Chapter 31: Countdown Before the Storm: Part 2

Urraca climbed into the carriage parked in the inner courtyard of the castle. The coachman, a man of few words but trustworthy, took the reins firmly and waited for his lady's signal. As the carriage approached the castle's grand gate, the guards, recognizing their lady, hurried to open the heavy wooden doors.

With a creak that echoed in the silence before the storm, the doors opened fully, allowing the carriage to leave without delay. As they passed through the threshold, Urraca leaned slightly forward and, through the carriage window, addressed the coachman with a clear and authoritative voice.

"To the town hall," she said decisively. "And spare no speed; time is of the essence."

The coachman nodded, aware of the urgency in Urraca's voice, and with a snap urged the horses to quicken their pace. The carriage moved away from the castle, entering the streets of Burgos that led to the town hall.

A minute after leaving the castle, the carriage took a street that curved in a shape reminiscent of an inverted U. As they advanced, the urban landscape began to change. The stone and wood houses gave way to more imposing and elaborate buildings. At the end of the street, the town hall stood majestically, a building that stood out from the rest not only for its size but also for its construction material.

The town hall was erected with blocks of polished marble, a material valued for its elegance and durability. The light of the sunset reflected on its facade, making the marble veins glow with a soft radiance that captured the gaze of passersby.

Next to the town hall, there was a covered space reserved for carriages. This place, protected by a roof of finely worked tiles and supported by marble columns matching the main building, was exclusively for Urraca's use. It was a privilege that underscored her status and importance in the city's affairs.

The coachman directed the horses to this space, and with a skill born of years of experience, maneuvered the carriage under the cover. Once the carriage stopped, Urraca prepared to descend, knowing that the matters awaiting her inside the town hall required her immediate and decisive attention.

As she stepped down from the carriage, Urraca felt a change in the air; a freshness that heralded the arrival of rain. She approached the entrance door of the town hall. Just as she reached the threshold, it began to drizzle, and a few scattered drops fell on her outstretched hand.

She looked up at the sky, observing how the gray clouds loomed threateningly over the city. The raindrops, cold and swift, began to splash her face and darken the marble around her. Aware that the downpour was about to break, Urraca quickened her pace, her steps resonating with determination on the ground as she quickly crossed the distance that separated her from the great door of the town hall.

Without hesitation, she entered the building, leaving behind the murmur of the rain that now fell more heavily. Inside the town hall, the atmosphere was dry and warm, a stark contrast to the cold dampness outside. Urraca paused for a moment to let her eyes adjust to the dimness of the lobby before heading towards the stairs leading to the council room.

Urraca approached the door of the mayor's office and, without hesitation, pushed it open. Inside, the mayor was absorbed in his work, a piece of wood in one hand and a piece of charcoal in the other, scribbling notes and figures on a worn parchment. So focused was he on his task that he did not notice Urraca's entrance.

"Have I not told you to knock before entering," murmured the mayor, without looking up, assuming it was one of his assistants.

However, perceiving the silence that followed his reprimand, he looked up and found himself in the imposing presence of Urraca. With a quick and clumsy movement, he stood up and bowed in a rushed reverence.

"Forgive me, I did not know it was you," he said with a choppy voice, his face showing a mix of surprise and respect.

The mayor, still with surprise etched on his face, nodded with a mix of respect and obedience. Urraca, with the authority her position conferred, took control of the situation.

"The masters of the guilds and the captain of the guard will come in a few minutes," Urraca said firmly. "They will come here, to the town hall, to talk about the storm that is approaching. Take them to the top floor and make sure everything is prepared for the meeting."

The mayor, recognizing the importance of the instructions, bowed again in a sign of understanding. "Of course, it will be done as you command," he replied, his voice denoting a renewed vigor for the task assigned.

After giving her instructions to the mayor, Urraca left the office without further delay. She headed towards the stairs, her steps echoing on the stone steps.

Upon reaching the top floor, she found herself in front of a single door, right at the end of the staircase. Without hesitation, Urraca extended her hand and pushed the door, which opened without making a sound, revealing a spacious and majestic room. The room was lit by natural light that filtered through the four windows facing the street, creating a play of light and shadows on the polished wood floor.

The room was arranged so that at the back one could see a throne, raised on a dais, flanked by several rows of chairs arranged in order. The chairs, empty for the moment, awaited the masters of the guilds and the captain of the guard, who would soon gather there to discuss the critical issues that the storm brought with it.

Urraca advanced with a firm step towards the throne, her presence filling the room. Upon reaching the dais, she climbed the steps and sat on the throne with the naturalness of someone accustomed to making decisions from the seat of power.

From her elevated position, Urraca surveyed the room, her gaze sliding through the windows and observing how the raindrops slid down the glass, marking the rhythm of a time that could not be wasted. She crossed one leg over the other and rested her arm on the armrest of the throne, her posture that of a ruler who waits, with patience but with the urgency of someone who knows that every moment counts.

The silence of the room was a prelude to the conversations that would soon take place, conversations that would determine the course of action in the face of the imminent storm. Urraca waited, with the serenity of someone who is prepared to face whatever is necessary for the good of her people and her city.