Isabel shivered at the tale. “How terrible,” she said, an uneasy feeling replacing her happiness at being in Aachen.
“No one seems to know, or will say, whether Lothar was involved in the trial. According to the women, there was no love between him and Gerberga, and he certainly wouldn’t be above using her to make trouble for the queen. But most doubt he would go so far as having her put to death. She is the sister of Bernard of Septimania, the king’s chamberlain, who was also away from the palace.”
“What of the boy, Charles? Is there any word about his fate?” Isabel asked.
“Oh, he is safe enough, my lady. He is being well cared for by his nurse. King Louis’s son is in no danger.”
Isabel remembered that Chetwynd believed the boy would be safe, and Marianna’s news seemed to confirm his view. That was reassuring. But the fact that King Louis was away from the palace, and Lothar was in charge, made her nervous for Chetwynd and Justin. In Father Ivo’s tales about Aachen, it was a place where poets and thinkers gathered. Clearly it was also a center of political intrigue and even menace, where people who displeased the king or the powerful church fathers could be thrown in the dungeon.
As Isabel was revising her thoughts about court life, Justin arrived at their door. Although he greeted them cheerfully enough, Isabel noticed a telltale crease on his forehead and stiffness about his mouth.
It didn’t take a second for Isabel to realize he was alone. “Did Chetwynd find you?” Isabel asked her brother, trying to still her growing alarm.
“He did. King Louis is away from court, but we are expecting him to return tomorrow.” Justin looked around the room to avoid looking her in the eye. “I see you have made yourself at home here.”
Trying not to read too much into her brother’s inability to look at her, Isabel asked as casually as she could manage, “Where’s Chetwynd?”
“There is nothing to worry about, Isabel,” he began, and his words had the very opposite effect from the one he desired. He might be a diplomat, but Isabel knew him too well to be fooled. She waited for the rest without speaking, and Justin finally said, “Lothar has detained Chetwynd. He said he wished to speak with him.”
Making a great effort to remain calm, Isabel took a deep breath. “Why would Lothar detain Chetwynd?” she asked, using the same word Justin had used, but wondering if he meant Lothar was holding Chetwynd against his will.
“They had some words,” Justin admitted. “When we entered King Louis’s chambers expecting to find the king, we found Lothar. Unfortunately, he was in a foul mood. I suspect Lothar has always resented Chetwynd and his influence upon King Louis. Chetwynd’s friendship with the queen increased his resentment. Our timing was bad, and Lothar turned his anger on Chetwynd.”
“Where, exactly, is Chetwynd, Justin?”
“Lothar just needs some time to cool off. As soon as the king arrives, Chetwynd will be released.”
Isabel kept her voice even but firm. “Justin, I want to know where Chetwynd is.”
Justin looked from Isabel to Marianna. “In the dungeon, but just for a short time, I’m sure.”
When both women gasped, he quickly added, “Lothar wants to talk with him. As I said, Lothar was in a temper, and I suspect he wants to cool down before he questions Chetwynd.”
Isabel sat down abruptly, afraid her legs would give out. Justin sat on the bench beside her and put his arm around her shoulder.
“I’m making a mess of this, Isabel. I’m not going to try and convince you that this is not a dangerous situation. You’re too smart for that. But Chetwynd is a soldier, and he’s used to danger. He will survive this as he has survived many other dangers. I know this is all new to you, Isabel, but you have to trust me to see that nothing happens to Chetwynd.”
Isabel nodded. “I do trust you, Justin.”
Justin held her tight for a few more minutes before speaking again. “I’m sorry to bring this news, then rush away, Isabel. I knew you would be concerned when Chetwynd didn’t return. Now I must see if I can find out when King Louis will arrive at court. The king is our best chance to free Chetwynd before Lothar decides to question him. I am afraid the two men rub each other the wrong way. Are you going to be all right?”
Although she had dug her fingernails into the palm of her hands, Isabel spoke calmly in hope of speeding Justin on his way. “Yes, I’ll be fine. Please do all you can to get Chetwynd released. Don’t worry about us.”
“I’m sure he won’t be held long. It was a matter of being at the wrong place at the wrong time.” Justin embraced Isabel again and nodded toward Marianna. “Take good care of her,” he said before he rushed away.
As soon as he left, Isabel turned to Marianna. “See what you can find out in the kitchen, Marianna,” she said.
“I can’t leave you, my lady. Justin asked me to take care of you.”
“Marianna, you can help me by finding out all you can about Chetwynd. I don’t know anyone here, but I’m sure you can learn something. From what you told me, the information will be available quickly in the kitchen.”
“Yes, my lady. I’m sure the serving women will know something. Food is sent to the prisoners once a day, late in the evening.”
“Do you know who takes it?”
“A woman called Herlinda, a serving woman happy for the duty. There is a guard she fancies, so she is a good source of information. She can find out which level Chetwynd is on, and how he is
