Chapter 10: Path to a New Dawn

On the day of Vincent's first day in his new life, Winston awakes energized and renewed. The time he spent with Vincent yesterday opened Winston's eyes to what it was like to have a friend and what filled him with more joy was that he would be able to see Vincent at anytime now that he is the new stable boy. Though he did in himself hope that Vincent would somehow stay he did not expect for his unspoken wish to be granted. Now Winston's heart lay partly in the present, but mostly in the future.

He looks forward to the time he will be finished with his duties and free to spend his time with his friend. During his literature class he inwardly debates on an idea he has. The idea is to get Vincent to take him into the surrounding city of Lumorra and show him around. Even though Vincent is not from the capital city he still lived in a town once before and knows the basics of common life.

Winston assigns half his mind the task of deliberating on whether to ask or not. What if Vincent don't agree or thinks the idea is risky? What if he does agree though and something goes wrong? The last thing Winston wants is for Vincent to be in trouble because of him. As he nears the end of his last class Winston decides that no one can know and that he will just hope Vincent is willing to go along.

Winston sets out for the passage ways as soon as he is free to do so. He doesn't bother with an escort; the few that can do it anyway were not present. The air is cool and the wind from the mountains are even cooler when Winston emerges from the tunnels. Summer would be drawing to an end soon.

Once Winston arrives at the stables he finds Vincent and Benjamin together and Benjamin is explaining how to change out the horses' feed and bedding. Benjamin spots Winston in the doorway.

"Prince Winston. Afternoon.", Benjamin greets. Vincent turns around to Winston at Benjamin's greeting.

"Prince Winston!", Vincent greets cheerfully.

"Afternoon to you both. Don't mind me continue with what you were doing.", Winston says to them. With a nod Benjamin continues his explanation to Vincent. In the meantime Winston chooses to explore the rest of the stables. He has never been in the part of the building where Benjamin, and now Vincent, sleep for instance.

He makes his way to the stairs nearby and ascends them.When he arrives to the top he comes upon a hallway with doors from one end to the other. Winston decides to find Vincent's room first. He looks around and comes across a smith room for horse shoes and a storage room for feed before finding Vincent's room.

It is simple with a bed coming out from against the left wall and a chest at its end. The room also has a view that looks out over the grasslands to the top of the forest edge in the distance. The sound of footsteps behind him causes Winston to turn around. It is Vincent.

"Great isn't it?", Vincent says walking to Winston's side.

"Amazing actually.", Winston replies. Vincent and Winston lean out the window and look out to the view before them smiling. "Are you free now?", Winston asks.

"Yes I am. Why?", Vincent replies. Winston chuckles.

"Have you ever rode a horse before?", Winston asks.

"Benjamin says he is going to teach me.", Vincent answers. Winston turns his head to Vincent.

"How about I show you now?", Winston suggests. Vincent looks to Winston.

"Alright, let's see if you can.", Vincent agrees.

"What does that suppose to mean?", Winston asks.

"A part of me doesn't believe you can actually teach me.", Vincent confesses jokingly. Winston smirks at Vincent's doubt.

"I'll show you.", Winston challenges. The two of them make there way downstairs and to the horses.

"I don't suppose you've been given a horse yet.", Winston says. Vincent simply shakes his head.

"Sir Jamonson or Benjamin are supposed to be bringing one for me soon.", Vincent adds.

"You know, their family is the best horse breeders in the kingdom. They're the best riders too. There's no doubt that you will get a fine stead.", Winston says. "In the meantime though...", he continues thoughtfully. "I'm sure Sir Jamonson wouldn't mind if you borrow Chaser for today.", Winston says approaching the horses.

They both lead Starracer and Chaser out to the front of the barn. Winston first shows Vincent how to saddle their respective horses. Thankfully he remembers from when Benjamin showed him last time and goes on to show how to mount a horse as well. It takes a few tries for Vincent to get it accompanied by plenty of laughter and falls, but the two continue to work it out themselves and finally Vincent is able to mount Chaser without fail.

