12 Chapter 11: Paths of Light and Stalking Shadows

In the days that follow their first day in the city Vincent and Winston go on to have more adventures both in the city and out in the lands around the stables. The same day they had returned from their first day in Lumorra Sir Jamonson and Benjamin had returned with a horse for Vincent. Allowing Prince Winston to effectively teach Vincent how to ride.

Vincent knew that from the time they went into Lumorra Prince Winston had changed. The prince seems happier or even genuinely happy compared to before. It is as if Prince Winston had gotten something that he had been missing from Vincent and now that he has it he wasn't letting it go.

Vincent too was affected by that day and not because he had seen Ryanah, but because for the first time he felt as if he had a friend. Someone who could show him what it was like to feel emotions. Even Vincent himself is becoming more aware of what each emotion is and how it feels to feel that way.

About a week after their first visit into the city Vincent and Winston are out on their horses racing. Vincent has just won the latest round.

"Ha!, how many is that?", he shouts triumphantly.

"Don't get ahead of yourself. It is still three to two.", Prince Winston informs him.

"Ah, but I'm gaining up fast.", Vincent counters. Prince Winston brushes off Vincent's excited energy.

"You really should be careful how you talk to Prince Winston Vincent. You maybe friends but he is still a prince and you a stable boy.", speaks up Benjamin from where he watches some distance away. Vincent turns to the young gentleman to give a retort, but Prince Winston beats him to it.

"No he doesn't. The way Vincent speaks is quite alright. It's not like you are continually formal with me when you speak Benjamin.", Prince Winston says.

"Yes, young sire, but that is only because you wish it.", Benjamin retorts.

"And I wish the same from Vincent. He is my best friend after all.", Prince Winston says before turning away ending the exchange.

Benjamin is left with a surprised look on his face. Vincent guesses Prince Winston had never been heard of to defend someone like that before. Personally it makes Vincent feel exuberance inside instead of embarrassment like before. Unlike the others Vincent knows Prince Winston defends him because they are friends. Something no one ever did for him before.

Although Vincent does notices the circumstances in which it occurres and looks to Benjamin. What was the reason for Benjamin's sudden attempt to reprimand him. Vincent catches Benjamin eye and in them is anything but a friendly stare. Vincent brushes it off, though he keeps the incident in the back of his mind.

"Vincent!", Prince Winston's call of his name drags his attention from Benjamin. "Why don't you come and have dinner with me and my family tonight?", Prince Winston suggests. Vincent's eyes widen and his cheeks glow red.

"Oh, I-I-I couldn't, really."

"No way, you're not getting out of this. I made up my mind. You are going to have dinner with me and my family tonight. Consider it you saying thank you for being allowed to be here.", Prince Winston proceeds to cut off Vincent at sign of his reluctance due to embarrassment. Vincent gives in with a smile.

"Honestly, I think you enjoy putting me in uncomfortable situations if not causing me stress.", Vincent says.

"<i>Ohhhh</i>, so you know how it feels to be uncomfortable do you?", Prince Winston says teasingly.

"Around you. It was the first emotion I acknowledged.", Vincent says accusingly. Prince Winston smiles mischievously; filling Vincent with annoyance. An emotion he just recently acknowledged. Vincent and Winston proceed to put away their horses in the barn, but before putting them in the stables they decide to groom them.

"I'll get the brushes.", Vincent says dismounting his horse. When he returns from retrieving the brushes Sir Jamonson is present.

"There you are. How was today's lesson?", Sir Jamonson says to them.

"I trust you use the word lesson loosely.", Vincent says walking to his horse.

"Of course."

"Then it went well.", Vincent says tossing one of the brushes to Prince Winston.

"Yes, I would say three to two well.", Prince Winston remarks with a grin recalling the final score of their race.

"You did brilliantly today, Cinder.", Vincent says brushing off Prince Winston's sly remark and instead takes care of his own horse. The name Cinder actually fits the horse being that it is grey with darker specks along its body.

