9 Chapter 8: A Path to the Light

Winston looks on after Vincent disappears back into the forest. It is the first time he has ever met another child who was not of a noble family and set up to meet by his mother and for some reason it wasn't the same. Although he can't think of a reason why meeting a commoner child would be so intriguing to him. Perhaps because the first commoner he ever met was a child who could stop a runaway horse.

"Sire, are you alright?", Jamonson's question brings Winston out of his thoughts. He whipes his head to Jamonson.

"I'm fine. I told you before. I just had to catch my breath for a moment.", Winston shakes his head with a humerus smile. "The first time any of my people meet me personally and they find their future king on a runaway horse in need of help. Not only that, but when he speaks his shucken up and out of breath.", he lightly criticizes himself jokingly.

"Ah...it doesn't make you look like a bad leader. Just makes you normal in his eyes. I think it may have made him comfortable enough to think about taking your offer.", Jamonson assures Winston.

"You think?", Winston thinks of Vincent's words to him when he asked him not to leave.

<i>You're the prince. I'm sure you can't be seen with someone like me.</i>

Is that really how the average person thinks of him and his family? People who could only be admired or looked to from afar.

"I suppose that was for the best then.", Winston says as he begins his trek back. Jamonson follows him and they journey side by side. "Are we still going to continue with the lesson?", Winston asks. Jamonson thinks for a moment.

"I...think we've done enough for today.", Jamonson response slowly; resulting in a smile from Winston.

By the time they arrive back to the stables it is time for Winston to return home for his next lesson. As he prepares to leave Benjamin brings much needed water to Starracer and Chaser. While he dresses Winston can't help but think about Vincent and the feeling that came with meeting him. He feels connected somehow upon meeting the boy. Almost like he knows he would or should become friends with him, but it isn't like Winston haven't had friends prior.

He is good friends actually with a couple of other boys from noble families. He is by no means antisocial. This is actually what made the feeling of instant kindle meant so interesting to him. Winston decides that their must be something to Vincent. Something about him he should find out.

"You will need to make aware your parents of your proposal as well as of today's events.", Jamonson tells Winston when he appears.

"I know. It will certainly make for a good story now won't it?", Winston replies mischievously.

"Boy, you're going to get me discharged one of these days; I just know it.", Jamonson comments jokingly. As Winston talks with Jamonson Benjamin comes up to them.

"Prince Winston, would you like to see what I was working on before you go?", he asks. Winston remembers that he did want to see what it was Benjamin was working on.

"Sure.", Winston replies.

"Unfortunately, you don't have time for that now sire. Not if you are to make it home in time to go to your next lesson.", Jamonson interrupts. Realizing he is right Winston is forced to turn down Benjamin's offer.

When he arrives back to the castle the sun is at its midpoint between sunset and its high point. Rain clouds are gathering as well, but he still has one more class to attend and that is archery. He will make his parents aware of today's events and his intentions for tomorrow morning later. When his archery lesson comes to an end it is nearing the time of dinner.

On his way to the regular dining hall he looks forward to having dinner with his family. Not only because they won't have any guest, but because of the improved relations with his mother as well.

During the beginning of the dinner conversation is light and normal. Winston brings forth his news when his father asks how his day was.

"My day was well, overall, but I do carry news from my time with Jamonson.", Winston answers.

"Do you? Pray tell.", his mother comments.

"It began when I was doing exercises to improve my-", Winston pauses to remember the word used by sir Jamonson. "Mobility? I believe he called it. On horseback in order to ready myself for combat while riding.", Winston begins weaving his tale.

"Aye, horseback fighting requires you to be quite confident in your movement.", Winston's father comments.

"And just as much in your horse. That is what Jamonson said.", Winston adds proudly. "During the exercise, or on my last one rather, I made the mistake of disturbing a hidden flock of birds. It resulted in Starracer becoming scared and running away uncontrollably.", he goes on casually though he does expect the horrified expression his mother gives him at his words. He carries on through it though. "I admit I was frightened and for while all I could do was hold on. As soon I was in trouble though Jamonson set off right after me, however, I was already away from him when the incident occurred. We ended up going in the direction of the forest."

