3 Chapter 2: The Path of Spring

A day's journey away from Gordowe to the northwest is the capital Lumorra. Here the castle of the royal family stands constructed of polished marble that gleams in the sunlight. The immediate property of the castle extends fifty yards away from it and a wall of brick surrounds the perimeter with two openings in it. One opening is publicly known as the main entrance. The other is secretly hidden and known by only the royal family and the Knights of the inner circle. Lookout towers are placed at strategic points along the wall and guards work it all day and night in shifts. The town itself then extends around the castle and its land and is vibrating with activity.

Meanwhile, inside the grander of the castle a young boy with blonde stands in the center of a grand room with a high ceiling, columns of stone with gold leaf trimmings in the corners, floors that appear to be freshly polished, and a bay window that takes the place of an entire wall.

The boy himself dons an outfit made up of cream colored pants that fit him and tan colored boots that come up to his knees. His pants are tucked in them with care. He wears a long sleeved, waist length coat that is the same color of his pants and covering an under shirt. As he stands his face is still and his blue eyes focused.

"Stand up straight. Shoulders back and remember to keep your head up and your eyes focused at all times.", the sudden bombardment of instructions come from a woman in a silver fitting dress that flare out Fromm her waist circling him while she analyzes the boy's poster.

"Yes mother.", he speaks with a clear and level voice without budging an inch. He is used to this even at the age of seven; having his life laid out to fit in a certain frame and he is well aware that it is practically forbidden for him to stray from it for even a moment while in the castle and under his parents' ever vigilant watch.

"Now I want you to walk forward to the window then turn and come back. Remember to take confident strides.", the boy's mother says.

"Yes mother.", the boy says before beginning to walk. He does as his mother said with confidence, for this is not the first time he has done this exercise. He knows he can walk with the poise of a prince. He turns to return to his starting point and sees a look of satisfaction in his mother's grey eyes.

When he notices it he can't help but to crack a smile of his own, but he doesn't dare rush to her. He has to finish without fail. When he does so his mother embraces him with a hug and congratulations. He returns her embrace.

"You've done well learning the etiquette of a prince so quickly.", she tells him. She steps back with her hands still on her son's shoulders. "You'll make quite the king one day.", she continues, smiling. "Now all we need to do is find you a fiancée that will make an equally good queen."

"Mother...!", the boy responds embarrassingly. Causing his mother to giggle at him for his obvious discomfort with the subject of marriage. At that moment the double doors to the room open as a man of an impressive stature wearing a long black coat walks in.

"My queen.", he greets with a deep voice while bowing his head when he comes to stand in front of the boy and his mother.

"Jamonson.", the queen greets in return.

"I have come to take Prince Winston to his horseback riding lesson.", Jamonson informs the queen.

"Of course, I leave him in your capable hands.", the queen speaks trustingly. Winston looks upon his teacher with eager young eyes, for he sees not just his teacher but his rescuer. Horseback riding is his favorite pastime because it allows him to be free and not worry about doing something a particular way. Jamonson is a well-groomed fellow as well, but he understands Winston's predicament and therefore allows for him to not follow any rules while in his presence.

"Go on Winston and enjoy your lesson.", his mother tells him. At her words Winston follows Jamonson out the door and down the hall.

"What do you have planned for me today Sir Jamonson?", Winston couldn't keep himself from asking. The excitement inside him is building and the anticipation was doing nothing more than feeding it. Jamonson looks at his young pupil with a smile of mischief.

"You'll see soon enough. First we must get to the stables.", he answers.

"Oh come on not even a hint?!", Winston pressures as the two of them rounds a corner.

"Forgive me young master, but no.", Jamonson replies unapologetically. Winston falls silent with a smile still present on his face, but obviously in submission. They continue halfway down the corridor before stopping in front of a picture hanging on the wall. Jamonson then reaches for one of the candle holders by the picture and turns it to the left opening a secret passageway in the wall.

"After you young prince.", Jamonson then speaks. Winston steps into the passage followed by Jamonson who closes and locks back the wall. The passage is dark and lit only by torches placed far enough to see and follow their glow.

Many tunnels such as this one exists inside the walls of the castle and have done so from the beginning. Their purpose is to provide a quick getaway or hiding place for the inhabitants of the castle should it ever come under attack. Each passage leads somewhere different. Some lead into the city, others neighboring villages, and others the countryside. The one taken by Winston and Jamonson so happens to lead to the stables which are located just outside of town near the northern part of the forest that lies between Lumorra and Gordowe.

Winston and Jamonson walk first down a path of stone stairs. Once they reach the end of the stairs they come to another entrance, this time the path is a tunnel held up by wooden supports and once again lit by torches. They follow the path in silence and it isn't long before they come to a ladder.

