“Father Ivo told me that Charlemagne gathered scholars and poets from all over the empire, and even beyond its borders, to bring them to Aachen. I can just imagine those poets sitting around, reading their poems to each other. Perhaps they even composed epics in imitation of Homer. I wonder if Song of Roland was composed there.”
“I don’t know, but the story of the brave knight who served Charlemagne is a favorite with minstrel singers. Jerome is always demanding to hear the heroic exploits of Roland.”
“Yes, I can imagine he would enjoy them. Does King Louis spend as much time in Aachen as Charlemagne did?”
“Probably even more. He had a monastery built nearby, and he retreats there often. Aachen also has historical significance for the king. At the time of Charlemagne’s death, Louis was ruling in Aquitania. As soon as he heard that his father was dead, he journeyed to Aachen to assume power. There was some anxiety about the reception he would receive from Charlemagne’s former ministers. But Louis was greeted with enthusiasm and an oath of fealty was quickly pledged to the new king and emperor. I think Louis has a particular fondness for Aachen because of the acceptance he found there.”
Isabel was yawning as he finished. “Now you’re sleepy and I’m wide awake,” Chetwynd complained.
“I could do something to wear you out again,” she murmured, but she was asleep before she could reach for him.
“Tomorrow, my love,” Chetwynd whispered as he kissed her nose.
They’d had their best day since Isabel had returned to him. But Chetwynd knew the danger was not over, and he wondered if he was wise to honor his promise to keep Isabel with him. Sighing, he accepted that he didn’t have a choice in the matter. Whatever lay ahead in Aachen, they would face it together.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
THE LAST LEG OF ISABEL AND CHETWYND’S long journey from Narbonne to Aachen was different from what had gone before. Since Justin and his men now led the way, Chetwynd was free to ride beside Isabel, followed closely by Ingram and Jerome. Isabel’s sense of excitement affected her three companions, and their mood was cheerful and relaxed. Not until they were finally nearing Aachen did Isabel notice that Chetwynd had sobered and become more vigilant.
Although the day was cloudy and the visibility poor, Isabel kept her eyes focused on the road ahead, eager for her first sight of Aachen. Under the trees the moisture formed a mist, but when they suddenly emerged from the forest, the path ahead cleared, and in the distance she had an unobstructed view of their destination. It was an impressive sight. There were a great number of towers reaching up to the sky, each flying a colorful pennant. Below the towers were sturdy walls topped by battlements that ringed the city. A wide drawbridge led up to the massive structure. She could see that the tall gate on the other side, although standing open, was heavily guarded.
As their party moved closer, the ramparts loomed larger and taller. “You’ll strain your neck, my love,” Chetwynd teased as she stared above her.
Unwilling to lower her gaze for fear of missing something, Isabel ignored him. The horses made a loud din as they crossed the bridge, and Isabel finally lowered her gaze to study the dark water in the moat. In spite of all she had heard about Aachen, Isabel was still unprepared for its size and the vast number of people milling about the keep within its walls. Outside the approach to Aachen had been exciting, but inside Isabel felt closed-in and apprehensive because of the crowds.
“Stay close to me,” Chetwynd called to her as some strangers on horseback mingled with their group, and they lost track of Justin and his men. “We’ll go directly to my living quarters in the palace.” He had to shout over the noise in the keep.
Isabel nodded to him and guided her horse to stay just behind his. At the stables, Chetwynd helped her dismount. “It’s not far from here,” he assured her, and took her hand to guide her through an open market.
There were many stalls selling fine leather goods, rich fabrics, and glittering jewelry. Isabel stopped a few times, attracted by the wares for sale. Jerome and Ingram went on ahead, and Chetwynd urged Isabel along. At last they reached an alley that led them away from the busy market, and Isabel heard her name called. Marianna flew from a doorway and embraced Isabel so tightly she found it hard to breathe.
“When you left Saint Ives, I feared I’d never see you again, my lady. Jerome told me you were on your way, and I could hardly believe it. Have you ever seen such a place? I didn’t know there were so many people in the world.”
Marianna held Isabel away so she could see for herself that she was all right. “You look lovely, my lady,” she said.
Isabel and Marianna were embracing again when Chetwynd suggested they go inside. They followed Marianna up a long, narrow staircase that took several turns and seemed to go on forever.
“It’s good to see you, also, my lord. The chambers here are handy, but they needed some airing.” Marianna spoke as she climbed. “They seemed very empty without someone to share them. I’m so glad I’m no longer alone. I put all your clothes in the small bedchamber, my lady.”
They had entered the outer room and Chetwynd replied to Marianna. “You can put Isabel’s clothes in the large bedchamber with mine, Marianna.”
Her maid looked to Isabel for confirmation of what Chetwynd had said. Isabel’s grin confirmed her hopes. Marianna hugged her mistress again and then wiped away a few tears. “I knew it would work out,” she murmured, more to herself than to Chetwynd or Isabel.
Now that she found herself in a quiet place, Isabel was unsure what she should do next. The few connecting rooms that were Chetwynd’s quarters were sparsely furnished and
