Title: The Samartian's Daughter
Genre: Action Adventure/Romance
Rating: PG (may go up)
Summary: I first knew that Marcus Honorius was not my father when I was twelve. "You may take themareout into the green if you wish, Viola...you handle a horse excellently." My mother said softly, "Just like your father." Marcus Honorius was a man of god who had never gone near a horse in his life.
A/N: I do not own anything here except for Viola. And, as always, be gentle in your reviews. Flames are not friendly.
:Prologue:
The Birthday Mare
I first knew that Marius Honorius was not my father when I was twelve. My brother had received a beautiful mare for his birthday. Even at the age of ten, Alecto pored over his books and locked himself away with his studies. To say the least, the lovely animal was left quite alone till I took the liberty of freeing her from monotony.
She had to be a thoroughbred. Her sleek coat and proud trot distinguished her from the soldiers' less impressive steeds. I led her out into the dilute sunlight that soaked the courtyard. I would never be allowed to go beyond the walls of our home. It was forbidden to me.
My knuckles turned white as I mounted her and gripped the reins, trying to calm her. The mare's tense muscles rippled between my legs till finally she grew used to the sound of my voice. Gently I started her at a trot about the sandy yard. She tossed her head with impatience, as if wanting as much as I did to gallop into the fields.
Before the temptation to canter out the gates and into the mountains became too much, I slid off the animal. She snorted as if insulted by my abandoning her. I turned to face her snout and smiled into her russet eyes. She was indeed a striking animal.
"You may take her out into the green if you wish, Viola," Came my mother's voice.
I turned to see her standing not far by. Her dark curls contrasted with her royal blue toga. They were as illustrious as when she was young but her face had grown pale and taut. However, a faint spark of beauty still lit her countenance when she smiled.
"You handle a horse excellently." She said softly, "Just like your father."
Marius Honorius was a man of god who had never gone near a horse in his life.