"Sounds like you two have quite the rivalry. Wouldn't you say Benjamin?", Sir Jamonson comments to his nephew. Benjamin was walking behind his uncle with a bridle in hand when his uncle spoke to him.

"Yes, quite the rivalry.", he responds uninterested. Sir Jamonson looks after Benjamin annoyed. Vincent decides to make sure he doesn't have anything to do before leaving for dinner.

"Sir Jamonson, do you wish for me to complete any task around the barn before I go?", Vincent asks. Sir Jamonson turns his attention to Vincent.

"What do you mean go? Where are you going?", Sir Jamonson asks curious.

"Prince Winston asked, nay, decided that I will have dinner with him and his family tonight.", Vincent informs him.

"Oh!, in that case I only want you to do one thing.", Sir Jamonson says.

"What is that?", Vincent asks.

"Clean yourself up and enjoy yourself. Don't worry about anything tonight.", Sir Jamonson informs him.

"Are you sure?!", Vincent asks surprised.

"Yes, you work hard enough. Have this night to yourself and your friend.", Sir Jamonson assures Vincent.

After placing the horses back in their respective stables Vincent and Winston hurry off to the passage that leads to the castle with Sir Jamonson following. The cold crisp air of the night sets in by the time Vincent, Winston and Sir Jamonson reach the castle.

"Alright, you two enjoy the rest of your evening.", Sir Jamonson says turning back to the tunnels.

"Farewell Jamonson.", the two boys say in turn.

"You can get ready for supper in one of the guest rooms.", Prince Winston says to Vincent when Sir Jamonson is gone.

"I don't think I remember where any of those rooms are. Now that I think about it I don't even think I remember where the dining room is.", Vincent admits.

"Hmm... How about I show you to the closest guest room to my room? That way we can meet in front of my room and go there together.", Prince Winston suggests.

"Agreed.", Vincent replies.

They prepare for dinner and afterwards meet up outside Prince Winston's room. By the time they arrive to the dining hall the king and queen, Winston's father and mother, are waiting for them.

"Welcome you two. Good to see you made it alright.", greets the king. This is the second time Vincent has met the king and queen and the first since he started working at the stables. The two boys bow respectively at Winston's father's greeting.

"Thank you, father.", Winston says as Vincent and himself go to their seats.

"Thank you for having me this night for dinner, your majesties. I am deeply honored at your hospitality.", Vincent says calmly before seating.

"It is fine, Vincent. We have not had the chance to see you again since we first met you. This is the most opportune time to see how you are doing.", says the queen. There is something about the queen that makes her seem overwhelming to Vincent, yet he couldn't tell quite what. It is obvious she is a perfectionist and her loaded speech surpassed that of even the most educated of the nuns or monks Vincent have met.

"Don't worry I sent word to them while we were getting ready.", Prince Winston assures Vincent. As if that is the problem. Vincent can't help but feel uncomfortable so close to Prince Winston's mother. He can't help but feel that even his strong will would crumble under her gaze.

"Yes. I was quite surprised by it actually. It is the first time Winston ever brought someone to dine with us by choice.", the king says.

"Well it's the first time I have had a friend to bring, father.", Prince Winston says. Vincent turns his attention to the king who compared to his wife seems more welcoming and relaxed.

"The feeling is mutual, sire.", Vincent informs the king. The king becomes interested at Vincent's words. As the servants brought out the food the conversations continue.

"So how are you enjoying yourself Vincent?", the queen asks.

"Very much, my lady. Having somewhere to call home again is a great feeling.", Vincent answers.

"Home?", the queen says solemnly. "Where did you live before?", she asks, but before Vincent can answer a messenger rushes in through the door. Everyone turns their attention to him.

"What is the meaning of this?", the king asks.

"I bring urgent news of the Lackburd family.", the messenger responds. Vincent notices the tension that sets in the air. Even the king's demeanor changes to one of seriousness. Vincent looks to Prince Winston with a questioning look. Prince Winston's return look is one of 'I'll tell you later.'.

