A Chosen Love - Book 1 The Frencolian Chronicles (complete)

Chapter Twenty-nine

Prince Leopold and Dorai searched for Dagan all week in vain.

Sightings, as far north as Valdemar were reported and the last town the elusive Dagan had been sighted was the town of Ahren, some four hours' ride from the city of Frencberg. After that, it appeared Dagan had moved east.

Leopold again commissioned troops to locate his trail, hoping that they would either capture him, or he would continue traveling east.

Dorai and Leopold rode with their men across the border into Bavarest where they pursued sightings, leading them southwards. They hoped Dagan wasn't planning to do a circuit and head back into Frencolia.

Doctor Gilbert and Doctor Jacques had been commanded to tend the king after Dagan's diabolical deed of poisoning the water. The king's health declined day by day and the doctors pronounced his condition as being 'seriously ill'. The loud whispers were that his diarrhea was persisting and he now hemorrhaged from his bowel.

Queen Catherine was in constant attendance with her husband, but the king requested that all others be kept away. As his condition deteriorated, and the doctors altered 'seriously' to 'critically' and messengers were sent to summons the prince, urgently, back to Frencberg.

Doctor Gilbert, who also attended Elissa, was amazed at the difference in her now.

Having written out all Jesus Himself said about life as well as death, Elissa found herself agreeing with Godfrey's reassurances. Her personal, inward submission to the words Jesus spoke brought her great peace.

Again, beneath the cherry tree, discussing spiritual matters with the old counselor, Elissa was further encouraged as he shared more about the subject of depression.

Godfrey's voice lowered as he spoke, "I would like you to remember, Lady Elissa —Elijah suffered from depression —Jonah also —and as you have read —our dear Lord. From my studies on the subject, I often find that people who achieve great things suffer from depression at times. This gives even more reason for you to keep close to God and to seek His Will. One of the greatest tools of adversary against the believer, is discouragement. I'm sure God has great things in mind for you."

Elissa looked up to see her brother and the prince ride into the castle grounds.

The men arrived in dark moods due to Dagan having slipped through their carefully planned cordons. Their weariness from the hurried journey from Bavarest back to Frencolia added to their bad temper.

Leopold strode to where Elissa sat. Godfrey heard the approach but continued his oration about depression. However, Elissa had ceased listening.

Standing, she curtsied, having seen acute indignation upon the prince's face.

Leopold wrenched the Gospel of Luke from Elissa's gentle grasp.

Turning, he spilled his bottled-up temper on the old man. All his damaged emotions regarding Dagan's escape and their fruitless search, came to the fore.

"Her Majesty, the queen, has forbidden you to speak to Lady Elissa, Godfrey. How dare you disobey!" He turned on Elissa, "And how could you listen to such nonsense! You spurned Rao Chang's counsel, yet you listen to this rubbish from an old man... a discarded counselor!"

Prince Leopold shook the book at Elissa and raved, "I say the two of them are the same, just at opposing ends of the balance!" He tapped his temple as he raised his voice further to say, "My Mother is right. We need to get some perspective back into our heads. Obsession with religion is for the weak-minded!"