The Leper King's Healer

Chapter 62

As he slept, his mind conjured up vivid memories of his childhood, before fate gave him a crushing blow. Baldwin stood out among his friends from the age of eight due to his sharp intelligence and unquenchable hunger for knowledge. While other boys ran around in the fields and played pretend, Baldwin could frequently be found nestled away in a cozy nook of the castle, surrounded by rolling hills and lush forests, his nose buried in a book.

Despite his enthusiasm for learning, Baldwin was not a solitary youngster. He had a constant companion in his best pal, Roger. Roger was the polar opposite of Baldwin: mischievous, adventurous, and always eager to cause trouble.

One hot afternoon, as the sun's golden rays seeped through the limbs of an ancient oak tree, Baldwin and Roger became engrossed in the pages of a riveting story. The air was filled with the delicious aroma of lush flowers blooming at the base of the tree, adding to the enchanting mood of their temporary reading nook.

As Baldwin immersed himself in the realm of words, he couldn't help but feel content. He felt completely at ease here, beneath the shade of the oak tree, surrounded by nature's splendour and the company of his greatest friend.

But it was in the realm of dreams that Baldwin's deepest desires and fondest memories came to life.

He also dreamed that his father was still alive, and as a small boy, he was close to his father, King Amalric. When his father called, he'd run and embrace him tightly. "Oh, Father!" The young Baldwin yelled with excitement at seeing his father.

King Amalric smiled at his son, his eyes full of pride and devotion. "Have you been a good child, my boy?" he inquired, his voice full of love for his son.

Baldwin nodded eagerly, his youthful exuberance bubbling to the surface. "Yes, Father! I've been studying hard and exploring the wonders of the world around me."

King Amalric's smile broadened, and a rush of pride rose in his breast. "I have no doubt that you will accomplish great things, my son. But remember, true greatness lies not in the pursuit of knowledge alone, but in the kindness and compassion we show to others."

Baldwin's cheeks flushed and he said, "Yes, father."

"How about you, Roger? "The king asked Roger, who was standing near Baldwin.

"I think I did well, your majesty," he added with a grin.

As the king enquired about Roger's actions, the child responded sheepishly, admitting his mistakes with a touch of a smile. But William, ever the strict disciplinarian, couldn't resist a jibe,

His cynicism dripped like honeyed venom. "If throwing frogs and acorns at the maidservant is considered good, then yes, Roger, you've excelled," he said with a hint of disapproval.

However, King Amalric refused to let the gravity of the occasion dampen his enthusiasm. With a hearty laugh, he rejected William's scolding and gently chided him. "Boys will be boys, William. Do lighten up," he advised, a gleam of humour in his eyes.

But William, ever the pragmatist, sighed deeply, his shoulders sagging with the weight of his responsibility. "And here I am, trying to mold them into respectable monarchs," he lamented, his words tinged with a hint of resignation.

Among the laughter and bond, Baldwin couldn't help but interject, his interest piqued by his father's surprise presence. "Father, what brings you here?" he queried, his tone filled with genuine affection.

King Amalric's frown softened as he focused his attention on his cherished son. "I simply wanted to see you, my boy," he said, his voice full of compassion. With a flourish, he handed Baldwin a lovely handkerchief that said, "Your older sister made this for you," its intricate needlework a witness to Baldwin's older sister, Sibylla's expertise.