Anonymous
In the "Annals of the Kingdom of Valencia", Francisco Diaz, Quote is a castle called "Mariola", Figure castle nestled in the mountains of his name between Bocairente and Bañeres.
The Sierra de Mariola is universally known for the richness and variety of its aromatic and medicinal plants, And it is, definitely, one of the most beautiful spots in the province of Alicante.
Here, says the chronicler mentioned, there was a significant population Roman, what, according to data collected in the Annals cited, Sixth was founded by Mario, master of this important territory.
On-site so delicious I could not miss the touch of grace: the legend, delicate flower that always springs in prime locations.
This legend, we will tell, have, like many others, its origin in a historical fact related by Tacitus in Book IV of his Annals, fact that runs around the year 38 of the Christian era when Spain was under the power of Rome and the light of the Gospel not yet illumined our country.
The residence of this important figure was the aforementioned Castillo bearing the name of its owner and which was called the "Tower of Mario", around which it was formed a people who lived in the shelter of the powerful Spanish lord and whose inhabitants he paid tribute of vassalage. The Castilian had one daughter named Mariola, in which he had put all her love not only legitimate but also hope for the continuation of his illustrious lineage. The girl is already engaged to a young nobleman named Aulus Emilio, which plays an important position in Cartagena, near the Roman Praetor.
For pride representative of Rome it is intolerable that within its jurisdiction a person of such importance exists as Sixth Mario, to which, inside, He feared as a rival powerful, envying, in addition to its wealth and prosperity, its recognized strength and abided by all the inhabitants of the region. He has also heard about the beauty of his daughter Mariola, and regardless of the feelings of the young, what if, instead, which dictates his ambition, He decides to make her his wife. This not only have their property, but, too, You will be submitted to the father. He knows that a loyal and frank get nothing, it is aware that is regarded as an enemy. So he decides to employ cunning and even betrayal if need be.
Aulo Emilio learns his purposes and quickly notifies Sixth Mario. The most important thing is to put Mariola safe, removing it from the constant siege Roman.
In those times, intrigues and betrayals, all lords possessed a secret refuge. Sixth Mario also had his, and that's where sent his daughter. This refuge was the favorite retreat of Mariola, and why his father had prepared in a manner worthy of its opulence.
Before continuing our story to say that this retreat exists today and is known by the suggestive name of "White Grotto". It is located in the eastern part of the mountain, at a considerable height above the level of the valley of Cocentaina. It is a large gap within rock and whose name comes from the marble quarry that produces put into operation by Contestani.
This is the current reality, but the stories of the Roman times present us as a fantastic cave worthy of being inhabited by fairies of the forest. Era, say, a mansion of delights, carved into the rock, with slender columns and elegant marble arcades bright, where the light broke and fulgía with all the colors of the iris. The floor was covered in rich furs, and daybeds with beautiful oriental fabrics. Everywhere there were censers that perfumed the air artistic. All that the most refined woman could want was met in this wonderful cave requisites of its owner, the beautiful and most gracious Mariola.
In this extraordinary place, considered by some superior narrators to the Grotto of Calipso, Mariola moved with the most loyal of his servants and his most faithful guardian: a panther, "La Pinta", docilely following her everywhere like a lapdog.
Meanwhile, Praetor Cayo Lucullus has not wasted time and decides to implement his plan. feigning a friendly visit comes in the castle where he is received with the honors due to his high office. And as the days go by without Mariola make an appearance, Roman impatient and can barely suppress his anger. Finally Hopes greet and pay tribute, but his host replied evasively that serve to exasperate more and more impatient, as he was accustomed to having his wishes were promptly obeyed orders.
And quietly, underhand, the felony is preparing the trap in which everyone will fall with a cry of horror and despair.
Lucullus fell bribe get one of the servants to him discover the whereabouts of her mistress. And one night, when everyone is asleep, out two of the castle towards the grotto. The darkness is almost complete. The night is cloudy and cold. Wind, to the pass between the trees, Whistling a way gloomy and disturbing. In the distance, the howl of a dog is like a harbinger of agony and death… Roman and his companion silent advance, without perceiving the sinister nuance of the environment. Both are victims of their passions and are not interested in another thing achieving its goals. A) Yes, each lost in their intimate concerns, They reach the "White Grotto". Once there, Praetor, without making less noise, It slides into the alcove Mariola. She is charming in her sleep placidly, and Cayo Lucullus is truly in love with her and decides more firmly than ever have her. And while ecstatically contemplates, a dreadful cry tears the silence of the night.
