Two days had gone by since the meeting in the hall, days that Beau spent feeling miserable. He remained inside the holdfast to avoid the gloomy weather and hide his brooding mood. Julius was hardly around, and Corin was busy making preparations for their journey. Beau felt guilty for how he acted at the meeting, and he was having a difficult time mustering the courage to apologize.

On the morning of the third day, he sat with his Uncle Milton, Corin, and two men from Mount Hope his uncle considered dependable friends. One man was a farmer who grew wheat on a decent patch of land an hour away, and the other grew rare herbs that made tea and medicine. They discussed the road and possible routes they could take to reach Morris Port in a timely fashion. It was a route the men were familiar with since all trade was conducted in the port city. As the discussion dragged on, Nisila and Adore entered the hall with a dry greeting.

Nisila had dark circles below her eyes. Beau wondered if she had slept since he last saw her. There was still a palpable tension between her and Milton, and she did not spare his uncle a glance but instead stepped forward to address everyone else. She looked like she wanted to be any other place than the hall, sharing the same air as Milton.

“I have come to see your progress,” She said sternly. “Will you be prepared to leave today? The weather is good and I take that as a sign that it’s the right time to depart. The rain stopped late last night and it’s much colder now, but better than a rainy day and muddy road.”

Corin sighed as he stood to address her. “Indeed the weather is most promising. However, we are still short of certain supplies we will need for the journey. Also, after taking some inventory, I have learned that most of the prince’s clothes have become unfit and we must have some suitable things made for him before his arrival in Aiti.”

Nisila was like a storm on the brink of breaking. She put her hands on her hips and took a deep breath before speaking. Milton smirked at her frustration, but Beau did not find the situation amusing. He steeled himself for another argument.

“I don’t see how his choice of fashion is a priority,” She said finally. “Already you have waited too long. If you delay because you are upset with me, then I am sorry. I am lacking the knowledge to say it any other way.”

“He is returning to his homeland after being exiled,” Milton said. “This is an important moment. It is the most important moment in our history. The prince cannot show up to the main island of our nation, the seat of our royalty, dressed like a beggar.”

“I agree with Milton,” Corin added. “His first impression is most important. The leaders of the resistance will judge his words, actions, and looks. And that is their right. We cannot give them any reason to doubt his worthiness. Combined with the doubts and fears they will have about his age, any additional mistakes could do irreparable damage. Everything must be done in a way to present Prince Beaumont in his best light. These things take time, Nisila.”

“And it is like Corin said,” Milton added. “We need to gather a few other things.” Nisila finally looked at Milton. She glared at him, openly showing her disdain for the old soldier.

Adore stepped forward to address them. “The supplies you are lacking, I am confident we can acquire them in Morris Port. Also, as you travel down the Arlem toward the sea, you can stop at Haven Mott. You will find any fancy things you need in that town; it is a place known for high fashion, and high-class folk. But you should know this, my lord.” Milton did not look pleased with Adore.

“That is our answer then,” Nisila said. “We leave this afternoon with what you have, no more delays. We can get everything else you need along the way.” Milton motioned to argue, but Corin waved him down and nodded to Nisila.

Corin sighed as he addressed Nisila. “It seems that today is the day then. We will have our last meal in the hall, at noon, please join us. After that, we will begin our journey to Morris Port. It will be a sad departure. We have had many good memories here, and it has been a peaceful life. I knew it would end one day, but I never thought it would be so sudden.”

Beau found that he was still angry with Nisila. He knew the right thing to do was apologize to her for his harsh words, but he could not find the words with everyone present around him. Beau tried his best to avoid eye contact, hoping she would not address him. Despite his efforts, Nisila approached him.

“My Prince, I am sorry I had to be the one to bring you this news,” Nisila said. “I hope you understand that I am doing what I think is best for you, and our homeland. If we did not believe you were in danger, I would never have come.”

“I understand, and I thank you for your service to my family,” Beau replied, as he turned to address the others. “If there is nothing else to be discussed, I would like to be excused.”

“Of course, my Prince,” Corin said. He had taken to addressing him by his title in the last few days. Beau hated hearing it. It felt like they were all pretending, acting like his life in Mount Hope had never existed, and he was never only Beau. He turned and left the room, feeling all their eyes on his back. They would begin the journey today, that was certain. The thought made him sad and angry all at once.

