Treasures - Book 4 The Frencolian Chronicles (complete)

Chapter 27

The next day, Dorai sent Sabin with twenty trusted men to search the valley cliffs near the cave exit, and as expected, they returned with the jeweled case containing the Gospel Book, maps and charts.

The pieces of the puzzle were fitting into place. Luke realized Jobyna must have read and studied the papers before leaving the valley.

Luke shuddered to imagine how Elliad had obtained the information from her. The words—'E. is treating me well now'—betrayed that she must have suffered.

Luke echoed Dorai's vow. Elliad must be brought to the end he deserved. "The Gospel Book says in several places, 'He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword.' We will take care of Frencolia first and then we will see my sister returned home and the evil Elliad brought to justice," Luke vowed.

It pleased Dorai to hear these words.

After the evening meal, Dorai addressed the group, turning to Luke first, "Your Majesty, King Luke Chatelain of Frencolia, Lords, fellow Knights, I have of a confession to make to our young king tonight. Most of you are aware of what I am about to tell you, so I will address my words to our king, Luke.

"Many years ago, King Leopold wished to marry my only sister who was some years younger than myself. She was betrothed to another, a close friend and first cousin of Leopold. She would not break this betrothal, and the king married another, our belated Queen Estelle. I was furious, both with my sister and her fiancée. I was young and proud. It would have suited me to have my sister become the queen of Frencolia. I told them I would never speak to them again.

"The years passed. They had several children and were very prosperous. Then the Evangelist came. I would not listen to him and was more obstinate about it when my sister and her husband accepted the teachings. My brother-in-law became much loved by the people as well as very wealthy. I was jealous.

"He relinquished his role as a senior knight and was no longer close to King Leopold. I had disowned them, both my sister and her husband. I told no one I was related to them. I regret those past decisions greatly, King Luke, for you see, my sister, Elissa, was your mother." He paused, waiting for these words to sink into Luke's mind.

Luke's parents had never spoken of Dorai. He had no idea he had an uncle and certainly not that it was this man, Sir Dorai, so he was overcome with surprise and pleasure. Jobyna and he had a living relative, an uncle. A close uncle —their mother's brother! Luke wasn't upset with Dorai but delighted to know this truth.

Dorai bowed his head before confessing, "I was deeply overcome with sorrow and anger when Elissa and Chatelain were murdered. It has tormented me greatly to think, if I had kept closer to them, this might not have happened."

Looking directly as his nephew, he said, "I can only ask you to forgive me, King Luke, for supporting such a traitor as Elliad. Please believe me when I say I desire to see him pay for what he's done. I will leave no stone unturned to see your sister, Jobyna, my niece, safely returned to Frencolia." He sat down.

Luke stood up and to his surprise, everyone in the chamber also stood. He frowned, then smiled, saying, "Right, then, we will sit." After he sat, they followed suit.

Knowing that all eyes were upon him, Luke spoke with earnestness, "I won't draw this out, other than to say, I'm so glad you told me of our family relationship Sir Dorai; it's a great comfort for me to know this. I have no bitter thoughts at all. The past is past, and we must look to a glorious future for Frencolia."

Every man's voice called in agreement; "Hear; hear! God bless King Luke Chatelain, God bless Frencolia."

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