Castles - Book 5 - The Frencolian Chronicles (complete)

Chapter Ten

Unpacking, rearranging and resting filled the next few days for Jobyna and her two servants. A small chamber furnished with two bench beds was attached to the main bedroom. Jobyna's four-poster bed was surrounded with heavy red triple-lined drapes. Dominating the large sitting room was a huge fireplace with an elaborate chimney. Jobyna realized the winter here would be colder than any she had experienced before. The loathing she felt in her heart towards this castle-fortress made her listless and dejected. Boey tried in vain to encourage her to eat the food she fetched twice a day.

On the morning of the fifth day at this coastal castle, Jobyna was ordered to be present at the evening meal with King Elliad. Boey and Ellice helped her dress with care, trying to lift her depressed spirits. She knew they would not understand how she felt, at least not Boey. Jobyna felt that if their circumstances had been different, she could be a close friend with Ellice, but the slave chose to remain aloof. The attractive Ellice had been grossly mistreated, and her total submission to her station was a sign of her broken heart and crushed spirit.

Jobyna pledged to herself she would never let that happen, I must learn to be more self-controlled, but I pray I will not suffer a broken spirit. She felt wonderfully revived after the luxurious soak in the bath; and the massage Boey gave her back.

"You'll be needing some meat on these bones, my girl," Boey said reproachfully as her large soft hands rubbed oil into Jobyna's spine. "There's nothing of you!" By the time she was dressed, complete with the diamond tiara and ruby necklace, Jobyna's attitude had lifted.

Accompanied by a knight and a soldier who did not give their names, Jobyna noted the journey to the castle's dining room was by a different route from the one she was brought to her apartment.

A shock of red hair poked from beneath the accompanying knight's cap. He also sported a red mustache and a matching beard. Jobyna wondered if the three children she had seen at the stream belonged to this man. How frustrating to be surrounded by people yet not allowed to be acquainted with them.

The staircase was wide and elaborate. Jobyna's thoughts moved from the knight to her surroundings and she guessed the other spiral staircase was a back entrance to the apartments and this was the main ascent. The gray marble floor reflected the great lamps with brilliance as she walked along, her arm resting on the knight's. Masonries along the corridors, balustrades and banisters were beautifully wrought and intricate patterns and designs displayed themselves. Jobyna's eyes grew wide with each delightful discovery. The ceiling was fashioned up into a high arched transom above the dining room doors, a tangle of exposed beams that disappeared into darkness.

"The Princess, Jobyna."

She drew a breath at the announcement, not daring to imagine in what mood she would find Elliad. Knights and their wives were standing, bowing and curtsying.

Jobyna was overcome with humor at the charade. The corners of her mouth twitched at the thought, I'm no more a princess than Ellice. It just suits this tyrant to call me such.

"Come!" His voice brought motion to her feet. The knight escorted her to the seat beside Elliad. Her captor stood, taking her hand and kissing it. She blushed, to think of having to endure such mockery. Wondering what her portion of commands and orders would be this time, she sat, remembering other times when he had invited her to dine so he could shock her by informing her of his plans. She well remembered his announcement of the plan to leave Frencolia, taking her with him as his hostage. Her mind recalled the tearful farewell she had whispered to her homeland as they traversed the border from her country into what she felt now was oblivion. Jobyna wondered how long she would remain 'valuable' to Elliad, how long he would continue to allow her to be called 'princess'.

"Eat, Sparrow," the familiar command sprang from Elliad's lips. Jobyna directed the food automatically to her mouth, unseen, untasted. Determining to chew slowly or she would be sick, she looked cautiously around the room. Ranée's eyes met hers. Hatred and resentment seethed from the brown depths of the woman's stare. Jobyna swallowed then smiled at her, trying to convey a mutual feeling of the desire to exchange seats, hoping her smile would not be misconstrued as gloating. Ada picked at her food, her face hollow and empty. Jobyna wondered what happened to the children on such occasions.

"So. What does Sparrow think of Chezkovia?" Elliad inquired.

"Is the name of this Castle Chezkovia?" Jobyna asked innocently, "It's very, ominous."

"Chezkovia is the name of the country. This is the most secure castle I know of. There's only one way in and one way out unless you want to fall hundreds of feet into the Baltic!" He laughed, cutting the mirth off suddenly.

"How is your injury?" Jobyna asked. He still wore his right arm in a sling and a bandage across his neck and shoulder.

Ignoring her question, he turned to the red-haired knight sitting next to her and asked, "What is the name of this place, Brian?"

The knight struggled to swallow his huge mouthful then answered, "There are several names, Sire. The most common is, 'The Baltic Castle'."

"Then we'll rename it! Let's do it." He waved his left hand, "Suggestions from the court, please." Names came in thick and fast, each knight trying to outdo the other to please Elliad. Ridiculous names, others such as, 'Victory Castle'—'The Lion's Palace'—'Treasure Chest Castle'—'Storm Castle'—Elliad turned to Jobyna, asking, "What would Sparrow call this 'ominous' place?"

All eyes turned to the girl. She was tempted to say; The Chezkovia Prison! Sudden memories of where she had seen the name —Chezkovia— flooded Jobyna's mind. It had been written in the back pages of King Leopold's Gospel Book and linked to the name of Elliad's father. Elliad's name had been recorded there with its meaning. She pulled her thoughts back to Elliad who waited for her reply.

"I would name it 'Elliad'." Her voice was decisive, triumphant and final. Her green eyes glowed as she thought of the meaning of the name. Elliad, in spite of enjoying the sound of his name, was rendered speechless. He caught the sparkles in her eyes and he knew there was much more to her declaration.

"Why would —you— name it after —me?"

His violent tone shocked her. The exile king demanded an answer! She felt hot, feeling the intense stare of Elliad's court burning her face. Realizing the truth would make mockery of the God she believed in —it would shame Elliad in front of his despicable company; also it would invite his deepest anger upon her —she bowed her head, wishing she had not spoken.

It was too late to backtrack now.

"Why, Sparrow? Tell me why?" He lifted her chin, his blue gaze piercing her watery green pools.

She shrugged childishly. "I like your name, Elliad John, I do." She smiled at him. The room broke with nervous laughter, then applause. His eyes locked hers in fierce combat. He knew she was concealing something, but it would keep.

Brian raised his goblet, calling, "To Elliad's Castle, and to King Elliad. May his strength return like that of a lion! Long may he reign!"