Chapter 28: Sir Vincent's Stand
"Out of the way!"
"Stand aside!", the shouts of the soldiers announce their arrival as they make their way to the front. Vincent and the others find themselves surrounded with the river to their back. Colin clenches Vincent's clothes at the sight of the soldiers. Vincent places his arm around him before his body begins to tremble.
"Step away from the monster.", one of the soldiers commands.
"What's going on?", Vincent questions boldly.
"Any time a child of the monster like this is caught it's taken away by the church.", one of the sons says coming to stand by Vincent.
"To hide it away I'm guessing.", Vincent says quietly.
"I said to step away from the monster!", the soldier reiterates.
"Why? This fish is large enough to feed this man's family and many others for days.", Vincent retorts facing the crowd instead. "It is completely normal to encounter. Though truth be told one of this size can be a maneater. It's just a catfish.", he admits.
"Sir, please it will be best to just let it go. We can catch something else.", the father says to Vincent. Looking around Vincent admits that they have drawn quite the crowd and the situation really isn't his to interfere with. There is also the fact that he had to think about Colin too. He turns back to the family.
Vincent sighs. "If you're sure. I'll stand aside.", he tells the man. With a nod from the father Vincent stands aside.
"We will also need the ones who caught it to come with us as well.", the leader of the soldiers speaks as they surround the dying fish. Again the father merely nods with his arms protectively around his sons.
"Your presence will also be needed.", a voice speaks up from the murmurs of the people. Moments later Bishop Patrick steps out from the crowd. An uneasy feeling settles in Vincent's stomach. "Sir Vincent. We have had reports of you that we would like to question you about."
The statement catches Vincent off guard. At the sound of his name the gathered people erupt with renewed conversation. It isn't until he sees the man from the tavern that Vincent is able to guess what the bishop means. "Why would that be if I may ask?", he decides to ask.
"There are rumors you've been speaking against the church's teachings. Of course that can't be true, for that would mean you are guilty of blasphemy. What is true though is your defending of the orphanage of Gordowe.", Bishop Patrick answers. The last part of his statement strikes a nerve with Vincent.
"What's blasphemous is the fact that those under you spend most of their evenings with prostitutes and women who are forced to do that line of work. Despite the wealth that this town's cathedral no doubt possesses.", Vincent counters calmly.
"Nonetheless, Sir Vincent I must ask you to come with me to handle this properly.", the bishop insists. Vincent moves his eyes to where the soldiers were loading up the fish onto a wagon. He needed the father and his family out of possible harm's way.
"I don't think so. I have no reason to come with you. Why don't you speak to your disciples before attempting to reprimand me.", Vincent tells him as he prepares to walk off. Immediately the remaining soldiers readies their spears against him.
"Then how about this, sir knight. You can be forgiven of your grievous actions if you hand over the boy to the church. An old method yes, but it still works.", at Bishop Patrick's words Vincent's grip on Colin tightens. He is aware of this tactic by the church. Give a child in exchange for forgiveness or to shorten a loved one's time in purgatory. It allows the church to replenish their numbers which is most likely why it wasn't forbidden.
Vincent turns back around to the bishop. "If or when I commit a sin against God I'll pray for forgiveness myself. Your tactics won't work on me and I'm not giving you anything.", he tells him, his anger and annoyance rising.
"Sir Vincent, order must be maintained. Is revealing truth worth your life or the life of those you love.", the bishop's voice is pleading Vincent notices. He wasn't disagreeing with him at all. Even Bishop Patrick's eyes were pleading.
The crowd watches and listens intently. No one's eyes veer away. Vincent faces the archbishop fully and positions a tense Colin between his back and the river. He removes Colin's hands and turns around to the boy. As he does a small gasp escapes Colin.
"Colin, I need you to do everything I tell you when I tell you, understand?", Vincent tells him quietly.
"B-but.", Colin manages to get a word out though his eyes are wide in fear.
"Shhh.", Vincent stops Colin's protest. He smiles confidently at the boy. "Everything is going to be alright. Just do as I say when I tell you.", he goes on before putting his bags down next to Colin. He stands back up to face the bishop and soldiers. The man and his family are some distance away as well as the wels.
Vincent analyzes the difficulties he is facing. He is surrounded with the river to his back and he has to stay near Colin to protect him. The usage of his sword is out of the question too. Since using it would no doubt lead to him killing. Which means not only is he hunkered down and on the defensive, which is a position he is not particularly skilled in, but he didn't have any armor as well.
'It can't be helped.', he thinks. "You won't be taking anyone anywhere.", Vincent says to the bishop coldly.
"So be it. Order must be maintained.", Bishop Patrick speaks regrettably before giving the signal to take Vincent by force.
At that moment, two soldiers with spears rush Vincent from the front. He's quick to respond when they are in reach. Twisting around them with an arm he pin the spears to his side before breaking them with his other arm. Three soldiers attempt to attack Vincent from either side.