Treasures - Book 4 The Frencolian Chronicles (complete)

Chapter 18

Jobyna's heart was in her mouth as she peered down a long stone corridor at the bottom of a short step-way.

Passages, like arteries, stretched out silently ahead of her.

Which one should I take?

She rounded yet another corner and there in front of her loomed a wide stone staircase. There were no soldiers, no one to hinder her progress.

Uncanny emptiness prevailed; her soft footsteps echoed ominously in the barren halls. Hesitating, her inner voice told her to run back to the room she knew so well. 

Dismissing this thought as cowardly, Jobyna gingerly descended the stairs. Dim lights cast eerie shadows; her own shadow, jerky and stilted, moved with her along the inner wall.

Steadying herself with her uninjured hand, the wall felt cold and unfriendly to her touch. Shaking with trepidation and from the unfamiliar exertion, she reached the foot of the stairs. Even this wing of the castle was void of humanity. She did not dream she was walking into a trap. Not being a deceptive person, she found it hard to perceive anyone wilfully making harmful plans.

Her father had told her often that it was good to give people the benefit of a doubt.

Venturing forward, Jobyna discerned the sound of muffled voices. They seemed to be coming closer, drifting to her from around the next corner. She halted, poised, ready to flee if necessary. The door by her side was slightly ajar and before she had time to resist, a hand reached out its strong bony fingers, digging into her flesh, drawing her into a room. The two women who had watched her while she was sick were there.

This room was similar to the one she had occupied, except there were books on the shelves and a less clinical feel and smell prevailed.

The sullen woman spoke. It was the first time she had spoken directly to Jobyna and used her name. "Jobyna, what are you doing down here? How did you get out of your room?"

"There was no one on guard; there are no soldiers, or anyone, anywhere," Jobyna answered truthfully.

The other woman drew her by the hand, closing the door. "You must hide in here with us."

Footsteps pounded out; it sounded as though large numbers of soldiers were coming; the steps were brisk and loud; the metal of their uniforms and weapons clanked and the heavy sound of boots passed the door, fading into silence.

The woman opened the door... peering out, she said, "They've gone up the stairs. Maybe the king was with them. They'll find out you're missing." Turning, she inquired, "Where shall we go?"

Jobyna said, "I don't want to put you at risk, but could you show me the way..."

"Yes, before they come back. Where?" The shorter, plump one eagerly led the way out into the corridor.

The sullen one stayed in the room. "Not me," she said. Jobyna hadn't expected her to volunteer.

The other one, who still held Jobyna's hand, spoke in a friendly tone, "My name is Ada. Where can I take you?"

Jobyna remembered the words Gilbert said to her earlier, 'If you are approached by someone, Jobyna, who asks you to go with them, whether it is a soldier, a woman—anyone — then be sure to go.'

"To the throne room," she whispered.

Ada looked at her in mock astonishment. "The throne room?" she questioned. "That's not the place for you." Nevertheless, she led Jobyna along the corridor, away from the stairs.

"Just a moment." Jobyna stopped. Ada turned to her, warily. Jobyna whispered,

"Where does Elliad keep the Gospel Books, Ada? You know, the Bible volumes he confiscated. Do you know where they are?"