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Chapter 3: The fear of the first step

<<\'\'It is more honorable to be raised to a throne than to be born to one. Fortune bestows the one, merit obtains the other.\'\'>>

-PETRARCH

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In the days that followed, the area in front of the castle was thrown into disarray. Carts laden with provisions, stocked with food and wine, were assembled at the city gates. Guarding these precious supplies were 300 well-equipped men, armed with lances, clad in armor, and mounted on sturdy steeds. To the onlookers within the town, it may have appeared that these defenders were merely safeguarding the carts. However, they were, in fact, patiently awaiting their liege lord.

Within the castle, Conradin engaged in a conversation with his trusted confidant, Gerwin. It was during this discussion that Conradin shared his decision regarding the governance of the castle in his impending absence.

"Until my return, I entrust you with all my authority and the responsibilities that accompany it," Conradin declared.

Gerwin was taken aback by the immense trust placed in him, a sentiment that filled his heart with a mixture of gratitude and concern for the young child he had served since infancy.

"Your Majesty, I am deeply honored by your unwavering trust," Gerwin began, his voice laced with concern. "But I implore you to reconsider embarking on this journey to meet a king whose disposition towards you remains uncertain."

Conradin, however, stood resolute. "The Kingdom of Bohemia has a history of loyalty to my grandfather. Let us pray that they still hold some goodwill towards me. I beseech you, do not hinder my path."

Gerwin persisted, "I beg you to reconsider your h—"

"Enough, Gerwin," Conradin interrupted, determination firm in his voice. "How am I to reclaim what has been unjustly taken from me if I do not venture forth into the unknown? Fate favors the bold, and let us hope that my courage will be enough."

With that final exchange, Conradin turned away, leaving his loyal butler deep in thought. Gerwin, though silenced, continued to harbor deep concern for his young master.

Conradin\'s heart ached as he caught a glimpse of Gerwin\'s expression—a look marked by genuine worry for him. In the grand scheme of things, only two people truly mattered to him: his devoted butler, Gerwin, who had been like a father to him, and his dear friend, Frederick of Baden. Their unwavering support was the anchor that kept him grounded as he embarked on this perilous journey to reclaim his rightful throne.

Conradin turned his head, for this sight caused him great pain. The people who really mattered to him could be counted on one head, in fact, there were only two, his butler Gerwin, who had raised him, and his dear friend Frederick of Baden.

Gerwin watched Conradin turn and leave the castle, his back slightly hunched, lacking the confidence and energy a young man should have. But how could anyone blame him? Since a young age, everything he knew that came from a dynasty hated by many was deceit and running away. As a child, he dreaded the day when his old uncle and guardian Ludovico would decide to end his life for some benefits granted by the Pope or the Guelphs, a day that luckily did not arrive as the man held in love his sister and could never harm his own blood.

Conradin never knew the beauty that the noble life brings, he did not experience any kind of pleasure that one would expect at such a young age, because all his life he had to run away, first from Manfred, then from the Pope, and now from Charles, he was tired of running away, because for once he wanted to take his destiny in his own hands and not be the victim of the wave of the unknown.

He looked back once again at the tower, at the high window that belonged to his room. It was illuminated by the setting sun, whose bright rays were reflected on the glass. He could not help feeling a certain uneasiness, but he knew that this was the right way. He had to go forward, toward his destiny.

With a firm hand, he lifted his chin and marched proudly down the castle steps, his followers close behind him. They were ready to face the challenges that lay ahead.

And there he stood , the young king without a crown, leaving his castle where he had lived for the last five years, accompanied by his three retainers Corrado Capace, Manfredi Maletta and Galvano Lancia, three men who came from prestigious noble families. The three walked in step, each taking one step at a time. They looked confident and unwavering as they all took the first step to face a task on par with the heroes of Homer and Vergilius.

The young man, trying to look as mature as possible, mounted his horse, looked to the sky, and with a deep breath and a determined look ahead, gave the order to set off.

The convoy of iron and horse moved toward the unknown and possibly toward danger, all the men hiding their fear and keeping their eyes on the back of a man far too small, but who from their point of view seemed bigger and more enduring than any mountain. Conradid thought of all the challenges and dangers that awaited him on this journey, of the costs he would have to bear, but he was determined to make it. No matter what the price for his arrogance would be