Robin Hood Adelaide (DRAFT 3)

Stoking her horse's mane flew back into her face as they galloped, flying faster than the dry wind. She slowed to a stop in front of a cottage. She was welcomed by the grey trails leaving the old fragile chimney. A little woman, called Aimée blonde wavy hair with tear scattering like small river tributaries, channeling the repugnant soot on her face immerged from smoke ribbons. Getting down from the horse, Adelaide, a young woman with pink scars lying fresh against her limestone skin.

She rushed towards the bag and handed it to the Aimée. Aimée trembled and said "Your Highness! I shall forever be grateful to you. My children are dying of hunger.” Rubbing her blurry eyes, she saw traces of scarlet on Adelaide’s hand. Her facial expressions changed with concern.

Adelaide replied, "We are all born from the same dust that we shall return to. Dust will heal it."

Aimée insisted her to layover for a while.

"Aimée I have to leave. They are following me." Adelaide’s voice was distressed.

With pain and adore in her eyes, Aimée headed towards her cottage.

She urged her horse on, too hurried to mind the inertia.

Dennis, the owner of the bakery followed her. With a hoarse voice, he yelled, “Girl you have burnt the manorial dews lists and looted my shop.”

Tightening her neck, Adelaide glowered, "Everyone is dying. Bread is a necessary item. How dare you hoard the supplies. I can't breathe in silence until every stomach is full.”

She paced her horse and disappeared into the trees embarkment.

After changing into a fresh pair of clothes and dressing her wounds, she continued writing her book. A knock on the door alarmed her. Her reflex action was to hide her book into the camouflage cabinet made by engraving her drawer. Hearing her brother, Jermaine’s voice reverberated, it was a sign of relief.

Jermaine gave a detail of the Estate General Assembly. “The third estate had to stand in the back. We tried to give all your letters but unfortunately failed. Adelaide, our people are suffering. I am in support of women’s rights, but other men are toxic about it. Also, the third estate is boring for taxes. People are hollow now.” Jermaine’s tone was mournful.

Adelaide sighed. “This time it’s bone-chilling. Our people are in a blanket of hunger and poverty, winter’s drought is grasping their souls. The nobility doesn’t care about dying people. Women are standing in lines, hungry, just in hope of one bread to feed their kids. And….. she stuttered but taking in a breath she continued, “ When there is unjust turmoil turns into revolution, Revolution for rights. Equal rights.”

"commencer la révolution”

Shivering yet gathering courage he rubbed Adelaide’s bleeding hands. “I am with you. I have enlightened you with wisdom and gift of knowledge, it’s greatest in the world. We both should leave to fight.” He broke down into tears. Adelaide patted his shoulders and encouraged him to get up.

After Jermaine left, the book was hidden beneath her dress. Adelaide got onto the horse and with the speed of fire, she rode. Fierce fire spreading all over the place, people agitating, rivers of scarlet draining down the horseshoe.

As far as her eye could reach, women were waiting in serpentine lines in front of the bakery. She thundered into the shops, breaking the lines. Swiftly grabbing the bread she headed out of the shop. Generously distributed it among long lines. Keeping aside a loaf of bread in her bag, she headed towards Aimée.

This time she wasn’t welcomed with smoke ribbons, instead of her ears caught high pitched wave of wailing in the air. Jerking her feet of the horse she rushed into the cottage.

Aimée laid on her knees weeping Aimée’s throat was dried and swallowing the lump she saw Adelaide. “My husband left me for another woman. He thinks women don’t deserve to be educated.” Tightening her neck muscles she said, “Women should work and take care of kids. They don’t have freedom. Are these mere boundaries of womanhood?”

Adelaide was thunderstruck. “Women are born with a spark in their hearts, with the knowledge it lightens to fire which she delicately spreads into the society. Till when will this society live under black clouds of ignorance.” Despite the wetness on the brim of her eyes, she said “We are born to be strong. You can live on your own. I am with you.” Reaching for her book Adelaide handed it safely along with food to Aimée. “ I am going to fight. Jermaine is there to help others. Now it’s my turn. God forbids if my life comes to an end then please read this book, spread it, and remember me.”

Adelaide journeyed through a path of thorns. Laying the first stones of a great revolution she left her soul to a new world. She struck the blow that broke the ice, and Aimée followed her lead on the road to a new start. Adelaide’s book was published. Each page of the book had inspirational stories of women who struggled with work and the stereotypical situation. She became a renowned author. Over months before her demise, Adelaide taught Aimée to read and write. On the end page of her book was a note.

Dear Aimée,

I wasn’t able to confess when I was in flesh and blood. But, je t'aime. I have feared oblivion. I wished to be remembered and my work is the impression of my existence. The book about révolution is proof of my contribution to world history.

Yours Lovingly,

Adelaide

MEANING

Adelaide- is a French name meaning Noble

Aimée- a French name meaning beloved

Jermaine- a French name for brother

je t'aime- I love you!

commencer la révolution- start the revolution

révolution- revolution