𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐔𝐋𝐔𝐒 & 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐀𝐔𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐒 @senatus-romanus
The Baudelaires were learning that no place was far enough to escape Count Olaf's relentless grip. He followed them no matter what. No matter where. Even crossing an ocean had not sufficed. And it had been no easy feat! Too young to board a ship on their own, the Baudelaire children had hidden in the hold for weeks, while the boat made its way to the coasts of Italy. And for a brief, blissful moment, it had seemed like they were free.
They had hitchhiked to Rome, and found refuge in a convent where they had been welcomed by nuns. They didn't speak any Italian, but Klaus knew enough latin to get by, and talk to the nuns. For a few days, the Baudelaires were happy -or as happy as one can be, after such a long string of unfortunate events.
That was until Count Olaf appeared at the convent, disguised as a priest. It was his worst disguise by far, and had sent shiver down Violet's spine. But the Baudelaires knew better by now than to try and explain who he was, what he had done. They fled in the night, with Olaf right on their heels.
The chase had taken them to Palatine Hill, closed during the night. But there was small gap in the gate, big enough for three children to go through. But too small for Count Olaf. "He can't get through," panted Violet, Sunny still safely in her arms. "We need to hide," insisted Klaus in response. "He'll find a way in. He always does."
Olaf was circling the gate like a vulture. Violet imagined he was relentless enough to wait until morning and pose as a tour guide. "You're right, we should hide. Or find a way out." It was Sunny who interrupted their conversation. "Gack!" she exclaimed, which meant "look at that myserious figure, emerging from the night." She was pointing at a man. The man approached, scolding them for being inside the ruins after dark.
The Baudelaires looked at each other. "You're here," pointed ouf Klaus. If the ruins were off limits, then he was trespassing, too.
"We know he is too big, but he will find a way," said Violet, looking back at the gate. "He always does." She turned her head to glance at the man in front of them. Adults had never helped them before, not really. "This man has been tormenting us for months. He follows us wherever we go. If you know this place, could you just tell us where we can go to leave without his knowing? We won't be a bother, we just need a way out."
kianamaiart
origamiaround
blakekathryn
2087
