The Herd Boy and His Hermit

** "The Herd Boy and His Hermit" by Charlotte M. Yonge is a late 19th-century story set during the Wars of the Roses, where young Hal, a shepherd, meets Anne St. John, a noble girl, after rescuing her when she becomes lost. Their growing friendship highlights differences in their social classes and hints at larger themes of identity and belonging in a divided kingdom. Hal's path also crosses with a mysterious hermit, leading him on a journey where he must navigate dangerous times as he explores personal growth and seeks knowledge. The story kicks off with Hal and Anne meeting in a field after Anne becomes separated from her party after falling from her pony while hawking, which sparks a connection amidst their differences. **