I rode straight through town, to the surprise of the villagers. Many jumped out of my way in fright, although others called out to me, some even dropping to their knees as I passed.

“It’s Prince Alfred! Long live King Leopold!”

I did not stop to wave at the villagers, as I normally did, or smile at the mothers who pushed their blushing young daughters in my direction. Sioni was in danger and she needed me. Time was of the essence.

“Where will you look?” Sioni’s mother, Margaret, had asked me before I left.

My father ordered the guards to search every house in the village. I said I would check the woods.

“I will search every inch of the woods, madam. I will find your daughter and bring her back safe.”

She’d kissed my hand before I left, her eyes welling with gratitude.

“Godspeed, Prince Alfred.”

As I rode past the village and into the woods, I could see the blue mountains in the distance, the sun beginning to set just behind them. I prayed for clear skies and a bright moon to help guide me on my way.