Castles - Book 5 - The Frencolian Chronicles (complete)

Chapter Thirty

 King Kelsey bade a warm farewell, sending six of his knights with them for added protection and to join in the discussions in Frencolia, having commissioned them to bring reports back to him. His men wore dusky blue uniforms, making the entourage more colorful than ever.

The king's eyes laughed as he took Jobyna's slender hand. "The Soldier-Princess. We shall never forget you, Jobyna of Frencolia. Bring your brother to visit us sometime, won't you?"

Jobyna thanked the king for his hospitality and said, when the time was right they would accept his invitation to visit. 

Newborn golden sun rays radiated behind the mountains as they rode out of Kelsey. Jobyna was more excited than ever at the prospect of reaching the last stop before Frencolia.

The day progressively grew gray, misty, bleak and cold. Brownlea lacked his usual zest and it was with relief they arrived at Ira Castle near the Frencolian border, in mid-afternoon. Konrad's soldiers had preceded them by an hour and when the company arrived, preparations had been made for them.

Count Ira and his wife greeted them and Jobyna was taken into the considerate care of Countess Celia. The journey was taking its toll, and Jobyna was thankful when the countess had servants serve dinner at the table in her private sitting-room.

Jobyna was pleased to retire early, and after her fervent prayers, she slept peacefully.

A servant woke her before dawn and Jobyna dressed again in the soldier's uniform, a thrill of anticipation sweeping her. Ira Castle was four miles from one of Frencolia's northern border castles. There would be no preliminary party but they would travel together, traversing the mountain pass early to report in at the border castle, ride through Valdemar, then Samdene and to Frencberg that day. She would see her brother, Luke, at last!

Sir Felix, the knight in charge of Valdemar's border castle, was called to the northern tower about an hour after dawn. He saw the colorful cavalry picking its way up the rocky path towards the Frencolian border castle. The foreigners were carefully counted and the different uniforms noted. A soldier quickly helped Felix don his armor and he prepared to confront the visitors.

It had been decided for Konrad to make the first approach and Jobyna would follow to give proof of her identity. Konrad handed his sword to Moritz and urged his horse on towards Felix who was also mounted. Twenty soldiers lined up either side of Felix, their swords drawn. Konrad dismounted slowly and approached Felix.

"I am Konrad, son of Prince Gustovas, from Proburg," he said, speaking his accented frenc slowly.

Felix dismounted and bowed, not taking his eyes off Konrad. "I am Sir Felix, a knight of the kingdom of Frencolia. What is your business?"

"I've come to escort the Princess, Jobyna Chatelain, who has escaped from her captivity, back to the safety of Frencolia."

As Konrad explained— "The Princess is disguised as a soldier. She rides the nearest horse behind me." —Felix sidestepped to view the mounted soldiers, some distance behind Konrad.

Felix looked again, disbelief clouding his countenance. Konrad turned, beckoning Jobyna. She dismounted quickly. Leading Brownlea, she walked to them, pulling off the hat and shaking her braids free.

Felix bowed, his face breaking into a relieved smile. He took her hand, "This is a great day for Frencolia!" He stared into Jobyna's face and his mind flooded with memories from an unforgettable past.

Jobyna, sensing his recognition, held his hand in both of hers. Speaking with joy in her voice, she said, "This is a great day for me. This is the day that the Lord has made!" She smiled back at Felix who had to restrain himself from hugging her.