Shattered Allegiances

It was late evening, the golden hues of the sunset painting the fields when Titus Harrison arrived at the Wellington estate. Dismounting from his horse, flanked by five armed vanguards, he approached Julius Jackman, the foreman, with an air of unyielding authority.

“You’re the foreman here?” Titus asked curtly, brushing dust off his coat.

“Yes, sir. How can I assist you?” Julius responded, his tone measured but cautious.

“I’m Titus Harrison. Is Lord Wellington present?”

“No, sir. Master Wellington is away in Stork City. Only the young master Henry is around, but he went out riding. He should return shortly. Would you like to wait inside?” Julius offered politely.

Titus wasted no time. “We’re hunting five runaway servants. One of them is a dangerous criminal named Darius King. Have you heard of him?” He held out a photograph of Darius, his piercing gaze fixed on Julius.

The foreman’s stomach dropped. Recognition flashed through his eyes, but he quickly masked it. “I… No, sir. I don’t think so. I’ve never seen him before,” Julius stammered, though his voice faltered under the weight of the lie.

Titus narrowed his eyes. “We tracked them all the way from Rossfield. One of them has a cousin here—someone named Avarora.”

Hearing his wife’s name sent a chill through Julius. He steadied himself, knowing any show of weakness could mean disaster for his family.

“Avarora is my wife,” Julius admitted, his voice steadier now. “But I assure you, sir, she is not associated with criminals.”

Titus was unconvinced. “We’ll see about that. Round up everyone, including your wife. We’ll find them among the workers.”

Julius hesitated. “The workers are still in the fields. It’s almost sunset, and I can’t bring them in without the young master’s permission.”

“Outlaws are hiding here!” Titus barked. “Henry will understand.”

“I understand your urgency, sir, but I insist we wait for young master Henry to return. Please, wait inside while I fetch him,” Julius said with deliberate calm.

After a tense pause, Titus relented. “Fine. But if they escape, it’ll be your head.”

________________________________________

Inside the house, Julius wasted no time. He hurried to the fields, where Darius and his group were returning from their work. Without preamble, he dragged them into a secluded area, his gun drawn.

“You lying criminals!” Julius roared. “Give me one reason why I shouldn’t shoot you all right here!”

Darius raised his hands, startled. “Mr. Jackman! What’s going on? We didn’t do anything!”

Peter stepped forward, his voice firm. “Calm down! Whatever’s happened, we can talk about it.”

“They have your picture, Darius!” Julius snapped, the gun trembling in his hand. “You’re wanted for murder! You’ve brought this to my doorstep and endangered my family!”

Darius knelt, his expression somber. “It’s true—we shouldn’t have come. But let me fix this. I’ll surrender myself to Titus if you let the others escape. Blame everything on me.”

“Darius!” Hans protested.

“I’ll say I forced your wife to help us,” Darius continued. “Just let them go.”

“Wait!” Logan stepped forward, his voice steady but urgent. “Mr. Jackman, look around you. Look at how they treat us here. You know it’s no better—probably worse—in other towns. I understand your position. I’ve been in your shoes. I worked the fields, swallowed my pride, and pushed myself to the breaking point just to climb up and become a guard. And for what? Nothing ever changes as long as they hold the power.”

Logan’s tone hardened, his words cutting through the tension like a blade. “It doesn’t matter how high you climb or how hard you work—as long as you’re a denizen, you’re forced to beat, betray, and kill your own people just to survive.” He took a step closer. “I know you’re afraid, but it’s not too late to change that. This fight isn’t just for us. It’s for the future of our country, for the people who have no one else to stand for them. Darius King is leading us, and together, we’re going to end this injustice. Please, give us that chance.”

Julius looked at them, his expression torn. He saw something he hadn’t seen in years—unshakable conviction. But he had seen hope falter too many times before. “No one can defeat these people,” he said, his voice heavy with despair.

Logan’s jaw tightened, and his next words hit like a hammer. “So what are you saying? That you’ll stay silent and watch as that young brat keeps tormenting your wife? Do you think this ends here? Two of your children aren’t even yours, Julius.”

Julius froze, his knuckles white on the gun. “What did you just say?” he hissed, his voice trembling with rage.

“You heard me,” Logan pressed, his voice rising. “This won’t stop. If someone doesn’t stand up, the suffering will continue. He’ll keep calling your wife to tend to his baths. You think your family is safe just because they eat three meals a day? That’s not living, Mr. Jackman—it’s existing. And it’s only a matter of time before they take even that away.”

Logan took a deep breath, his voice firm but impassioned. “We shouldn’t be fighting amongst ourselves. The real fight is out there, against them. Their brutality has gone unchecked for too long. What we need is to strike back with the same force they’ve used against us. The five of us—we’ll deliver justice for all the lives they’ve destroyed. For the sake of our people, our children—your children—please, trust us.”

For a moment, the world seemed to hold its breath. Logan’s words hung in the air, raw and unrelenting. Julius looked at each of them, his resolve wavering. For the first time, he felt a flicker of something he thought he’d lost forever: hope.