The Duke’s Fourth Son

The priest looked a bit confused and then, when he realized that the hostages probably had lost track of time, especially in the dark dungeon without windows, he said, “Tomorrow. The Eve of Christmas is tomorrow.” He continued. “I had told Duke Basile of your talent with the lute and song and he spoke to me of how presentable he found you when he last saw you.” The priest paused here as they both knew that when the duke last saw the eighteen-year-old, Jan was nearly naked, was hanging from a dungeon wall in chains, and the duke was whipping him.

“You are to play the lute and sing at the banquet. I would not suggest refusing to do so. Your lot may improve if you please the duke and his guests. Part of why you will be at the banquet will be to show off the son of a duke Basile has defeated and held captive. He wants to be able to claim to the public that his treatment of the hostages is humane. It will be easier for you if you are there willingly and have a function—entertaining with the lute and song.”

“And afterward?” Jan asked. “Do I come back here afterward or am I thrown back into the dungeon?”

Slawek started to say something but then decided not to. “Who can be sure? I would hope it will be better than the conditions you have been living in. It may depend on how you act at the banquet. You may be able to better your lot. Pay particular attention to trying to please the duke.”

“My father hasn’t sent the rest of the ransom, has he?—and there’s no indication that he will.”