Jamonson climbs it first and opens the entrance to look around as Winston stays at the bottom of the ladder. When he is sure it is safe Jamonson climbs up and out the tunnel then turns back around to help Winston as he climbs up.

Winston emerges from the opening and takes a look around. Before him stretches a wide expanse of open grassland that continues beyond even the forest, north towards the mountains. It is lush and green as it is every year around this time. Wild birds fly overhead occasionally letting out a call. He closes his eyes and feels the summer breeze. Jamonson comes up behind him and rest his hand on Winston's shoulder.

"Come on, we have to hurry before it's time for you to return.", he says. Winston nods his head in agreement and follows Jamonson the rest of the way. When they arrive they make their way to the horses who are in their respective stables, Winston makes his way straight to a white and brown horse. It lets out a neigh that seems to be one of happiness at the sight of its rider. Winston chuckles and reaches out his hand to touch the creature's face. It instantly becomes calm and seems to indulge in the connection.

"How about we get you suited up, hmm?", Jamonson suggests after watching the two. Turning to his mentor, Winston nods in agreement. After getting himself ready Winston brings out his horse and begins to groom her as he waits for Jamonson. His heart fills with joy at caring for the creature and a sort of calmness comes over him. Suddenly he turns his head as he hears a sound from behind him. It is Benjamin, the caretaker of the horses and stables.

"Good morrow young prince.", he greets Winston with a bow. Benjamin is a fairly young gentleman, around the age of 25, and a nephew of Jamonson.

"Good morrow to you too Benjamin.", Winston greets in return. "Would you mind helping me saddle up Starracer?"

"Of course not young master. Allow me.", Benjamin replies eagerly. Benjamin obtains Starracer's saddle and explains to Winston the procedure of saddling a horse as he saddles Starracer. "There ye are and next thing you know you're ready to ride.", he says once finished.

"Thank you, Benjamin.", Winston says cheerfully. He then proceeds to mount his steed.

"Think nothing of it young master. I'm pleased to be of service.", Benjamin replies.

"I see you're ready to go young prince.", the voice is Jamonson's as he comes ready to ride.

"Yes I am.", Winston says turning to his teacher.

"Come. I'll lead you outside.", Benjamin tells Winston grabbing the horse's bridle."So how are you young master? I hope life has been kind to you.", Benjamin begins once outside the barn. Winston looks to him calmly.

"I'm well. Why wouldn't I be?", he answers.

"With all due respect sire you know what I mean.", Benjamin counters with a serious look that at the same time was a caring one. Winston takes a breath.

"I have been managing. Times like this do help though. Because I get to just relax and actually think and most importantly have fun.", Winston states somberly. He turns his young, kind eyes to Benjamin. They also have a kind of saddened glaze over them too. Benjamin looks at him thoughtfully.

"I never thought I would see my prince with such a sorrowful look. What might have caused it; if I may ask?", Benjamin replies pitifully. A moment passes before Winston answers.

"Being a prince is all well and good, but I do want some regular things in life. I sometimes hear the laughs and shouts of other children at play beyond the wall that surrounds the castle when I'm close enough and I can't help but sometimes wonder what it might be like to run around, laugh, play with them and all without a care in the world. Then I'm reminded of my life. A life that must fit into a certain image. The perfect prince. A prince that his people can be proud of and look to with awe.", he recaps. The two stand in silence for a moment longer.

"My poor, young master you're only of the tender age of seven, yet you seem to already have an unfair burden on you.", Benjamin replies. His expression changes to one of pity.

"One you were born with nonetheless.", the voice is that of Jamonson. He comes out of the barn with his own horse. A solid brown stallion named Chaser. Winston and Benjamin turn their heads to him as he approaches them. "The best thing you can do is make the best of the life given to you and focus on the good things. There are many children who would love to be where you are, young prince.", he goes on. Winston looks at Jamonson and knows what he is saying is the truth. His body had become susceptible to despair and unease at his own words, but now that is being replaced with a sense of resolve thanks to Jamonson's.

"I'll try.", he says simply and looks away toward the landscape. Jamonson mounts his horse and comes over to Winston. Clearly the prince was not over his situation so easily.

"How about we take a ride and just go without another thought in the world.", Jamonson suggests. Winston lifts his head and gives a slight nod. "Benjamin, come with us will you.", Jamonson speaks to his nephew.

"Sure.", Benjamin says simply and turns to the barn. Winston's attention goes to the fields before him and without a word or warning he sets out on Starracer at a breakneck speed. The wind blowing in his face and everything else on his mind being tossed to the wind.

