Saint James; today is saint’s day of Saint James. The right day for an assault on the castle of Cucagna. They will all be busy preparing for the feast. It’s just gone 5 pm. I walk fast up the mule track, still perfectly preserved. I overtake some pilgrims who are slowly walking up the stony path. At the third bend, I take the forest path that enables one to avoid going past the church and the Castle of Zucco. In this way I will arrive unseen and unexpected beneath the walls

Still a few more turns uphill. The ramparts of the old manor suddenly appear. Of course the main entrance, where an old oak stands, is still bolted shut. Nobody’s expected yet. But I hear the voices of preparations for the feast echoing between the old walls. There is a network of paths surrounding the entire castle. I follow one. “There must be a postern: all self-respecting castles have one”, I think to myself. And indeed there is. Right at the back of the castle, where the work to raise the ramparts is still ongoing. Creeping along, I approach through the woods. Nobody on the steps.

I observe the grey scaffolding that serves to lift the boulders directly from the quarry in the woods as the main tower rises vertically above me. Impressive. With its flags moving in the wind. It’s time for the assault. I climb silently on the old scaffolding, careful not to make a noise and not to put my foot on any rotten boards. I reach the top of the scaffolding. Nobody seems to have foreseen the attack. Now I have to jump from the scaffold to reach the walls. They're only two metres away. The important thing is to make sure I keep hold. A leap. Made it!

I crawl along the ramparts and look inside the castle walls. Nobody on the tower. They’ve taken down the steps. No one in the first inner courtyard. Perhaps fearing an ambush, they have deliberately abandoned the area of the castle still “under construction” and have locked themselves in between the solid walls of the already restored manor. Indeed, the inner door is bolted. But beyond, I can hear the cheerful voices of preparations under way. If I climb on the wall I can still surprise them. It is not that difficult. The old stones provide great handholds.

In a short time I’m at top of the second wall defending the fort. With a quick glance from behind the boulders protecting me, I recognise some of those present. The Princess is there too. I shall ask that she surrender. Another leap and I’m on the top of the wall, where now everyone can see me. “Katarina von Stietencron!” I cry loudly. Everyone pauses and raises their eyes up the high wall wfrom here that imperious voice sounds. “I declare the Castle of Cucagna taken!” Everyone looks at me, then turns to Katarina who exclaims “Okay, okay Sire". And after a break, with a broad smile, she adds, “Now come down and come and help us prepare for the party”.