When a new day dawns... Chapter 2.

     Night had descended still cold & bleak although it was late into the spring. Most of the inhabitants of Chillon castle had left the hall where a fire burned quietly after a late supper. A few slept to one side after a meal of roasted meat, hunted in nearby woods. Bread made in the kitchens had been dipped in gravy accompanying platters of meat & a few side dishes. Crumbs still littered the trestle tables as servants cleared them of remaining residue. A few rush lights lit the hall from sconces nestled in the side walls, throwing a soft glow around the room.
     Matilda awoke with a start, the room dim, alien in the early morning, the night filling every space. Memories flooded back with all she had experienced on her short journey into the unknown. Alone she had made a bid for freedom whilst living in the castle, the only home she could remember in her young life. 
      The  room seemed to creak & groan around where she had slept. The walls seeped with a cold iciness as she closed her eyes to block it out. Somewhere in the castle faint noises echoed through her mind. The morning was far beyond the mountains, still snow-clad at their highest peaks. They rose majestic, almost foreboding, their jagged cliffs & ruggedness sweeping low down towards the lake. The castle jutted out into its depths as water lapped around the base, spreading far & wide.
     Matilda's thoughts paused as she wondered why she now slept in a different room. It was difficult to remember all the recent events & grimaced with the failure they had brought. Upon return to the castle, she had become strangely disorientated & feeling unwell, was put to bed after dark with a tiredness that eventually overcame her. As she lay there, certain strange feelings flooded her thoughts. She tried to reason, returning where she had paused beside the lake, after consuming some bread & cheese. Unfortunately, she had become engrossed with the beauty of her surroundings, the mountains reaching from afar, spilling down to the lake. The freedom of the birds had captivated her, their flight soaring high into the air above, but her presence had become obvious, she had left herself open to discovery too easily.
     She had been so unconcerned with discovery then. Surely it would have been more sensible to have stayed within the confines of the wood where she had paused to eat. That, at least would have given a certain amount of protection...but, she thought, not for an indefinite time. Sooner or later detection would have been apparent.
     Her thoughts rambled on in the soft morning light of the room. She lay there a short while longer reminiscing, remembering the sense of freedom that had completely engulfed her. The air had smelt sweet mesmerizing her senses. Hardly had she watched the flight of birds before in quite the way she had that day. How they had flown free of the branches, rising high into the blue sky chirping noisily, before swooping, then rising again. Matilda closed her eyes & was lost to it. Flowers had grown near the edge of the lake... she was back there now, dotted about her in a soft pink, white ones mingled amongst the grass. She had bent down & picked one as the water turned silver, the sun rising & spreading its fingers across the surface. It was enchanting, a feeling like being in a trance.
     But why, she thought, do I remember the master himself? That feeling had returned several times. Pierre had been in charge of the search party, astounding her, memories of that day filling her consciousness. She had ridden in front of him on his horse returning to the castle, a strange feeling overcoming her. Matilda fingered the pendant around her neck. It had been given to her when very young by a tallish gentleman with dark hair similar to her own. Those memories were hazy & it was difficult to remember the man from her childhood. She had been brought up mainly in the company of servants until now. 
     Matilda's eyes were a deep brown, her figure trim which had developed over the past year, remaining slender with the life required of her. Her thoughts drifted on a few more moments, puzzling over returning to the castle in the company of Pierre. A distinct feeling was overcoming her, events of long ago flooding into her mind, but not able to see clearly days from her childhood experienced so far back.
     Matilda rose from her small bed, her long dark hair loosely braided falling forward as she quickly pulled her cloak & hood around her in the early morning chill. She bent down & slipped her feet into shoes, then stood & brushed her skirts.