The surrounding landscape becomes a blur just like his mind which is a jumble of thoughts mixed with uncertainty and resentment about his life, but also present is a tiny glimmer of determination to make the most of his position.

Do I have to have this life, why me and not someone else, he thinks.

.......

After Winston, Jamonson, and Benjamin's ride they return to the stables. The sun is lowering in the sky and it is time for Winston to return home. He is now at ease and his mind clear as he leads Starracer to its stable and removes its bridle.

"You seem to be in a better mood, young sire.", Jamonson comments Winston comes out of the stable and faces his dear teacher.

"Yes I am.", he replies. The two exchange a smile before Winston goes on to change back into his clothes. Once Winston and Jamonson had changed they set out back to the tunnels and the castle. Benjamin is left at the barn to clean it and feed the horses.

By time they reach the castle the sun is setting and the time for dinner is almost upon them. As Winston emerges from the castle entrance to the tunnel he is met by his father, the king.

"My son, I'm glad to see you made it back in time.", the king addresses Winston as soon as he sees him.

"In time for what, father?", Winston asks in bewilderment.

"For me to warn you that your mother has invited Lord Lackburd and his family to dinner.", the king answers. Winston thinks for a moment of why his father would want to warn him about dinner with a lord. Did he want to remind him to be on his best behavior, he thinks.

"Do you two have important business to talk with them about? Will I have to eat elsewhere?", Winston asks. It wouldn't be the first time that were to happen. There are some things he won't learn until later about being king, Winston knows.

"No, no, no.", his father says quickly, shaking his head and hand. "You see the lord has a daughter your age, Winston, and your mother thinks she will be a suitable fiancée for you. I just didn't want you to be blindsided by your mother's attics.", Winston's father explains quickly.

Winston's heart fills with dread at his father's words. He doesn't like these meetings, for now all eyes will be on him and his potential fiancée. Not only that, but now he will feel pressured to make a connection with her even if he ends up not liking her. He lowers his eyes to his feet silently.

The king's eyes fills with pity for his son. It is not ideal to push a child into such things in his eyes. Jamonson, who was standing back for most of the conversation until now, steppes forward to stand by Winston.

"Perhaps I should attend dinner as well your grace.", Jamonson suggests to Winston's father. "It may be the perfect time to report on Prince Winston's skills in horseback riding. It may be quite impressive to the young maiden while at the same time spare Prince Winston some direct attention.", he continues.

The king looks to Jamonson with intrigue while Winston raises his head and turns to Jamonson as well. It is only Winston who understands Jamonson's true reason of being at the dinner. It is to keep Winston himself from doing something he may regret later. Even he has to admit that that maybe for the best.

Nonetheless, with Jamonson there and making his report perhaps Winston will be able to avoid hearing any talk of marriage altogether. The fact that Jamonson is known far and wide for his own skill didn't hurt either. He turns to his father.

"Please father, allow Sir Jamonson to come. His plan will be very welcomed.", Winston pleads. The king holds a look of thought on it, and agrees to his son's request. Winston brightens up at his father's decision and is suddenly more comfortable with the coming dinner. The king smiles at his son and is happy that he is able to contribute to his son coming to terms with the dinner.

"You best go clean yourself up for dinner.", the king continues to Winston. With a hearty nod Winston goes off to clean himself up. What he does not see, however, is the look his father turns to Jamonson with which is a look of concern.

Winston is washed up with a bath and some fresh clothes are laid out for him. His maids assist him in getting dress like always. Afterwards, he walks over and examines himself, for whether the dinner is meant to find him a fiancée or not he must represent himself and his family with honor.

He wears a pair of red fitting pants tucked into a pair of black leather boots. Also, he has a red shirt with a V-neck cut in it over a tanned longed sleeve and high collar undershirt. Around his waist is a black belt with a gold buckle and his hair is laid to one side. As he looks he takes a breath to relax.

Winston is later brought to the grand dining hall by his guards. It is a long room with a high arch ceiling and mounted candles on the wall lit it from one end to the other. The table stretches out and is decorated with a silk, cream colored table cloth, plates, utensils, flowers, and food. The chairs are carved from oak and were polished just an hour before dinner was to begin.

Winston's family and the visitors are already present. Jamonson is already there as well. The king is sitting at the head of the table in his usual place, the queen sits to his left and by her is Lord Lackburd. His wife, Lady Lackburd sits to his left and their son sat by them on the other side of his mother. Their daughter, however, is seated on the other side of Winston's seat and next to her is Jamonson. Winston's father greets him when he sees Winston.

"Ah, son. There you are. Your mother and I are pleased to see you have made it.", the king says with a cheerful smile. Winston makes his way to his seat on the right hand side of his father.

