A Daughter's TaleA New PlanChapter Fourteen
Josephine stared at Geoff waiting for him to say something about the events that had transpired earlier that night, but instead of verbalizing an answer, all he could manage was a long exasperated sigh. "Uncle say something, please, you have helped me this far, I can not do this alone."
Chaucer closed his eyes and shook his head, "There is nothing to say Josie, Jean-Philip knows you are an imposter, the safest thing for us to do now is to just pack up and return to the manor. You will never be able to compete if he runs his mouth."
"But Uncle, I can not just quit, I have come too far for that. I still have Edward on my side, that has to count for something."
Geoff sighed placing an arm gently around her shoulder, "Josie, Edward can not protect you any longer, your secret is out."
"So then you would rather me just go running back to the manor and forget about the tournament?"
"I can see no other choice Josie, if Adamar goes to Edward this is done."
'Then perhaps I should go to Edward first."
"And what do you hope to gain from that? He is the king, Josephine, he is sworn to up hold the law, no matter what allegiance he had for your father. An accusation from Adamar would spread through the court like wild fire and Edward's hands would be tied."
Josephine sat down on the wooden table in the center of the tent, "There has to be another way Uncle, I can not just give up, with out the money from tournament the manor will be lost, you know that." She ran her hands through her hair and sighed, "If only Joseph could be found."
"Even if he could be do you realize the amount of time it would take to get word to him?" Geoff hung his head, "This is no time to be proud Little Jo, you must yield before it is too late, not even I could talk you out of the gallows if it comes to that."
At that moment she swore she could feel her heart crumble as it did on the day of her father's death, "If that is how it must be, then we will leave in the morning, but I wish one last council with Edward before returning, I feel compelled to thank him for all he has done for my family."
Geoff nodded, "I'm sure that can be arranged, I will have Wat and Roland break camp at first light." He placed his hand on Josephine's shoulder, "I know how difficult this is for you, and if it is any consolation, I know that your father would be proud."
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