A/N: Okay, so I was planning to launch the update sooner and space them out, but I decided I owed you another back-to-back for not updating in nearly a week. It's just that things have gone a bit south as of late—tons of homework and some drama involving a kid I know so I've been distracted. I've been writing, just not posting and I really apologize for that. So yeah, this is the final chapter of this episode, after which I will release Episode 2, which I already teased. I'm sure you've guessed it's set in medieval times by now. I will also post the full cast of Episode 2 down below, so check it out after you're done reading the final chapter of Markus and Madera.
PS: this picks up immediately after the last chapter, not a few days later like before.
It was a simple, brilliant plan that he had laid out hastily with good intent. But it would involve a good amount of suffering on both of our parts—suffering in the sense that we would be apart for a while longer. Markus promised to visit me by my window as often as he could. Occasionally, Caelum would bring me a letter from him—he knew I could read—concealed in her shopping baskets. On other occasions, my Mistress would slip a letter from me into her mail dispatch…
It was well after nightfall when the now-familiar rapping came upon her window. Madera quickly glanced about, ensuring no one else detected what was going on. She trusted Caelum, but she had been warned that the others would be jealous. According to Caelum, it had been a jealous kitchen slave who had tipped the general off in the first place. Caelum had promptly made sure the slave would never speak ill about Madera again, although Madera never did bother to find out how.
"Markus!" she whispered, hurriedly, once more glancing about to ensure no one else was awakened by the noise.
"Madera! I have good news! I am nearly ready now…"
"You are certain?"
"Positive."
"So we will be reunited soon?" she asked hopefully.
He nodded his head.
"And you think it will work out?" She was reluctant to become too eager or hopeful, lest she be let down.
Again, he nodded his head. She searched his blue eyes for any sign of insincerity and found none. He was investing, quite literally, everything into this plan. "Madera I will get you out of here," he promised. "And when I do, I will make you my wife."
Her umber eyes lit up. "Do you truly mean that?" He had never confessed this to her before.
"Yes," he smiled tenderly. "If you'll have me."
"Yes," she whispered, her lips inches from his. They had barely touched when stirring noises came from within. "Someone is awakening!" she whispered urgently.
Markus took two steps back. "Fear not, Madera! I'll return come morning!" She glanced back, seeing one of the slaves rolling over slowly, and waved a silent farewell. She slept fitfully that night, secure in the hope of the next morning.
Markus fulfilled his promise to me. He returned during the day and held a long conference with the General in the common room of the house. Even though we were not supposed to, Caelum and I lurked behind the curtain, catching snips of information as the two men spoke…
"I have been saving awhile for this, General," Markus told him, watching the older man closely. "I beg you to let me…"
"Enough!" The General held up his hand, then leaned forward, resting his bearded chin on his other hand. "Madera is a very fine slave of mine—I am loathe to lose her…"
"Please, General," Markus pled. "I have the money."
Caelum turned to Madera behind the curtain. "Money? For what?"
Madera smiled shyly. "It was part of the plan Markus devised. He is hoping to purchase my freedom from the General."
Caelum's hands flew to her mouth as she suppressed an excited exclamation. "You realize what this means if the General agrees?"
The girl nodded. "I shall be free."
"Free to marry him! Oh, Madera, I am so happy for you!"
Madera looked a little surprised, but joyous nonetheless. "You aren't bitter?"
Caelum snorted. "Madera, I have been here a while. I have seen countless slaves come and go. You learn to be happy for them after awhile."
The two girls peered around the corner again and watched as Markus and the General stood. Markus handed his commander a pouch, then made his way toward the curtain where he knew Madera and Caelum were hiding. He pulled the fabric back. Behind him, the General did not look surprised.
"You are free, Madera!" he cried triumphantly, gathering her into his arms. "You are free…"
I am free. We were wed shortly thereafter, and the life I had left behind—the kindness I had experienced, and the desolation—was not entirely forgotten, but happily replaced with a new, exciting, better life with love and freedom and expression. I am free.
EPILOGUE
Maddy read and reread the last page over and over. Apparently, Madera had not kept another diary after this, or at least none that was ever found. Intrigued and eager to learn more, she returned to the Eye and did some more research on the woman.
According to the information she found, Markus and Madera were indeed wed. Markus would go on to be a highly decorated centurion and Madera herself would later be a respected member of the community. They had six children—four sons and two daughters. Maddy also discovered that Madera was able to bargain for her mother and younger sister's freedom, and that shortly after that she also bargained with the General for Caelum's freedom. According to other historical records, the General's wife remained in close touch with Madera throughout the remainder of her life. As far as it was known, the General himself never purchased a slave to replace Madera or Caelum.
Mark caught up with her as she left the building that housed the Eye.
"Hey!" he said, giving her his ever-present sideways smile as he offered her his arm.
"You're off duty?" she asked, taking his arm.
"Just got off, yep. What were you doing?"
"Research."
"About…?"
"More family history stuff."
Mark paused. "You never did tell me how everything turned out between the slave and soldier ancestors of yours…"
Maddy smiled and thought it over for a moment. "Mark, I can honestly say they lived happily ever after."
He looked at her quizzically and she laughed, before explaining the entire resolution in condensed format.
A/N: And scene! That concludes Episode 1! What did you think? Did you like it? Love it? Loathe it? I want to know! Please review. Pretty please?
And now…presenting the cast of Episode 2!
Maddy Shannon as Princess Madeleine
Mark Reynolds as Sir Marc
Jim Shannon as King James
Lucas Taylor as Sir Luca
Skye Tate as Lady Sarah
Elisabeth Shannon as Queen Elizabeth
So there you have it! Medieval times is next! I wonder what will happen? Review this Episode and let me know you want more! Thank you all!
