Chapter 22: The Path to the Past

The next day Vincent begins his travels to Lumorra. When he arrives to the castle his presence is announced and he reports to the throne room. As he enters the memories that the room holds wash over him. The games he and Prince Winston played, his knight ceremony, meeting Prince Winston's parents. It all makes Vincent feel as if he is home.

The king and queen sit in their usual places with Prince Winston in his usual place. Lillian is there as well standing by the prince's side, but it is clear that they had grown anxious in the time after hearing that it is Vincent who has come. Right when he enters the room their faces light up in delight, some more than others, and Vincent does the same. Prince Winston is the first to greet him meeting Vincent halfway into the room.

"Aah...! Vincent nice to see you again! Welcome home!", Prince Winston greets him. Vincent enjoys his reunion with everyone although the news he brings will soon dampen the mood.

"Vincent, welcome.", says the king.

"Yes, Vincent it is good to see you again and well.", follows the queen.

"It is the deepest pleasure to see all of you again!", Vincent says joyously. "But I'm afraid I didn't come here without reason.", he goes on with his tone becoming serious.

"What is it?", Prince Winston asks standing by Vincent.

"A dire situation has developed not far from the capital. A group of bandits are wreaking havoc in the eastern part of the kingdom around Gordowe.", Vincent says.

"Gordowe...? That's just beyond the forest.", the queen chimes in.

"Yes. The bandits are forcing the people to pay retribution and not allowing them to leave. We became aware of this a yesterday when an old man who has a farm came to the village Moren while I was there. He told me what he could before being attacked. We are questioning the attacker now.", Vincent finishes his report. Everyone listens intently to Vincent's report and are affected by it.

"This had to happen when I have to meet with the lords too. Not that a situation like this would be any less serious if I didn't.", a frustrated look comes upon the king's face. It is then that Vincent notices the signs of stress on him along with his age. He certainly has seen better days.

"This obviously must be dealt with immediately, father.", Prince Winston speaks. "Allow me to oversee this. If handled correctly this could prove beneficial for use.", he says. Prince Winston's words interest Vincent. What could be going on?

"That may be the best course of action, darling. That way you can focus on your meeting with the order.", the queen speaks to her husband. She turns to Vincent. "Vincent, will you be a part of exterminating this danger?", she asks him.

"I believe so your majesty. I do know Sir Rollrick wants to act as soon as we have learned all we can from the captive. For now I am meant to serve as the go between for the knights and the crown.", Vincent answers.

"See father, you can leave it to us.",

"Surely Vincent and the rest of the Order of the Knights can handle this. There is no reason for you to be involved Prince Winston.", the one to speak up is Lady Lillian from her place. Prince Winston turns to her.

"In this type of situation Lillian it is the duty of the crown to get involved. This more than just a small scrimmage in the countryside. Not only that, but this kind of activity can easily spread to the capital. It must be put down as soon as possible and correctly.", Prince Winston tells her.

"With you and Vincent?", Lady Lillian replies flatly.

"Yes. What say you father?", Prince Winston answers her before turning to his father. Vincent says nothing, but he notices Lady Lillian's hint of disapproval or was it resentment. The king thinks for a moment. In the end Vincent can tell although he is reluctant he gives in with a sigh and agrees.

.......

That night Vincent and Prince Winston sit on the balcony outside the library. Vincent sits across from his friend on one ledge against the wall with a harp that he picks as they talk. Prince Winston sits on the other ledge leaning against the wall as well. A full moon lights the sky bathing them in moonlight.

"I suppose things aren't going as well as they should?", Vincent inquires.

"What makes you say that?", Prince Winston replies.

"Your father. He doesn't look like he used to.", Vincent responds.

"Hmm... I figured you noticed.", Prince Winston sighs. "For years now he hasn't been so confident in himself since what happened to the Lackburd family and the shift in power it created. Lord Argon isn't exactly the most trustworthy of the lords."

"But now he's the most powerful of them.", Vincent comments. Prince Winston's eyes close slightly.

"Luckily there is more to this game than just the lords and the crown.", Prince Winston says.

"There's the church and the knights...", Vincent says. Prince Winston nods in agreement. "But at the same time your father's illness is taking a toll on him now.", Vincent adds worryingly.

"It will pass, but this is still the weakest the crown has ever been though and the situation in and around Gordowe isn't exactly what we need. The people's feelings matter as well you know.", Prince Winston says. He opens his eyes fully and looks to Vincent. "Hopefully it can be used for our good.", he says after a while. Vincent's eyes stays on the harp. He wants to console his friend, but he isn't sure if anything else he say will help.

"I don't see why not and don't forget the crown still has the knights.", he says.

"Anyway, if I remember correctly. Gordowe is where you are from.", Prince Winston says changing the subject. Vincent stops picking the harp, but only replies with silence. "I can only imagine how you must feel about what's going on. You must want to get back there right away.", he goes on.

In truth Vincent did immediately think about all the people he knew would be in trouble right now, but also for the first time he thinks about what happened the last time he was there. Never before had he ever thought about returning to Gordowe, but now he had no choice. Vincent begins to wonder after all this time could he face that place and that memory.

"Why did you ever leave Gordowe?", the sound of Prince Winston's voice brings Vincent back to the balcony. He realizes it's been some time since he last responded. He looks at Prince Winston.

"It's not important.", Vincent replies finally. Though he knows that due to circumstances coupled with his continual avoiding of it that Prince Winston won't take that answer for long.