The Black Death was a deadly plague that was spreading around Europe during the time of the Hundred Years' War. This disease came from central and eastern Asia. It was brought to Europe from ports that the traders were traveling on. In those ports were nasty little rats carrying the disease. They had fleas on them that feasted on infected blood. Because the environment of Europe was dirty, it was a perfect place for the rats to stay. So the disease didn't stop spreading for awhile.
             This disease was so severe and serious that it killed about 25 million people; most people died in Europe because of this, but some people around the world died from this also. The disease wasn't only in Europe, but also in Asia. Because so many people died, there weren't enough workers to stay in the manor system. Those who survived collected enough money, and fled the town. This really changed Europe. 
 
     As of lately, Christians and Muslims have been fighting over the control of the Holy Land. Each of them has lost and won some battles. But that's not the point. My uncle was invited by the pope to fight against the Muslims in the Holy Land. The problem is, my uncle is too old to fight. My father is already there fighting. I'm the only boy available to join this Crusade. My uncle tells me that if I do decided to fight for the Christians, it would be a very long journey just to get to the Holy Land. There will be risks along the way. Maybe the Muslims will find us traveling and decide to kill us; who knows. If I am fighting in the Crusade, it is a better chance of us winning, and making my family's empire more secure. I wouldn't want my old uncle to die in battle, either. 
     I must decide soon. But it's a really hard decision. Should I really risk my life for God? My whole family have been trying to convince me to go, and I think I am leaning on that choice. This will be such an experience for me. 
 
      My father and I had dinner together, and he explained to me about the alliance he had made for me. I was feeling shocked and a bit betrayed. He wants me to marry one of his new ally's children. I'm only 13, I still have things to experience, and I don't think it is the right time for that. If I do marry him though, my father's rule would be more secure and our nation is really in need for that. If I don't do it, I feel like I'm letting my father and his empire down, but if I do, would I be able to handle such a lifestyle at a young age? It would also mean that I have to leave my home to somewhere very far, just to marry someone who I don't even know. 
      When my father first told me this, my answer was no. I felt so betrayed, because I felt like he made a deal without my permission, and he did. I was also shocked at this because I know this would really change my life. The only thought that was going through my head was hatred for my father. I absolutely hated this idea. I know I'm not ready for all of this at all. After calming me down, he later explained about the alliance in farther details. It started to make more sense to me, but I was still furious with the idea. He told me that if I do marry this person, he would have a better chance of ruling securely. This made me think about it more because I did want my people safe. I told my father that I should have some time to think about it, and he agreed. 
     
 
          As I was roaming around the woods, desperately in search of food, I saw something in the shadow reflecting from the sun. As I went to take a closer look, it was dead man hanging on a tree. His clothes were ripped covered with blood, bugs were feasting from his wounds, and crows were nibbling on his feet. His tongue stuck out and it was very pale. There was also a note attached to him, and it had words on it. But I couldn't read them.  This made me realize that it may be a sign from God. He is probably telling me to be aware of my surroundings. Thank God I am still alive. This gave me the motivation to stay alive.
        I entered a random town. It was very deserted. Wagons were crushed, houses were breaking down, a well covered with mold, and there wasn't a single soul living in this town. Then I realize that this town was affected from the Great Plague. I was still in search of  food. When I entered a building that wasn't so crushed, I heard somebody singing. I was very surprised, so I had to find out who was it. When I did, it was a man. A real living man. But this is when I regret going to see who this person was. He first greeted me, asking me who I was and where I came from. I was a bit suspicious at first. When he offered me a piece of bread, I grabbed for it but he grabbed my hand as hard as a rock. He made me promise to him that I will be his slave!! I didn't know how to react to this. I was scared and shocked. How can this man do this to me? I had no choice but to obey him because he was too strong for me.
          So here I am, now a slave to someone I don't even know. I have no idea what this man is going to do to me, and I knew I shouldn't have trusted him. I feel so hopeless and lost. My life is ruined. This man has already given me an impression of a careless person. Imagine what he will do to me! Even if I try to run away, he will probably find me and take me back to Stormford where I will surely be killed from John Aycliffe. This man will probably always have me on check. May God please protect from harm..