The Novice by Mirella Patzer

Author:Mirella Patzer
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Women's Historical Fiction, Historical Thriller Suspense Romance Love Triangle, Literary Mystery, Italian Historical Romance, Italian Historical Fiction, Middle Ages, Dark Ages, Medieval, Italy, Family Life, Family Saga, Drama, Secret, Domestic Violence, Vigilante Justice, revenge, Betrayal, Nuns, Knights, Naples, Italian Culture, Italian Cultural Heritage, Canadian Author, Women Authors
Publisher: Mirella Patzer
Published: 2014-11-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eighteen

ANTONIO RETURNED HOME to his father’s ducal castle in Naples. At a gathering of nobles and papal representatives, his father hosted a celebration for his recent victory over a band of Saracens, officially declared him his successor, and bestowed him with a castle of his own in the nearby town of Latina.

Later, after the celebrations, as Naples’s future duke, he pondered the future. The magnitude of his new responsibilities lay heavily on his shoulders as he rode to Latina to assume his new post.

The war against the Saracens seemed never ending. The foreign invaders had stepped up their aggressive campaign to expand their area of control. The endless onslaughts had bruised and battered the entire duchy. The battles saw more women and children slain, numerous churches desecrated. Many men had lost their lives in the fighting, leaving behind far too many widows and children.

There were other perils brewing, as well. One of his father’s old enemies, an outcast and wanderer, had become a sewer of sedition, a man of intrigue, dangerous to both friend and foe. Beaten like a vulture and cast out from the marches of Naples, he had turned with treasonable hope to the Saracens, boasting little love for the duke. Now the Saracens appeared in larger numbers than before, ever intent on pillage and annihilation. Antonio knew he could never rest until he helped bring peace to the duchy.

At the head of his men, with the landscape covered in heavy fog, he rode into Latina. The town glistened in a white web of frost beneath the sparkle of the winter sun. A crowd gathered to cheer them, regaling him with blessings and good wishes, but his thoughts were fixed solely on the daunting task before him: rebuilding churches, restoring convents from their desolate ashes, and introducing new forms of trade and commerce. His love for his land was immense. He would gather troops, call for more men to join him in arms. Many a cavaliere, peasant, or merchant would answer. Their path would ring with the cry of steel in the crisp winter weather. He dreamed of long-lasting peace.

The only thing missing in his life was hope for true happiness, as he had experienced with Sara. He doubted he would ever know such profound contentment again.

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