This Act must keep the story flowing but at the same time recognise that there will be readers who have not yet read VOL 1. Characters must be reintroduced and enough back story given to allow new readers to understand what is happening.
Chapter 1 Gods and Mortals
Chapter one of Thread A — John’s rescue and recovery
A repeat of the last chapter from Vol I in which John passes between heaven and hell.
Chapter 2 Critical Attention
22nd June — Chapter Two of Thread A — John’s rescue and recovery –
John is saved from the battlefield at Monsegur and plans are made to move him to Chateau Mazerou, a safe house, where he may receive treatment from a skilled physician.
Chapter 3 Citizens Arrest
22nd June Chapter one of Thread B — Du Guesclin’s search
The arch-villain Du Guesclin arrives in Monsegur just an hour after Ximene’s departure. He is arrested by the constable of Monsegur, Sebastien Sartre, but is still able to send Gerade, one of his men to look for Ximene
Chapter 4 Valley of Gold
22nd June — Chapter Three of Thread A — John’s rescue and recovery
Ximene and Guillam avoid Gerade’s searches but then outside of the village of Quillian they are accosted by an aggressive trader, who demands to buy the content of the cart. This would, of course, reveal the true purpose of their journey
Chapter 5 Safe House
22nd June — Chapter Four of Thread A — John’s rescue and recovery
John survives the journey but his long term prospects are far from certain. In the secret cellars under Chateau Mazerou, Ximene meets Estevan, the physician who they hope can save John’s life and Don Fernandino who she hopes will guide her to Sicily. Estevan treats John with a potion which will deaden the pain and promote healing.
Chapter 6 The Dowry
24th June — Chapter one of Thread C — The House of Navarre
Back in Chateau de Foix, Gaston de Foix is in the midst of facing up to the loss of Ximene. He sends his wife, Agnes of Navarre to raise money by claiming her marriage dowry which has never been paid by her brother Charles of Navarre.
Chapter 7 Dedication
24th June — Chapter Five of Thread A — John’s rescue and recovery
Chapter 8 Through the Barrier
30th June — Chapter Six of Thread A — John’s rescue and recovery
John recovers sufficiently to get out of bed, exercise and walk with crutches. Estevan declares he will live but the question of whether he will be able to run or even walk unaided is uncertain. A side effect of the potion John is given is that he is losing contact with the real world. Ximene vows to stop sleeping with John. It is a vow she fails to fulfil.
Chapter 9 In Pursuit
30th June — Chapter Two of Thread B — Du Guesclin’s search
Du Guesclin is released from Monsegur and deduces that John has been injured. He comes to the conclusion that there are only two options for John to obtain treatment; the leper colony at Ax Les Therms and the spa at Rennes Les Bains. On the way to Rennes Les Bains, he passes within 100 yards of Chateau Mazarou
Chapter 10 Time for Action
4th July– Chapter One of Thread D — Events in Paris.
King Edward receives a warning about the intentions of the Dauphin of France and Charles of Navarre. There are two conclusions there should be an invasion of Frankish territory and the black prince must marry Ximene. The King knows nothing about
Chapter 11 Arrangements
4th July — Chapter One of thread E – Meanwhile in Bordeaux
Joan solves the problem of her accommodation in Bordeaux. The king has forced the Prince to promise he will never see her again and the Queen has demanded that she never see the Earl again. Joan knows that anything which happens in Bordeaux will filter back to London. Therefore she cannot take up residence in the Palace of Aquitane. Ever resourceful she finds a solution
Chapter 12 Gypsies
4th July — Chapter Three of Thread B — Du Guesclin’s search
At Rennes les Bains Du Guesclin’s knighthood is discovered and he becomes a minor celebrity. One of his men discovers a house which was leased and payed for in advance but never occupied. The rest of the village is booked out for the annual Gipsy festival. Du Guesclin wonders .
Chapter 13 In the Mind
14th July — Chapter seven of Thread A — John’s rescue and recovery
At Mazerou, despite continuing to make physical progress John feels detached from reality… It is if he is in a dream. Despite Ximene visiting his bed every
Chapter 14 Lady of the Sun
18th July — Chapter two of Thread E — Meanwhile in Bordeaux
Chapter 15 Time For Recovery
20th July — Chapter E
Ximene discusses John’s listlessness with Don Fernandino and Guillam. it leads to a re-evaluation of future plans and in turn
Chapter 16 Not Available
20th July — Chapter three of Thread E — Meanwhile in Bordeaux
Joan of Kent makes it clear that despite everyone thinking that Alyse is the future Queen of England and her spending a lot of time in the company of the Prince, in the real world the Prince is not available. Joan queries Alyse’s parentage and then asks if Alyse would like to meet King Edward
Chapter 17 Comprehension
25th July — Chapter eight of Thread A — John’s rescue and recovery
Estevan stops treating John with the potion. John almost immediately improves to the point at which Don Fernandino starts planning to leave Mazerou to investigate the breaches of security which led to the attacks on Ximene and his own kidnap. John initially reacts badly to questioning.
Chapter 18 Princess of Castile
20th July — Chapter three of Thread E — Meanwhile in Bordeaux
Henri of Trastamara, the illegitimate challenger to the throne of Castile, visits Bordeaux. Joan of Kent wrinkles out from Lady Eleanor details of Alyse and Juan’s parentage. Eleanor confirms that they are illegitimate children of King Pedro, the current king of Castile. Joan compares this information with claims made by Henri of Trastamara and concludes the genealogical records are being rewritten. The Prince decides to support Pedro, not Trastámara.
Chapter 19 Changed relationships
27th July — Chapter Nine of Thread A — John’s rescue and recovery
Estevan discontinues the use of the portions he has been giving John who returns to reality almost immediately. Suddenly he begins to monitor his own progress and make plans for the future. he also begins to re-evaluate his relationship with Ximene, who he has come regard as a sister. Don Fernandino and Guillam leave for Bordeaux. Ximene tells Don Fernandino he must not come to any agreement with the Prince without consulting herXimene discovers that Don Fernandino plans to create a new organisation –The Shadow Without A Name to help Cathars avoid persecution. He is looking for powerful support and believes that if Ximene were to marry the Prince he could obtain that support. Ximene is horrified.
Chapter 20 Arousal.
1st August– Chapter Nine of Thread A — John’s rescue and recovery
Ximene suggests to John that their bed should be moved to a room at the top of the tower. They notice a strange mural on the wall. That night Ximene assists John to bathe and he is aroused, She is delighted by this totally unexpected event.
