Ed let Mariposa go and hurried to find his parents. Even though the contest called for money to enter his job at the flour place had given him enough money to enter. He paused at the entrance to the living room his gaze swept over the now familiar room. It was small with a love seat, cabinets filled with china dishes that had survived the massive sale of there belongings. Seated at on the loveseat was his mother while his father sat behind the oak desk in the corner. They both looked up as he entered after some arguing they agreed he could go and enter the contest. He headed to his room and began to pack for the journey managing to dig out his sword. He saddled his horse a beautiful chestnut mare who had been his friend for years. With one last hug to his parents who would follow him later he spring onto his horse and galloped towards the capital.