"You got it!", Winston exclaims when he does. "Alright, now just hang on tight. Trust your horse and when you want him to move give him soft nudge with your foot, like this.", Winston shows Vincent how to get Chaser to move forward. "When you want to stop just pull the sash a little. Not too much though. You should only have to do that when he's in a run. Let's see...oh! When you want to speed up just snap the sash.", Winston goes on.

"Hmm... I think I got it.", Vincent says. The two set off at an easy pace and it isn't long before Vincent gets the hang of horseback riding. They don't go far before stopping. When they do Winston decides to asks what is on his mind.

"Vincent, can I ask you something?", he starts off.

"Sure, anything, my prince.", Vincent replies. Winston isn't sure how to ask, so instead he decides to come right out with it.

"Well, I want you to take me into Lumorra." Winston says. A confused look comes over Vincent's face.

"What-what do mean?", Vincent responds.

"I have never been beyond the wall that surrounds the castle and if I were to go as a prince everyone may act differently than they would normally. I want to see the city and the people that live there, but I still need someone to help me get around.", Winston explains.

"And that someone is me?", Vincent responds

"You may not have lived in a city like Lumorra, but you've lived in one nonetheless. If anyone can help me sneak out you can.", Winston says.

"Let me make sure I understand this. You want me to help you sneak out the castle and help you get around the city before anyone finds out we are gone. Is that right?", Vincent says.

"Yes.", Winston replies simply. Vincent stares at Winston for a quick moment.

"No.", Vincent says without further hesitation.

"What!", Winston says surprised how bluntly the response comes. He didn't even have time to hope that Vincent would say yes. Vincent continues shaking his head.

"No. I can't do that. How on earth are we going to pull that off?", Vincent goes on.

"Well, we could find a tunnel that leads into the city.", Winston replies.

"Even if we get into the city, with the way you are dressed you'll stick out.", Vincent contours. Winston admits Vincent is right. He would not be able to hide who he is in his current apparels. He looks to Vincent and becomes unsure that Vincent would even be able to deny relations to the royal family.

"I can get Sir Ramen to make something and we can do it on a day where I have no classes.", Winston says finally. Vincent remains silent and Winston is convinced he will agree now.

"I'm still not sure about this.", Vincent says crossing his arms. "My city experience may prove….difficult for you."

"Oh, here I was thinking that you didn't have a sense of adventure.", Winston says sarcastically.

"Honestly, Prince Winston you yourself even confessed to not ever being in the city. A large city like Lumorra can prove dangerous especially if someone finds out who you are and that you only have another child with as protection.", Vincent says.

"That's why no one will find out. My own guards won't even know where I have gone.", Winston replies.

"I just want you to be sure. How about you get everything in order first then I'll go along with it.", it isn't the answer Winston was looking for, but it does show that Vincent would be willing to go along with his plan.

"Alright. I accept your terms.", Winston agrees.

.......

The next day Winston stops by Sir Ramen's atelier and tells him what he needs although he doesn't go into much detail about what for. He also spends any free time studying the passageways and finding which leads quickest to the city. It takes two days for everything to be ready.

On the third day Winston so happenly has no responsibilities to attend to. Everything is ready and Winston knows that today is his best chance. He makes his way to the stables with the clothes Sir Ramen prepared for him. The sky is cloudy and rain could be smelled on the wind. When he arrives he finds Vincent grooming Rander, the king's horse, in the stables.

"Vincent!", Winston calls his name as he walks in. Vincent turns to him.

"Prince Winston you're here.", Vincent spots the clothes in Winston arms. "What is that?", he asks. Winston grins triumphantly.

"These are our clothes that we are going to wear while we are in Lumorra.", Winston looks around. "Where's Benjamin?", he asks.

"Gone.", answers Vincent.

"Where's Jamonson?", Winston follows up.

