Chapter 1 - So it Begins...
It was the first day of the new year of 1492 and Juan II d'Albret was looking over his city. The first pale sunlight was touching the roofs, white of snow, with the background of the mountains of the Pyrenees. It was a wonderful sight, worthy a painting, Juan thought. Snow was a rare sight in Pamplona, and therefore it was even more appreciated when it fell.
Juan could see it all from the eastern balcony of his castle, on the highest ground in Pamplona and his personal servant, Antonio, stood behind him waiting for a sign that Juan either wanted to have a conversation or wanted him to bring something to him. He was dressed with spanish fashion, beutiful clothes, worthy of a kings servant.
- It's a wonderful morning Antonio, don't you agree?, Juan said. Obviously it was conversation he wanted and Antonio replied as the experienced servant he was.
- Yes, my Lord. God is perhaps showing his thankfulness to You.
- Maybe he is Antonio, perhaps it's a sign.
- A sign, my Lord? What do you think the Allmighty wants to show you?
- I don't know Antonio, I don't know. I have just had these strange dreams lately. Dreams of navarran soldiers lining up, like if they were in for a battle, and me in the front line, speaking to them loudly.
- And what do you tell them?
Juan was quiet for a moment, trying to recall.
- I speak about basque glory, about how Navarra maybe will be attacked, and how we must stand strong. My dreams are about war Antonio, but I don't know who
- I think we are safe. Our only neighbours are France and Spain and the spanish king is only having his eyes westwards at the moment. I have heard rumours he has sent ships over the edge of the world, trying to find a way westwards to India.
Juan raised his eye brows
- What about the french king then? He has occupied the northern part of our country
- The french king should be pleased with Béarn and the ties between the french kings dynasty and yours has been very good lately.
- Your words are like this morning, beautiful and true enough, but what if big chunks of rain clouds darkenes the sky?
- I don't see any clouds my Lord. Do you?
Juan smiled
- No Antonio, I don't, but we would better be prepared if they come.
- You are the king my Lord, but let me at least advise you on asking the Allmighty before doing anything
- You are right Antonio, as always. Stay here, I'll go to the church alone
The basilica of Pamplona was large, and only a stonethrow from the Castle d'Albret. It was built here in 1397, and in it El Noble Charles III, so far the greatest king of Navarra who also began to build the cathedral among all other things he did. Juan entered through the large wooden doors into the great hall of the cathedral. A monk quickly came up to him.
- Greetings my Lord, my name is Carlos. What business brings you here to Gods house?
- I wish to pray Carlos. I have questions, questions that need answering
- I am sure he will have answers to them Juan II d'Albret, king of Navarra and Béarn. Do you wish to go to a little more private place than here? I know a kings words may not be for every man to hear, especially not when they are directed to the Lord himself
- Yes please Carlos
Carlos led Juan in to a lot smaller room, with only a great portrait of Saint Mary on the wall, and a carpet on the floor. The walls were of stone, same as all of the basilica was.
- I will leave you here now. May God have answers to your questions and may he remove eventual hinders and bring light on your future ruling of Navarra
The monk left and Juan fell into praying quietly before the portrait