They went out in the morning on horseback with the dogs, who followed them joyfully and eager for crazy runs through the woods. Sometimes, they stayed out all-day.
Once they reached the pass and the borders of the state.
When they were at customs, the king asked: "Do you want to go there?"
The prince did not answer, merely lowering his eyes. Then the king walked away a few yards, motioning for the duty staff to leave the child free.
The prince found himself alone and, almost without thinking, spurred his horse. He passed the border.
After a couple of miles, looking back, he saw neither his father nor the customs duty.
He stopped, got off the horse and, staggering a little, headed for the roadside.
"I'm free," he said to himself, but he felt sick to his stomach.
He threw himself sob
