Читать книгу Theopolda's Quest - Linda Wisely - Страница 12

Back in the dungeons, Will and Sagan were worrying about Theo.

"Where do you think they took Theo?" Will said. "I hope it's someplace better than this. She's probably worried sick, wondering what's going to happen."

What are we going to do?" Sagan asked with trepidation.

They had slept huddled in separate corners with the old wool blankets wrapped around them to keep out the damp, musty dungeon air. It had gotten cold during the night. The guard had a fire burning in a round hearth beside him all night. When the fire went low, he just added another rough log from a big pile in the corner, but not much of the heat reached back into their cell.

For breakfast they were thrown a couple of pieces of dry bread and a chunk of moldy cheese. They were so hungry, they just brushed the dirt and mold off and gobbled the food down. They assumed that it must be morning. They couldn't tell, since no daylight reached them.

"We need to make some plans in case we are found guilty. I have a feeling we are not going to get a fair trial," Will told Sagan.

"Keep your voice down," Sagan warned, motioning toward the guard who was sleeping in his chair. The first guard had been relieved earlier by a cleaner, more genial guard, who left them alone.

"I think we could over-power a couple of guards, if we could just get the opportunity," Will said fiercely.

"I'll follow your lead, if you get a chance. Though we should probably wait to see if Brother Justus can get us released," Sagan said in his usual reasonable manner.

"I'm not holding out much hope in that area. I think something is going on here that we don't understand."

"I agree. Antonio, the soldier that brought me in, said he thought that the King and his cohorts intended to sell Theo as a concubine to a foreign nobleman," Sagan said carefully, knowing how it would upset Will.

"Over my dead body!" Will exploded, jumping up and pacing back and forth.

"Quiet down in there," The guard growled, then went back to sleep.

"It may very well be over both our dead bodies," Sagan groaned.

"Did you see that macabre mummy hall as we came in?" Will asked. "My guard told me the King has his enemies killed, mummified, and then placed into his own little museum."

"King Ferdinand must be a sick man. I wonder how long he will be able to stay on his throne before someone overthrows him?" Sagan said.

"I wish it would be before this afternoon, but I know that's not going to happen," Will said, as he sat down in discouragement.

Meanwhile, Brother Justus was busy trying to find out exactly what was going on. After Will, Sagan, and Theo had been taken away, he had followed at a safe distance to see where they were being incarcerated. He watched as the soldiers, who had Will and Sagan in their custody, went down into the belly of the Castle Nuovo. Theo was taken in by a different door. When he went in that door a little later, he acted like he knew where he was going.

"Did you see some guards bring a young woman through here a short while ago?" he asked the first servant that he saw.

"Potrei avere (I might have)," the servant said, shifting his eyes away.

"Where did they take her?" Brother Justus prodded.

"They are always dragging some poor girl up to the tower."

"Why do they put them there?" Brother Justus wondered out loud.

"I hear that there is some foul play going on, but I don't interfere or I might end up in the dungeons myself," the servant said, looking around like he was afraid of being seen.

"Can you tell me anything more?"

"I've said too much already." He brushed past Brother Justus and rushed away down the long hall.

Brother Justus stood watching him out of sight, then decided he better leave before he got caught wandering around the castle.

Brother Justus had paid a young man on the wharf to watch their bags, so he hurried back to make sure the youth hadn't stolen them. When he got in sight of the harbor, he was relieved to see the young man just sitting on the pile of bags.

"Young man, I greatly appreciate you watching my bags. Could I prevail upon you to help me take them to the monastery?"

"Sure thing, Friar, can't let a man of God down," the youth said, as he stood up.

"Thank you. I will pay you well and I'm sure God will bless you also. I am going to the San Lorenzo Maggiore Monastery. Do you know it? I believe that it is only a few blocks from here. It's been several years since I have been there," Brother Justus said, as he picked up a couple of the bags and the young man picked up the other two.

"No, I am just a visitor to Naples. I don't know where very many things are."

As they began walking, Brother Justus asked, "What is your name, young man?"

"My name if Phillipe' Sanudo." He paused, his eyes filled with tears and his voice cracked. "King Ferdinand had my father and mother executed a couple of weeks ago because they failed to bow down as he rode by with his court, on the way to the castle."