"He is with Benjamin. They won't be back until a little past noonday.", Vincent informs Winston. Winston surges with happiness inside. There is no doubt in Winston that God is on his side.

"Brilliant!, this couldn't have gone better.", Winston expresses. A look of sudden understanding comes on Vincent's face.

"Hold on. Don't tell me you actually did it.", Vincent says.

"Don't tell me you actually have to learn not to underestimate me, Vincent.", Winston counters. Vincent's mouth gapes open but no words come out. "Here.", Winston says tossing to Vincent his own disguise. Vincent catches them.

"Hey, these are my old clothes.", Vincent announces after examining them.

"That's right although they may be cleaner. Sir Ramen used them to find the right material to make mine.", Winston confirms.

"So what are you planning? Taking the horses to get to town.", Vincent says.

"I actually thought about that, but no. We are going to go back to the castle and take another passageway into town. I just had to hurry here to get you.", Winston replies.

"And you're sure this will work?", Vincent asks one more time.

"Absolutely. We'll be back before anyone misses us.", Winston assures him.

"What about Benjamin and Sir Jamonson? They will be back at noonday and I know you are planning to be out all day if not most of it.", Vincent says.

"They'll just think I borrowed you for the day. Which is not a lie.", Winston answers. "I don't understand. You seemed like the adventurous type when we met, yet you are as cautious as a cat hunting.", Winston criticizes. Vincent looks away from him shyly and his eyes become half closed.

"I just haven't been in an adventurous or fun mood lately.", Vincent confesses.

"That's why you should do this. Come on.", Winston urges. By this time Winston is becoming aware that whatever happened to Vincent had crushed him in more ways than one. It makes him curious, but also determined to see Vincent come with him. "Come on. We can talk about it on the way to the castle.", he says. Vincent looks back up to Winston and nods in agreement.

After putting up everything in the stables the two boys travel back to the castle. When they get there Winston and Vincent change into their commoner clothing and go to the entrance to the passage Winston found. It's in the castle library behind a bookshelf. Winston reaches for a book on the third row from the bottom and ten books from the left. When he pulls it out the book activates a mechanism behind the bookcase causing it to become able to be pushed open by the two boys. Once they enter they pull the bookcase back into place and lock it back.

"How'd you find that?", Vincent asks Winston.

"I had asked my father about the passages that lead to the city. Only the king is allowed to know where all the tunnels' entrances are.", Winston explains as they head down the tunnel.

"Oh.", Vincent replies. The two follow the winding trail for what feels like hours and the trail itself never ending.

"How far is this? It's much longer than the one that leads to the stables.", Vincent complains.

"Hold on. It won't be too much longer. This trail was made for escaping invaders. If the castle was ever attacked it's meant to get you away as far as you can.", Winston says. Soon after they come across a door above them. Exiting through the door brings them into a shop filled with tapestry.

The creations feature images of wildlife, landscapes, and to the boys' horror images that showcase images of death among the living. Images such as these have become very common since the days of the first major plague outbreak. Winston and Vincent eyes stretch in awe as they look around.

"What is this place?", Winston asks Vincent.

"A tapestry shop.", Vincent answers.

"Who's back there!?", a voice calls from the front of the shop. The boys turn to see an old man walking through a doorway. He stops and stares at Winston and Vincent; bewildered by their appearance in his shop. "Who-?", the man stops asking his question when he spots the open door. "Prince Winston...?", he says hoarsely when he looks closer at Winston. Winston begins to panic inside. The last thing he wants is for the shopkeeper to turn him and Vincent back around or worse tell his father and mother.

"Please, old man. Don't say anything. If you would, pretend you never saw us.", Winston says to the man. He doesn't reply right after and Winston takes the chance to leave. "Come on!", he says grabbing Vincent's arm and leading him out. When Winston and Vincent exit the shop they are confronted by a large number of people.

"This must be one of the marketplaces in the town.", Vincent says looking around. "It's where most of the activity takes place.", he adds. Winston looks around intrigued.

"So what now?", Winston asks turning to Vincent.