"Go on then.", Winston's father permits. The messenger gives a nod of thanks and proceeds to pull out a scroll.

"A week ago from this letter's expected arrival day, the home and seat of the Lackburd family's power was attacked and set aflame by a band of unknown criminals two of whom are known to have been slain. One by Lord Lackburd and the other by his son, Justin Lackburd. However, the lord and his son are also known to be dead, leaving only his wife and daughter alive.

Both of whom now take refuge in the house of Lord Argon who is also the writer of this letter under the supervision of Lady Lackburd. Lord Lackburd is known to have died within his home unable to escape the flames. Justin Lackburd, his son, is known to have died from his wounds received in combat. Thus leaving the Lackburd family without an heir and the bloodline ended.

Lady Lackburd and her daughter are now in the care of Lord Argon and safe.", the messenger reads. At the news of the Lord Lackburd's death the king's face morphs to one of shock and dread. By the time the message is finished being read everyone's face reads one or the other of the two as well.

"Lord Lackburd is dead...?", the king says in ghastly disbelief.

"Y-yes, your majesty.", answers the messenger with his face to the ground.

"And his son?"

"Yes, your majesty.", the messenger replies again.

"How dreadful! How could this have happened?!", the queen gasp. Vincent watches everyone's reaction. Even Prince Winston seems harshly affected by the news, yet it is hard for Vincent to understand the true magnitude of the tragedy, for all he knows is that lives had been lost in a most terrible way.

"Leave the message here. You are dismissed.", the king says realizing the messenger is still present. The messenger obeys and hands the scroll to one of the guards beside him before leaving. The guard delivers the message to Prince Winston's father who takes the scroll with hollow eyes. "I'm afraid I have lost my desire to eat. Please excuse me.", the king says weakly getting to his feet.

Vincent watches him as he walks out and his wife follows him leaving Vincent and Winston alone. The mood that once was happy and relaxed is now thick with sadness, hurt, and loss. Vincent looks to Prince Winston.

"That's terrible news indeed to hear, but who are the Lackburds? They must have been dear friends for your father to react as he did.", Vincent inquires. Prince Winston sighs while messing with a morsel of food on his plate with his fork.

"They were best friends... My father and Lord Lackburd.", Prince Winston begins. "Both of their fathers served my grandfather as part of the order of the lords. That's how they met. Both families were powerful and Lord Lackburd and my father were chosen as possible suitors for my mother's hand in marriage. My father won obviously, but Lord Lackburd and his family became the most powerful of the noble families.", Prince Winston pauses for a moment before continuing. "That is what my father is probably thinking about as well.", he says finally. Vincent becomes interested.

"What do mean?", Vincent asks.

"That's right you might not know what this means. Okay, so with the Lackburd family, specifically Lord Lackburd, being the head of the order of the lords they helped keep the balance of power between the crown and the lords. I'm still learning the specifics of it, but the Lackburd family is the most loyal. If any other family had their position there would be a risk that the other members of the order would be convinced to go against the crown. Basically putting the position of the royal family in danger.", Prince Winston explains.

"So they were protectors of the crown.", Vincent summarizes.

"Exactly. So with them gone there is now a power vacuum in the order that could prove dangerous if not handled properly.", Prince Winston says. Vincent is taken aback by Prince Winston's level of worry.

"Surely the Lackburd family isn't the only family that could secure the royal family's power.", Vincent jest. Prince Winston's expression darkens. In turn causing Vincent to feel discomfort.

"When it comes to power Vincent it's rare to find someone who won't try to take it for themselves. That's what makes you so special.", Prince Winston tells Vincent. Vincent doesn't respond. Instead, he is left uneasy from his friend's words. Prince Winston shakes his head to clear his mind. "Look you don't have to worry about it. Just forget it.", Prince Winston says in a cheerier voice.

