Part VII

The way to the castle led through fields and one could see farmers and their houses scattered around the whole area. Along with their gardens and cattle that was running in the crofts. Joel was looking around he needed to remember the surrounding of the castle for his getaway later. The road was wide and paved. Comfortable for transport. The castle was hoovering above the settlement partially covered by the dense wood that seemed almost black from the distance. The closer they got the more houses appeared. One could see some craftsmen workshops and an inn. The sigh depicting a bear barrel looked so inviting. They were passing a few street, so this town didn't seem too small. Some people were on the streets minding their business and not paying much attention to a cart that was traveling towards the gate of the castle.

They approached the outer gatehouse and there, they were held by the guards. Their coachman explained who they were and shortly after they were let inside. Joel looked around. The whole castle looked really solid The outer gate house had two towers and wooden gate that was now opened. They drove inside and saw a huge outer ward. The coachman told them to get out and then turned left where the stables were.

They were standing in he middle of the ward looking around and not knowing what to do. Joel noticed a huge building on their right, where a few people were going in and out.

"Let's ask them." He pointed in that direction. They all headed there. Joel approached a middle aged man who was wearing a gray shirt.

"I'm sorry, we have just arrived as a tribute to the duke and ..."- Joel didn't manage to finish his line.

"Maison there are some new ones!" He shouted. In a moment an older man came looking quite stern at every single one of them.

"Sables." He said pointing at Brian. "Kitchen." That was for Sam and Becky, "Guards." Mat smiled a little. Maison looked for a moment at Joel. "You are from some wealthy family?" Joel nodded. "You will help out in the castle."

Brian leaned to Joel.

"Don't worry, I'll find you." He even touched his arm to make his promise something more reassuring. Joel said nothing. Along with Becky, Mat and Sam they were walking led by Maison across the ward in the direction of the inner gate. Joel kept looking around. Behind him on the left there were stables and some barns or storage rooms. On the right next to the outer gate the house for servants. Than he could see a garden with veggies and some trees. Everything looked neat and tidy. The outer castle was surrounded by massive curtain wall with four watch towers and four flanking towers. The inner palace was separated by moat. The inner gatehouse had two towers and a drawbridge that was lowered now. Their steps on the wooden bridge made dull sounds and Joel felt a bit uneasy. The inner ward was pretty big as well. The keep was opposite to the gate, on the left there was the great hall and kitchen as Becky and Sam were informed. On the right were women's apartments a beautiful garden with flowers, a well and close to the gatehouse there was a building for the guards. That was were Mat has been sent. Joel and he other two went for the great hall. Maison led them inside and searched for the head maid. The great hall was able to accommodate over one hundred people. There were long wooden tables placed in a semicircle with a platform at the head of the table. There were five long thin windows on each side. The light was dimmed and the temperature was a bit lower than outside. Soon they heard steps. Maison was coming back with a plump lady. She had a round face with rosy cheeks. Her hair was covered by a head wrap and heavy looking bunch of keys was fastened at her waist.

"So, here they are. New faces I see. Well, well you two will work in the kitchen and this young girl – she pointed at Joel - will go later with me. Now let's go to the kitchen, you must be hungry right? - Not waiting for their answer he kept on talking – You need to grab something because you will go straight to work." For a small plump lady she surely was walking quite fast. They were all following her sheepishly. The kitchen was big with three ovens and five women working over the dinner. It smelled delicious and Joel looked at the pots with greedy eyes.

The soup and piece of bread they were served tasted really good. The head made kept talking about the work in the kitchen and introduced the main cook named Emma. Emma and the head mid looked similar, Joel was wondering for a moment whether or not they were related. As soon as they finished Joel holding his bag followed the energetic head maid.

"Do you know how to serve food." She asked while walking.

"Yes madam, I know." Joel knew shit but putting plates on the table didn't seemed very complicated.

"My maids are expected to behave, no sleeping around – she sent Joel a serious look – and they must be clean and neat. You will change into maid's outfit and cover your hair. You also need to wash yourself. You will sleep here – she opened door to a spacious bed chamber with about ten beds, that were empty now. That bed and chest is yours. I will sent someone with clothes for you."

"Thank you madam. Where is the bathroom?" Joel asked hoping he will manage to be alone in the bathroom too.

"Someone will show you there. Wait for the made with clothes." She smiled and with left swiftly.

Joel managed to place his belonging into the chest when a young girl appeared.

"Hi, I'm Mia. These are your clothes." she placed a gray dress and white wrap on the bed.

"Thank you. My name is Joy. And where are the bathrooms?"

"Go down the corridor, turn left and the second door on the left is the bathroom." The girl explained.

"I think I will manage to find it. Thank you for your help." Joel smiled politely.

"When you finish come to the kitchen, dinner time will be soon."

"Sure thing." Joel confirmed taking out some soap that smelled like roses. Mia bobbed and left. Joel collected his new dress and went for the bathroom.