"Well you said you wanted to experience the common life and we're here now so...might as well.", Vincent says turning to Winston. He smiles. "Come on, let's explore.", he says.

Winston's heart fills with joy as he follows Vincent around the city. They look around the marketplace which is found to be larger than the one in Gordowe and visits each stand and vendor. As they move away from the marketplace Winston and Vincent run into a group of kids playing tag. Winston lights up with joy. How he yearned to join them.

"Vincent, let's play too!", he says eagerly. An uncertain look comes over Vincent's face.

"I don't know...", Vincent says unsure.

"Oh, come on!", Winston goes on ignoring Vincent's cautiousness. He runs over and joins the laughing children. Vincent stands back for a time and just watch for a moment until one of the kids come up to him and tag him. Vincent is surprised for a moment and looks on unsure. Winston makes eye contact with Vincent and silently wills him on. As if he could hear Winston's thoughts Vincent runs in and joins the fray. Winston and Vincent move on after a time waving goodbye to the other kids smiling.

They go on to see other sites; even stopping by where a group of people are surrounding a bard to watch and hear stories. When the show comes to an end and the crowd begins to disperse Winston and Vincent spot another crowd gathering.

"What's going over there?", Winston asks.

"I'm not sure... I hear people shouting though and I don't think it's for a good reason.", Vincent says watching the crowd carefully. Vincent's reaction causes Winston to become intrigued.

"Come on. I want to see.", Winston says making his way to the crowd.

"Wait...! Hang on.", Vincent protest following him, but Winston ignores him and continues on.

The two make their way to see what everyone was looking at. They stop to see a group of people being rounded up by church soldiers into a wagon.

"What are they doing?", Winston asks confused. Vincent doesn't reply right away.

"They're being sent off to one of the church's reform institutions.", Vincent says.

"Reform institutions?", Winston responds. Vincent nods.

"Those who are found to be living unideal lives are sent to learn how to live by christain ideals. I've seen it before.", Vincent explains.

"So what could they have been doing?", Winston asks.

"Someone reported them to be harlots.", a man beside them tells them. The boys turn to him.

"Harlots you say. That would be a reason for them to be sent.", Vincent says. Winston isn't sure how he feels about the situation. He notices somebody off the women had children who were being forcibly taken from them.

"Did they have to do it in broad daylight though?", he asks Vincent.

"It's not an honorable profession. Shaming is a part of the process as a deterrent. That's how it was explained to me.", Vincent tells him. And their children being taken from them?", Winston counters. A sorrowful look appears on Vincent's face.

"They are meant to be taken care of and hopefully returned to their mother after she isn't set up somewhere to live and can properly care for them. At least that's what Mother Margret always said she hopes what will happen.", Vincent replies. Winston remains silent as he watches the woman being loaded into a wagon and their children on a separate one. The cries filled with sorrow and anguish.

"Come on. Let's go.", he says before walking off. Vincent follows him.

By the time noonday comes around and the first rains begins to fall Winston puts the scene of the women to the back of his mind and finds himself completely enveloped in the life of the city and its people.

"Vincent. What are we going to do for lunch?", Winston asks as hunger fills his stomach. The boys find shelter under a tree. Vincent thinks for a moment. While he does the smell of mutton sweeps over them.

"There must be a tavern nearby.", Vincent says. They get to their feet and follow the smell to indeed a tavern. Winston and Vincent walk in and look around before Vincent speaks in Winston's ear.

"We can't eat here. We haven't any money.", he says suddenly remembering. Winston thinks for a moment and has to admit that what Vincent speaks is true. How were they going to try to eat somewhere they didn't have money for.

"What are you blokes doing here?", the question comes from the boys' left. When they turn they see a woman with a friendly look in her eyes.

"Ryanah!", Vincent calls surprised.

"You know her?", Winston asks Vincent. Vincent nods his head.

"Yes, she helped me when I was in the forest and I lived with her before coming to the castle.", Vincent explains still shocked to see Ryanah in town. She motions the boys over with one hand.