Winston feels his body tenses as he recalls seeing the approaching tree line, but he also begins to picture everything that happened next. "I thought we would reach the woods before we would stop, but then-when we were just about to enter them-we stopped. When I noticed I looked up and seen-this boy. He was holding Starracer's bridle and looked to be a commoner."

"A commoner boy...? He stopped your horse you say?", Winston's father says becoming interested in his son's tale. Winston nods his head in agreement.

"Yes, the thing is he was alone and I haven't a clue where he came from.", Winston continues.

"Perhaps he was coming from the nearby town of Gordowe?", his mother suggests.

"Maybe?", Winston replies while his father agrees with his mother.

"So what happened next?", Winston's father asks.

"Oh...! Uh...we really didn't say anything at first. I was shaken up and I guess he was surprised to see someone else on a runaway horse. He is actually my age. That's what made him being alone surprising. I was the first to speak. I thanked him and asked who he was. He asked me if I was alright, but not before telling me his name was Vincent.", Winston continues with his tale.

"Vincent? That's quite a nice name.", Winston's mother says.

"He also asked me what my name was. However, it was Jamonson who kinda answered when he called it out on his way down the hill to where we were.", Winston lowers his eyes to the table in front of him.

"When he heard I was the prince he backed away and was going to leave. I asked him not to go when I heard him start to back up. He said he was sure that I couldn't be seen with someone like him, but I convinced him to stay by saying I wanted to thank him properly. In the end I offered him a reward. Nothing specific, yet he didn't want that either and said I didn't have to do that.", a smile appears on Winston's face as he looks to each of his parents. "I think he is a good person. In the end I made a deal with him. I told him that if he would like to take my offer to return to the spot in which we met and if he didn't than-. Well, he won't be their tomorrow.", Winston finishes.

"That is quite an honorable thing to do whether or not he accepts it.", his father says to him. Winston's father's expression changes to a somber look. "Makes me think what kind of king you will be.", he says. Winston hears but does not understand his father's words. "Do you think he will come?", his father asks. Winston brushes aside his father's earlier comment.

"I can't say?", Winston replies.

"If you don't know what you will offer him how about you bring him to the palace? Then you can discuss it more appropriately here.", Winston's mother suggests suddenly.

"Truly?", Winston responds surprisingly with an expression to match.

"I have no word against it. What say you, dear?", she says to the king.

"I can't think of anything against the idea. In fact I would like to thank him as well. You could have been injured without him.", Winston's father agrees. Winston smiles and agrees with his parents. He goes to bed that night ready for the sun to awake him with its warm glow of life.

.......

The next day Winston awakes and readies himself with zeal in looking forward to his meeting with Vincent. He decides to arrive at the meeting point the same time as he and Vincent's first meeting. It seems like the best option, however, he does hope that Vincent would think the same. If he decides to come that is.

Winston has no way of knowing if his deal would be taken up or not, nor does he know what he will do if it isn't. Winston still remembers the feeling he had; the push or pull to Vincent he felt. The feeling there is more to Vincent than meets the eye.

By the time sun high rolls around Winston has made the journey to the forest's edge. Jamonson accompanies him when he had come to the stables as well as Benjamin. They don't wait long after arriving. Winston is the first to hear the sound of someone approaching and scans the tree line. A moment later Winston watches as Vincent steps out to greet him with a bow.

"You came.", Winston says. Vincent steps in front of Winston with a bright, sure expression.

"Yes. Nice to see you again your majesty.", Vincent replies.

"Please, just call me Prince Winston. I'm glad you decided to take my offer. Oh! You remember Sir Jamonson and this is his nephew Benjamin.", Winston responds while gesturing to each of his companions.

"I do. Nice to see you again sir and it is a pleasure to meet you Sir Benjamin.", Vincent says greeting the two gentlemen.

"Please, call me Benjamin. Nice to make your acquaintance young Vincent.", Benjamin replies.

