started our journey to Stromford. We soon came upon the village that I thought I would never dare leave. Walking through the village, we definitely turned heads, however not in the way that I expected. They looked at Bear and I as strangers, not as men who killed their steward, oh so long ago. We put on a great show for the people and they thanked us with clapping and food.
“I’ll be back soon,” I told Bear after the show was finished.
Bear knew exactly where I was going, and told me to meet him back here when I was finished.
I quickly rushed over to the church, opening the doors brought tears to my eyes and I realize how much I missed Father Quinel. I chose a seat in the pews and prayed.
I’ve never prayed harder than I did that night.
ReplyDeleteI have been with Bear for many days after John Aycliffe died. Me and Bear have traveled far west and I almost thought I would reach the end of the world if we continued much father. I gazed at Bear and with eyes has sharp has a hawk he looked deep into mine and he knew what I was thinking.
"Crispin" he started. "We knew the truth about Aycliffe, but I am afraid the others in Great Waxly did not. For you see, the others are bound to Lord Furnival and his spouse, and in the name of Saint Barnabas they will remember us has murders rather than saviors. Every city and town under the name of Furnival will always remember us as that."
"But Bear, why should we worry about people in towns?"
"If my time in that cell has told me anything, it's that there are people who can't be trusted. I've told you once before not to worry, which is true, but when your worry's turn to true and your sure it's fact, you never take a risk like that. I know word has spread and an army is after us, for that we must travel west. Though, we showed that commoners like us can make change and fight the higher power. I hope John's plan for a free world can be achieved."
He have been on the road for weeks now, and even though much time has passed, I still remember what Bear had said. It has gotten in my mind about freedom and the freedom of others. Even though they tried to kill me, I wonder about the people of Stromford and how they are doing. After that thought, I felt a little sick inside and I don't know why. I try to think to myself why I feel so sick, and realized my mother was there and was buried there, I never knew how far I was from home.
Me and Bear have traveled so far we thought, we would never see a town again, but there set upon our eyes laid a town.
"Crispin" with a face of joy "Do you still remember how to play your recorder, I know it has been awhile"
I took out my recorder and played the song I knew too well to forget.
"good lad" said Bear. (Continued)
We at once went into the village, I was playing my toon and Bear was dancing his usual dance. When we entered the village we were heading straight toward the priests church so we may get permission to plat further. I looked around while playing my toon, something was off. The fields full of crops ready to be harvested, were empty, and not a soul to be seen. We went further, into the center of the village and that is when Bear stopped his dance, for there were no souls to see it.
ReplyDelete"This is strange" mumbled Bear.
"Did not we meet in a place like this?"
"We did but this place should not be abounded, for there are crops are ready to be harvest and all the buildings are still standing. So in the love of God what happened to everyone."
I was shaken, and Bear was confused for we did not know where all the people had gone. We went and tried to find the manor. We found a river next to a hill, on top of the hill laid a pile of rubble.
"Bear is that the manor house."
"Indeed it is Crispin."
"Why are the peasant houses and other buildings still standing, while the manor house is put to ruins."
"Good observation but only the people here and God knows."
We headed out of the village only having confusion and mystery at our hands. Once out of the village we made are normal journey. Days later we still had no idea what to think of the village. On our travels we saw a man in a cloak far out coming in our direction. When he got closer, me and Bear remembered who he was, he was with John Ball in the secret meeting. When the man saw us he took of his hood and was shocked to see us.
"Bear is that you" shouted the man.
Bear was shocked to see him again and replayed "Hello to you to, I thought I would not see you again. We came upon a village and notice it was empty leaving only the manor house in ruins. Do you know anything of it?"
"Indeed I do" said the man. "The peasants and surfs of the land destroyed it. And if you ask why it was all because of John Ball. He and the rest of us spread his ideas of freedom and now the slave like people are revolting against the lack of freedoms."
"I don't believe it" cried Bear in a joyful sound.
"I could not believe it either, but something terrible had happened to John. The people who want their lives controlled knew he was behind the revolt. John was found, captured, and by the Popes degree excommunicated. I have also heard word that the rebellion is going to free John from his captivity. Now I must be on my way"
Me and Bear were shocked at our new found discovery. We knew if we kept going forward we would reach the rebellions, but we all a knew that we can't go back. So we traveled forward remembering what the man said and I knew we would soon fine another adventure.