He could not stand the mix of emotions swelling within his heart, but he had no way to express his displeasure. The feelings remained bottled up within him, slowing boiling and churning into a wild broth of resentment toward everyone and everything.

When he entered his room, Julius was already there. “How was your meeting? Are we leaving today?” Beau nodded and moved past him to lay on his bed. He put his head down, and Julius sighed.

“We are leaving Mount Hope, Beau,” Julius said. “There is nothing more you can do. Will you be this dull for the entire journey? Are you not curious to see Morris Port?”

“They plan to stop at Haven Mott,” Beau said, his voice muffled in the pillow.

“Even better,” Julius exclaimed. “I would love to see as much as possible, and speak to as many people as we can. I want to buy treats; my father always brings back good treats from Morris Port. We will have our pick of whatever we wish.” Beau tried to block his cousin out. He loved Julius, but all his talk of travel and leaving Mount Hope was wearisome. He knew his cousin was trying to cheer him up, but Beau pulled the pillow tighter to cover his ears.

“The horses have been ready since morning,” Julius continued. “We will ride by day and camp at night. Can you imagine sleeping under the stars in the woods? It will be like our fathers when they marched to war, living out in the elements, surviving off the land around them.”

Beau could not take it anymore and he snapped at his cousin. “Would you stop already? What joy you get out of tormenting me I will never know. Our journey is nothing like our fathers going to war. Going to the Middle Islands is not a journey for pleasure. Did you not hear anything Nisila said? I am in danger, you fool, and you only care about stuffing your face with sweets. People want me dead, for no reason other than a title given to me by people I never met. Do you want to be king?”

“Beau, calm down, I was only—“Julius began, but Beau cut him off. He could not stand the sound of his cousins voice, as he felt him self thrown into a dizzying rage.

“Calm down? Julius, can’t you see what is happening?” Beau said, jumping up from the bed. “We are no longer children. Traveling to the Middle Islands is not a game; we are leaving and never coming back. We are going to the Middle Islands, where men are killing each other. People will want me to change things for the better, and what do I know?” Beau was finding it difficult to breathe. The room felt smaller than he remembered it, as the walls loomed closer and closer. There was no way to escape, and death lurked behind him like a shadow. Beau looked about wildly, fearing an entity that was not there, only a faint nightmare that lingered in his mind.

“Beau, what is wrong?” Julius asked, concerned. “You do not look right, are you going mad?”

“I cannot go, Julius. I cannot leave. I change my mind,” Beau cried.

“You cannot change your mind; we are leaving today.”

“I will run away then,” Beau said, and he fled from the room. Julius called after him, but he ignored him and dashed down the stairs through the back door of the kitchen. His fear was after him like a monster, and he wanted to escape it. Pushing by some men who worked for his uncle, Beau made for the back gate. The men called his name, but he ignored them. He was beyond the walls and running beneath the trees of the surrounding forest.

Beau could smell the soil and moldy leaves beneath his feet. He felt free the farther he ran away from the holdfast. He felt this was his moment, the chance he needed to escape an impending fate of servitude. The thought of strange faces looking to him for their salvation made his guts twist into knots. Running through the forest, with the branches and leaves brushing against his face and body, felt like he was moving past all of it, overcoming the obstacles that were trying to hold him down.

“I said, wait!” Julius cried out. Beau skid to a stop, and turned to see his cousin weaving in and out of the trees. Had he run through that same tangle of woods? Beau could not remember, the exhilarating feeling of the flight consumed him. He wanted to feel it again; he did not want to stop.

“What are you about?” Julius said as he put his hands on his knees, trying to catch his breath.

“Just leave me be,” Beau said as he leaned against a tree, his adrenaline wearing off and the fatigue finally catching up to him.

“You won’t be rid of me so easily,” Julius said. “We are family, and I won’t leave your side. You don’t have to be afraid, I am on the same journey as you, Beau.”

“No, you are not,” Beau said, frustrated. “You have your father. I am alone, and I have to wear the crown by myself. No one understands. I am afraid; I have never been so afraid in my entire life. It was all fine, talking about it, but now it’s real. I am not ready, Julius.” Beau sat and dropped his face into his hands. Julius joined him on the ground and held him tightly.