"My pleasure.", Jamonson replies with a nod. Vincent turns back to Winston.

"To be honest I couldn't think of anything specific to offer you that would be appropriate for what you did.", Winston confesses embarrassingly.

"That's alright. Honestly, Prince Winston, I was not going to come, so I couldn't even request anything if I wanted to.", Vincent says good heartedly. Vincent's words actually bring a sense of relief for Winston. It offers him the perfect opportunity to bring Vincent to the castle.

"Alright, what about we talk about it on the way to the castle then.", Winston suggests.

"The castle?", Vincent responds surprised.

"Yes. Besides my mother and father would like to meet you as well to thank you.", Winston says amused at Vincent's reaction.

"I couldn't. There's no way I could meet them. It would be inappropriate would it not?", Vincent goes off rambling. Winston descends from his horse.

"Stop worrying.", he says approaching Vincent. "As far is you know you could accept it as the reward I want to give you. Remember you really helped me yesterday and want to really thank you.", Winston says attempting to convince him.

"I can't refuse again can I?", Vincent asks uncomfortably.

"You would make it easier for us both if you don't.", Winston replies humorously. He is nothing if not determined to convince Vincent to come with him, but he did so so naturally he notices. They are now talking as if they were friends.

"If you wish it my prince than I shall.", Vincent replies.

"Good.", Winston is glad to hear Vincent finally agree and offers him to ride back with Benjamin.

"Wait...! Would you like to inform your parents?", Winston asks Vincent as they mounted their respective horses. When Vincent settles on the horse with Benjamin he looks to Winston.

"That won't be necessary, your highness. I have non to tell.", the casualness of Vincent's voice causes Winston to be taken back.

"You're an orphan?", Benjamin asks facing Vincent.

"That's right. My parents died when I was one years old.", Vincent explains. Winston's cheer fades from his face and is replaced with pity.

"I'm sorry.", he says sadly, but when he looks upon Vincent's face he sees no hurt, no pain of the past, no trace of any lost. He is bewildered and is not sure to believe Vincent or not as he sets off in the direction of the stables. On their way the clouds finally release their burdens onto the earth.

When they return to the stables Winston decides to get to know Vincent.

"What do you think? These are the royal stables.", he tells Vincent.

"I've never been in one of these.", Vincent replies looking around. Upon a closer look at Vincent Winston notices he isn't really ready to go somewhere like the castle.

"Would you like a quick wash?", Winston offers him. Vincent faces him for a moment.

"Thank you. I may have to take that offer.", Vincent says. Winston shows him where he can wash. When he does Winston is approached by Jamonson.

"Well...?", Jamonson says to him. Winston faces him.

"What?", Winston replies unsure about Jamonson's question.

"You clearly see something in Vincent, but do you really think he will be able to give you what you seek?", Jamonson continues.

"I don't think I understand.", Winston replies confused. A look of exasperation appears on Jamonson's face.

"He is a commoner. He may have had a rough life, but he has always had what you have always sought ever since you knew you wanted it.", Jamonson tells Winston quietly.

Winston looks away from Jamonson. He knows that. He felt that way unconsciously before he was even aware of it, but he doesn't want it to seem like he was looking to use Vincent. His actions are purely to thank him. It's not like he plans to keep Vincent in the castle as a servant.

"I don't know what you are talking about.", he says. At that moment Vincent emerges from the washroom. Winston turns to him.

"Are you ready?", he asks.

"I am, Prince Winston.", Vincent replies. At Vincent's word Winston, Jamonson, and Vincent make the journey back to the castle and on the way Winston goes on to talk with Vincent.

"So your parents died when you were one, yet you seem to be well groomed.", Winston says to him.

"That is because I lived at the monastery where I lived before I was in the forest.", Vincent explains.

"Oh! So how did you end up in the forest?", Winston asks as Vincent's answer makes him even more curious. However, at his newer question Vincent noticeably changes in demeanor as if a memory of pain or hurt resurfaced. Winston immediately sees he has come close to something personal."You don't have to answer if you don't want to.", he tells Vincent gently. "I am sorry if I said something wrong."

