Treasures - Book 4 The Frencolian Chronicles (complete)

Chapter 5

Luke drifted in and out of consciousness. His body felt black and blue, as though he'd taken a terrible fall from Speed. He would just gather the corners of his evasive thoughts to try to organize them then would drift back into an unconscious state.

The next time Luke came to, he and Sabin were in the back of some sort of cart, drawn along by two horses. It was deeply dark as the moon was covered in dark cloud. Luke could tell there were horses traveling behind and in front. He wondered where they were being taken. The night seemed to draw out into a never-ending nightmare. Each bump they passed over, ravaged his frame with pain. Luke felt miserable; unable to think of anything but the intense agony his bruised body was enduring.

Maybe, his muddled mind told him, God has forgotten me. With depressing darts attacking his mind, the journey of some nine miles seemed infinite.

Sabin tried to calm Luke, reassuring him that everything was going to be all right.

The servant noticed the incredible change in the attitude of the knights toward Luke since they discovered the seal. Sabin wondered what power it held over them. It seemed they wanted to protect Luke now, to take him somewhere safe.

Sabin sensed they traveled north. He guessed the journey must be important for the knights to be traveling at night. Few, if any, traveled the treacherous paths at night unless it was a matter of the highest urgency.

The soldiers urged the horses on as fast as was safe. Sir Dorai rode alongside the cart so he could check how Luke was faring. The procession paused once or twice when Luke vomited violently. The beating he had suffered was treating his body badly. Luke imagined himself to be dying; he was sure he would be better off dead.

The clattering of the horses' hooves indicated they were on pavement. The horses were drawn to a halt. Still semi-conscious, Luke was lifted out of the cart by two soldiers. Sabin noted the difference in the way they treated Luke now, compared to the carelessness shown when he had been dragged to the gaol and thrown in the cell like a sack of rubbish.

Sabin's eyes investigated the new surroundings. Sir Dorai ordered him, "Stay close to the boy." There were no drawn swords, no noticeable security as before. Sabin recognized the large castle-tower was one of the 'knights towers' —a tall castle-tower set on a hill, used by the Frencolian knights as a center to guard the kingdom.

Sabin hurried closer as Luke was carried through the open gates, across the courtyard and into the main hall of the building. The servant had heard of knights' towers. When he'd been a young boy, his greatest wish had been to grow up and become one of the renowned Frencolian knights. But he was from a family of servants, and there was no chance of his dream coming true. One must be able to read to be a knight. To be the close servant and helper of one such as Chatelain of Chanoine was a great privilege. Closely related to King Leopold, Chatelain had been above the knights. Sabin had accepted the way his life turned out, being faithful and true in his service.

Back when the evangelist had visited his master, Sabin, too, believed the Gospel Book, and become a Believer; therefore his comradeship with his master had been cemented forever.

Chatelain had trusted Sabin with almost everything, and the servant had vowed he would protect Chatelain's family and possessions with his life.

After Sabin had left the children in the valley, he'd headed for Westbrook and was captured there. Tod knew him at first glance and had sounded the alarm. Sabin was being taken to the stocks to be publicly flogged, tormented and punished repeatedly until he told the soldiers where Luke and Jobyna were. 

Luke's appearance had changed everything and likely saved his life.

Tomorrow, Elliad'll come to the jail at Westbrook for Luke, and he won't be there. He'll be very angry, Sabin thought.