The False Prince

Adding Tobias, Roden, and Imogen to the traveling party delays the departure from Farthenwood. Sage tells Mott that, before he becomes king, he would like to go horseback riding around the grounds—this may be the last time he can ever be truly alone. As Sage makes his way to the stables, Imogen approaches him. She is angry that he is taking her to Drylliad with him: “‘Do you think this is helpful? I had a place here, Sage. I understood my life’” (250). At Drylliad, Imogen feels she will be purposeless—at least as a servant at Farthenwood, she knows her role and what is expected of her. Imogen hurries away, upset.

Sage chooses a horse named Poco and finds “riding Poco through the open field [is] refreshing. I’d found spots of time alone over the past two weeks, but nothing of freedom” (253). Sage feels free, riding alone in the far reaches of Farthenwood.

Mott, riding his own horse, approaches Sage. They discuss how it will be when Sage takes the throne; Mott also gives Sage the replica of Prince Jaron’s sword. To Mott’s surprise, Sage throws the sword into the deepest part of the river: “‘The prince of Carthya will never wear a cheap copy of a sword at his side.