Chapter 9 Edward and Miles Learn More Edward should have been the one speaking with Lord Hertford.
He should have been the one the crowd cheered.
Instead, he was running through the streets of London, trying to find safety.
Miles led Edward through the back streets and alleys.
He held onto the prince's arm tightly.
More and more people were flooding into the streets.
Miles didn't understand all the excitement.
He was surprised that the street fair was so big.
By the time they reached the London Bridge, the streets were filled with people.
Edward learned the news of his father's death from the tears and shouts of the crowd.
They called, The king is dead!
Long live the king!
Long live King Edward!
Tears came to the boy's eyes.
This man, who was often so mean to others, had always been gentle with him.
It upset him to know that his father was dead and he had not said goodbye.
I am now king, Edward said quietly.
He looked at the cheering crowd around him.
I am now King Edward.
Isn't it strange that no one can see me?
Miles and Edward walked over the bridge.
There were so many people on it that their movement was very slow.
The bridge was always a busy place.
It was lined with stores, inns, butcher shops, and bakeries.
In fact, it was like a small city all on its own.
Miles was staying at one of these inns.
He and Edward were just about to walk through the front door when John Canty grabbed Edward from behind.
Mr. Canty had been looking for his son all day.
He had crossed the bridge many times and asked everyone he knew if they had seen the boy.
At last he had spotted him walking with Miles.
So you thought you could escape, Mr. Canty hissed.
He was furious.
"'I'll teach you a lesson, a lesson you will not soon forget.'
He pulled Edward by the arm, trying to take him down the street.
Miles stepped between them.
"'What do you have to do with this boy?' he asked.
"'Why are you threatening him?'
"'What business is it of yours?'
Mr. Canty's eyes narrowed.
"'He's my son, and I'll do as I please.'
It's a lie, Edward said.
He's not my father.
My father is the king, or rather, my father was the king.
Edward looked sad for a moment, but he quickly calmed himself.
This is a cruel and heartless man.
Don't make me angry, boy, Mr. Canty said.
Don't try my patience.
I will not go with him, Edward said.
Well.
That settles it, Miles said.
The boy stays with me.
He crossed his arms and held his ground.
We'll see about that, Mr. Canty said as he reached for Edwards.
Mark my words, Miles said slowly.
This boy is now under my protection.
No one will harm him.
No one will force him to do anything he doesn't want to do.
For your own safety-
I suggest you leave him alone.
Miles rested his hand on his sword and stared at Mr. Canty.
Mr. Canty mumbled under his breath and walked away.
Should be all right now, Miles said.
He put his hand on the boy's shoulder.
We'll get a good night's sleep at least.
Edward followed Miles up three flights of stairs to his room.
By this time it was very late at night.
Edward was hungry and tired.
Good sir, please let me know when the servants have brought in the evening meal, he said.
Then he lay down on the bed.
I am very hungry, I'm afraid.
I don't think I've eaten anything for a day or two.
Before Miles could even reply, Edward was fast asleep.
Miles smiled.
This boy may only be imagining he is the Prince of Wales, but he certainly knows how to behave like royalty.
He just took my bed without even asking.
Miles looked about the room for an extra blanket, but there was none.
He took off his jacket and used it to cover Edward.
Poor boy, Miles thought.
He's sick and confused and doesn't have a friend in the world.
Miles watched the boy as he slept.
He looked so helpless.
Miles thought about his own family.
He had not seen them in years.
He wondered if his father was still alive.
His brothers, Arthur and Hugh, would have changed so much in the seven years since he had last spoken to them.
Perhaps he should bring the boy back to his own.
His father would welcome the sick boy with open arms.
His brother Arthur would also be kind.
Hugh might be more of a problem.
Hugh had not been a nice person, but Miles hoped he had changed over the years.
Miles looked at Edward and said, Well, I'll be his friend.
After all, I'm already his defender.
Now I will act as his brother, too.
Anyone who tries to harm him will have to deal with me first.
Just then a servant arrived with dinner.
He left it on the table, then slammed the door on his way out.
The young prince was startled awake.
He sat up quickly, confused by his surroundings.
He looked sad.
Alas, I thought perhaps it was all a dream.
This is the second morning in a row that I've been disappointed.
It's not actually morning, sire, Miles said.
