Will walked silently at the dead of night Stacey drugged on beside him, actually, everyone was walking because Pepper’s foot had been pierced by a stone and now they all had to endure the rocky grounds, they couldn’t stop, Flisk had said, because the wolves would then find them. But everyone was tired, they were following a new path that Flisk called ‘The Hero’s Way’ something about during the war a young hero and his master had travel through here.

Will and Stacey were in the back, Hence was in the front with Pepper and Flisk, which left room to talk to Stacey, Stacey kept on talking about his family back in Half-Wind, but the more he talked about family, the guiltier Will felt, Will grabbed Stacey’s shoulder and slowed down so they were much farther behind.

Stacey looked at Will, concerned, “What’s wrong, Will?”

Will looked up at him, Stacey deserved the truth, he had stood up for him even though he didn’t know his lineage, “I need to tell you the truth Stacey, you deserve it,” So he did, he told Stacey everything, from his fight with his father, to now, “So… yeah.” Will trailed off.

Stacey looked away.

“So you are one of them, aren’t you? And not just that,” Stacey looked back at him, then he stopped and kneeled down, avoiding eye contact. “Will! You are a prince! The only child of Emma Juipiterson? You are royalty!”

“Shh! The others don’t know! Besides,” He pulled Stacey up, “I’ve never been called that before, I’ve always been just Will, why should that change? Thanks for standing up for me back there by the way.”

Stacey and Will walked on a little while in silence, cicadas buzzing in the forest, when Stacey turned to him and confessed.

“I…” he mumbled something inaudible then spoke up, “I have been completely honest either. I wasn’t sent on a secret mission, I ran away,” Will’s eyes widened, “We were sent out, me and my group, when a band of rogue wolves attacked us, we were outnumbered, there were at least 30 wolves, while we were 15, there was no chance. We were cornered, my commander, Lieutenant Graye, he told us to attack! We had no other choice, but I was scared and afraid, and I ran! The first opening there was I ran and didn’t come back. I am sure they all,” He mouth the words ‘died’ but didn’t or couldn’t bring himself to say it, “And I wanted then to start a new life in First Warren, maybe without the thought of war and blood! But what good would it be? I still remember that day.” Stacey’s eyes were getting wet and he looked away.

Will hugged his friend then walked ahead, he didn’t want to start crying or let his friends see his doubt, what if wolves cae to them? Would his friend abandon them at first fight? Or would he stay?

``````````````````````

They were here, it had taken a long time, Flisk left them at Harbone, and they had made the unforgiving trek through the charred, but newly filled with life, wood.

Hence and Pepper had left to find them a good inn, Stacey was nearby fluttering around a stand filled with exotic fruits.

Will was just standing in the central area, looking up at a beautiful but rugged statue, a black and white marble one, right in front of the seven standing stones, it was a rabbit and he had a scarred and brutal face. But beneath that, he looked harmless but strong, like a mother hen that would put her wings over her children.

The statue was his uncle Whitbe.

The crisp winter winds seemed to whisper; ‘A hero! A hero that saved a future queen! A brother who saved a future sister! A child who twas to be a hero of legends he was! Hideous, but a true and pure one of old… a heart that could match any of the times of your ancestors. A hero.’

“Son, I believe my old eyes speak true, you are a Longtreader if i ever saw one, and I’ve seen them all.”

Will tensed, he had heard that voice before, a voice from his time as a very young buck, a black clad rabbit had arrived at their house seeking his Father’s help when someone went missing, a voice when he had still lived in First Warren.

“Don’t judge a book by his cover.” Stacey said warily, he had started towards Will and was looking at the rabbit behind him.

Will turned around to see a handsomely dressed buck, he had black fur that gleamed, and a large medallion around his neck, the sign bore the Natalia’s twin diamonds. The rabbit was much older then Hence, and he had a maroon wood cane that he leaned on.

The rabbit was a well known rabbit named Lord Captain Helmer.

Will looked at Stacey, the rabbit was having a hard time trying not to bow, but Stacey was standing up for his friend and Will’s heart warmed, but Will couldn’t lie to his other uncle, he expected a scolding, but instead Helmer opened his arms and engulfed Will in a hug.

Stacey merely watched with his mouth opened then he just shrugged and muttered something about Will being princely and well known.

“Uncle Helmer! How are you!” Will asked when they pulled out of the hug.

Helmer looked at Will, “Not well son, where are your parents? Where is Picket?” Helmer was looking around searching hopefully around the square.

“Um, uncle they aren’t here, it’s just me, where’s my mom?”

“W-what?” Helmer’s eyes grew wide and stern, “Just you? Your family? How’d you get here?”

Will frowned and looked up at the statue of his uncle Whitbe, he prayed to the Maker that Helmer wouldn’t get upset, which was highly unlikely.

Part 1 is done! next chapter due sometime this week! Thanks for the support! Love you guys!