The Star King

The Beginning Journey Great Berkhampstead February 1413

The noise was thunderous as she made her way along the crowded streets. People pushed and shoved their way through, not only people but also horses and carts and life stock.  The noise was overwhelming as well as the smells. Market sellers shouted and thrust their wares in people's faces as they went past.

Elisabeth pushed her way through the crowds, trying to avoid the sellers. Never had she seen the little town so alive. Looking through the dense sea of people, she could just make out the southern entrance to the castle. The castle towers stretching endlessly towards the cloudless sky. The kings flag fluttering in the breeze.

Huge wooden gates had been flung open revealing the rest of the town nestled inside. The draw bridge was down and people thronged in their masses into the castle. Clinging tightly to her small wicker basket, Elisabeth let herself be carried along by the crowds.

Reaching the market place Elisabeth nearly gagged as a stench filled the air, of people, manure, and life stock that were scattered everywhere. She cursed as she nearly fell over a stray chicken as it clucked in front of her.

It was a relief to all her senses once she had purchased all that she needed and found herself out of the packed market place and the hustle and bustle of the castle to the empty narrow streets beyond.

Soon she passed the fields of wheat and meadows full of wildflowers defying the cold and blooming in the late winter sunshine. Passing the vineyards, she smelt the fragrant grapes, closing her eyes she breathed in deeply until she heard her name being called, opening her eyes she waved back as the workers waved at her.

Continuing on Elisabeth started to sing to herself as she walked swinging her small wicker basket. Wrapped up in a fur-lined cloak of soft wool. The day was chilly but beautiful, the sky; like a crystal blue ocean, the clouds small fluffy wisps moved seamlessly like small boats on a calm ocean.

She felt contented and for the first time free. Birds sang in the trees darting from tree to tree following her. The narrow lane now turned muddy; carefully making her way, she came to a magnificent grey stone house overlooking the valley and the town below. Ivy trailed up its surface, sticking to the stone-like glue. The building was completely symmetrical with both ends jutting out and six windows each side and an oak wooden door in the centre.

Stopping for a moment to take in the view she looked across the valley, seeing the Motte and Bailey castle standing tall and proud. Her eyes flicked towards the woodlands opposite and she could just make out a herd of deer charging across the grasslands towards the thick trees. Smiling she turned back towards her home.

A little wooden beamed farmhouse stood a few feet away from her home along with the stone grey stables. Seeing the farmer, Elisabeth smiled at him and at the stable boy John who both waved back. Stepping to the oak door she looked up at the sky that had now turned dark, huge swirling clouds had built out of nowhere and now threatened rain. Opening the door just in time as great drops of rain spilt out of the sky and fell to the ground shutting it she sighed and thanked God that it hadn't rained before.

Someone had lit the fire in the main hall; it cast an orange glow that cast shadows over the walls. Flickering light danced off the tapestries that adorned the walls. Walking to a huge beech dining table she started to unpack the contents of the basket.

Jumping, she nearly dropped the cheese she was holding, as an almighty crash resounded throughout the house. Two little scared faces appeared at the door to the solar, her two children poked their heads round into the hall.

Upon seeing her the little boy cried out

 " Ma-Mare".  

He ran towards her his arms outstretched and somewhat unsteadily on his small feet.  He had tears streaming down his face and his cheeks were flushed. Picking him up she brushed back his blonde hair.