"Indeed, but do try to be more on time will you?", the queen says to him as he does so.

"Yes mother.", he replies bowing to his mother. "I apologize to everyone for my tardiness.", he goes on addressing everyone in the room now.

"Nonsense Prince Winston. You have nothing to apologize for. You did just take part in a horseback riding section with sir Jamonson after all.", it is Lord Lackburd who speaks.

His voice is good natured and kind while he himself is chubby with a round face to match. His hair is wild and fine and his side burns thick as they frame his face. He wears yellow clothing just like the rest of his family. It is quite fitting for him for his smile is as radiant and jolly as it could be. Perhaps because he knows his daughter has been picked to be a potential fiancée for Winston. Even so it is impossible for Winston to deny him a friendly, warm welcome in return.

"Thank you Lord Lackburd. I appreciate your understanding.", Winston repiles with a genuine smile.

"Oh what a kind boy ye are. Wouldn't you agree darling?", Lord Lackburd speaks to his wife, Lady Lackburd. She is an average size woman with beautifully flawless skin and waist length hair. She wears an elegant yellow dress with a brown headband.

"Yes. He's such a charming young lad he is.", Lady Lackburd says agreeing. Winston blushes under their compliments and looks away. The lord and lady chuckle at young Winston's embarrassment. Suddenly Winston feels a hand on his shoulder. He looks up to see it's the Lackburd's daughter.

"It's okay. I get embarrassed too when under a lot of attention.", she says smiling. Her brown eyes are just as friendly and gentle as her parents and her face radiates with youth. Her hair is in a single braid down her back and she too wears a brown headband like her mother.

She is not a bad looking girl. In fact she is quite pretty to Winston, but that did not mean he is going to give in so easily to his mother's plans. Winston resolves to continue to be kind and mannerable to who her, but to also not give away any hints or jesters to marriage for his mother to jump on. He would be like a knight this night and stick to a code of chivalry, but only for his honor and family.

"That's right. Winston this is Lillian. She is Lord and Lady Lackburd's daughter. Lillian, this is our son Prince Winston.", his mother speaks right after he has renewed his resolve with himself. Winston stands to formally introduce himself.

"I am pleased to meet your acquaintance my lady. I am Prince Winston of the royal family Ashwhen.", he then takes her by the hand and delivers a kiss upon it. Winston then sits back down. He finds that he is able to repeat the speech as if he was in one of his etiquette classes with his mother.

"Pleased to meet you as well my prince.", Lillian then replies back. Winston could feel everyone's eyes on him now. He becomes hot under their watchful eyes.

"Well, now that the formalities are over. How about we begin this meal, hmm?", Winston's father speaks up before the queen could feed off of the greeting between Winston and Lillian.

"I couldn't agree more your majesty.", Lord Lackburd agrees.

At the king's word the meal begins and Winston avoids any further advancement from his mother. Although he does know that everyone will still be observing him to see how he interacts with Lillian now. As the thought crosses his mind Jamonson seems to sense it, for he soon begins to redirect everyone's attention.

"Your majesties, if you would permit I would be honored if you would let me report on Prince Winston's progress in his lessons.", he says after a while. The king and queen look up to Jamonson.

"Perhaps later Sir Jamonson. That seems a little too formal right now.", Winston's mother is the first to speak.

"Nonsense, go on Jamonson. Brag about Winston's skills. I hear he is quite the rider already.", Winston's father counters his wife's words. She looks to him as if she would like to say something, but doesn't dare to in front of others. Jamonson bows his head in thanks to the king.

"That he is. He has the makings of an expert rider. He learns quickly and has developed a close bond with his horse. He is a credit to the Magidge bloodline.", Jamonson speaks adding a glance to the queen at his final remark.

"Well he does have you after all. Your life revolves around horses does it not Sir Jamonson.", the queen replies.

"Hmm, who doesn't know of the Rangers family's skills at breeding and training horses.", Lord Lackburd chimes in. Everyone at the table agrees with his statement.

"Sir Jamonson can even fire an arrow from horseback and says he's going to teach me to do the same.", Winston announces.

"How thrilling. Perhaps you could train our son as well.", Lady Lackburd comments.

"I would be honored, my lady.", Jamonson replies. Winston gives off an inner sigh of relief. In the blink of an eye Jamonson turns the direction of everyone's attention to himself and away from Winston and his potential fiancée.

Winston turns his head to Lillian. She seems to be a good girl to him, she truly does, yet Winston refuses to let his mother bait him or trap him in a situation he hano say in. Not only that, but he knows that the day he accepts a fiancée is the day he accepts the full life of royalty and he just isn't sure he really wants it yet.