Coming From the Shadows Series
Coming From the Shadows: Lydia
Norina 2
Previous Instalments:
- Norina: Part 1 – Norina’s Journey: Danger in the Lombardy Countryside
The January air bit with a fierce cold; it was a stark contrast to the inferno consuming the Fiorito Vineyard; the orange flames clawed at the sky, painting the twilight with a hellish glow, punctuating with sharp cracks of gunfire that echoed out across the rolling hills.
Cathryn; her faced etched with a grim determination, hone from all of the years of fighting and struggling; reined in her horse, beside her was her daughter; Lydia, they saw the orange glow in the distance, heard the sound of gunfire ring out “Someone needs our help Lydia” Cathryn said, her tone stiff
Lydia nodded her head, the travelling had been exhausting, but now there wasn’t time to think of rest; they needed to help whoever was in danger.
“Come on” Cathryn said; the two spurred their horses forwards, the animals responding instantly to the urgency in their riders tones; as they drew closer, the more palpable the sense of dread became, the air thrummed with it – thick with the smell of burning wood and a metallic tang of blood.
Inside the farmhouse chaos reigned; two figure clad in dark hooded jackets moved with ruthless efficiency – they were disciples of the Imperium, they represented its interests in the newly established Italian kingdom; they were only here as a result of the interference of a man named; Eliodoro – a man who had been trying to interfere with the Imperium’s growing influence in Italy.
Now, the Fiorito family was under threat – the first Cultist, kicked open the door of the kitchen, his rifle tightly gripped in his hand; as the door swung open, Valentina Firorito, her face streaked by soot and tears, stood defiantly between him and the doorway, her arms outstretched “Please!” she screamed “Please stop; spare my children!” her voice was raw and desperate
The Cultist though didn’t hesitate; he raised the rifle, he pulled the trigger – the sound rang out, its sound deafening within the small space; Valentina crumbpled to the ground, her pleas of mercy silenced forever
The two Cultists split up; they moved through the house separately, the Cultist wielding the rifle; Christopher, found the young lad; Benito as he cowered in the back room, a single shot was all it took, he snuffed out another life – he was satisfied and moved to find the way upstairs.
In the living room, Angelo was hiding; the second Cultist; a man named Michael unfortunately found him; as Angelo pleaded for mercy, Michael showed no hesitation as he raised a pistol; the shot rung out as he squeezed the trigger – another f the Fiorito family had been taken.
As Michael turned to leave the room; the sound of shattering glass pierced the air, he whirled around instinctively; but, it was far too late for him, a searing pain erupted in his throat.
The pain was sharp, an agonizing intrusion that choked off his scream, his hands flew up, his pistol clattered to the ground; as he hands moved to his throat, he felt the hilt protruding from his windpipe, then he felt what seemed like soft, delicate fingers that were wrapped around the hilt; his eyes landed on her; Lydia – his eyes wide with both terror and disbelief.
This young girl, barely past the age of 16 showed no hesitation in her action, no any remorse – her face was an impassive mask, her grip on the knife was unwavering.
In one swift and practised motion, she wrenched the knife back; Michael collapsed as his knee’s buckled beneath him; he fell to her feet in a silent heap, his lifeblood staining the already charred floorboards.
Upstairs; Christopher had been moving from room to room; he knew it wouldn’t be long before he would need to get out, so he needed to finish his search quickly then, he found her – he found Norina huddled in the corner of her parents bedroom; her eyes were wide with terror and grief; a sinister smirk played on Christopher’s lips as he raised the rifle; ready to extinguish another life.
A creak behind him though caused him to pause, momentarily distracted – that hesitation was all it took.
A blinding pain exploded in his neck – a searing agony that paralyzed him, he couldn’t scream; he couldn’t even turn his head, the knife plunged from left to right, tearing straight through his neck, severing the vital arteries and cutting off his air and ability to react.
Lydia, her face still devoid of emotion pulled the knife free; the blade slick with a crimson liquid – her eyes landed on Norina, a flicker of surprise crossed her face – the resemblance was uncanny, they could have been sisters.
Outside, Cathryn had been stalking around the vineyard, searching for signs of anyone around – near the edge of the vineyard, she found him; Federico, an Italian Cultist, she’d seen him before when he had been learning from Lydia’s father; George back at the Smythe Estate – though they had never interacted, until this encounter,
Cathryn dismounted from the horse; she drew a knife, holding it in a reverse grip and advanced towards him, deliberate and an unwavering pace.
Federico saw her approaching, he had a confused expression believing she maybe a survivor of the Fiorito family, his hand rested against the hilt of his sword “Non avrai pietà da parte mia” he told her, a dark grin present
“I’m English; not Italian” Cathryn stated, knowing he was most likely mistaking her as a survivor; Federico looked confused “Cathryn Langdon” she said simply
Federico’s dark grin disappeared immediately; he recognised that name, she had been someone with a history interfering, and rather successfully too against the Imperium; her actions had done significant damage to George’s Smythe’s criminal and Cultist activities.
Hew drew his sword; it’s steel flashed in the flickering light – he quickly advanced towards her, he would end her threat right here and right now.
The fight that unfolded between them was a brutal ballet of skill and strength; Federico, relying on his size and power, swung the sword with brutal force, he was trying to overwhelm Cathryn, but she moved quickly – too quickly, she was agile and moved with a controlled grace, evading his swings, and striking as she slipped in past his guard.
Her small precise cuts drew blood and chipped away at his confidence.
As Federico grew more and more frustrated; his attacks became more desperate; Cathryn saw her chance, she ducked beneath yet another wild swing and swung the knife across, the first swing cut beneath his knee, but her second swing; she stabbed the blade into his thigh – it floored Federico as he roared out in pain.
Kneeling beside him; her silvery-eyes burned into his “Why?” she demanded “Why attack this vineyard?”
“We came here to end Eliodoro; the dog that dared interfere with our operations; he and his family had to be dealt with” he smirked darkly “By now, the Fiorito family should have been wiped out”
As Federico started to laugh; Cathryn narrowed her eyes, bringing the knife up before suddenly pushing her hand forwards; stabbing the blade at the base of his throat and; she watched the life ebb away as he choked and spluttered – respectfully though, she guided his head down to the ground and closed his eyes before pulling the knife free and standing up.
She then shifted her attention to the burning vineyard; her heart pounded with worry as she set off; she needed to find her daughter.
When Cathryn reached the burning farmhouse; she saw her coming out from the burning building, she was leading the only survivor out, her arm wrapped gently around the young girls shoulders – Norina was sobbing uncontrollably – her face streaked with tears and soot.
Cathryn looked with surprise; her greath caught in her throat – the similarities between Norina and Lydia were startling ‘They look like twins’ she though; the same Raven-Dark hair, the same angelic-looking innocence in their features and the same haunting silvery-grey eyes, like her own.
Lydia looked up, her expression softening as she saw her mother “Mum” she said quietly “This is Norina; she’s the only survivor, everyone else is dead”
Cathryn approached, slowly kneeling in front of them, her gaze lingering on Norina’s tear-streaked face, she saw the pain and grief, the utter devastation in her silvery-grey eyes; that protective instinct quickly kicked in.
With a gentle movement, she brought Norina close to hug her “You’re safe” she told her, her voice gentle, but firm “We’ll keep you safe”
As the flames continued to crackle and its orange glow lit up the sky; Norina found herself with only one direction open to her – Cathryn and Lydia; Norina would find safety with Cathryn and Lydia, going with them to escape the devastation of what was once her home.
The remains of the burned Vineyard would remain an eerie reminder of the actions of the Imperium as its remains stood silently.
Written By: Westley H.
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