If the boy believed he was the Prince of Wales, then he would treat him as such.
It's still the middle of the night.
Edward noticed that Miles had used his coat to cover him.
You are too kind to me, he said to Miles.
He held the coat out to the man.
Please take it back.
I will need it no longer.
Miles took the coat from Edward.
This was the first kind thing the boy had said.
Miles wondered how long this politeness would last.
Edward stood up.
He walked to the washstand in the corner and waited.
We have some good food to enjoy, Miles said.
Perhaps not what you're used to at the palace, but it's warm and hearty.
We can have a bite and then take a nap.
We'll be rested and ready in the morning.
We'll have to get an early start if we're to get you back to the palace.
Edward looked at Miles with surprise and a bit of impatience.
Is something wrong?
Miles asked.
I would like to wash up, Edward said.
Oh, of course, Miles said.
Please feel free.
You don't need to ask permission.
The boy stood still.
He cleared his throat and tapped his foot.
"'I'm sorry, I don't understand,' Miles said.
"'Is there anything else?'
"'Please pour the water into the bowl,' Edward said sternly.
His voice was full of authority.
"'And use fewer words, please.'
Miles caught himself before bursting into laughter.
He nodded politely and then did as Edward had asked.
He waited patiently as Edward washed himself.
This boy has some nerve, he thought to himself.
He truly does believe he is Prince Edward.
He would surely be hurt if I left him on his own.
After all, I've already had to defend him twice within a single night.
Miles was startled from his thoughts by the command.
Towel!
Although it was well within Edward's reach, Miles handed him the towel that sat beside the washstand.
Miles then washed himself while Edward sat down at the table to eat.
When Miles was finished washing up, he moved to the table.
He pulled out a chair and prepared to sit.
Hold on, Edward said.
Do you dare to sit in the presence of the future king?
Miles decided that there was only one way to handle the situation.
He would humor the boy.
There seemed no point in fighting him.
The boy's mind was clearly disturbed.
If I cause trouble, Miles laughed to himself, he'll send me to the Tower of London.
So Miles did as the future king asked.
He waited on him hand and foot during the meal.
When Edward finished eating, he leaned back in his chair.
It was good to eat a solid meal at last.
He felt much more relaxed.
Miles, he said, that is your name, isn't it?
Yes, Sir Miles Hendon.
Have a seat, Miles.
Edward waved his hand to indicate where Miles should sit.
Tell me about yourself while I digest my dinner.
Miles sat down.
Edward waved his hand again, this time over the food, to indicate that Miles should have something to eat.
Miles held back another smile.
"'I come from Kent.
My father is Sir Richard Hendon of Hendon Hall.'
"'Ah, then you are nobly born,' Edward said.
Miles nodded.
"'My family is quite wealthy.
My father is a kind, generous man.'
He is well loved by all the people who live in his district.
My mother died when I was very young.
I have two brothers.
Arthur, who is older than I, takes after my father.
He, too, is kind and generous.
My younger brother, Hugh, is not as kind.
At least he wasn't when I last saw him.
I can only hope that he has changed for the better over the years.
He was only nineteen then, so I am very hopeful.'
The lady Edith also lived with us.
She was but sixteen when I last saw her.
Edith is beautiful, sweet, and intelligent.
Her father was an earl who died when she was very young.
My father became her guardian.
Edith is the heiress to a great fortune.
I loved Edith dearly, and she loved me.
Unfortunately, she was engaged to my brother Arthur.
It was an arranged marriage between the two families.
Neither Arthur nor Edith had a choice in the matter.
It was only out of loyalty to the families that they didn't protest.
Arthur was in love with another woman.
He was always optimistic that we would make it all work out.
We just needed to be patient.
Hugh claimed to love Edith too, but in truth he only loved her fortune.
My brother Hugh was very persuasive, especially with our father.
Sir Richard believed every word Hugh said, although no one else trusted Hugh.
Our father thought he could do no wrong.
To make a long story short, Hugh told our father lies about me.
He said I was up to no good and that I was causing trouble and bringing shame to our family.
"'Our brother Arthur was not healthy.
He was born sickly, and we were always worried that he wouldn't have a long life.
"'I believe Hugh thought it best to have me out of the way.
"'I was next in line to inherit everything, including Edith's hand in marriage.
"'He knew that he would have no claim on our father's or Edith's fortune if I was still around.'