"You didn't, but...I don't think I can say right now.", Vincent says. Winston right away regrets his words and wishes he could take them back. The two continue the rest of the way in silence.

The three of them report to the throne room upon arrival to the castle in order to make the king and queen aware of Vincent's arrival. Located in the center of the castle the room boost a high ceiling that is decorated in a glass mosaic of colors such as emerald green, royal blue, rosy pink, ruby red, and violet. From the center of the ceiling hung a chandelier that brought light to the room with its many candles. The wall on the far side of the room behind the thrones is carved in the image of an arch covered in flowering vines that encompass both thrones. Other carvings include birds in flight and sitting on either side of the arch.

The thrones themselves are carved of oak and furnished by the finest fabric and cushion. Crafted gold lines them both as well and sits on top a series of stone steps. On the polished, stone floor of the room is the image of an elk on its hind legs with an olive branch in its mouth. The symbol of the royal family and kingdom. Winston's parents are already present in the room.

"This must be the boy who we've heard so much about.", Winston's father says as Winston, Jamonson, and Vincent come in. Winston steps up to stand before his parents and motions to Vincent to stand beside him.

"Yes, he is. Father, mother this is Vincent. Vincent this is my father, the king, and my mother, the queen.", Winston introduces his family and Vincent to each other. Vincent bows in greeting to the two monarchs.

"It is an honor and pleasure to meet you, your highnesses.", he says.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, dear boy.", Winston's father replies heartedly.

"Yes. We thank you and are deeply appreciative to you for saving our dear son and prince.", Winston's mother agrees. Winston is happy that the meeting is going so well, but he doesn't want to overwhelm Vincent.

"I am sure anyone would have done the same. I'm truly no one special.", Vincent replies shyly.

"Nonsense, yes anyone could have done what you did, but not many would have done it for pure purposes.", Winston's father points out what makes Vincent special and why they are grateful. Winston can't help but agree with his father's statement.

"Vincent is not yet sure what he should ask for in return. I decided I would show him the castle instead. At least the most public parts.", Winston speaks. At first his parents have a questionable look, but in the end seem to agree. However, before they can speak Vincent speaks.

"Actually. I think I do know.", he says suddenly. Winston turns to him unexpectedly.

"Really?! What is it?", Winston asks him. Vincent looks at Winston for a moment before replying. Winston wonders what he will ask and the moment somehow felt like an eternity.

"If...it's possible, Prince Winston I would like to become a stable boy.", Vincent purposes his question hesitantly, but his eyes show sincerity. Winston is taken aback by Vincent's request. He doesn't understand why he would ask for such a thing.

"A stable boy? Why? Why that, Vincent?", Winston asks bewildered.

"You mean work at the stables and go home, don't you?", Winston's father speaks up. Winston doesn't take his eyes from Vincent though.

"No sire. Actually I would like to be a live in stable boy. At the stables of course.", Vincent replies. Even the king and queen appear confused now.

"Won't your family miss you, Vincent?", Winston's mother asks.

"Vincent has no family.", Winston answers with sudden realization without looking away. "That's why you want that, right?", Winston asks understanding now. Vincent is looking for a home. The thought makes Winston pity Vincent once again and makes him want to help in any way he can, but there is still one thing he needed to know.

"Why a stable boy? You could be a male servant too. You wouldn't be treated any different.", Winston questions. Vincent smiles.

"I know you are kind young sire, but I feel as if it would be better for me to be at the stables.", Vincent says. Winston returns his smile.

"If you're sure...", Winston says before turning to his parents. "Is it alright?", Winston asks facing his mother and father. The king and queen exchange looks and with a nod from his mother and a smile from his father Winston knows they agree. Winston looks back to Vincent.

"There you go. You are now a royal stable boy.", Winston announces with a smile.

"Thank you, Prince Winston.", Vincent responds with a smile. Winston brightens up at the fact he was able to help him. Then he thinks about the statement his father asked him yesterday at dinner; what kind of king will he be? Winston thinks he knows the answer.