2 Two Worlds Collide

CHAPTER 2 Two Worlds Collide Tom got up from his straw mat. He was hungry and in a daze. He left his home without a word and started walking down the street. Tom was lost in his thoughts. It was quite some time later that he realized how far he had wandered. He had never been so far from home before. He didn't stop, though. He continued on his way.

Tom walked through the gates of the city and into the countryside. He walked along the city wall. In the distance, he saw a great palace. It was Westminster, where King Henry lived. It was also where Prince Edward lived. Tom wondered if he would have the chance to see the real prince. There were guards standing on either side of the palace gate. They stood perfectly still and straight. There were a few other people gathered nearby hoping to catch a glimpse of royalty. Tom watched as the gates opened and several beautiful carriages left the palace grounds. He was sure they were carrying elegant and splendid people. Tom approached the gates slowly. He was very aware of the rags he was wearing and the dirt on his face. He knew that he stood out from the rest of the crowd, but his curiosity was too strong. One can only imagine how his heart skipped a beat when

he noticed a small group inside the grounds. At the center of the group was a young boy wearing satins and silks, with a jeweled sword at his side. Tom knew at once that this was the prince. At long last, it was Prince Edward in the flesh! Tom's eyes grew wide with excitement. His desire to see the prince up close became even stronger. He was no longer aware of the other people around him. The guards and other palace visitors disappeared. Without even realizing it, Tom pressed his face against the bars of the gate. He was so slender that he almost slipped through. Suddenly he felt a firm hand grab his arm. "Step back, beggar!" the guard yelled. "Mind your manners." The crowd laughed and pointed at Tom. "That's right!" they called. "Keep your distance, beggar!" "Leave him alone!" The voice came from

inside the palace grounds. "How dare you insult one of my father's subjects?" The young prince rushed toward the gates to help Tom. He was furious. "Open the gates and let him in! I will not stand by while anyone is treated so roughly." The crowd stopped laughing and pointing. They took off their hats and bowed before their prince. "Long live the Prince of Wales!" they called. The guards opened the gates so Tom could enter. They watched as the Prince of Poverty in his rags ran past them to greet the Prince of Plenty in his expensive robes. Edward looked at Tom. "You look tired and hungry," he said. "I'm sorry my guard was so rough with you. Please come with me." Several guards stepped forward as Tom started to follow Edward. The prince waved them aside. No one else tried to stop Tom

from going with the prince. Edward led Tom inside the palace. He spoke to the servants in the hallway, telling them to bring lunch to his room. Tom was speechless. The palace was more beautiful than he had ever imagined. The prince's room was amazing. There was a fireplace with a roaring fire, a rug on the floor, and large comfortable chairs. Sunshine poured in through the clean glass windows. Before Tom had a moment to look around the room, the servants arrived with lunch. Tom had never seen anything like it before. He had read about feasts in books, but it was very different to see one with his own eyes. There was fruit and cold meat and loaves of bread. Tom stared at the table not knowing what he should do. Edward noticed that Tom was uncomfortable. "Please have a seat. Help

yourself to whatever you would like." The prince pulled out a chair so Tom could sit down. "What is your name?" the prince asked as he sat at the table. "Tom Canty." "Do you live near here?" "No," Tom said. It was difficult for him to talk. He was enjoying the food so much, but he didn't want to speak with his mouth full. "I live quite far from here in Offal Court." "Offal Court?" The prince repeated. "I've never heard of such a place. Is it nice?" "Well," Tom thought carefully before answering, "it's very different from your home." "And do you have parents?" The prince was very curious about this strange boy. He had never met anyone like him before. His clothes were rags and he wore no shoes on such a chilly winter day.