Chapter 9: A Bright Light on a Dark Path

When he returns from the nearby river from washing Vincent asks Ryanah what his dream could mean and the reason for him having it. She answers it could be due to his meeting with a member of the royal family today whose symbol is a large elk holding an olive branch in its mouth. However, as far as what it meant for Vincent she wasn't completely sure. As far as she knew it could mean that his meeting with Prince Winston will be a positive one.

The dream is not too far from Vincent's mind as he meets with the prince at noonday. Vincent had asked Ryanah if she would like to come along, but the young wiccan politely declines.

"The woods are where I belong young Vincent, but don't worry I will never be too far from you if you need me.", were her exact words to Vincent. As a result Vincent is left to meet Prince Winston virtually alone, but as he does he feels a sense of calmness and content. This combined with the positive pull he feels to Winston and the others he meet with causes Vincent to agree to accompany Prince Winston to the castle. Though he does feel uneasy at the suggestion as he did before.

According to Ryanah that is nervousness. Vincent attempts to control his nerves, but it is only when Prince Winston begins to converse with him does Vincent's nervousness melt away. Even with the conversation being about his family it results in Vincent letting his guard down.

When they arrive first at the stables Vincent is impressed to see how well the horses are kept. As Prince Winston and his companions put away their own horses Vincent looks around. As he does Prince Winston comes up to him.

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

"I never been in one of these.", Vincent replies. To Vincent it is a nice space and the surrounding landscape makes it even better. He couldn't help, but wonder what it must be like to take care of the horses and barn. Suddenly Prince Winston asks him if he would like to take a quick wash. Vincent admits in his mind that that maybe a good idea. His clothes would be fine, but he needed to wash up before stepping into the castle. He takes Winston up on his offer and is shown to the washroom by him.

While he washes Vincent remembers the advice Ryanah had given him in finding a way into Prince Winston's life. He ponders with the idea of becoming a stable boy. It seems most logical to him. He can't be a servant and even if he could Vincent finds he prefers to be free. Life in somewhere like the castle doesn't really appease to him.

When he returns and informs Prince Winston and Sir Jamonson of his readiness the three of them depart. On the way to the castle Prince Winston attempts to make conversation again. Vincent is surprised by Winston's friendliness. Ever since meeting each other again Winston has made an effort to get to know him. Vincent wonders was this just something friends did; talk and get to know each other. Back at the convent Vincent didn't really talk a lot. He preferred to stay to himself and after what had happened with the other townsfolk Vincent is weary deep down of how he interacts with others and Sir Marvin's warning to him is never far away.

As if fate wanted to make sure he remembered Prince Winston asks him the question of how he ended up in the forest. Vincent informs him that he lived at the covent in Gordowe before living in the woods. Although Vincent wishes not to be rude he can't bring himself to tell Prince Winston what happened to him.

Thankfully Prince Winston seems to sense this and instead says that he doesn't have to answer if he doesn't want to and apologizes if he had said something wrong. Vincent immediately gets himself together at the prince's word and ensures him he said nothing wrong. Nonetheless, they continue to the castle in silence; all the while a sickening feeling sets in Vincent's stomach. He knows this feeling well it is shame and sadness.

When they arrive in the castle Vincent enters astonished by the network of passages that exist within the castle and through the kingdom. He becomes even more speechless at the sight of the throne room where he meets Prince Winston's mother and father; the king and queen. Although what really grabs his attention is the sight of the giant elk holding an olive branch decorating the center of the floor.

The image sends him back to his dream and the silvery white creature he interacted with just the night before. As he talks with the king and queen Vincent begins to decide what he shall asks for, yet he becomes weary of his request. Is he really in the position to asks for such a thing. Vincent is still convinced that what he did was nothing to deserve the treatment he is receiving. It is not until the king's statement that Vincent's doubtful feelings vanish like mist in the morning sunshine.

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

"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. This is what makes Vincent understands their gratefulness. Vincent always thought that people were just good and that everyone practiced good will and virtues deeds as the nuns and the monks of the church did.

Then Vincent thinks back to his own memories of him being driven out and his own mischievous deeds. He thought he was just a not yet disciplined fellow, but not so according to the king's words. He is not the only one with imperfections. There are indeed others, but now he has begun to do good the last few days and it has lead him to where he is now. Even Ryanah carried vengeful and resentful feelings in her heart at one time, but now doesn't anymore. He realizes he is in the position to make his request and that he earned it rightfully so.

When Winston informs his parents that Vincent has not yet made up his mind about what he would want as his reward Vincent brings himself to speak up.

"If...it's possible, Prince Winston I would like to become a stable boy.", Vincent purposes his question hesitantly, but his eyes shows sincerity. He can tell everyone is shocked by his request for they did not expect it. Strangely enough Vincent feels nothing to indicate he should take back his words. He stands facing Prince Winston. As he does Vincent is oddly reminded of the elk's stare in his dream.

When the king notions that Vincent means he would like to work as a stable boy then return home. Vincent makes it clear that he would like to be a live in stable boy further bewildering those present except for Prince Winston. Vincent comes to realize this when the prince informs his own family that Vincent is an orphan and without a home to call his own.

"That's why you want that, right?", Winston understands now. Vincent says nothing, but is glad that Winston understands and seems to know him now.

"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. That is true. Vincent feels for the first time he is where he needs to be when he was at the stables and it provides a way for Vincent to remain close to Ryanah and Gordowe while being a part of Prince Winston's life. Which would in turn grow their new friendship. Vincent watches as Prince Winston asks for permission from his parents to grant Vincent's request. Which they gladly do.

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

"Thank you, Prince Winston.", Vincent replies with a smile.

.......

