Trunks of Ages: The Seven Seals

by Mary Beth Frank

Several hours later Beth and Jerold sat pulling out books which were stuffed with their notes shoved between various pages. This was the result of their last two months of research in England. They were chasing after an old legend surrounding James of Saint George, the architect who built Harlech Castle. James was appointed, by King Edward I, constable of the castle in 1290 and remained there for three years. The castle was built as part of the “iron ring” after England had taken over Wales in the 13th century. A series of these stone fortresses was constructed by the king to contain the Welsh within the mountain regions and to keep the prince at bay.

  A couple of years ago, Jerold and Beth had come across a small book on Welsh history, written in the 17th century, recounting the numerous residents of Harlech Castle. The first son of James of Saint George was young, in his early teens, while he lived with his father at Harlech. The account briefly described a beautiful young lady who had suddenly appeared at the castle gates, with whom the young son had immediately fallen madly in love. The only other thing mentioned was a peculiar trunk that was the reason for her sudden departure. There was nothing more. Beth and Jerrold had tried to find out more about the mysterious girl, spending the last two months interviewing historians throughout England, but could only discover that she was the daughter of an Earl. According to the historians, rumors circulated for several decades; the girl’s maidservants told others the trunk possessed objects from the future. But no one could point to any concrete proof or evidence of this trunk’s existence. Only the legends handed down through the generations. So, they tried to collect as much information about James of Saint George and his family as they could, as well as books and articles on the battles at Harlech, King Edward I and his reign, his court, and any other piece of information that might be of use.

  Beth pulled a large piece of paper from inside a cardboard tube and flattened it out on top of their bed, revealing a large map of the castle. She peered out the window to determine which way they were looking at the castle from the hotel, and turned the map to match the vantage point they had from the room. Jerold was relieved that his wife seemed to have pushed aside her grief and, for now, was back to work. He put his hand on her back and leaned over her shoulder to peer down at the map. Beth was tracing it with her fingers, tapping what was the upper level of the gatehouse.

  “I think that this is the best place to look tomorrow. If the lady was staying within the castle walls, which we know she was, then she was probably given a room reserved for dignitaries. James would make her comfortable, wanting to give his son's young love the best during their courtship. Of course, since her maidservants would’ve been present, they would’ve stayed fairly close to her chambers. So, she would’ve required the larger room with smaller chambers nearby.”

  The part of the castle she was pointing to was the entrance; the only side that was vulnerable to an attack. The design had been a masterpiece for its time. The arranging the of the castle walls against possible attack was a defensive move not yet seen in those days. There were four circular towers, one in each corner of the inner walls. There were also two slender towers attached to the gatehouse, but those were only used for defending the castle and to provide access to the second floor where guests resided. Beth was probably right. The second floor of the gatehouse was the place to look.

  “Well, you're probably right. Let's go tomorrow. We've been given clearance to go anytime we want, as long as we don't destroy anything.”

  Beth frowned, “But how on earth is that going to be possible? These trunks were hidden well and haven't been easy to unearth. If it was in plain view, someone would have found it by now.”

  Jerold had thought about this. “Well, let's just worry about it when we get to it. If we have to dig, we'll let Tildon handle the logistics and legalities. OK?”

  Beth smiled, saying, “I knew Tildon was good for something!”

  Jerold laughing, grabbed his wife and started dancing to imaginary music. “Can I take my beautiful wife to dinner?”

  Beth beamed and they started to get dressed for a casual dinner in downtown Harlech.