They sat beneath the tree, neither speaking. The surrounding forest was restless with the creaking of branches, swayed by the coming winter winds. Birds were singing somewhere in the distance. Both boys wore thick wool sweaters tied at the waist with black belts, and dark brown pants made of cotton, with additional leggings beneath to keep warm, tucked into brown leather boots. They were one with the forest, as it prepared for its long winter slumber. The brown of the tree barks and the various colors of the dying leaves in the branches above hid them within the underbrush.

Beau began to calm down as he sat close to his cousin, mimicking his steady breaths. The warmth of his body was comforting, reminding him of the nights he would snuggle beneath his musty blankets back at the holdfast.

“You remember, two summers ago?” Julius said, finally breaking the silence. “We went fishing on the banks of the Silver Way, and I fell in and hurt my knee on that rock. I could not stay afloat, and I would have drown that day. Without a second thought, you jumped in and rescued me. The water took us all the way down to the Waldin Valley before we could swim out. Do you remember?”

Beau nodded as he wiped tears from his eyes. “Yes, I remember…The water was so cold, and rough. I did not think we would make it.”

“We survived it because you were brave and strong. You saved us both. That is who you are, Beaumont. My father says you only really get to know a man when arrows start flying. I shared that moment with you, and I know in my heart who you are. I know things are scary right now, but you can do it. It will be like that day in the river; you will jump in and save us all. Do not doubt yourself, cousin. Most of all, do not doubt me. You can always count on me, no matter what. There is nothing in the world that we cannot overcome together.” They heard shouting in the distance; men were calling out their names.

“It must be Uncle Milton’s men,” Beau said as he looked up.

“Perhaps, or the men of the Brotherhood,” Julius replied. “They also saw us run out the keep.” Beau sighed as he felt his anxiety returning. He found some comfort in his cousins’ words, but putting them into action took another type of strength that he could not find at the moment. He could not hide his feelings from Julius, and when he looked at his cousin, his concern was evident.

“You mean to run away?” Julius asked, and Beau nodded. “Then I am with you. Let us run together and go to the ruined Watchtower. They might not think to look there, and we can lose them that way.”

“They will be angry with me for leaving, Julius,” Beau said. “The ruins are far, are you sure you want to go?”

“If you go, I go,” Julius replied grinning. It was the first time in the last few days that Beau did not feel alone. Beau was glad Julius was there to listen, and not make him feel worse for the shame he felt. Julius was the only person in the world who finally knew how he truly felt. He would put his trust in Julius, the one with him in his most desperate moment.

“Quickly, let us run, they are getting close,” Julius said, and they playfully pushed each other as they made their way to the ruins. It was a tower on a distant cliff with a view of a wide valley below. From the top of the cliff, they could see across the southern region of Mount Hope. In ancient times, the land was laid bare with open fields, and miles of wall separated Mount Hope from the wilderness. In the tower, soldiers could spot enemies entering the realm and raise the alarm.

The valley was now overgrown with trees, their leaves glowing gold, yellow, and orange. After a long run through the forest, the boys came upon a clearing and stepped into the sunlight. The sky was overcast, and the sun gave little comfort. It would be winter soon, and the snows would cover everything in a coat of white. Before them, as they stepped clear of the trees, was a small stream called the Silver Way. Strange fish with glittering scales and slender bodies darted through the water. In the warmer months, the fish would leap into the air to catch insects flying nearby. Beau spotted only a few of the fish now, as the muted daylight reflected a dazzling show of lights from their scales.

Beau placed his hands into the water, and it was cold, but it was a feeling he knew well. The hot summers and cold winters of the mountain were a familiar comfort. He did not know if the sun of the Middle Island shone as it did here, but if it was as hot as they said, then maybe the rivers were warm. He wondered what kind of fish lived in the rivers. Corin did not teach them about wildlife, but these things mattered to him.

“Beaumont! Julius!” A voice echoed through the woods behind them. Beau signaled Julius, and they continued running. Julius crossed the stream by skipping small boulders protruding out of the flowing waters. Beau followed closely behind, and they both ran up a craggy hillside that led out the valley. Soon they came to an old beaten path that made its way to the very top of the cliff, which now loomed above them. Standing in the shadow of the hills, a cold breeze blew past them, and they shuddered from the icy winds. They ducked low under the brush to spy on the woods across the water.

Two men emerged from the trees. One was of the New Brotherhood, and the other was the wheat farmer who lived near the holdfast. The men looked left and then right, both unsure of where they should go. Frustrated, they exchanged words Beau could not hear and split up, running along the stream.

“Do you want to go on?” Julius whispered. “Should we go back?”

