Adelina’s Tale
Part I
At twilight a young girl walked through the town square, along the stone path
She had just delivered herbs and broth to her brother, sick with fever and rash
Walking quickly toward home that cold night
The maiden traipsed close to the glowing street lights
Did she imagine those whispers in the alleyway as she went on her way?
I wish she had, but this I cannot relay
A dark wolf emerged silent in the night
He jumped and twisted her arm as he sneered with delight
The thief grabbed her purse and tore away her jeweled crown
Pushed her hard onto the ground
She crawled backwards as she thought all hope was lost
He struck her face when she tried to stand, and again tossed her down
At last a handsome stranger arrived
He brandished a sword and saved her from danger
The crook fled, and the man reached out his hand
Her face shocked with relief, he helped her to stand
They stole away to his home, so the girl was not alone
He gave her warm tea, for her nerves were worn
In the flickering candle glow
He tucked her to sleep, and whispered, “Sleep well, for this is so…”
“Just imagine that tomorrow is a better day,
Your troubles will soon float away
The grass is green, the sun is warm
I will ensure that you come to no harm.”
He kissed her hand and turned out the light
And he sat guard to watch over her that night
She dreamt in peace of her rescue by the knight
As the lieutenant also finally dozed in the moonlight
It was at the stroke of midnight
The maiden arose cold with a fright
She emerged from the bed and kneeled before the knight
Slowly she raised her hand to his tanned face
Stroking strands of dark hair from his temple with grace
The young man stirred, awoke face to face
To see the maiden before him in that place
“My darling, why do you cry?”
In quiet sobs she choked
He rose and lit a fire, the embers he stoked
Her cheeks glowed warm from the flame
She worked up the courage to whisper his name
“Phillip, my rescuer, in angst I dreamt.
Once again my attacker struck me down.
I fell in the dust as he tore off my crown.
He cackled and howled, my crown in hand.
Till I saw you arrive close, peace and justice to demand.”
He held her close, head on his shoulder
With strong hands embracing her tight, he consoled her.
“Dear Miss Adelina, at times we are all caught unawares,
By an enemy or monster who emerges from thin air.
But you are strong inside, do not be scared.
His fingertips slipped through her silk, raven hair
Comfortable and warm, tight in his arms
Her heartbeat slowed, free from alarm
He kissed her forehead, his lips lingered there
He kissed down to her nose
There on the floor cushions they dozed
At dawn they arose with the sun
They went out the door, quiet as nuns
Together they walked back to her home
In the bright morn she did not fear to be alone
She rose up to her toes and laid a small kiss on his cheek
“Goodbye sir. Be well until next we meet.”
Later that day, the knight patrolled the whole town
He walked every street as he looked around
He found the thug in a seedy pub, hunched at the bar.
The young man persuaded him to follow outside the door.
“You have nowhere to hide. Return to me the maiden’s crown,
Then you may return inside. Else I will alert the constable, or the royal guard.”
Caught red-handed, the thief looked down.
In the busy street, there was no way to flee town.
He reached inside his dirty coat, and retrieved the silver crown.
He huffed and threw the crown onto the ground.
The next day, the maiden returned to his house to give thanks
She prepared a basket for him with sweets and tea cakes
He smiled bright as they met at his door.
“Come with me Miss; let us take a walk near the shore.”
By the sea they laid a blanket and shared some of the treats.
He noticed the deep blue of her wide eyes that matched the hue of the sea.
“Maiden, I have something for you as a surprise.”
He revealed from his coat a blue velvet pouch
Its contents the girl could not surmise.
“I wish to return what is rightfully yours.
I met with that thug who threw you down to the floor.”
The knight removed the glittering crown and placed it gently on her head
The crown felt cool on her head, as her cheeks turned a pale red.
“Sir! I am indebted and so grateful to you.”
Her blue eyes, glassy, filled with dew.
“This crown was my grandmother’s
Gifted to me this year the occasion I turned twenty two.”
“It was my honor; I could not let that thief skip town
To run away and sell your beautiful crown.”
He turned to face her and picked up her hand
They sat quietly watching the waves there in the sand.
Just then a girl rushed to meet them there, waving her hand
“Dear friend, Adelina! You must return quickly to the town.
Your brother’s conditioned has worsened; his fever will not go down.
I fear he may be slipping away.
You must return with me, here you cannot stay.”
The young knight accompanied them
They fled away from the sea
Like petals that fall from a stem
Her face crumpled with melancholy
Soon they emerged there at the door
Inside they found Lorenzo sprawled onto the floor
His wife wept in the corner of the small room
A cloud of sadness over her loomed
“He may not last through the day
This wretched flu will take him away.
Every day for healing I have prayed
God will not allow him with me to stay.”
They stayed with her there, and pressed a cool cloth to his head.
Lorenzo returned to his bed, quietly they waited, overcome with dread.
Lily of The Valley 