Castles - Book 5 - The Frencolian Chronicles (complete)

Chapter Nineteen

The kingdom of Frencolia was in a frenzy, preparing for the celebration of the century. King Luke Chatelain was coming-of-age in a few days. On Luke's sixteenth birthday he would become the legal, absolute, monarch of the kingdom of Frencolia.

His uncle, Prince Dorai, became increasingly pleased with his part in the decision that had proclaimed Luke as king. Never before had such peace and unity been experienced in Frencolia. Though the kingdom was poor in tangible riches, it was rich with spiritual benefits.

The day of the birthday was a warm, early autumn day. Over five long months had passed since Elliad's abdication.

Luke dressed in the robes laid out for him and Prince Dorai placed the Frencolian crown on his head. The king was to walk to the throne room where the lords and senior knights would individually proclaim their allegiance, to him as king, and to the kingdom. Feasting would follow and 'hand-foods' such as pastries, pies, cakes and sweet-meats, would be distributed to the multitudes. It was still harvest time and food was plentiful.

Each town and village in the country would have celebrations, on this, the 'King's Birthday'. Three days' rest from all work, except the necessities, had been declared. Luke decreed all slaves were to be given their freedom on his birthday. If they chose to stay with their master and the master wanted them, they would be paid a fair day's pay for a fair day's work. The remuneration could be in the form of food, shelter and material benefits. A special council commissioned by Luke would deal with violations of this decree.

King Luke Chatelain rode through the streets of Frencberg with Prince Dorai, Princess Minette and the children following. People cheered loudly as the royal procession passed by. Numerous children tried to keep up with the parade; they trailed garlands of flowers behind them, singing and skipping.

It was a wonderful day of unprecedented celebrations.

~~~~~

In the Czardom of Chezkovia, away to the north, the air was much cooler. The message, 'summer surrenders', softly scampered on the north breeze.

Transfixed by the view of the beautiful Baltic Sea, Jobyna was aware that today was Luke's sixteenth birthday. Her heart prayed longingly for him to have a joyous time. Seated on Brownlea, she watched with wide eyes as the waves washed the sandy shore. 

This day was the happiest she could remember in a long time.

"How beautiful," she said, inhaling spicy, salty air. Sleven and the soldiers escorting her, looked on in silence. The princess made a beautiful portrait, enveloped in the rich red crimson cloak. Her long hair played gently in the breeze, fanning her fresh young features.

Sleven knew the battle was won. The change he had hoped for had taken place. The doctor thought back over the past few months. It had taken over three months for Jobyna to gain the satisfactory weight. Her knee had healed and the horrific nightmares had ceased. Jobyna looked like a different person, definitely a young woman now. Sleven was not sure if it was the Gospel Book; the letter from Luke; or Elliad's departure to Jydanski. He realized it could well be a combination of all three. Elliad had gone to the capital with Czarevitch Kenrik, announcing his intent to stay for three or four weeks. He was yet to return.

When on firm sand, Jobyna patted Brownlea's neck, urging him into a gallop. The girl raced him the length of the sandy shore. At one place Brownlea sped through shallow waves sending salty spray shooting in all directions. Jobyna wheeled the horse around as they came to a cluster of jagged rocks. She could see Sleven and the soldiers coming, but they were still halfway down the beach.

"You're as good as ever, Brownlea," she said, patting the animal's sleek neck. He nodded his head up and down, and Jobyna knew he enjoyed having her on his back again. He, like she, would never forget the feeling of an exhilarating ride together.