The Mermaid and the Werewolf: Adella’s Tale

Goodbyes

1 Year Later

News travelled quickly back to the Emperor about this Legion being destroyed by the weather. It made him want her more in Rome. She could protect their city from the other powers that are trying to take it down for good.

He selected 10 of his best horseman, figuring a smaller group might not get the attention his large group did.

Atticus eventually found the horse and made his way to small fishing village about 20 miles past the Abby. He changed his name to Baron and tried to settle into life as a fisherman. He had no idea what he was doing but his strong shoulders and hands got him a spot on a fishing boat. He loved the water, the fresh air, the hard work. He could see himself growing old there. He grew his hair long and hid anything that would be a tale-tale sign he was from the Roman Empire. His horse was an honorable friend that carried his goods to sell into other villages. He stayed clear of the more heavily traveled roads, for safety. He was happy.

They new moon cast is dark shadow on the land as the 10 men pulled up to the walls of the Abby. Under the darkness they forced the door open and went room to room looking for the white blonde haired woman. Soon the Abby was abuzz with activity as the men found her and pulled her out of her bed.

Sister Nancy stood in the door way. “Sister move aside. We have orders from the Emperor.”

“I will not. You will take your hands off the girl and you will leave.”

Adellas arm hurt from the man that was holding her, tears began to escape her eyes.

“I will have no choice but to kill you.” The soldier said.

“You are not leaving here with her.” She stepped forward. “It is Gods will that she is here alone. We are only her caretakers.”

“I have my orders Sister, now step aside.” He started to pull his sword from its sheets.

“No.” Adella said with confidence she didn’t know was really there. “I will go peacefully. Do not hurt anyone.” She gently put her hand on his hand and looked him in the eye. He slid his sword back into its resting place.

She walked up to Sister Nancy. “I love you, I love this place, I have nothing but good memories here. Thank you so much for all your kindness but maybe this is my path. I could not bear it to lose you in this world.” A lone tear escaped her eye as she hugged her.

All the girls behind her began to cry. Adella went to each one of them, gave them a hug, whispered something to them and kissed their foreheads. It was hardest to say goodbye to Catherine. She felt something special for her.

As Adella got up on the horse they brought for her Sister Nancy approached her. “Here, this was your only worldly possession when we found you. I do believe that it has your name on it.” She handed her the pearl bracelet and Adella looked at it, still unable to remember her past.

“Thank you.”

They all watched her leave. She had never left the doors of the Abby since she had been here. Her eyes were wild and full of fear as she passed the threshold. Her heart was racing, she was afraid of the future but something inside her told her she had to leave with these men. She took a deep breath and looked over she shoulder at the only place she had ever called home and smiled to herself at all the good memories she had. It would always be a special place in her heart.

She was quiet for a long time as she rode with the men. All of them were stunned by her beauty. This wasn’t a normal woman. She made them all feel good deep inside. Her long blonde hair was up in braided buns but a piece of it waved in the breeze showing how long it could be.

After a while they stopped to make camp. The captain of the group set up her tent to make sure it was close to his and secure. She sat by the fire, still keeping to herself when a young man sat next to her.

“What is your name?” He asked, his black hair making his green eyes shine.

“Adella. And yours?” She didn’t take her eyes off the fire.

“Tatius.” He smiled at her. He knew what the other men were saying about her, about what they wanted to do with her but he was happily married which took those intentions out of his heart. They talked for a bit and 2 of the men grew jealous that she was laughing at whatever they were talking about.

Add in too much to drink and things became heated quickly. A large man stumbled his way over to them. “You are not going to f**k her so why don’t you hand her over?” He could barely stand.

Tatius stood up between her and the drunk soldier. “We have direct orders not to hurt her. Stand down.” He green eyes filled with fire as he got nose to nose with him.

“Stand down?” The drunk soldier started laughing. “You never tell me to stand down.” And he tried to backhand him across the face.

Tatius dodged and landed a left hook on the side of his face, sending him sprawling on the ground. A few of the other men that were drinking took notice and began to come to his aide. Taking swings at Tatius; he mostly was able to dodge them but a few landed. The Captain came out of his tent and got in between the men. “We have orders that no harm is to come to her. I know your d***s are not big enough to hurt her, but it is reckless nonetheless. Now stand down.” He looked at the group of drunk men just asking them to question him.

They all went back to where they had come from.

Tatius sat back down next to her, he wiped off his brow as he looked at her trying to smile. She could see in his eyes that he was afraid, he was still afraid they would come back. “Don’t worry. I will guard you tonight.” His promise was true and he stood guard all night long.

In the morning he went over to the drunk men to wake them up. It was time to break down camp. All four of them were dead. They had been stung by poisonous insects. Their blue and bloated faces with their tongues protruding from their lips; sure signed they couldn’t breathe. “Ahh….Captain” Tatius called to him.

Both men looked over at Adella who was just crawling out of her tent. Her hair down and hanging past her hips, her simple dress hiding her perfect body. She was short tho, shorter than most people. The men looked at each other and shiver ran between them. “I think keeping her comfortable and safe is in our best interest.” The Captain looked back at his men. “Let the horses go, we can’t carry that much extra stuff.” He gave his orders to the remaining 5 men and walked away.