One being had realized this visit: the "Pinta", that swoops against the unfaithful servant and shatters.
It is therefore the fuss gun, and Pretor, taking advantage of the general confusion, able to flee, but not before being recognized and being discovered, so, his betrayal.
At the Sixth Mario learn what happened, He has a violent interview with his guest, and although this, dominating his pride, and tries to apologize formally asks his daughter for wife, He flatly refuses to listen, and reproaching him for his disloyal proceed, throws from home.
Praetor, Enraged by this humiliating decision, vows revenge. The first thing is to retreat to Cocentaina and organize the attack on the castle, not only ordering their destruction, but the looting of the entire territory, whose wealth both covets. And that the rightful owner can not make any claim, declares traitor to Rome.
Misery and death take possession of the place where shortly before there was joy and abundance. The mysteries of the human heart, capable of destroying what most covets when you can not get it!
With all these events Aulo Emilio is deeply distressed. Long ago I do not see his fiancee and fears losing her forever. Puts into play all his influence to save the father and daughter. But fate not only makes useless all his efforts, but increasingly more complicated things and worse. In making frequent visits to Cayo Lucullus knows his sister Julia, whose influence would be fatal to his cause.
This woman, intimate friend of the Emperor, it is as immoral and arrogant as his brother. It is bored away from Rome and tries to find in Aulo Emilio light entertainment. Decisive begins his conquest, but all his arts of seduction crashing to the indifference of the young. She's not used to being desairen, and gradually putting more interest in the game until what began as a hobby banal grows into a passion.
His female experience guess a rival whose name takes to meet, and then his bad instincts would advise a cruel revenge. To achieve this he joins his brother in order to lose these unfortunate beings, who have not committed more crime that cross your path, but as you know the region very revolt walks and all are part of the Sixth Mario, decide what is best for his reconciliation plan is to appear, They fear the emergence of a protest and the Emperor finds out the truth.
Cayo Lucullus from this moment begins to prepare his revenge, for which achieved an imperial order calling Sextus Rome Mario and his daughter. This means a high honor and, so, Praetor and his sister offered to accompany them on their journey. It will also Aulo Emilio, because Julia, underhand, He has managed to gain the trust of young people and has become her confidant and friend.
In Rome, the emperor, completely oblivious to this plot, He receives them and entertain them kindly invited to parties Palacio, showering them with attention.
Praetor can no longer prolong his stay in Rome and has to return to Spain where he claimed the duties of his high office.
In this way, Julia is left alone in Rome, where you can work freely. It not takes to implement their nefarious purposes taking advantage of the great influence exerted near the Emperor.
The first thing is to separate the lovers in order to act more freely in the conquest of Aulo Emilio. At once, knowing quite well how to be Emperor, is dedicated, with great cunning, to ponder in their presence charms Mariola. The ploy succeeds and Tiberio is captivated by the beauty and youth of the Spanish. Immediately tries to seduce her, but rejects Mariola unceremoniously. Naturally, Tiberio can not accept this rejection, because it is used to satisfy all your desires and seeks to impose its will by force. Then Sixth Mario has no choice but to intervene in defense of his daughter and fearing the wrath of the Emperor decides that it is best to steer clear of the danger returning to the Motherland, from which they should never leave.
The downside is that it did not have the cruelty of Tiberius, Exasperated by his passion that upset and intrigues Julia, orders the arrest of father and daughter.
From this moment, again no one know anything about them.
Aulo Emilio, meantime, It makes desperate efforts to find them, but all inquiries are useless. Great sadness comes over him and Julia takes advantage of this mood to achieve their purpose being always solicitous and affectionate side. Feigns help and does everything he can to distract, without getting the smallest victory. Al fin, desperate and boring, decides to end once this situation that pride can not suffer any longer. The time has come to take revenge on the man who has not succumbed to their arts of seduction. You still have to keep pretending a little more…
the festival of the circus and Julia asks Aulo Emilio approach to accompany and so may also distracted him. The young man tries to decline this invitation, but notes something evil in the expression of Julia startles him and forces him to accept.
