Chapter 5: The Journey to the Southern Border

Iberian Peninsula, Kingdom of León and Castile,

Burgos, August 15, 1105

The sun shone upon the imposing castle of Burgos, its tall towers rising majestically against the clear sky. In the castle gardens, life flourished abundantly as birds sang and flowers perfumed the air with their sweet fragrance. It was a bright and promising day in the realm of León and Castile, marking three months since the birth of the young Prince Alfonso.

In one of the castle's most remote chambers, Alfonso, the young Prince, lay in his carved wooden crib, his large dark eyes curiously observing the world around him. Beside him, his older sister, Infanta Sancha, played with a rag doll, entertaining herself while caring for her younger brother.

The hum of servants and the distant murmur of conversations echoed through the castle corridors, but in the children's room, there reigned a serene and tranquil peace.

Alfonso, though physically young, possessed a mature and astute mind, already beginning to weave plans for his future.

Meanwhile, in the main halls of the castle, nobles and dignitaries gathered to attend and discuss the kingdom's affairs. The solid wooden doors opened gravely, revealing the magnificence of the castle's interior, where silk tapestries and golden torches illuminated the rooms with a golden glow.

In the grand hall, Count Raimundo, father of Alfonso and Sancha, presided over a meeting of counselors and allies, discussing plans for the kingdom's future. His eyes reflected the determination and wisdom of an experienced leader as he attentively listened to the advice of his closest advisors.

Raimundo: "Gentlemen, the situation on the southern border has become increasingly tense. Reports indicate that the Muslims have intensified their military preparations, and an incursion is likely imminent. We must be prepared to defend our lands and our honor."

Advisor 1: "How many men can we mobilize, my lord?"

Raimundo: "We are gathering all available men in our lands. I estimate we can count on at least a thousand well-trained soldiers to face this threat."

Advisor 2: "And what about weapons and arrows, my lord? Are they in sufficient quantity?"

Raimundo: "We have secured the necessary supplies of weapons and arrows to equip our troops. However, we must remain vigilant for any shortages and take measures to remedy them immediately."

Advisor 3: "And what about the security of the royal family, my lord? Should we take additional measures to protect Prince Alfonso and Infanta Sancha?"

Raimundo: "Certainly. I will order that security measures around the castle be reinforced and that the guard be increased. The safety of my children is my number one priority."

While Alfonso pondered his future in his room, the distant echo of his father's words and the advisors' discussions resonated in his mind. He remembered the discussions about tension on the southern border and the security measures to protect the royal family. Although he did not feel a strong connection to them, except for a slight affection for his sister, his mind was filled with ambitions and desires for influence.

Alfonso: (to himself) "Ambition is the key to securing my position in this world. I will explore this castle for opportunities that allow me to achieve my goals. Power is my ultimate objective, and I will do whatever it takes to obtain it."

"Do you want to see the castle, Alfonso?" asked Sancha with a warm smile as she held her brother. Alfonso nodded eagerly, his large dark eyes shining with curiosity.

"Yes, I want to see it," his expression seemed to say as he watched his sister attentively.

With Prince Alfonso in her arms, Sancha began her tour of the castle. They passed through spacious halls adorned with ancient and finely embroidered tapestries, where scenes of battles and heroic exploits came to life with each stitch.

As they walked, a servant passed by them and greeted them courteously. "Good morning, Your Highness, Miss Sancha," she said with a curtsy.

"Good morning," Sancha responded with a smile, returning the greeting before continuing on their way.

They then ascended an imposing stone staircase that led to the castle's high towers. From above, they could contemplate the vast expanse of the castle grounds, with its imposing walls and carefully designed gardens.

They descended through narrow corridors, illuminated by flickering torches, which resonated with the echo of footsteps from centuries past. Sancha eagerly pointed out the doors decorated with intricate carvings and the portraits of ancient kings and queens adorning the walls.

Entering the kitchen, they were greeted by the head cook, who bowed deeply to them. "Welcome, Your Highnesses. What brings you here?"

"We're just taking a walk around the castle," Sancha replied with a smile. "Alfonso wanted to see the kitchen."

The cook nodded understandingly. "Of course, make yourselves at home. If you'd like any snacks, I'll be happy to prepare something for you."

They also passed through guest rooms, luxuriously decorated with exquisite fabrics and hand-carved furniture. Alfonso observed each detail with fascination, imagining the noble guests who had rested there in times past.

Finally, they visited the baths, where marble tubs and hot showers offered a sense of comfort and luxury. Sancha explained how personal care and hygiene were important for health and well-being, while Alfonso absorbed the information with interest.

Throughout their tour, Alfonso admired every aspect of the castle with admiration.

After exploring the castle with fascination, Alfonso and Sancha rejoined their parents, Count Raimundo and his wife Urraca, in the castle's main hall for a family dinner. The table was adorned with simplicity, but the warmth of home filled the room. Raimundo and Urraca shared a look of love and concern as they sat at the table with Alfonso and Sancha.

Raimundo raised his glass and toasted: "To our family and to the welfare of the kingdom." Everyone nodded in agreement and took a sip of wine.

During dinner, Raimundo addressed Alfonso and Sancha affectionately, speaking about the importance of family unity and mutual protection in times of uncertainty. Urraca smiled tenderly as she watched her husband interact with their children.

After dinner, Urraca rose from the table and took Alfonso in her arms. Carefully, she fed him with breast milk, ensuring he was satisfied and comfortable before gently placing him in his crib.

Meanwhile, Raimundo and Sancha continued chatting at the table, sharing anecdotes and laughter. The warmth of home and the love of family filled the room as they bid farewell to the day.

After a while, Raimundo rose from the table and accompanied Sancha to her room. With a kiss on the forehead, he wished her goodnight and reminded her how much he loved her.

Then, Raimundo headed to Alfonso's room and watched him sleep peacefully in his crib. With a sigh of concern and determination, he promised to protect his children and his kingdom with all his might.

With those thoughts in mind, Raimundo retired to his own room, ready to face the challenges that tomorrow would bring.

The next morning, Count Raimundo meticulously prepared to depart for the southern border. He first approached Alfonso's room and then Sancha's, observing them tenderly as they slept peacefully in their crib and small bed respectively. His thoughts were filled with concern for the future of his children in such an unstable realm.

With a sigh, Raimundo silently bid farewell to his little ones, gently stroking Alfonso's cheek. He knew he was too young to understand his departure, but still, he promised himself that he would return to them safe and sound.

Sancha, already awake, watched her father with curious eyes as he prepared to leave. "Be careful, Daddy," she said softly, unaware of the magnitude of what was happening.

Raimundo smiled at her with sadness and ruffled her hair. "I'll watch over you from afar, my daughter," he responded tenderly, feeling a lump in his throat as he bid her goodbye.

With one last glance at his children, Raimundo made his way to the castle's main door, where his army awaited him. The morning was crisp and full of promises as the sun began to rise on the horizon.

The soldiers formed ranks, ready to follow their leader into battle. Raimundo looked at them with determination, knowing that his duty as a father and as a ruler called him to defend his kingdom.

With a farewell gesture to his children watching from the castle entrance, Raimundo mounted his horse and took his place at the head of his army. "For the glory of León and Castile!" he murmured to himself as they set off southward with the sun at their backs and hope in their hearts.