Chapter 57: Flashback: The Long Way Home

20 July, 1353. Eberelle Monastery, Northern Islia.

William sat on the floor, just outside the bedchamber where his father was lying. A stream of clerics, monks and royal advisors came and went from the room, paying no attention to the fair haired youth slumped by the door. William couldn't make out much of what the men were saying, but their hushed, anxious tones told him it wasn't good.

Prince Johan had taken ill the day after the Islian diplomatic delegation had set off from Port Canfirth Palace. What had started off as a simple nagging cough had quickly turned into a high fever and coughing so violent it racked the prince's broad frame.