     Catherine still sleeping in the other bed, moved with the sound of Matilda opening the heavy door that lead into a dim passageway. Soon, she too would have to rise & attend to certain duties. Catherine had shared part of Matilda's earlier years at her lessons. She was a good year older than Matilda, her hair lighter in tone, but eyes were a similar brown. Catherine possessed a quiet nature, never questioning what was asked of her. Neither girls were granted an opinion as they had been taught from an early age to respect the manner in which decisions were made for them. They were also aware that many young girls of similar age could be married by now & subjected to the will of their husbands. Their young lives mapped out according to birth & possibly sent to a household away from home prior to marriage & what was to follow. Both young ladies had become firm friends & sometimes confided in secrets together. Matilda had decided at the time, not to include Catherine in her recent plans in case she wouldn't keep her secret. Although she trusted her implicitly, Matilda knew that leaving the castle for good was something she must keep to herself.
     Life for Matilda had become mundane. In her more informative years she had been expected to learn her letters & two languages, apart from other aspects of living within the confines of Chillon castle. She knew her mother had died giving birth to her & her father was unknown. She had been told when young she had two older sisters, but of those she knew nothing more. Her youthful exuberance had recently intervened, throwing her inner emotions into turmoil, her life had become pointless, uneventful as the outside world proved irresistible she had taken her chances when the opportunity presented itself but failed.
     As Matilda walked to the hall she passed a doorway & Alice, the housekeeper, called to her. 'Ah, there you are young lady. I've been asked to speak to you about a certain matter.' Matilda stopped, almost froze, her hands clasped tightly in front, while her insides started to churn. She dropped her eyes not daring to look up. Alice had been a guiding hand at times throughout her childhood, almost a mother, but was strict too, adopting a modicum of decorum towards both young girls. She drifted over to where Matilda was feeling tense, dreading what Alice was about to impart.
     'Pierre... the master,' she began, 'has asked me to speak with you about what has occurred recently. The matter of you departing at such an early hour & with no escort whatsoever... did you not think of the consequences...? How on earth...? Oh never mind... we will deal with that very soon.' Matilda felt more nervous. Alice continued, 'you may have noticed have you not, that you now sleep with Catherine? Things have changed somewhat & hopefully for the better. There will be no more escapades from this castle. Is that clear?'
     'Yes madam,' muttered Matilda, feeling slightly less tense. Her hands in front still clasped tightly. This is far from over, she thought.
     'And another thing, the master has told me that you will be allowed a little more freedom now you are older.' Matilda's head rose. She found the calm eyes of Alice bearing down on her. At the same time feeling more than surprise of  impending doom that appeared to be lifting with each passing moment. Her expression turning to complete amazement, brown eyes widening as she looked at Alice .
     'But why...?'
     'Never mind why,' Alice said, 'there have been a few changes around here & you may very soon be expected to accompany the master on  a journey. The weather is improving all the time & as you know, he sometimes travels from place to place on business. He likes to take everything of comfort, but there will be adequate staff to accompany him.
     Matilda gasped, the tension leaving her as her thoughts engrossed with all that would entail. 'But I...'
     'Yes, things have certainly changed around here.' Alice had not at this stage been informed as to the details of the journey or its destination, but continued. 'It has been decided that you are now of an age where it would benefit you to experience a little of er...'Alice paused & tried to think of what she needed to impart to the astonished Matilda. 'Well, in time you will be better informed. But for now... what think you of this turn of events?'
     'Madam, I hardly know what...'
     'You may call me Alice from now on. That too, has changed. It is with regret that you saw fit to leave here recently, but for now, you will remain in the confines of the castle. You & Catherine will be expected to respect the rules, is that clear?'
    'Perfectly madam... I mean Alice.' Matilda was so completely dumbfounded, remaining motionless in front of Alice, who said, 'well it is time for you to break your fast. Do you know if Catherine is close behind? Where is that girl?' Alice looked over Matilda's shoulder frowning.
     'Would you like me to find out if...?'
     'No no,' said Alice hastily, 'I'm sure Catherine will be here any moment. She is usually very prompt, yes, very prompt.' Alice shaking her head a little & still frowning, walked away into another room, leaving Matilda dazed & bewildered. She turned toward the smaller hall, used for meals & other gatherings. Arriving through a doorway she noticed a fire having been lit earlier, crackled slowly from a large area within a side wall as a few of the servants busied themselves. The main hall was used by the Count for more important functions, as yet unseen by Matilda. As she took her seat on a wooden bench her thoughts becoming like a storm approaching as she still wondered what could possibly have brought about such a change.
                                                      
