Locadio’s Ordeal: A Tale of Love, Loss, and Redemption
Locadio’s Ordeal
A powerful force drove the blood. Locadio, an old man walking with a young hidalgo, his servant, a small child, and her maid. Everything was tranquil until Rodolfo and his gang crossed their path. The indiscreet looks of Rodolfo’s gang angered the old man. Insults and teasing were exchanged, and they continued onward. Rodolfo observed Locadio’s precious face but said nothing.
Soon, he informed his comrades of his feelings, and they decided to return and kidnap her. They followed the old hidalgo’s steps, drew their swords, and took Locadio away.
Rodolfo was left at home so he could do as he pleased with her. Locadio begged and pleaded for her freedom, but Rodolfo violated her.
After a while, he didn’t know what to do with her; he locked her at home to find his comrades.
Alone in the house, she inspected it and took a crucifix. She returned to bed, and soon Rodolfo arrived, not finding his comrades. Shortly afterward, he decided to grant Locadio her freedom.
She went home, where her family received her. She told them what had happened, but they decided not to fear any reprisals. In time, she discovered she was pregnant.
Rodolfo, meanwhile, left for Italy with friends, completely forgetting what had happened just days before.
Locadio raised her son, whom she named Luis. She taught him letters and writing in Latin, wanting him to become wise. As time passed, when Luis was still a child, he was run over by a horse. An old gentleman on the floor was badly injured. He picked him up and took him home, where he healed him. Locadio ran to see her son and thanked the whole family.
Locadio recognized the little room, the same one where she had been held years ago, kidnapped by Rodolfo. She told her son, and then Rodolfo’s mother, showing her the crucifix. She sent for her son, who was still in Italy.
Rodolfo arrived in nineteen days, and his mother told him she had found him a girlfriend, showing him a false portrait. He said he didn’t want one. Yet his mother insisted he meet his spouse. Locadio entered with her son, grabbed his hand, and wished he thought she was his spouse, not the horrible woman in the portrait. Upon seeing Locadio, Rodolfo fainted and then died. After a kiss, they married.
Themes
The story revolves around a young woman named Locadio and Rodolfo, who rapes her, leaving her pregnant. It is set in a golden age, which could develop in any town or village.
Characters
The characters are humble and wealthy, as demonstrated by Rodolfo’s travels to Italy.
- Rodolfo: A young man of indeterminate age, between 16 and 25, whose actions are easily recognizable. He is cowardly and flees to Italy after Locadio’s rape.
- Locadio: A very sensitive young woman of 16 years, who feels powerless against Rodolfo’s actions.
- Rodolfo’s Mother: A mature woman who decides to order her son to return after what happened.
- Locadio’s Family: Humble and moderately wealthy people who do not know how to react to Rodolfo’s actions.
- Rodolfo’s Father: An old, brave, and decisive gentleman, who demonstrates this by taking Luis home to heal him.