"But you do and your family does as well.", Vincent says refusing to let the problem go after seeing how dire it is to his friend. "All of you have been kind to me and helped in more ways than one. You all are just as important as family to me now. As you said I'm one of the few people who don't care for power and I'm loyal to you and your family. Let me help.", Vincent insist passionately. Prince Winston is taken aback by Vincent's sudden decision. He looks around and notices the servants present.

"Clear out please!", he says to them before addressing Vincent. "No offense, but what can you do to help, Vincent?", he says.

"It's not what I can do, but what you can do. The message said that the Lackburd's daughter is still alive, correct?", Vincent says.

"Yeah...", Prince Winston answers slowly.

"Have you ever met her?"

"Once. She is actually one of my potential fiancées. Why would you-?", Prince Winston pauses abruptly. "Wait! You're thinking-"

"Yes I am.", Vincent answers. "You need to try to fall in love with her.", Vincent tells him confidently. "I do know somethings about government you know. If the lords are really a threat like you say then you need to make sure you've secured the throne first. That way no one could challenge you for the crown. That would also give your father and mother some relief about the situation. I'm sure.", Vincent explains.

"Okay...that makes sense.", Prince Winston admits.

"But make sure the love is true. You are still the one who has to deal with the choice you make, no matter what happens.", Vincent adds. Prince Winston sits back in his chair surprised.

"I never heard that out loud before.", Prince Winston admits somberly. He nods his head approvingly. "Hmm...feels good.", Prince Winston comments. Vincent is glad Prince Winston agrees with his plan. Especially since he knows how much Prince Winston hates being forced into things and or not having control of his life.

"So you'll do it?", Vincent asks.

"I don't have much of a choice now do I?", Prince Winston sighs.

"We all have a choice my prince. It is just a case of what is right or more right.", Vincent corrects him.

.......

The two decide to finish dinner by themselves when the king and queen don't return. After dinner Vincent chose to return to the stables. He gives his regards to the king and queen and bid them and Prince Winston good night. It is nearly midnight when Vincent returns to the barn. When he enters the barn the horses let out a whine. Vincent proceeds to check on the horses in turn before going up stairs.

"Did you enjoy your night?", comes a voice from the shadows. Vincent turns to see Benjamin emerge from the dark into the light of the moon.

"It was fine.", Vincent says facing Benjamin. "I quite enjoyed myself actually.", he says walking to him. Vincent have not forgotten the aggressive way in which Benjamin addressed him earlier that day and he could tell this is no different.

"I bet you did. Must have been a large step up from what you are used to.", Benjamin sneers.

"Enough with attacking my background, Benjamin! Instead, just tell me what is bothering you so much.", Vincent commands.

"What's bothering me?", he says low and menacingly. "What's bothering me is that you-a lowly commoner-has the confidence to think you can be a friend to someone like Prince Winston.", he says threateningly approaching Vincent.

"Really? So what you're saying is that you are threatened by me.", Vincent teases confidently even with Benjamin standing in front of him directly now.

Enraged, Benjamin strikes Vincent with a right hook, sending him to the floor. Before Vincent can recover Benjamin pins Vincent down with his arm behind his back. Instead of struggling Vincent grins with a grunt. "You can't hurt me Benjamin. You're wasting your time.", Vincent's words come in huffs of breath and him looking at Benjamin the whole time. A look of pure frustration comes over Benjamin's face as he gazes down at the defiant Vincent. He pushes Vincent's arm further causing Vincent to grunt from pain, but his smile doesn't fade.

"You insolent boy...! Don't get ahead of yourself! Prince Winston doesn't care about you like you think. I am his friend. You're just an orphaned stable boy.", Benjamin says through gritted teeth. Vincent notices the strange way in which Benjamin said the word friend, but doesn't draw attention to it.

"You're pathetic.", Vincent says simply. Benjamin lets go of Vincent, but quickly jacks him up by his shirt and throws him against the wall across from the stables. Vincent hits it and falls to the floor with a thud and grunt, yet his smile doesn't fade.

