Castles - Book 5 - The Frencolian Chronicles (complete)

Chapter Twenty-Seven

"They've seen us but may not know how many we are," Gyles said. "We must work an alternative plan." They drew the horses out of sight, Fritz remaining on watch.

The men spoke quickly. Delmer gave Jobyna the small pouch and she pushed it inside her jacket.

Gyles said to her, "The left road at the fork leads to Audric Castle, Princess. We'll wait until you're safely out of sight, then we'll make sure they see us ride towards Maynard Castle, to the right. Hopefully, they'll follow us, especially if you're out of sight, but we'll need the four of us or they'll see we've divided. Tell Count Dael what is happening and he'll secure his castle. Audric is impenetrable and you'll be safe. We'll join you as soon as we can."

Jobyna didn't need extra bidding. Digging her boots into Brownlea's sides, she was gone, down the other side of the ridge and off between the rocky outcrops. After the 'Y' fork, there was only one road to follow and she urged Brownlea on as fast as she dared. To be captured now! She could not imagine how Elliad would treat her; she wondered why he bothered, why he did not just give up; let her go.

The path grew narrow as she approached the high rocky cliffs. Pulling Brownlea around sharply, she dared to look back. She could see the four men had almost reached the 'Y' turnoff but there was no sign of other red and white uniforms. Turning Brownlea once more, she disappeared into the gap between the cliffs. It was dark, dismal and dangerous, and Jobyna was glad to come out into the sunshine on the other side. Another three miles and she would be at the castle in the mountains, and safety.

The road grew wide again. Brownlea climbed alongside descending rapids. At one place the horse had to ford the river. Thankfully the water was shallow at this spot and he experienced no difficulties. Moving slowly, Jobyna did not drive Brownlea as before. She looked anxiously at the mountain peaks ahead. Rugged crags were enveloped with ominous black clouds, which swirled down into the valley she was in. The road pulled her up into the narrow stony pass Count Segar had spoken about. Brownlea's feet trembled as they climbed, and he picked his way cautiously over the shifting schist. Soon they were descending the other side of the pass.

Ahead, built into the side of the mountainous cliffs, Jobyna caught her first view of Audric Castle. Colored naturally, the same as the rock it was built into, the mountain castle displayed tall round towers either side of the front gate with a high wall topped with battlements leading to two more towers. Behind this was a tall, round stone building, crowned once more with battlements. Higher on the mountainside were two more towers. Jobyna realized that guards in the battlements and on the towers would be monitoring her approach. She did not hesitate at this thought but urged Brownlea down the path, wishing him an extra lease of strength. If only she could keep going, through the castle gates, towards home; she hated the thought of yet another stone monstrosity.

Startled by a sudden movement in the corner of her right eye, she turned to see two mounted men in Proburg soldier's brown uniforms galloping towards her from a side path. They'd seen her, but she did not wait for them. Flicking the reigns she urged Brownlea, "Go, boy, go!" He was aware of the horses behind and increased his speed as much as he could, but the others gained swiftly, one on either side of her. Knowing herself to be trapped, with the huge closed portcullis looming up ahead, she slowed Brownlea down, patting his neck to reassure him. However, they beckoned her on, and she entered the barbican feeling once more like a prisoner.

A guard shouted from the tower house and the two men called back. They spoke to her, and she said, "I do not speak German. I speak Frenc. I come from Frencolia." The men looked at each other. The larger, whose build reminded her of Berg, shouted angrily at her in German, pointing to her uniform. His words were too fast, but she caught his question as to why she was wearing the uniform. She shook her head as he spoke quickly again. Reaching in the jacket, she pulled out the pouch. Instantly he drew his sword, holding it with the point at her throat. Jobyna dropped the reigns and put both hands in the air, holding the pouch up. The other man swiftly grabbed the pouch and reigns.