Brother Justus patted Phillipe' on the back while he got control of his emotions. "I'm so sorry to hear that, my son. How terrible for them and you."

"I'm still in Naples because I just don't know where else to go. I have no other family. The King said that he had to make an example of them so people would know that he demanded respect," Phillipe' said, his voice wavering again. He wiped his eyes so Brother Justus wouldn't see he was crying.

"You must come and stay at the monastery with me. We never turn anyone away. Besides, I have need of a man servant while I am in Naples."

"Oh Friar, that would mean so much to me. I haven't eaten for two days!" Phillipe' exclaimed.

"I have some bread and cheese here in my knapsack. Let's take a break here under this tree and by all means eat." Brother Justus put his bag down on the side of the street and dug out his snack that he had brought off the ship that morning. He realized he was feeling a little weak from hunger himself.

They sat on the bags under a large old cedar tree at the side of the cobblestone street and ate their bread and cheese together and talked. Brother Justus explained about his charges, and Phillipe' told more about his father and mother. They had come to Naples to sell produce from their farm in the country. They had no idea that they needed to bow down when the king went by. Phillipe' said it happened so fast, that he didn't know what to do.

He told Brother Justus he was fourteen years old. He was tall for his age and was often taken for an older person. He proudly asserted that he was very strong from working in the fields. His home was a small village called Seserna, which was about two day's walk from Naples. There were only a few people left in his village, due to the Black Plague. His family and a few old people were all that had remained. Those who didn't die from the Plague had fled to the city. His family had escaped the Plague because his mother had been terrified of rats ever since she was a child, so his father had made sure to kill any rat that came near their home.

When there was no more bread and cheese, they picked up the bags and continued on until they reached the San Lorenzo Maggiore Monastery. Knocking on the monk's entrance door, they were ushered into the beautiful old monastery.

"Is Francesco Guardato still Abbot here?" Brother Justus enquired of the young monk who answered the door.

"Oh si (yes), he is in the chapel praying."

"Would you kindly tell him that Friar Justus Pellini from the Monastery of Literary Wisdom off the coast of Sicily is here and would like an audience with him. We are old acquaintances."

"Of course, Friar. Please follow me. I am Brother Augustus. You may make yourselves comfortable in here until the Abbot is free."

Brother Augustus led them to a small room which opened off of the big hall. He motioned for them to sit at a table near a fireplace where a log was burning nicely. Then he brought mugs of mead and a plate of cheese and bread, which he placed beside the bowl of fruit that was already sitting in the center of the table.

"Grazie mille, (thank you very much) but we just ate," Brother Justus said, but changed his mind when he saw Phillipe' eyeing the food. "I guess we could eat a little."

"I will notify Abbot Fransesco that you are here as soon as he is done with his prayers. Please enjoy your refreshments. I have some duties I must attend to," Brother Augustus said as he left the room.

"So, do you think this Abbot Francesco can help your friends?" Phillipe' asked with his mouth full of cheese.

"I don't know, but I see little alternative," Brother Justus said and then sat quietly contemplating the situation.

Abbot Francesco joined them after a half hour had passed. His round face was pleasant and clean-shaven. His tonsure, a bowl-shaped haircut with the top shaved which monks received when they took their vows, peeked out from under his zucchetto. Brother Justus removed his zucchetto in respect to the Abbot.

"Brother Justus Pellini, it's been such a long time. What brings you to our humble monastery?" he said, as he kissed Brother Justus on each cheek and squeezed his hand in joy.

"I'm afraid I am in a bit of a mess. My young charges, Theo, Will, and Sagan, have been arrested and are at this moment in the dungeons of Castle Nuovo awaiting trial before King Ferdinand tomorrow."

"Oh no, King Ferdinand has a reputation as a cruel king with no leniency. He has executed many people who he felt were his enemies or who just didn't show him proper respect, in the short time that he has been here. And the nobles are mad because the King hunts on their lands without permission and doesn't care what they think," Abbot Francesco said earnestly. "What are the charges?"

"From what I can gather from various sources, they are accused of theft with assault and battery on a person of the King's court.

"Assault and battery! Why would they think that your charges would do such a thing?" Abbot Francesco asked.