"Jealousy is a bad look on you Benjamin. You should pray that God takes that away from you.", Vincent says to him amusingly. As Vincent does so Benjamin walks to him with a knife. Vincent chuckles. "You think you can threaten me with death. You'll never have Prince Winston the way you are now. His attention will never be truly yours.", Vincent says through heavy breaths. Benjamin towers over Vincent.

"Perhaps, but either way you will stay away from Prince Winston. You don't understand him. You haven't seen all what he goes through. His wishes. His desire.", Benjamin attempts to make true.

"Yet he has told me everything and I him and we call each other the best of friends.", Vincent counters. Benjamin puts the knife to Vincent's throat.

"Say another word and I'll slit your throat.", he says. "I refuse to allow someone like you to be friends with Prince Winston. It just isn't right. What could you possibly do for him?"

"Is that any of your concern? Honestly...you are pathetic.", Vincent says not backing down and as equally defiant as before. Benjamin puts the knife closer to Vincent's throat. "Killing me will not get you Prince Winston. Besides, you're just a stable boy too.", Vincent continues.

"But I am of a noble family.", Benjamin counters.

"You speak as if you are of one of the great noble families.", Vincent comments.

"Either way. Prince Winston can grant anyone he wants to more than they have.", Benjamin's words spark in Vincent's mind.

"You just want what comes with being friends with the prince not the prince himself.", Vincent accuses.

"What if I am? It has nothing to do with you.", Benjamin says.

"Wrong. I will never let you get away with that. Prince Winston deserves more and I will protect him from people like you.", Vincent says determinedly.

"How noble, but I don't think so. Because you will stay away from Prince Winston from now on.", Benjamin announces.

"Hmph, how is that going to happen? You certainly can't make me and to be honest you'll find me harder to kill or get rid of than you think if you were to attempt it. Intimidation won't work either. I've faced the anger of an entire town. You are nothing in comparison.", Vincent challenges. Benjamin remains calm.

"Yes... You are truly a strong person. I'll give you that, however, is Prince Winston as strong as you are?", Benjamin's words catch Vincent's attention and his expression grows darker.

"What are you talking about?", Vincent demands.

"If you don't stay away from Prince Winston he will be the one to be harmed.", Benjamin threatens.

"Ha! you raise even a hand against Prince Winston and he will have your head and the very hand you raised.", Vincent responds. Benjamin puts the knife to Vincent's cheek.

"I am the one who prepares his gear and horse when he comes here. I can create an accident whenever I please and blame it on you for good measure.", Benjamin says menacingly.

"I won't let-"

"Shut up!", Benjamin interrupts Vincent while swiping the knife across his face. Vincent turns his head with the motion leaving the a clean but long cut along one side of his face. Blood, crimson against the midnight moon immediately flows from it slowly.

Vincent turns his head slowly back to Benjamin. "If you don't do as I say I'll just have to break you.", Benjamin says. Vincent knows if he were to strike out against Benjamin now it would only be worked against him no matter what. So he is forced to hold himself. Benjamin notices and proceeds to take advantage by punching Vincent in the stomach with all his might and stomping on Vincent's leg. To which Vincent responds with an 'aah!' and an 'aaah!'.

Vincent's breath becomes quick and a series of huffs, but he knows Benjamin too can't do serious harm to him. Vincent also knows that if he didn't take this Prince Winston would be in danger from Benjamin.

Finally, Benjamin relents from Vincent's leg and turns away to go up stairs. As he does so Benjamin looks back to Vincent still on the ground.

"You really think he cares about you as much. You're like a toy to him. It would only be a matter of time before he gets tired of you and toss you aside like the filth you are. You're sleeping down here tonight.", Benjamin says to him. Vincent puts his hand to his injured cheek still breathing heavily, yet he still holds a defiant, menacing gaze.

When Benjamin is gone Vincent looks at his hand covered with blood. He thinks about the danger he is in as well as Prince Winston with Benjamin here, yet he can't think of a way out of it. For the first time he notices the dark presence in the barn. Injured, he closes his eyes in worry. What could he do? For now he will have no choice but to do as Benjamin says for now.