     The dawn of an early summer's day fell upon the high structures of the outside walls. Building work within the castle was continuing. The sun's rays brought a new warmth that was felt within the courtyards. It flooded across the cobblestones & glinted in & out of the shadows thrown down by the semi-circular towers nearing completion. Even the moat was being widened. Although the days were longer & slightly warmer, the sun never penetrated the thick walls of the interior.
      The crackling fire threw a vague warmth throughout the hall. After Matilda had sat down she noticed Catherine seated nearby & moved to sit beside her. Looking sideways she said, 'As we have been sharing the same room for a short time, do you know the reason for that Catherine?'
     'Not really, it seems that it will be ongoing too. I was told that yesterday, but I know not the reason. Evidently there have been several changes made & the master has ordered that accommodation be prepared immediately as the Count is returning a little earlier than expected.'
      Matilda shifted on the bench, 'I met the housekeeper earlier on my way here. I was so surprised with what she had to say, but you were not here & I need to discuss things with you.' 
     'Discuss what?' Catherine turned to face Matilda, becoming quite intrigued with what Matilda had just said.
     'When I met the housekeeper, she asked me to call her Alice. I've never heard of such a thing! What could possibly have brought this on?' said Matilda, her eyes bright & eyebrows raised 'She stunned me by telling me that my life is to be more or less...' she hesitated, then continued. 'More or less changed. But not in those words. I am to have more freedom in the future & be allowed to travel with the Master & his entourage. Perhaps that's what Alice meant. I'm confused now. but imagine that? I'm going to see a lot more of the countryside & even the mountains!'
     Catherine considered this for a moment & said, 'well, the weather is becoming more like summer, the warmer days mean that the Count will be about his travels once again. Pierre will be travelling too. Did you know that I will be accompanying him? Isn't that exciting?'
     Matilda became very animated. She reflected briefly, then added, 'I didn't know that. What do you suppose has brought about this unusual decision? When Alice stopped me, I thought I would be in a lot of trouble for my..., well, you know..., when I left the castle recently. But instead I shall be allowed more freedom. Whatever that means.'
     'There is certainly a different atmosphere around here now. I'm not sure what is at the bottom of it, but I guess we will find out soon enough,' Catherine added.
     Matilda pulled at some bread & slowly put a piece in her mouth, thinking all the time as she did so. 'Yes, I suppose we will find out in due course. But I'm rather excited at the thought of travelling to lots of different places.'
     'You haven't moved from here yet, let alone travel to many different places. We may not be going far, who knows, it might only be a few miles away,' Catherine said wistfully as she gazed over to the other side of the room where a young man sat eating. Her face took on an almost dreamlike look as she pondered over the future.
     'Well, I'm sure we will be going far & soon,' said Matilda. Just you wait & see if I'm not right.'
     'Yes, we will know soon enough.' Catherine was still gazing over to the other side of the room in a sort of trance. 'But don't count on it. Things may turn out very different.'
     Matilda frowned slightly & finished what she had been eating a little too hurriedly. 'Catherine do you know more about our new room by any chance?' Catherine started moving from her seat, across the floor toward the nearest door when she turned to face Matilda. 'No, but that's another thing I think we will find out about soon.' Matilda rose & followed Catherine to the door. Together both girls walked back past where Alice had been talking to Henry a man who, in the past had once saved the life of Pierre, the present castellan of the castle, when the horse he was riding out hunting, suddenly reared, throwing Pierre dangerously close to the horse's hind legs. Henry had been close at hand & was able to rescue Pierre & been promoted to an assistant some time after the event.
     'Oh, I'd hoped to see you two this morning,' Alice said, leaving Henry to continue with what he had planned for the day. She drifted over to where Catherine & Matilda had stopped while passing the doorway. 'You may notice when you return to your room that new gowns had been ordered & placed there waiting for you both to try on. It's important that they fit well.'
     Catherine & Matilda starred at Alice, then at each other in complete amazement. Matilda's astonishment caused her to gasp, as she said to Alice, 'what sort of gowns are they?'
     'Not too fancy, just a much better version of the homespun you wear now,' remarked Alice, her face unsmiling in a matter of fact manner she often expressed when being decisive.
     'But...?' remarked Catherine, 'I don't under...!'
     'You will soon enough', replied Alice, cutting her off a bit short. 'If you are to be travelling afar, you will need to possess a little more than you do now. For the moment, you must go now & see if they are suitable. Any alterations can be arranged.'
     'Travelling afar?' questioned Matilda. Before she & Catherine retired to their room to view the new gowns, she added, 'please Alice, may we know the place to which we will travel?'
     'Very well then,' sighed Alice. 'It appears that you are both to travel all the way to England & there you will be living with a relative of the master'.
     Matilda couldn't contain herself any longer. 'England! To England? But that is a long way from here.'She looked at Catherine who seemed to remain relatively calm.
     Alice almost managed a smile then. 'It IS a long way to travel, but you will both be accompanied by the master himself & certain members of the staff for your safety. It has been decided that, in view of recent circumstances & other matters that have come to hand, you will both leave one week from today. Go now & do as you are bidden.'
     Matilda looked again at Catherine, a smile on her face but apprehensive of the future. Together both young ladies turned in the direction of their room, Catherine contemplating, Matilda chattering like a bird she had seen rising from the branch of a tree, before soaring to the heavens in free flight, its wings outspread in the soft breeze blowing across the lake. She turned to Catherine. 'To England?'
    
    
    
   

Endless possibilities!

     There is every chance of a follow up to 'Flight into the unknown'. It has been written, but certain events lately have curtailed writing time a little. (Rather a lot, but which may prove a complete change in circumstances.) The story line will not be completed for now, as Matilda's life has taken a turn for the better, or so it seems. Things are afoot & as the 13th century is an enormous & new challenge, what appears forthwith will have to be carefully planned & adhered to if she is to continue with her change in fortunes.
     Many demons loom in one's mind as to ability, quality of writing & content, among other things, but, with much tenacity & perseverance it might appear on the page as something a few will be kind enough to read. If so, I thank you in anticipation.

Lark ascending

Sweet merriment of song
travelled o'er countryside long
heard amidst grasses wavering
 lark singing in my soul.

It flutters like music heard
in a rainbow passing near
lilting song light & lovely
twittering on wings hovering.

Meadows swaying your tune
as in a cloud dancing free
ascending lark finds love
his mate alights gladly true.

Summer song soaring feel
perfumed on morning breeze
warm sunrays moonlit nights
but lark ascends singing free.

Songbird sweeping fields
across lengthening shadows be
constant singing fluttering down
there is magic all around.