When the meeting with the king and queen is over Vincent is still shown around the castle by Prince Winston. As they start the tour Vincent is given new clothes to wear that would fit his new position. Vincent follows Prince Winston into the royal tailor room. Vincent feels uneasy at Winston's kindness, but knows now that he won't be able to change his mind.

"Ramen, can you measure and prepare some new clothes for Vincent, please?", Prince Winston says to a man in the room. The man looks at them from behind a stack of fabrics.

"Of course your majesty.", Ramen says approaching Vincent and Prince Winston. He first examines Vincent. As he does Vincent feels a light, fluttering feel inside him. The stirring is so odd to Vincent that he couldn't help but smile. "Alright good sir if you could hold out your arms and stand still for me.", Ramen instructs Vincent.

"Ramen here is the royal tailor and the best there is. He will take good care of you.", Prince Winston tells Vincent as he follows Ramen's instructions. Vincent's smile still doesn't fade and eventually Prince Winston notices. "What are you smiling at?", Prince Winston asks amusingly.

"I'm not sure. I just feel…good. I don't know why.", Vincent replies while being careful not to move, yet slight laughter inevitably escapes him. Vincent's response amuses Prince Winston who chuckles.

"You are so odd. Let me guess you've never been tailored before.", Prince Winston says.

"Forgive me for not living the lavish life of a noble, Prince Winston.", Vincent responses teasingly.

"Anywaaay, I'm pretty sure what you are feeling is excitement. Honestly, you act like you don't now how emotions feel and what they are.", Prince Winston says ignoring Vincent's sarcasm.

"Weelll...", Vincent begins.

"Oh, come on! Really?!", Prince Winston says unbelievably. Slight laughter comes from Vincent as his only reply. By this time Ramen begins to put together Vincent's first new outfit.

"You must really enjoy your life. It is a great blessing to be born a prince. Especially with such loving parents.", Vincent comments. He notices Prince Winston doesn't say anything. Vincent looks to the prince. "Have I said something you wish not to talk about?", he asks worryingly.

"No, not really. It just has its good and it's bad.", Prince Winston explains less excitingly. Vincent is surprised to hear such an opinion from a royal.

"Like what?", Vincent pries. Prince Winston faces Vincent.

"Nothing major. Just not having a lot of options or freedom to do normal things in life. Being able to play with friends for instance or to even have the opportunity to make them.", Prince Winston explains. Vincent understands the loneliness in the prince's words and feels bad for him.

"Well I'm your friend. Aren't I?", Vincent says unexpectedly. Prince Winston's eyes reflects his shock. Vincent locks eyes with Prince Winston. The two lonely children realize then that the person that stands before them is drawn to the other.

"Yes. Yes you are and I am yours, yes?", Prince Winston finally answers.

"Yes.", Vincent replies.

When Ramen is done with Vincent's first outfit it consists of black fitting pants, a tucked in white, loose fitting shirt with a deep green vest over it, and brown knee high boots that folded down at the top. Prince Winston makes arrangements for Sir Ramen to put together a reasonable wardrobe for Vincent, to which he happily agrees to, before resuming showing Vincent around the castle. At the end of the day the two new friends return to the stables to get Vincent settled in.

"So now you will have someone here to help you.", Prince Winston finishes explaining the new arrangement to Benjamin.

"Great! It'll be nice having someone new around here. Congratulations, young Vincent!", Benjamin responds shaking Vincent's hand in greeting. Vincent is pleased at how the day went and can't help, but feel warmly welcomed to his new life.

"Thank you! I'm looking forward to being here!", Vincent says.

"Is my uncle with?", Benjamin asks Vincent and Prince Winston after.

"No, he's not with us. I suppose he will be here later or he retired to his own residence.", Prince Winston answers. He turns to Vincent. "I best be going. My parents will be expecting me at dinner.", Prince Winston says to him. Vincent feels disappointed that Prince Winston is going so soon, but understands at the same time his reasons.

"Of course. Will you be here again soon?", Vincent asks.

"I do have horseback riding lessons every other day and with today being a free day for me it maybe the day after tomorrow I come again.", Prince Winston replies at first. Vincent's heart sinks at not seeing his friend on his first day. "Unless I come here in my free time.", Prince Winston replies slyly with a gleam in his eye. Vincent perks up at his last minute words, but is unamused by Prince Winston's mischief. He playfully pushes the prince's shoulder only to realize what he had done after. His face immediately turns to one of regret.

"I'm sorry. I did not mean to touch you in such a way or at all rather without your permission.", Vincent quickly rambles off only to be calmed by Prince Winston.

"No, no, no it's okay really. It's okay. I don't want you to be on edge around me. I want you to treat me like you would any other friend.", Prince Winston tells him. Vincent indeed calms down, and looks to his friend understandably.

"Well, you better get going before you're late.", Vincent says normally. Prince Winston nods his head in agreement and turns to make his way back to the tunnel where his escort awaits. As he watches Prince Winston leave Vincent calls out to him.

"Prince Winston!", the prince turns at Vincent's call. "Thank you, for everything!", Vincent says to him. The two smile at each other before Prince Winston goes on the rest of his way.

"You two are quite interesting.", says Benjamin from behind Vincent. "Who would've ever thought an orphan and a prince would end up becoming friends let alone meeting each other.", he says inquisitively. Vincent turns his head to Benjamin. He has to admit there is truth to Benjamin's words. Never before would have Vincent dreamed that he would be friends with someone like Prince Winston. "Then again Prince Winston isn't your average prince and I suspect you're not the average orphan boy. Are you?", Benjamin goes on to Vincent.

Vincent doesn't answer, but it appears Benjamin wasn't looking for one any way. After he finishes speaking Benjamin goes off to attend to his business only to inform Vincent he will show him where he will stay in a minute, throwing the words over his shoulder.