Joyfully, Julian said to Manuela, "It is not a worry anymore." They stood in the middle of the courtyard, the drawbridge of the castle having been let down and a knight reverently approaching the courtyard. Trumpets blared his arrival and the guards stood at attention, though they did not lift up their swords as they did for royalty. Instead, they stood at attention because their leader had finally returned home.<br/><br/><a class="postlink" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwlW-WPrY64">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwlW-WPrY64</a><br/><br/>Bishop Julian stood at the other end, awaiting for the Captain of the Guard to come through the line. Sir John looked over: "Why don't you have greetings like this?" But Julian remained quiet.<br/><br/>Approaching was a fairly young knight, perhaps 29 or 30. He wore mostly black in his armor; his silver sword contrasted his body, but the black visor that was halfway open showed who he was. Removing the helmet and holding it to the side of his body, he walked down amongst the other soldiers with a great big smile; he looked at each and every guard as if he knew them, knew their story. And they looked to him as their leader.<br/><br/>The past couple of nights passed with no real incidents; the Bishop had returned to his normal duties of Mass while Manuela stayed in her room, or walked about the gardens. At least, that is what the Bishop thought she did. They had conversations, but they were more or less how they were going to get away with the ruse he had created.<br/><br/>The guard approached the Bishop, knelt, took the ring of the Bishop to kiss it, and the Bishop drew his hand back. "You like the formalities, don't you Lord Navarez." Navarez stood up and jovially replied, "You know, it is not sin to receive adulation from sinners such as myself." Julian placed his right hand on his right shoulder and said, "said one sinner to another. Navarez, what news do you bring?"<br/><br/>"Your excellency, I bring great news to you. Your father has been found, God rest his soul. You may bring him back here to honor him."<br/><br/>Julian quieted down, quickly making the sign of the cross. Navarez followed. Julian exclaimed: "You have finally made it possible to close this chapter in my life; yes, we should bring him here so he may have Christian burial."<br/><br/>"No" Navarez insisted. "You don't understand; you should not bury him, you should exhibit him to the faithful."<br/><br/>"What?"<br/><br/>"It's true, your holiness. He is incorruptible. His body was dragged from the crusades by some monks; they brought him back to their monastery. Stories abound that your father lived many months after it was reported he died, and he did many saintly things. His life was turned around for the better; when he passed, the monks would have buried his body. But everyday, the body looked gentler, sweeter, nobler than the previous day. It has preserved for many years, but it looks peaceful since the day he died. No doubt, my Bishop, he is in heaven with the saints."<br/><br/>The Bishop didn't know exactly what to do with the news, but a smile came upon him. He could not wonder any longer, if this was true - he wanted to see it for himself. "Navarez, what if it is not him. What if it is someone else." But the Captain reiterated, "I know your father; he and I fought side by side on the battle field. There was always something different about him; he would lament his past mistakes. You have been invited to see him and perhaps petition for the transfer of his remains to this diocese."<br/><br/>"No" Julian stated. "If he is resting in peace where he is at, there's no need to move the body. But see him, yes, on my next pilgrimage to, where?"<br/><br/>"And there is more news, my liege. The monks recovered letters from his personal belongings, a map, and maybe a family tree of some sort. I have brought them here, so you may have them. It contains the name of a blood relative of yours, one he did not talk often about. Here, let me get the documents for you."<br/><br/>Navarez did not immediately turn around or rummage for things; instead, he saw Manuela. "Pardon my manners, I am Lord Navarez. You are?" He bowed; he didn't know if he should take her hand and give the gentle kiss on it he felt all ladies, no matter who they were, deserved.<br/><br/>Sir John spoke up: "She is the Bishop's concubine, one Manuela Fierro."<br/><br/>"Manuela?" Navarez replied startled. "Manuela? My liege, you live in sin!"<br/><br/>The Bishop replied, "No my dear Navarez; we have done nothing these past few nights. I am glad for your return because you, not Sir John, is in charge. And I must set this woman free; she was accused by our diocese of being something she was not. With you here, you can protect her better than I."<br/><br/>"It is good for you then" Navarez stated. "For, I know who Manuela Fierro is to you. I do not mean to startle either one of you, but do you remember your Father telling you to love Manuela, love Manuela?"<br/><br/>"Yes, you and I both know that well. I was a sap and told you the story many times."<br/><br/>"She ... she ... here, read for yourselves" Navarez said, handing the letter to Bishop Julian. The Bishop read it over carefully, occasionally glancing at Manuela and then the letter. "Manuela; do you recognize the name Carlota Fierro?"<br/><br/><a class="postlink" href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/82/95/a1/8295a13a96bf7b5d30ed4dc56a702f6e.jpg">https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/82/95/a1/8295a13a96bf7b5d30ed4dc56a702f6e.jpg</a>