Treasures - Book 4 The Frencolian Chronicles (complete)

Chapter 22

The safety of his sister was a constant worry to Luke.

There were two days left before Sir Dorai and the armies of Frencolia marched to Frencberg to begin the war against Elliad. No word had come from Ruskin or anyone else in Kings Castle.

A message arrived from Sir Dorai that Kings Castle was in a state of siege.

No communications had been sent into the castle and none had been sent out since the counter-decree. If Luke's sister was going to be executed at the end of the week, there were just forty-eight hours remaining.

Luke dispatched a message to Sir Dorai asking if he could join him at the knights' tower. "If Elliad has secured the castle as in a siege, then surely there'll be no threat to anyone traveling. The country has united against the tyrant; it must be safe for the large escort here to journey with me," Luke wrote.

Sir Dorai's reply to Luke's request was, "Sorry, Sire, but no. The roads are not safe," the senior knight wrote, "Too many people are undecided about their loyalty. There are skirmishes amongst the soldiers. Reports arrive morning and afternoon; of theft, homes being ransacked, assaults and murders. This crime-wave is due to the unrest and uncertainty that prevails. I will send for you, Your Majesty, or I'll come myself, the instant it is safe."

Luke felt strange and out of balance with himself, reading the titles, 'Sire', and 'Majesty'. This most powerful senior knight was writing of him  —how would he ever get used to it? —he wondered. He wasn't born to this, nor had he been schooled for it; but somehow, now he'd inherited it.

~~~~~

Jobyna, with Ellice close behind, climbed the spiral step-way to the battlements. Two soldiers followed a few yards behind. Out on the battlements, the fresh air was invigorating and Jobyna felt refreshed. The view from the back of Kings Castle looked over lush green farmland. Jobyna saw trees bursting with beautiful blossoms and the signature of fresh new life was splashed across the landscape. It rested her mind just looking at the green countryside.

A young herald arrived on the rampart, sounding out the order for Jobyna to return to her rooms. Stepping closer, he said, "The servants are preparing the bath. You are commanded to dress to be presented at dinner with King Elliad. The meal will be served early. You must not be late."

Jobyna did not dare do anything but comply. She hurried back to the apartment, noticing that doors all the way along the corridor were open revealing a number of identical suites to hers, also sporting views of the Frencolian farmland.

Ellice dressed Jobyna. Boey waited to view the completed work. The gown was of cream wool lace, loose-fitting, with satin petticoats. Ellice placed the ruby necklace gently around her neck. Boey gave the slave-girl a red rose to fix in Jobyna's hair, at the back of the diamond tiara.

Viewing her with critical eyes, Boey said, "You'll do. You just need a little more meat on your bones. Hopefully you'll plump up as you get older."

Jobyna was filled with apprehension as she made the long walk to the castle's dining room escorted by two castle guards. I have to see him again, she worried, I hope he'll be nice to me if he's able to be nice...but then, the new room I'm in is nice...much better than that cave... she shuddered, not wanting to even think about what could have happened to her if Elliad hadn't returned... 

Upon arrival at the reception room to this great banquet hall, a knave took the crimson cloak from her slender shoulders and gestured for her to step into the chamber.

The magnificence of the dining room overawed Jobyna and she halted in her steps.

Enormous crystal chandeliers with hundreds of brilliantly lit candles hung from the brightly decorated ceiling; lights danced and flickered on bright tapestries gracing the walls.