"They mentioned a Gustapo Borgia. I think it might have something to do with a man who tried to kidnap Theo in the Palermo market. It happened two days ago while I was busy purchasing transportation on a ship to sail here to Naples. The Palermo policia apparently heard the scuffle when Will and Sagan were confronting the would-be kidnapper. The young people ran away just in time." Brother Justus explained.

"Apparently not soon enough," the Abbot said quietly.

"You are right. We thought we had left the problem behind us when we sailed. It seemed a simple case of attempted kidnapping. I didn't think the man who tried to take Theo would dare to press charges. And how did they get to Naples before we did?

"When were they arrested?" the Abbot asked.

"Just a few hours ago. A group of the King's soldiers were waiting on the dock with a warrant when our ship arrived. I am at my wit's end." Brother Justus put both hands on his head and shook it in sorrow and frustration.

"If your young friends are not guilty, surely we can get them released. I have heard rumors though of the King selling young women to lecherous foreign noblemen for gold to enhance his coffers. I didn't believe he could be so dishonorable, but I am starting to worry about your young Theo. Would she be an attractive girl by chance?"

"Yes, she is a beautiful young woman and so sweet. I am horrified to think how she may be treated. What will happen to her? She is my charge. I am responsible for her safety," Brother Justus moaned.

"What about the young men? You're sure they didn't take this Gustapo's money?" Abbot Francesco asked.

"Of course I'm sure! I raised Will from a child right along with Theo. And Sagan has been studying to become a scrivener with us these last four years. I'd stake my life on their innocence," Brother Justus said angrily, standing up again.

"Va bene! (okay), settle down. We need to make some plans. You say they are set to come before the King's court tomorrow afternoon?" Abbot Francesco looked closely at Brother Justus.

"Yes, that is what the guard said when they arrested them. He told me I would have a chance to bring a defense. But I don't have one, other than my word that they have done no wrong." Brother Justus began to pace back and forth.

"I don't know anything about Gustapo Borgia, but Rodrigo Borgia is one of the King's closest advisors. In fact, he performed the marriage ceremony for Ferdinand to his present wife. There are many rumors about the Borgia family. Apparently their enemies just disappear. Rodrigo's niece, Lucrezia, has had two husbands die unexplained deaths in just the past five years. I'm afraid Will and Sagan may be in the way of the King's plans for Theo," the Abbot said.

"What's to be done?" Brother Justus began to twist his hands together nervously.

"Since you weren't arrested, I assume it isn't known that you are connected with the youngsters? You weren't with them in Palermo when the incident occurred?" Abbot Francesco asked intently.

"No, I wasn't. They just told me about it that evening, when they found their way back to the wharf after losing the policia," Brother Justus reiterated.

"I think I have a plan that might work. You must listen to me very carefully," Abbot Francesco said confidentially.

"I'm open to anything. You know Naples and the King better than I."

Phillipe' had sat quietly eating a fresh pear while the discussion was going on. "I want to help in any way I can," he said suddenly.

"Who is this?" the Abbot said, just noticing Phillipe'.

"Mi dispiace (I'm sorry), I was so upset I neglected to introduce my newly acquired man servant Phillipe'. He needed a place to stay, and I thought I might need a strong young man to help me get the children out of the castle," said Brother Justus as he motioned to Phillipe'. "King Ferdinand had his parents executed for insolence a couple of weeks ago."

"I did hear of that incident. I'm very sorry it was your parents." Abbot Francesco patted Phillipe' on the back kindly. "Well young man, I don't know what you can do to help, but you are welcome here."

"I am quick and strong and very willing to do whatever I am told. Thanks, your Abbotship." Phillipe' jumped up and bowed to the Abbot.

"Ottimo (very well). Now back to my plan. Brother Justus, you will write me a letter of introduction of Signorina Theo, and Signores Will, and Sagan, from the Isle of the Monastery of Literary Wisdom. Be sure to use their full names. Extol their virtues of honesty and allegiance to God and country, and put them under my protection as Abbot of this monastery."

"Her name is Theopolda. Alas she has no last name. Her mother took refuge at our monastery eighteen years ago and died in childbirth. It is a great mystery where her mother came from and who she was," Brother Justus informed the Abbot.

