Sounds Like A Kid Whimpering

 Scroll down to the post called Spy Mission to read the story in the right order.

Guido scowled as he drew his cloak closer around him and headed into the gale. What foolishness to exercise the horses in such weather! Usually he found the wind refreshing and invigorating but today it had a bite to it as it angrily ripped the last withered leaves from off the trees and flung them to the ground.  The horses danced around and tossed their heads as he galloped with them around the nearby pasture and back. Especially the stallion seemed to relish the nip in the air. Not he! Maybe the real reason was that he was jealous of those who dwelt in the Castle of their own free choice. They were appropriately clad in all sorts of weather, but he...he had to sneak around in a ragged wool garment that was--stained. Stained, and he knew not how to remove the stains! The residents went around in robes of spotless white and usually seemed so happy and comfortable regardless of the weather. Oh, sure, sometimes they got a spot, but they would disappear for a while and come back once again clean and radiant!

He flicked the whip towards Dova to get her moving faster, anxious to get back to a cozy fire and a hearty supper. What's that sniveling sound I hear? Sounds like a kid whimpering! Can it be? Surely not! Any infant would know better than to be out in this sort of weather. He shielded his face as a miniature whirlwind stirred up the dirt and leaves all around him.
 H'mm the lad is being brought up with the lift. I wonder if he knows the  password?

Guido decided to cut short the exercising of the horses. It's too cold anyways.  After they were returned to their stalls he hurried over to the castle gates to see how they would respond if the child didn't blurt out the password. To his surprize the doors were flung wide open and various ones hurried this way and that to bring the child a warm blanket, cozy slippers and a bowl of thick nourishing stew.

Guido turned to one of the guards with a hurt look on his face. "Why was he admitted so readily and I was given such a hard time?"
 The guard looked at him compassionately; "Suffer the little children to come unto me," he replied quietly, "For of such is the kingdom."

Guido looked perplexed for a moment then he lowered his eyes and scuffed his foot in the dirt.

"I didn't have a childlike attitude when I came pounding at the door. I still don't. No wonder I am still a prisoner while others have citizen-passes."

The guard laid his hand gently on Guido's shoulder, and neither of them noticed the wind whipping at their clothes. "The King loves you," he said softly. "He would love to adopt you as one of his sons."

Guido felt a lump swelling in his throat. "He has noticed me? Me? When there are so many others to pay attention to?"

The guard nodded. "Humble yourself as a little child, and you to, can become part of the kingdom."

Guido nodded. "I will," he whispered, and clasped the guard's hand.