As I open my eyes the sun’s rays come flooding from a window like a lamp in my eyes. I lazily swung off of my cold, rock hard bed. My back aching from the long hours of working in the fields the day before. Slouching I dragged my feet over to the well to freshen for the lengthy day. I walked over to Elizabeth and Isabella’s bedroom and cracked the door open an inch. I gazed upon my children, watching their peaceful faces, praying the Black Death didn’t get them too. The Black Death spread faster and faster, killing dozens of knights and serfs alike. The plague caused remaining serfs to work longer hours. It didn’t help either that dozens of serfs started rebelling under the influence of Sarayu, my sister.

    I trudged through the mushy mud arriving at my destination, the West fields. I see my friends Amisha and Aliya, and go to greet them. 

    “Hello, what’s the status of the Black Death? Do you know what the death toll is?” I questioned. The two of them turned around. I could see the sadness flaring in their eyes. I remembered what Aliya told me about how her parents started getting infected.

    “Is it your parents?” I asked solemnly. Aliya slowly turned her head away. She started walking over to the vegetables that we needed to pluck today. I looked over to Amisha and saw her on the verge of tears.

    “They died late last night. The plague keeps on taking our loved ones.” she sobbed. I trotted over to her, and hugged her tight. I knew that she felt close to Aliya’s parents. I loosened my grip, and my eyes met hers. Her pupils begged me to go talk to Aliya. I let go and slowly sauntered over to Aliya, stumbling on the way. As I neared her, I could hear soft sobbing. I pulled her close and the sobbing increased.

    “They did nothing to deserve this! It isn’t a crime to be good parents!” she cried. I could tell that she expected an answer, but I said nothing. Before I knew it, the knight that watched over the West fields stormed over to us and forced us to start working. The hours passed by in a blur of working serfs, and night came quick.

    I tramped back home, my legs barely able to hold the pressure. As I walked through the door, I could smell the scent of fresh basil. I sauntered to the kitchen and saw a pan full of baked bread with basil bits inside. I immediately rushed over to it and took a huge bite, my mouth not being able to handle the large amount. I gently put the rest of the bread away and trudged over to my room. When I passed my children's' room I could see them fast asleep. I know that they still felt upset from when their father died at the start of the plague. I knew that Elizabeth would take close care of Isabella. I walked the rest of the way to my room, and passed out on the stiff bed.

    When I woke up the next morning I felt that something terrible happened. I looked around my compact room, only to peer out the window and see people there. Something definitely terrible did happen. No one would be outside with the plague still going around. I jumped out of bed and took a closer look at who stood outside. They wore a knight’s armor with an unfamiliar symbol. I looked once more, and a realization came to my mind. It’s Knight’s Bridge! They came to attack! I jumped out of bed and ran to my children's room. When I got in the room, Elizabeth stood up.

    “No time to explain darling, wake your sister up and follow me.” I rush out of their room and sprint to grab all the food we’d stored, which isn’t a lot. When Elizabeth, and Isabella come into the kitchen I take all of their things, and burst out of the front door. As I run, I take one look back at our house. I memorize the cracks in the walls. The dirty looking color brought tears to my eyes. I glance back once more at our one story dingy house that holds dozens of memories. 

    We ran, until finally we reached the manor house. I dashed to the door. Frantically I pounded until Sir Sumner opened it. I’d no time to see the confused look on his face when I scuttled in. Once I knew that Elizabeth and Isabella rested safely, I dropped all my food and collapsed on the floor.

    “Serf Urvi, you’re not supposed to be here! You know that serfs aren’t allowed in the manor house unless called upon.” Sir Sumner fumed. 

    “I’m so sorry.” I quickly ushered my daughter’s away with the maids. “I saw something alarming and immediately came.”

    “Well spit it out, you're wasting my time. You're lucky I’m even listening to you with your pest of a sister revolting.” he huffed.

    “Knight’s Bridge Manor’s invading! I saw a couple of their members standing outside in the village square. I knew something wasn’t right because with the plague no one’s going outside. It terrified me so I brought information for the safety of my children." I panted. Looking up I saw Sir Sumner’s shocked expression. He opened his mouth struggling to get words out.   

     “We’ve got to go to Lady Olivia.” he sputtered. He pulled my hand. We rushed through dark hallways and gloomy staircases. When we reached two large doors we finally stopped. Painted bright colors with detailed designs, the doors looked intimidating. Sir Sumner hurriedly opened the doors, and ran in.

    “My lady, there’s an emergency!” Sir Sumner yelled. Deep in conversation with Clergy Aaron, Lady Olivia quickly turned around.

    “What’s happened?” Lady Olivia questioned urgently. 

    “Knight’s Bridge invaded our manor!” Sir Sumner answered. Lady Olivia's face changed to panic. She took a few deep breaths then said.

    “Okay, Sir Sumner take the knight’s that haven’t gotten infected by the plague and set up the front lines. Serf Urvi please find non-revolting serfs to help with the food and medicine. Clergy Aaron keep everyone calm and collected, we’ll need to pray more.” She turned to face me, “Serf Urvi can you please try to turn your sister and her revolters to help us. We need all the help we can get."

    She walked over to the knights that guarded the door and spoke to them in hushed tones. I ran out of the room, and rushed to get supplies for my journey. As I quickly walked over to the maids, they pointed me to a room that they said contained my children. I peeked into the room and watched my sleeping children. I kissed them on their foreheads and left the room. I grabbed my basket full of food and left the manor house. 

