A fresh snow had fallen over the land. Sarah wondered around
the halls and rooms of Castel Skarbal. The entire castle was festively adorned
with gold and silver garlands, elaborate snowflakes hung from the ceiling of
the great hall which had a tall, stately spruce tree in the center. Gifts for
everyone were piled underneath it and the children ran around playing games.
This was the one time of year when the people of Dubrovya were invited to
celebrate Christmas in the castle.
Great amounts of food were served on the large banquet table
at the rear of the great hall. Everyone enjoyed their time there, exchanging
stories, laughing and dancing. The prince roamed among the guests wishing them
good cheer, health and prosperity. He was often accompanied by Sarah and they’d
spend more of their time with the people she was especially fond of.
Hours of celebrating had passed and most of the guests had
left for home. The servants were busy gathering and taking care of the left
over food, empty carafes and rolling the kegs of ale away to the cellars. Sarah
and Prince Skarbalius were bidding the final guests goodbye. They were just
awaiting the return of Marguerite Schonburg who went off to find her husband
Henry, the wealthy banker.
She hadn’t been gone long when a loud scream was heard from
the direction she had gong. Everyone went running. The prince got there first
and pulled another man from Henry. The man had a knife but the prince quickly
disarmed him, held him and called for the guards whom led the man away to the
dungeon below. “I assure you, he’ll be dealt with forthright” Prince Victor
told Henry and Marguerite. “Are you alright?” Sarah asked. “I’m alright. I’m
just a bit shaken.” When asked what had happened he explained that he and the
other man had had a disagreement earlier in the evening and the somewhat
younger man wanted to has it out in no uncertain terms. The man was an investor
and felt he was being cheated. Everything was made clear and good byes were
made.
Victor and Sarah were finally alone and Victor led her out
to one of the upper story walk ways, overlooking a valley. Although it was
dark, he pointed to a village alit tiny spots of light from fireplaces. “Do you
see that village?” “Yes, that’s Khorabin isn’t it?” “Yes. It’s hard to see in
the dark, but it’s a beautiful scene from here in the daylight. Now come with
me. I have something else to show you.” She followed him back inside the castle
and into a drawing room. “Have a seat my love.” He indicated a stuffed chair
and she sat, watching him as he opened a desk drawer and pulled out a document.
“What’s that?” she asked.
He sat in the chair beside her. “You love your father very
much, and I respect him a great deal. He’s worked hard his entire life and
still has little to show for it other than the modest home he shared with you,
and of course, your love and respect. With this paper he’ll be the governor of
Khorabin and won’t have any more worries. He can reside in the palace there and
ultimately rule the village. He’ll still be close to you too. She was shocked.
“You’d do that for my father?” “I already have. When he arrives tomorrow I’ll
give it to him. All he as to do is sign it.” “Oh thank you!” She hugged him.
“Merry Christmas my love.”
#Christmas #celebrate #share #family
Merry Christmas to all of my readers!