“No, let us stay away for just a little longer,” Beau replied. “We have come this far, might as well go to the tower.”

“They may come this way and find us at the tower.”

Beau turned to inspect the path behind them. “It will take them some searching, and I don’t think uncle knows the way. We invited him several times, but he was always too busy. We will be well hidden until we are ready to go home.”

Grabbing hold of the tough shrubs growing along the path, they pulled themselves up as they went. Man-made stairs weathered down to nothing but broken stone and dirt in some parts, gave way to the upper reaches of the cliff. They were forced to climb using any foothold they could find. It was dangerous, but they were always careful.

Looking down, Beau could see the top of the trees now, and the air blew cold on his neck. He felt goosebumps creep upon his arms. Without a cloak and scarf, the wind felt like an assault upon his body.

Beau pressed on with Julius coming up behind him. He imagined they were fleeing from everyone, including Rancine and his armies. On the cliff, Beau pretended there was a castle he had to secure and defend. It would be his last stand. In his mountain castle, he could remain in Mount Hope forever, and no one would be able to get to him. He would grow all he needed within his fortress and die a happy old man away from the troubles of the world.

After a short space of time, they made it to the first shelf. To the north, the land was rolling hills covered in woods. He could not see them, but he knew other farms lay hidden between the many valleys throughout Mount Hope. Beyond that, he saw the colorful horizon and the misty tips of the distant mountains. For a long time, he was curious about what lay beyond that land. He never had aspirations to travel, but now that he was forced to leave the home he had grown to love, Beau felt regret that he would not get the chance to explore the country to the north.

He already knew what was to the south. It was the land of Hattan. The Arlem River ran directly through Hattan, and at the very southern edge of the wilds, was the city of Morris Port. Trade vessels would come up the river to drop off and pick up goods there. In the mines of Mount Hope, men searched for Ember, a stone with many magical properties, and others cut and shipped timber. In earlier days he was curious about the port city, but now that it came to it he did not much care for heading south anymore. He was curious about foreign places, anyone would want to see the world, but he also wanted to know he could return home when it was over.

“What is it?” Julius said.

“North, I wonder what lies beyond the mountains,” Beau sighed.

“We know what is north of us, the Ember mines.”

“Yes, the mines are within the mountains, but what is beyond that? Have you ever wondered? Readings say far, far to the northeast across the ocean, beyond the country of Langley, the Barbarians live in the snow-covered peaks of the largest mountains in Dayconis. Maybe like that land, barbarians live to the north of Mount Hope.”

Julius scoffed. “I think if barbarians lived beyond those mountains, we would have heard of it. Besides the barbarians never leave their realm, only the barbarian king can go beyond the borders. Their king named Googaron has a son and it is said that he walks the world.”

“The son of Googaron?” Beau asked, surprised. “How do you come by all these stories? Did you read about it with Corin?”

“I heard my father discussing it with a traveler recently,” Julius said. “They say his name is Fidderon and he is as big as a bear.”

Beau laughed. “Let us hope we do not cross his path on our travels, or any bears. Come, we are almost at the top.” The boys ran along the shelf and came to a hidden cave. It was a straight path, with a dark, wet tunnel that gave them access to the other side of the cliff. They could hear dripping water echo as they made their way through. Heading directly to the light at the other end, they emerged and took a sharp right following more broken steps to the tower. As they came to the top, they could see the ancient stone works looming before them.

The Watchtower was broken, as if torn down by the mighty stroke of a giant’s hammer. Stones long fallen from the tower lay scattered across the grassy hilltop. The structure stood at half its height now, the top edges protruding like sharp teeth at its highest point. In the late afternoon, the broken walls cast long, menacing shadows on the ground. The boys ran up the last leg of the hill and into the fallen ruins. Looking up, they saw an open sky blanketed with gray storm clouds.

Julius dashed past Beau and headed for the shattered steps within. “Quick, the enemies are coming!” Julius cried. “To the armory, my king!” Within the fallen tower they found broken spears, sword hilts, and rotted shields. They used these antique items as their arms, and pretended to hold the gate against an invisible foe attempting to sack their castle. It was a game they often played at the holdfast.