"I thought I might run into you two here. It's good to see you again Vincent.", Ryanah says after they come over and sit.

"It's good to see you.", Vincent replies recovered from the surprise. Winston becomes interested in the woman who Vincent knows as Ryanah, but before he could speak Vincent goes on to introduce him. "Ryanah, this is Prince Winston by the way. Prince Winston this is Ryanah.", Vincent says in a hushed voice.

"Hello, but I'm well aware of who you are.", Ryanah says giving a nod of greeting to Winston.

"Pleased to meet you.", Winston says in return. "You say you expected to meet us. Is that what you meant?", Winston takes the opportunity to asks.

"Yes, that is what I meant, young sire.", she answers. Vincent and Winston silence Ryanah with an urgent shush.

"Please Ryanah we're here in secret. No one can know who Prince Winston is.", Vincent tells her.

"I see... Well to answer your question, Winston, the leaves and wind told me I should expect to meet an old and new friend today.", Ryanah goes on. Winston ignores the mocking emphasis Ryanah puts on his name and instead becomes bewildered by Ryanah's explanation.

"What you mean the wind and leaves told you. How can things without a mouth or mind speak?", Winston asks.

"Ryanah is a wiccan.", Vincent informs Winston. Winston's eyes widen in amazement. He has heard a little about wiccans, but never did he expect to meet one. Before he is able to say anything else both his and Vincent's stomachs growl in turn, reminding them of their hunger. Ryanah smiles at them sweetly.

"How about we get something to eat first and talk then?", Ryanah suggests.

Winston and Vincent agree and the three friends go on to eat together. Winston and Vincent share tales of their day with Ryanah who also tells her story to Winston. After they finish eating Winston turns to Vincent.

"We better get moving back to the castle. It won't be long before our presence is missed.", Winston tells Vincent. Vincent agrees and turns to Ryanah.

"He is right. It is time for us to go home.", Vincent tells her.

"So you have found a home then, Vincent?", Ryanah asks.

"Yes, I have and more.", Vincent responds. Winston catches Vincent's words and is warmed by them. Vincent looks to him and Winston knows they are thinking the same thing. Vincent means he finally found a friend.

"I am glad.", Ryanah says. The two boys rise and prepare to make their way to the exit. As they do Ryanah stops them.

"Winston. Keep close to your father in the times to come and know what type of king you shall be and the manner in which you shall reign.", she says to him. Ryanah turns her deep gaze to Vincent. "And Vincent no matter what happens don't let your new found view on life be shaken or destroyed. Keep hold to it and find what or who it is you will live for. When you do, keep that thing or person close and don't lose them.", she says. Winston and Vincent don't quite understand what Ryanah means nor do they have the time to.

The two of them bid her farewell and make their way out of the tavern. However, as they are on their way back to the tapestry shop Ryanah's words echo in Winston's mind. Why would Ryanah say such a thing to him? What did she mean when she said what kind of king he will be and the manner in which he would rule.

As they round a corner Winston remembers that he had heard something like that before. It was his father who said it and it was when he was telling him about Vincent for the first time at dinner. His father had made a comment about what he wanted to do for Vincent hinted at what kind of king he would be. Winston knows he can ascend to the throne at anytime, but he guesses he never thought about what he would do when it happened.

Lost in his thoughts Winston doesn't notice that they had come to the front of the shop. It is only when Vincent stops him from walking off does he come back to reality.

"You okay?", Vincent asks looking at him.

"Yeah. Just tired I think.", Winston answers quickly.

"Don't worry, you'll be home soon.", Vincent assures him. He looks back to the front of the shop. "Let's hope the old man let us in.", he says.

They enter the shop and find the old man dusting one of his many tapestries. He faces the two boys as they walk in although calmer than before. Winston gestures to the back room where the entrance to the secret passage is. The old man in understanding nods and continues dusting as Winston and Vincent head to the back.