Chapter 9 - 1299
Provence stood in front of the open window in the great hall, excited and aflutter in equal measure. He could hardly wait for Albert to ride through the gate after all these years and hold him in his arms again. He had already given orders to kill the fatted calf and bring out the best wine. Yet clouds of worry cast a shadow over him. He could only hope that Roussillon would not find out about Albert’s return.
Inevitably, his thoughts drifted to the new expedition. It would be Nicholas’ first battle, an opportunity to prove his loyalty to the king. He was well prepared; Provence had seen to that. But in a battle, a man’s life is in God’s hands. Eloise’s illness had been one more worry on his list lately. He said a silent prayer and thanked the Lord for bringing his boy b
