A fierce civil war ensued, many of the nobles forsaking Ludwig for his rival, who, like the late Prince, bore the name of Hermann; and though at first it seemed doubtful which party was to triumph, eventually Ludwig was worsted, and was hanged for his perfidy.  The tidings spread throughout the Rhineland, and one day a body of men-at-arms came to Pfalzgrafenstein and informed von Roth that his prisoner was to be freed at once and was to repair to the Palatine court, there to take up her rightful position as Queen-Dowager.  Guba was amazed on hearing this news, for she had long since ceased to hope that her present mode of life would be altered, and asking to be presented to the chief messenger that she might question him, she suddenly experienced a yet greater surprise....  Yes! her son had come in person to liberate her; and von Roth and his wife, as they witnessed the glad union, were convinced at last of Guba’s innocence, for the young man who clasped her to his bosom had changed wondrously since his childhood, and was now indeed the living image of his father.  For some minutes the mother wept with joy, but when her son bade her make ready for instant departure she replied that she had lost all desire for the stately life of a court.  Pfalzgrafenstein, she declared, had become truly a part of her life, so here she would end her days.  She had not long to live, she added, and what greater pleasure could she have than the knowledge that her son was alive and well, and was ruling his people wisely?

And so Guba remained at the island, a prison no longer; and daily she paced by the swirling stream, often gazing toward the castle where her son had been nurtured, and meditating on the time when she was wont to look there for the white flag which meant so much to her anxious heart.

A Legend of Fuerstenberg

High above the Rhine tower the ruins of Fuerstenberg, and more than one legend clings to the ancient pile, linking it with stirring medieval times.  Perhaps the most popular of these traditions is that which tells of the Phantom Mother of Fuerstenberg, a tale full of pathos and tragedy.

In the thirteenth century there dwelt in the castle a nobleman, Franz von Fuerst by name, who, after a wild and licentious youth, settled down to a more sober and serious manhood.  His friends, surprised at the change which had taken place in him, and anxious that this new mode of life should be maintained, urged him to take a virtuous maiden to wife.  Such a bride as they desired for him was found in Kunigunda von Floersheim, a maiden who was as beautiful as she was high-born.

For a time after their marriage all went well, and Franz and his young wife seemed quite happy.  Moreover, in time a son was born to them, of whom his father seemed to be very proud.  The Baron’s reformation, said his friends, was complete.

One evening there came to Kunigunda a young lady friend.  The girl, whose name was Amina, was the daughter of a robber-baron who dwelt in a neighbouring castle.  But his predatory acts had at last forced him to flee for his life, and no one knew whither he had gone.  His household was broken up, and Amina, finding herself without a home, had now repaired to Fuerstenberg to seek refuge.  Kunigunda, ever willing to aid those in distress, extended a hearty welcome to the damsel, and Amina was henceforth an inmate of the schloss.