"Signorina Theopolda of the Isle of Literary Wisdom will be sufficient. I will go to court tomorrow and be their representative. I hope that as Abbot of this well-respected monastery, I will have some sway with the court. I will try to get them released to me under the monastery's supervision."

"But I must be there, or they will fear for what has happened to me," Brother Justus said in apprehension.

"You can fill them in on our plan when you visit them tomorrow on a mission of mercy to the castle prisoners to pray for their souls, and bless them. You will, of course, have to minister to the other prisoners as well. It is customary for one of our monks to visit the dungeons regularly. Even a king as horrible as Ferdinand cannot refuse the Catholic Church its rights to minister to the prisoners."

"That is wonderful. After I tell them our plan, they won't be afraid." Brother Justus said hopefully.

Then he began to worry. "What if they are found guilty of the false charges? We are, after all, not citizens of Naples."

"Bene (well), I have an alternate plan, but one that can be very dangerous," Abbot Francesco added.

"I have a feeling we may need a back up plan from what you have told me about King Ferdinand and the Borgias," Brother Justus interspersed.

"You probably aren't aware that Roman aqueducts run under the whole city of Naples. They are no longer used for water. A very well kept secret is that the Roman Catholic Church, our monastery included, often helps political prisoners escape the country through the aqueduct tunnels. I have plans of the tunnels, their entrances and exits."

Abbot Francesco immediately went to the bookshelves and brought down off of the top shelf a small chest covered in leather with a small brass lock on the front. He pulled a leather cord from around his neck on which hung a key and unlocked the chest.

Inside was a papyrus scroll. He laid it on the table and carefully unrolled it. Motioning for Brother Justus and Phillipe to draw closer, he showed them the map. It was a simple map with lines showing the web of tunnels with entrances and exits marked with x's.

"Here is where we enter the aqueducts from the monastery. It is below the chapel," Abbot Francesco pointed. "Here are two entrances to Castle Nuovo. One is in the west end of the dungeons, and the other is in the pantry of the kitchen. I propose we help your friends escape late at night when there will be less guards and everyone else will be sleeping. If we can get them to the tunnels, we can easily lose any guards that might follow."

The Abbot turned to Phillipe', " Now here is where we might be able to use you, Phillipe'. We can purchase horses and put them here where you will exit the tunnels on the east side of the city. Phillipe' can guard the horses until you get there. Remember this is only a backup plan. Hopefully, we won't need it."

"I hope not, but I do have money to purchase the horses, as our original plan was to ride inland when we left Naples." Brother Justus paused and sighed. "I failed to mention that I followed the guards at a distance into the castle. They didn't take Theo to the dungeons. They took her up to the tower."

"That confirms my suspicians that King Ferdinand has devious plans for her. The tower is used for important prisoners, often royal prisoners."

"Mama Mia!, I sincerely hope you are wrong. Will they let me hear her confession?" Brother Justus asked.

"If you can get them to admit she is being held there. You will have to be bold and demand to see her as a ward of the church," Abbot Francesco told Brother Justus firmly.

By this time, it was getting very late. Brother Justus suddenly realized he was exhausted.

"Do you have some empty beds we can use for the night. I think I've had all I can take for one day."

"Yes, forgive me for not noticing. There are a couple of monk's cells empty. We can always make a place for guests in need of a place to sleep. Please follow me." Abbot Francesco picked up a lantern that had a lit candle in the center and went out into the hallway.

"Come Phillipe', how long has it been since you slept in a bed?" Brother Justus put his arm across Phillipe's shoulder. Phillipe' looked like he was almost asleep on his feet.

Abbot Francesco showed each to his own small room, and lit their candles. After telling them that he would have one of the brothers get them in the morning so they wouldn't get lost, he went back down the long, dark hall, lifting his lantern high in order to see.

Phillipe' and Brother Justus bade each other goodnight and went to their own cells. Brother Justus fell to his knees beside his bed.

"Dear Lord, thank you for sending me help in Abbot Francesca and Phillipe'. I know you are always with me. I pray you will comfort Theo, Will, and Sagan tonight and keep them safe. I pray for wisdom and guidance for tomorrow. Please help us leave this place safely. I ask this in Jesus' name, Amen." He stood stiffly to his feet, lay down on the hard bed, drew the green wool blanket over him, and immediately fell asleep.