Hugh convinced our father that I meant to kidnap Lady Edith and steal her fortune.
My father reacted as any honorable man would when faced with such truth.
He banished me from our home.
I was sent off for military service.
Three years with the army.
It was a difficult three years, and I faced many battles.
I also learned a great deal.
My punishment was unfair, but I made the most of it.
Then I was taken prisoner.
I have spent the past seven years in a foreign prison camp.
I managed to escape at long last and make my way back to England.
I have had no word from my family and all this time I don't know if my father and Arthur are still alive or if my brother Hugh, has at long last changed.
I have only been back in England for a few days.
I was on my way to my father's house when I found you, Miles said.
You have been shamelessly abused, Edward said.
When I return to my throne, I will right this terrible wrong.
You have my word.
Thank you, sire, Miles said.
That is very kind of you.
Think nothing of it, Edward said with a wave of his hand.
Let me tell you how I, the King of England, am dressed in rags and walking the streets of London.
While Edward spoke, Miles felt great pity for the boy.
His mind is completely crazed, he thought.
He has lost touch with reality.
He needs me to care for him more than I suspected.
When Edward finished his tale, Miles shook his head in amazement.
"'That is a terrible story, sire,' he said.
"'You have saved me tonight,' Edward said.
"'I will not forget it.
Tell me your greatest wish.
When I am crowned king, you shall have your heart's desire.'
Miles thought carefully for a few moments.
His first instinct was to simply say that it was honor enough to be of service.
It occurred to Miles though that, since he was not likely to enjoy his reward, he might as well ask for the moon.
He dropped to his knees before Edward.
I ask but one thing, Your Majesty that I and all my heirs always have the pleasure of sitting in the royal court, and your wish shall be granted.
Edward said, and you will forever be known as Sir Miles Hendon.
Suddenly Edward realized that he was very tired.
And now, remove these rags, he said.
He pointed to his clothes.
It's time for sleep.
It has been a very long day.
Edward slipped into bed, preparing to sleep.
Sleep in front of the door, Miles, he said, in case we have intruders.
Miles barely had a chance to answer before Edward was sound asleep again.
He really should have been born a king, he thought.
He plays the part so well.
Miles stretched out in front of the door.
Well, I've certainly slept in worse places over the past seven years.
When Miles awoke, it was already noon.
This was much later than he had intended to sleep.
Now they would have to hurry.
He stood up and prepared to go outside.
Edward stirred and asked what he was doing.
Just taking care of a bit of business, sire, Miles replied.
I'll be back shortly.
Please don't trouble yourself.
Edward was sound asleep again before Miles was out the door.
He returned thirty minutes later with a second-hand suit for Edward and some breakfast.
He sat down at the table to make a few repairs to the suit.
One of the hems was falling down and a button needed refastening.
While he worked, Miles looked over at the bed.
He noticed for the first time, to his great surprise and horror, that Edward was gone.
Miles raced downstairs.
He ran straight up to the servant, who brought their dinner in the night before, and shouted, "'Where is the boy?'
The servant was frightened by Miles's anger.
He found it difficult to speak.
"'Another boy came to the door after you left, sir,' the man stuttered.
'He said that you wanted the boy from your room to meet you near the bridge, so I went to your room and woke him up.
He was upset about being woken up so early, but he dressed and came downstairs.'
Did Edward leave with this other boy?
Miles asked.
Yes, the servant said.
They walked off together toward the bridge.
Is that all you remember?
Is there anything else that will help me find him?
Miles hoped this youth meant Edward no harm.
There was one strange bit, the servant said quietly.
I watched them as they walked off.
About half a block away, a rather dirty man stepped out from a doorway and joined them.
He grabbed your young friend's arm and pulled him toward the bridge.
I assumed you were quite anxious to see him.
You fool, Miles said.
How will I ever find him now?
Miles rushed out the door of the inn.
He ran up the street where the servant had last seen Edward.
Poor lad, Miles thought.
He might be in grave danger.
It must have been that man who claims to be his father.
How can I forgive myself?
I should have kept a better eye on him.
The poor boy is ill.
Who knows what harm may come to him?
He went out because he thought I asked for him.
He trusted me, and now he may be lost.
Miles ran as fast as he could.
He had to find Edward before anything bad happened.
