June 24, 1578

The city of Melbourne was the capital of Australia, and was impressive. Markets covered streets, produce was high, and labor was of high demand. William had been the employer to Anthony Simons, a local fruit salesman. Simons is known for his produce from up north and even exporting such from Rhode Wales, which was now in full swing. He was well paid at a rate of 25 pence per hour and 150 pound per week. Every week, he mailed three quarters of his pay, no matter what it was back to his home in an unincorporated region out west.

Meanwhile, Malcolm had grown into a twelve year old. As the years went by, his greed diminished as he became a more civilized being. His mother had taken good care of him as well; always giving him enough food (now that it could be afforded), providing the best out of the little shack they possess, and even working out on their farm. He had made a good keep out of the barley to make extra comfort for him and his mother.

However, all was not perfect. Certainly, Margaret has long told him his father's whereabouts and he has developed enough to understand. But he never got to know the man from his own eye; never having seen his worker's face or having heard his fatherly voice. It was only the letters that he and his mother exchanged that he had received a basic understanding of the man. He himself has never written a letter. Not because he didn't care, but because of her mother.

Ever since William set out for Melbourne, Margaret knew she had to supportive for Malcolm. She imagined the ideal treatment would be to plaster a smile on her face, to hide all pain in her voice, to calm all strain on her skin, to force a movement without the slightest clue of suffering. She thought that one could do these with such a nature that it would be as if nothing hidden was to be found. Day after day she moved about in such a fashion, and was convincing enough to fool the baby, at least for a while. As the infant made its way into a child, she started to lose her ability to feign her act. Whether such stress was pented up, dropped upon by the child's growth, or a mixture of the two, it gradually began to manifest itself into young Malcolm's attention. Around July of 1574, he was walking about the home when he saw his mother sitting on her bed, crying. Now old enough what to do in such a situation, approached.

"What's wrong, mother?" Margaret looked and saw the boy in plain view. There really wasn't any point in pretending he hadn't seen.

"I just miss your father, Malcolm." she explained.

"But like you said, he will return someday. It could be tomorrow or in a few hours. He's probably on his way home, mother."

"I know...but I just miss him so much." another tear rolled down her cheek. Malcolm came up to Margaret and hugged her for a while.

Even to this day, this event has found a way to repeat itself.

X

William was making his usual rounds; selling fruit to happy customers and being a likable neighbor. It was any other day in the market. People purchasing what they needed and money being exchanged.

A short distance away, a clattering of horse shoes could be heard from the market. Vendors and buyers ceased their activity to attend to the matter. The bunch of horses turned the corner to be revealed to the people. Federal soldiers were supposedly making their rounds, as they did on a weekly basis. However, these soldiers were acting out of conduct as they had swords raised on one hand. The troops then placed a brake. One of them stepped forth with a piece of parchment in his hand. He read it.

"People of Melbourne and the Monarchy of Australia. Your king, Frederick and the royal family were assassinated late last night by the Liberators and their leader, Graham Peck. Peck has assumed the kingship and is here to announce that as of today, the monarchy of this nation is henceforth abolished. From this day, you shall bow down to your Supreme Leader." the officer then took out another piece of parchment and read.

"The borders of Australia will be closed and no person shall be allowed to enter or exit the country. Also, for the time being, all cities in the country shall be put on lockdown. Any person who fails to comply will face immediate death."

Every last person on the street was shocked. Some didn't want to believe this fact, but others took the issue seriously and started to reroute their lives.

Suddenly, though, a man in the street rose up. "We will not obey!" he chanted before charging toward the officers. The one in front resoponded by decapitating the rebel. The people looked on in horror.

"Let this be a lesson to the people. The Supreme Leader will not tolerate any opposition. Take a good look at what has just occurred." he decreed before he and the other soldiers galloped off.

The people couldn't help but look on in terror upon the man who was just slain by the soldier's hand. William looked along with him so as to not stand out. To him, it was a reminder that he must get back to his home in the West.

William left after a minute to return to his apartment. He originally lived in a run-down one, very similar to the shack back at home. But as more profit came into his reach, he was able to move into a nicer apartment. He knew well of his duty, but was also aware of his self-being.

He sat down at a nice desk and he prepared for his escape. It would be foolish to try to flee now, but tonight- the first night- would be the best time. He thought through his head of the ultimate plan of efficiency and deception.

X

That night, he looked out his window, with a plan in mind. He checked his window to see if the streets were clear. Since the first announcement there had followed several others of decrees and ordinances for the people to abide:

I: No person shall oppose the Supreme Leader, his associates, figures of his interest, or his enforcers.

II: No person shall speak out against the Supreme Leader, his associates, or any figure who's favored by the Supreme Leader or his associates.

III: No person shall abandon the Supreme Leader.

IV: No person shall influence or become influenced by foreign ideals, interests, or materials.

The federal guards ran through the street, to insure that all residents were about in their homes. There was now a strict curfew for the hour of twenty-one. Although no commoner had any device for measuring time, Peck certainly did, as well as his most trusted officers. People who were out were required to enter their homes when they hear the horses clattering. Any person caught in their sight was executed on the spot.

William sat by the window until he could hear the clattering no more. He then emptied out his drawers with all of his earnings. He carefully place the money in a small pouch and left his apartment. He did this ever so silently to prevent a breach in his neighbors' sleep. He made his way down the stairwell while keeping watch of his every step.

At the bottom of the stairs was a small lobby with a counter for the clerk. The clerk had already gone home in his apartment in the floor above. William got himself behind the counter and looked out the window to check for federal guards. For extra awareness, he got to the small window himself and looked in all directions for the uniform.

Once he was sure he was clear, he made his way out the door. The streets were mostly desolate and dark. But William took no advantage from this and continued to make silent footsteps as he quickly made his way down to a crossing. He looked to the left and was astounded to see an active troop at the end of the road.

He hesitated before making a left and ran as quietly, but fast as he could. After running for no more than several seconds, the soldier picked up the sound and saw the man running. The officer galloped his horse to approach the violater as quickly as he could. William noticed this and needed to pick up the pace. He moved and he sprinted, but it was no use, for the officer was too fast on his horse. He took out his sword and sliced William's shoulder. He fell down for a moment, to take in the pain of the gash that took up his shoulder. He got up, though, wincing in pain. He tried to get away from the officer, but the trooper jabbed his sword through William's chest and out front.

William briefly saw the bloody iron blade before darkness filled him. His body fell over, dead.

To Be Continued