And while debate terrible uncertainty comes the day as desired and feared.
Circus presents its usual appearance. The tribunes of the Emperor and the patricians are a display of wealth and good taste, framework suitable for ladies show off their beauty there. In the crowded bleachers crowd and yells at the sight inflames Barbarian. They are happening gladiatorial combat with scenes of useless cruelty consabidas. After…
There is an expectant silence. Tragedy in the environment and is perceived only heard gasping breaths. You will start the number of beasts, and now moving on sand Two figures appear: an old and a young girl who remain closely embracing. Their faces reflected great sorrow and despair. You can guess who can not understand the cause of all this. Cheeks of the old man tears slide. Perhaps at this moment supreme recalls the distant homeland, the happy times spent in the mountains perfumed… She does not cry. It is pale, rigid, absently…
The poignancy of the group wakes up in the bleachers a feeling akin to godliness and hear some phrases of compassion. They also are not these victims that they like, for neither extreme youth Girl, nor elderly man, they allow the slightest gesture of defense and, so, there will be no struggle or emotion. Die and nothing else.
In the stands barely there has been a curious look. Most remain indifferent. Only two people accused in his face his conflicting emotions. Julia has her eyes on Aulo Emilio and there is so much evil in her expression that her beautiful face is repulsive. En cambio Aulo Emilio… It has been paralyzed by terror, but when a tiger appears, that pounces on Sixth Mario, a cry hoarse, inhuman, out of her throat. Quickly, As opposed to running over his frantic race, She arrives at the arena at the time it leaves a panther…
Then something unheard of happens, ever seen at that site. Where the animal comes Mariola has fallen swooning and thrown to his side without doing any harm. It's the "Pinta"! Mariola The panther had offered as a gift to the Emperor!
The public, surprised by what is happening in the sand, shouts asking forgiveness for the victim, and meanwhile, Aulo Emilio has come to her and lifted her in his arms, after heading for the exit followed Panther. Nobody opposes its passage and taken advantage of the confusion in the circus manages to reach safety.
In Rome there are many Spaniards who when they hear what happened protect young people and hide until they can leave the city and return home.
It is a very sad return, Mariola has since lost his mind in the circus and not ever recover.
Her fiance can not Never! She makes her his wife but devotes his life to care for and protect. It also addresses their property, and as she can no longer enjoy their treasures, hides in the "White Grotto".
Contestani know when these events swear to avenge their masters. Aulo Emilio recognize as their new lord and without a moment's rise against Lucullus Cayo, who all hate, declaring all-out war. Cleverly they will besiege until, at last, get him prisoner. The Roman tries to bribe and offers honors and riches. Also make them see that Rome revenge will be terrible if a delegate of the Emperor something happened.
Spaniards do not answer. They smile enigmatically when told of riches. Are they, precisely, which they will offer the him! Y, indeed, what lead to the "White Grotto", to the place where the treasures are much coveted. There is the show and leave it in the company of the "Pinta"…
* * *
Many pastors and some hikers claim to have seen the mountains, late at night, the fantastic figure of a woman who roams around the "White Grotto". The always follows a smaller shadow that recalls the shape of a panther.
The inhabitants of those contours do not fear the appearance and therefore do not flee, because they know that will not do them any harm. Some describe it as a beautiful young, wrapped in white and flowing garments. It is beautiful, as they say, very pale and loose leads the wind long blonde hair that surrounds as a bright halo. Sometimes it stands still at the entrance of the "Grotto" and then it seems transparent alabaster statue.
When Walker, attracted by a mysterious power, tries to approach, Figure fades and floats like a fog girón…
On their way through the trees always you hear a rumor supersoft, sometimes, It is sorry and, sometimes, sigh. Sighs and moans that infuse serenity of the night a sweet melancholy.
It's the shadow of Mariola! says the wayfarer sobrecogido-.
The shadow of Mariola!… Blanca, light, transparent, He is crossing the mountains of mystery and poetry flooding… Poetry made with moonbeams, with delicious fragrances, with sighs of love…
And in the serene night, the breeze is sweet caress and running water with a sad rumor and stay, like he is counting the stars romance of a love affair wretches.
Why the most beautiful and fragrant mountains of the region is named after the beautiful and unfortunate Mariola.
