No trace: Part Two of The Accidental Trilogy

Chapter Sixteen

Given a choice where to go after departing England, now that was a new one.

The whole continent was now to be engulfed in war, but I knew that not every single country would be affected. I had not been afraid of conflict and I would not be starting now.

In any case, I had my purpose in life to follow and in times of war, I would most certainly be kept busy.

Travelling back into France is a stark difference to my previous journey, I head towards the fighting, not away. Towards dubious characters, innocents in trouble, I seek out them all.

I keep heading south this time, makes a change and head into Switzerland, before aiming for Italy.

I had heard it was a beautiful place and I wanted to see it all for myself. Everyone needs a holiday after all.

I put away my sword and pistols, and various other weapons and instead danced and socialised my way down the various regions and states. I danced with various men throughout those Italian nights but they did not interest me that much. Their faces all blurred into one, but I was enjoying myself.

I even bedded a few of them. My first was young, a boy, then he was a boy no longer. The next one was older and taught me much in the bedroom.

I might have gone to bed with these men, but as always, I was in charge of my own pleasure.

And I never did anything that they asked for.

Once, one of these men tried to steal Andrea, but I stopped him with one of my daggers.

His hat gained a hole, but he had pleased me.

But I doubt I would see him again soon.

I decided to travel south again, visiting both Sicily and Sardegna, Sicily was the prettiest - before once more visiting the African continent. Since my last visit, I thought myself more confident there, able to look after both myself and Andrea.

With that in mind, I stayed longer than last time, and more closely acquainted myself with the locals, learning some of the languages and generally finding new ways to amuse myself.

But I soon grew bored, it seemed peacetime didn't agree with me.

I borrowed a boat and some provisions and set sail from the east coast of Africa, sailing east, towards the newest colonies that Britain had deigned to send its rule breakers.

New South Wales was interesting. I was fascinated by the bush landscape and despite the warnings from way back when from Louis about influencing history, I went exploring.

I soon left though. It was a very young country, excluding its indigenous population. I found them very wise of their surroundings and I envied them their ease. 

I had to use my savings to buy passage for Andrea and I, the smaller boats were a challenge and Andrea did not enjoy them.

That said, ships were difficult too, for all their rules and ship's etiquette.

'What in the hell do you think you are doing?' I exclaim in horror; a sailor is hitting Andrea with a stick.

'Miss, you shouldn't be down here.'

'Don't tell me what to do, put that stick down. Now!'

He puts it down, looking confused. 'He wasn't moving, Miss, Captain wants them moved across the hold...'

'And you thought causing him additional pain was the solution?' I pat Andrea on the neck, to try and calm him. He is not accustomed to such treatment and is clearly distressed.