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Trigger warning: this chapter contains some depiction of violence and sexual abuse.
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Aelynn's POV
They'd reached their destination.
Lying just around a mountainous slope, the Romans were in an advantage not to be seen by the village inhabitants.
"Quintus."
The Centurion called out his right hand's name who was immediately by his side.
"You know what to do."
With a brief nod, Quintus vanished, followed closely by nearly half of the troop, disappearing behind the ridge.
Anxiously, Aelynn peered into the direction where they'd disappeared. She strained her ears to hear something. Anything...
Then, she heard people crying out loud. Her breath hitched in her throat.
In a moment, all was silent again.
What has happened? Did this man order to kill them? After he promised me not to...
She fidgeted in the saddle, desperate to see it for herself.
The calm Roman's voice brought her back to her senses.
"Stop doing that."
Aelynn froze immediately.
"When we're in the village, you'll translate for me. And exactly how I say it. Do you understand?"
His piercing gaze focused on her face.
"I understand...Dominus."
Right then, he gave a sign to his men, leading them onto the road to the settlement.
With trepidation, Aelynn watched, as they passed by the ridge.
There, on a river bank she saw her neighbor's village. Encircled by the Roman soldiers.
As they neared an entrance of a wooden gate, Aelynn could make out many familiar faces among her tribe people. All inhabitants stood on a central square, with the soldiers at both sides holding their swords at the ready.
Stopping in front of the crowd, the Centurion dismounted, putting Aelynn down.
Stepping forward, he scanned scared faces of the people.
Aelynn stayed right behind him, feeling deeply ashamed.
When he spoke, his voice sounded authoritative and unyielding.
"My name is Marcus Cornelius Lucilius. I am a Roman Centurion of the first cohort of Legio II Augusta. Who is in charge here?"
He beckoned Aelynn to stand to his left.
"Translate."
She repeated what he'd said. Her voice trembled a bit. Slowly, an old man with a silver beard came out from the crowd.
She knew him, it was the chief of the settlement.
The man came to an abrupt stop, recognizing her as well.
His eyes roamed about her Roman clothes, finally settling on her face. He looked surprised and disappointed.
"Aelynn, child. How did you..."
YOU ARE READING
Cruel Love
Historical Fiction"I warned you, you live under Roman law now. And you violated it. You touched what is mine. The punishment for that is ... death." Plunging his sword into the attacker's chest, the Centurion let the man fall and bleed out on the ground. Aelynn shrie...
