Early birds chirping woke up Augustus and he was looking for Lily. She was still out cold. Everyone from their lot was still ready to drop. Presuming a lag in the expedition Augustus went out of the castle.
As they arrived during the dusking sky he didn't view much about the castle. He went to the draw-bridge and realized that the castle was completely in a moat. This castle was much bigger than their old castle and well protected by a larger platoon. He saw a beautiful cliff on the other side of the castle which had troops for monitoring. His father's sergeant came looking for him and asked to get ready.
The duke was so generous to them. They together had breakfast and thanked the duke for his hospitality. All were ready for the go and the wagons started slowly. The air was still freezing but the hooves were strong for the run.
As they were heading to the Bled castle, the wagon on the front got hold on a narrow wooden bridge that was across a stream. The troops halted their expedition and went to clear the way. The wheel of the wagon immersed inside the bridge, as a result the axle arm was broken. The chief of the troop informed that some hours may take for the repair and were stuck in between their way. The stream was full of fish and Lily insisted her brother for fishing. They went to catch, Lily was an expert archer and she hardly misses. They both caught plenty and started to make fire. The fish was a bonus for the working troops. Augustus was always nice to his fellow mates, he took special attention to them.
After taking hours of hardship, the path was ready for the expedition. It's already noon and horses went for a full swing. More and more wintry breeze greeted as they move near Bled. As the sun started to hide from them, they reached near a lakeside where their wagons slowly stopped. Lily asked his brother: "did we reach?"
"Let me check dear," Augustus replied and jumped out of the wagon. His father was standing aground and taking to the sergeant.
"Why did we stop?" asked Augustus.
Bernard: "Son, this is Lake Bled. It's as pure as gold."
Augustus looked at the lake and saw a small island in the middle of the lake, which had an edifice. He inferred that is the Bled castle and Pointing towards the lake he asked his father: "So we are going to live in this castle?"
Bernard: "No, we are going to live in that castle. That is the Bled castle." His father's finger pointed towards a hilltop which was well lighted.
Lily: "Oh lord, what a castle." Lily joined with them. Augustus was curious about the island and asked his father: "Father, what is in that castle?"
Bernard: "Oh that's the Holy church of Mary, we can visit it in a fitting time."
The sergeant told them that Mary is so kind to her people and all the wishes come true when we pray to her. Lily was happy by hearing that and said: "Then I will pray. I have plenty of wishes on my list."
Bernard was happy to hear that and said: "Your entire wish will come, true dear, you are such an angel." Lily was overwhelmed by her father's words and went to hug him. "Father, why the castle is always on the top?" asked Lily.
Bernard: "It gives a better view and much safer from your enemies." The sergeant intervened and asked the permission for the further movement. Bernard gave the orders and they started their way to the Bled Castle. The horses managed hardly to climb the hill, the loads were heavier for them. By seeing the hardship of the horse Augustus jumped out from the wagon, he even asked the troop members to give a hand to help the horses to pull. It gave immense relief for the horses and they easily climbed up. They reached the plane area, where they rested their wagons. The Bled castle had a strong gatehouse connected with a small draw-bridge. They all entered through it and still needed to climb more slope. Lily was frustrated and said: "I can't walk in this skew. Why the way has this much inclination?". Augustus laughed at her and pulled her up with his hands. Now they arrived at another gate, well-protected with guards, and walked through a set of stairs to reach an open area. The actual size of the castle was only visible from this part. It was like a courtyard. Lily noticed a small well and showed that to Augustus. The sergeant told them that this well supplies water for the castle. The troops in the castle gave a welcome salute to their new chief and assembled to hear his words. Bernard stood in front of them and said: "Brave men's, I am glad and pride to stand in before you. Each and everyone in this castle managed to look after the duties well without the presence of a chief. The Archduke is very happy about your services and he asked me to announce special rewards for you all. Today I have got an opportunity to lead a group of lions and we together will protect the interest of the Kingdom. I Bernard the new Governor of the Bled castle pledge in the name of Holy Mary that I and my troops will always be subjected to the Archduke of House Habsburg and put life in front of the interest of House Habsburg and its people."
The troops were extremely stunned and were striking their swords and spears. Augustus was so thrilled by his father's speech and felt proud of being his son. Lily was perplexed and asked his brother: "Are we going for a war?"
Augustus was startled by her question and laughed out for her innocence. He said: "You are too small for this, you won't understand. It's a man thing." Lily didn't like her brother's reply. She was irritated by the word man thing and replied: "Brother I can do everything better than you and there is no such thing as a man thing."
Augustus was astounded by her reply. This was the same thing once their mother told their father. At that time Lily was only inside her mother. Augustus felt something in his eyes and suddenly hugged her. Lily was addled. She thought he will quarrel back. She asked Augustus: "What happened brother? Why are you crying?"
Augustus mummed for a moment and said: "You are absolutely like our mother". Lily was curious. She doesn't have any idea about her mother. She left them when lily was an infant. She asked back: "How am I like her? Do I look like her? Tell me brother."
He didn't answer and went to his father and told him about the incident. Bernard rushed to Lily and gave her a tight hug. He told: "You are my princess."
With a laugh Lily replied: "Yes, I am a princess. But tell me dad, do I look like the mother?"
Bernard replied: "Every part of you looks like your mother."
Lily was so happy to hear that and gave a kiss to her father's cheek. Bernard ordered the caretakers to look after her and asked to accompany to room. The caretakers came forward and welcomed them inside. All were tired with the journey. They ate a meager dinner and went for sleep.
The rays came for the morning and Augustus was still on the bed. Lily came calling him. "Brother, wake up. Come with me, I will show you something."
She dragged him up and took him to the courtyard. Augustus asked her: "What's the matter? I didn't sleep well."
Lily took him to the end and showed it to Augustus. He was mesmerized and dumstruck.