They always had a good time playing at the fallen tower. It had the atmosphere of a battle-worn keep. Beau imagined that the rotted weapons at his feet belonged to vanquished enemies. He imagined large stones being flung from siege weapons, plummeting from the sky and pounding on the surrounding fortifications. Beau knew it was all a game, but it was always exhilarating, and he soon forgot all about Nisila, Morris Port, and his journey to the Middle Islands. As they continued to play, the day waned, and soon, the sun began to go down.

Julius was the first to notice that the hour was getting late, and he put down his broken spear. “They must be wondering where we have gotten too,” Julius said.

“Yes, I am sure,” Beau replied. “I know we should be getting back, but now that it’s time, I find it hard to face them. Maybe we can stay just a little longer.”

“It is getting cold, Beau,” Julius said. “Besides, we stay any longer, and it will be dark. How do we make our way back then? Can you make a fire to light torches so we can find our path?” Beau nodded, lowering his head in disappointment. He had a small taste of freedom, but now it was time to say goodbye to Mount Hope. All his worry and fear returned like a crashing wave. He felt as if an invisible force was upon him, weighing him down.

Julius came and stood by his side. “It will be all right, cousin. Did you not enjoy your time today? I promise we will have more fun on our way to Morris Port. We can take our practice swords and bucklers as well. When we make camp, maybe my father can finally give us some lessons on sword fighting, besides just the stances.”

“I suppose,” Beau sighed. “But I know they will all be angry with me for taking off. What I’m I to say? I cannot tell them the truth. If they find out I have any doubts about being king, and going to the Middle Islands, what would they think of me?”

“Don’t you worry about that, Beau,” Julius said. “I will tell them it was all my idea, and that you went along only to keep me company and keep me safe.” Beau smiled at that. He breathed a sigh of relief, happy that he could depend on Julius to protect him. As he looked out at the land beyond, he saw movement in the distance. Travelers on horseback were riding slowly across a hill. They bobbed steadily along in the fading light, but he could make out the shape of them. He had a feeling of panic, thinking that maybe it was Corin and his uncle already making the journey. However, it was not possible; these travelers were heading north-west, entering Mount Hope.

“Julius, look over there, do you see that black line of travelers,” Beau said as he pointed over his cousin’s shoulder. They approached the broken wall of the tower and leaned forward to get a better view.

“Yes, I see them,” Julius replied. “Must be miners coming from the south.”

“Or Nisila and her people looking for us,” Beau said. “I have kept us out here long enough, let us get back.” The boys jumped as they heard a loud screech behind them. Looking up, they saw a large black raven sitting upon the broken wall, flapping its massive wings and eyeing them side ways with beady eyes.

“It’s just a stupid raven,” Julius said, turning and looking back toward the direction of the travelers, but they were gone, hidden within the forested land below. The boys left the tower and started their return journey back to the holdfast. The raven flew on ahead of them and perched on another rock as they climbed down the path. As the boys exited the short tunnel, they met the raven on the other side waiting for them.

“What does it want?” Julius asked.

“What all beasts want, food,” Beau replied, and at that, the raven let out a sharp caw at him. It stood still as if frozen and Beau looked directly into its eyes. There was a keenness within the creature that he had never seen in the other wild animals of Mount Hope. As he walked past, he realized how immense the bird was, much larger than any raven he could recall in the mountains. Its feathers were shining and healthy, reflecting the late afternoon light.

“It’s a curious raven,” Beau said. “It must think we have some food on us.”

“Perhaps just a greedy raven,” Julius said. “Look at its size. It must be eating deer and boar. Shoo!” Julius faint a strike at the bird, but it did not move. They both shrugged and moved on, making their way down to the stream and back into the woods. The sun went down beyond the horizon as they walked. It was dark and cold in the woods, but the boys did not feel afraid. Beau was familiar with this forest; he played in it his entire life. He became slightly annoyed at not seeing the ground and on a few occasions, they tripped upon loose earth or overgrown roots.

They were still confident of their path, a path they had taken more than once before. Beau wondered at the new roads that might still be hidden to him. The forest was a large place, and even at his age he had not seen the whole of it. He sighed at the thought of not getting too explorer more of the land he considered his home.

As they filed past a large tree, the boys were grabbed from behind. Calloused hands muffled their screams. The strong arms dragged them back, lifting them off the ground. Beau attempted to break the hold, but he was not strong enough. He reached out for Julius, as he felt him struggling beside him. The stranger leaned forward, and his face was covered by a hood. It was a man with a thick beard and a deep, menacing voice.

“Do not move,” He said. “Do not make a sound.”