    I stepped through the mud. My old shoes keep getting dirtier by the second. I hear shouting as I arrive closer to my sister’s dusty house. My hands start shaking. I try to calm myself down but it doesn't work. Slowly, I knocked on the door. 

    “Who’s at the door?” an unfamiliar voice asked. My hands start to sweat.

    “Um. . . my name’s Urvi. I’m Sarayu’s sister if that helps.” I answer. The door swings open, and I see a teenage boy standing in the doorway. The boy’s head full of curls looked nearly identical to my sister’s.

    “You must be my aunt then! I’m Rohan, Sarayu’s my mom.” He yipped joyfully. I gasped in shock. 

    “Sarayu is a mother!” I yelled, my face filled with shock. I took one more look at him, then gave him a huge hug. “I can’t believe it. I’m an aunt!” I screamed with joy. I started jumping up and down, attracting the attention of neighbors. I stopped jumping and cried tears of joy. I stared long and hard at Rohan. A happy grin stretched across his face. “Me and your mother need to talk, boy.” I laughed. 

    I strode in through the doorway. Looking around I could see my sister all over this place. I see her in the beautiful curtains. I see her in the patterned rug. I can see her everywhere. 

    “It’s beautiful.” I gasped.

    “I’m glad you like it. I made it just for you.” a familiar voice called from the shadows. I ran towards the sound, and threw my arms out. I made contact with a figure, and hugged them tight. 

    “I missed you so much!” I sobbed. 

    “I missed you too, my little sister.” she replied. I suddenly became angry. I stepped away from Sarayu.

    “Why didn’t you tell me that I’m an aunt! I would’ve visited much earlier.” I huffed. I glance over at Rohan as he tries to hold back his laughter. “Stop laughing at me.” I growled. 

    “Nothing!” he chuckled. I looked back at Sarayu.

    “I need to speak with you about something important.” I whispered. She nodded and led me into an empty room. I took a deep breath and spoke. 

    After I told her everything I studied her face. Watching for some emotion to show. 

    “Ok. . . I’ll help you.” she said quietly. I could feel my face lifting. “Only, if Lady Olivia agrees to give serfs better working conditions.” 

    “Thank you so much sister! I’ll see you later!” I yelled running. I rushed out of the house. Not wasting any time trying to get to the manor house. 

    I finally reached the manor house out of breath. Panting I dragged myself to the main door. I knocked loudly and fell down in a heap of exhaustion. Sir Sumner opened the door and looked at me in confusion. 

    “Tell. . . Lady Olivia. . . that the serfs said. . . yes.” I panted short of breath. Sir Sumner nodded and ran into the manor house. Moments later, multiple maids came out and helped me come inside. I gratefully thanked them and continued on to the Lady’s room. I strolled through the Lady’s room doors. Looking around I saw Clergy Aaron huddled in a corner. He held a small cross, and seemed to be praying. I kept looking and saw Sir Sumner, and Lady Olivia talking in the corner. I carefully approached them.

    “My lady.” I spoke bowing down. “I recently visited my sister, Sarayu. After explaining the situation, she agreed to help us with her forces.” I said.

    “That’s wonderful news.” she cheerfully clapped her hands. “For now, the four of us need to come up with a plan.” She said dreadfully. She scoured her eyes until they landed on Clergy Aaron. “Clergy Aaron, can you please help us come up with a plan.” Lady Olivia said regally. Clergy Aaron rose and joined us at a table in the corner. “So how shall we attack Knight’s Bridge?” Lady Olivia asked, “They’ve already entered our premises.” 

    “If I may my lady?” Sir Sumner said. Lady Olivia nodded. “Since they’ve already entered our premises I say that we set up some forces with the remaining knights and attack. The serfs can help the wounded, and only fight if truly needed.” he proposed. He stood once more.

    “My lady, that could work. The serfs require something though. They need you to give them better working conditions. Otherwise they will continue to revolt.” I uncertainly said.

    “I will provide them better working conditions. Sir Sumner, go ahead with your plan.” Lady Olivia commanded. Sir Sumner rose again, bowed and left the room. “You two please leave, while I think about our plan.” she growled. Me and Clergy Aaron bowed and left the room. I walked over to my children's’ room. I open the door and strolled inside. Both of them sat awake on their beds. 

    “Do you feel okay?” I ask them.

    “Yes mother.” they answer in unison. I sit on the bed next to them and gently stroke their heads. I close my eyes and quickly fall asleep. 

    The next morning I woke up and quietly left the room. I spotted Sir Sumner in the halls and walked over to him. As I got closer I could see worry on his face. 

    “What’s wrong?” I asked. 

    “Our knights keep dropping by the second because of the plague,” he replied. 

    “We will do our best to make sure our manor stays safe. Don’t you worry, the serfs will keep us victorious.” I said with a smile. The two of us walked over to the stables. Walking in I could see dozens and hundreds of knights preparing horses for battle. “I can see that we’ll be fine in the battle.” I smirked. That brought a smile to Sir Sumner’s face.

    “Knights! Who’s prepared for battle! Who will win this battle!” boomed Sir Sumner.

    “We will!” the knight’s yelled in unison. They all started cheering and whooping. Minutes after that, the knights started saddling up. Once everyone looked ready they took off together. Sir Sumner rode with them into battle. I prayed for each and every one of them. I start thinking of the safety of my children and the citizens. I pray for them too. Finally, after praying I trudged back into the house. I strode over to the rooms and easily fell asleep on the soft, feathery bed.