Chapter 23: The Path of Protectors

The next day word arrives from Crotella tower. Prince Winston awaits in the throne room with his mother and father when Vincent comes in with a letter. The letter reads that all the information was extracted from the prisoner including valuable information on Gordowe. The information includes the number of men located in the town, the leader of the bandits and the well being of the people.

"Everyone appears to be safe for the time. Although I doubt atrocities weren't committed in the time they have been there.", Vincent says.

"It is something that they had so much confidence to attempt such a thing.", Winston comments. It is clear they have all they need to attack and displace the bandits, but Winston still has one more thing to take care of.

"The lords will be arriving tomorrow. For some reason I feel this problem must be solved before then.", the king speaks.

"You don't think one of them may have found out about this and would use it against you do you?", the queen replies.

"If those who have traveled to the region and been allowed to leave have truly been talking about what they experienced then I don't doubt anything.", Winston's father replies.

"Then I'll go and take the troops and solve this situation immediately.", Winston says facing his father.

"Are you sure about this? You're only fourteen Winston, honestly.", Winston's father replies to him.

"Maybe, but I still know how to lead troops. It's not like I'm going against another kingdom. Besides, you must be here when the lords arrive and all the while they are here. That means if this problem is to be solved correctly I have to go so at least there is a royal presence there.", Winston responds.

"Don't forget Sir Rollrick plans to be there as well, but if only the knights are there with no one from the royal family it will only strengthen the knights. Which would make them a target for anyone who wishes to endanger the crown.", Vincent adds in Winston's defense.

Faced by both of the boys Winston's father knows he can't go against both of them and submits.

"With you two together I don't know what can stand against you.", the king comments.

As Winston's father sends word to summon the troops and knights Winston and Vincent find themselves alone in the throne room.

"I suppose we better prepare as well.", Vincent says turning to exit the room.

"Actually you don't need to do anything.", Winston says stopping Vincent in his tracks. Vincent turns to him.

"What do you mean?", Vincent asks.

"It's clear that you have some bad memories or at least something happened to you that made you leave Gordowe. I would be a bad friend if I let you go back there and something happens to you.", Winston answers turning to face Vincent.

He knows the only way he could get Vincent to talk about what happened is to stop him from doing what he desires more than anything and that is to protect him. Even though what he is doing is to protect Vincent.

"You can't be serious.", Vincent says plainly.

"Consider yourself pardon on account of not being fit for duty.", Winston says walking past Vincent. Vincent smiles.

"You want to know that badly?", he says. Vincent closes his eyes, sighs and reopens them. "Fine... I was driven out.", Vincent says submitting. Winston stops and Vincent goes on. "While I lived there I was a bit of a troublemaker. Nothing serious just your average seven year old.", he pauses realizing what he said looking at Winston.

"Sorry.", he says before continuing. "Anyway I became a nuisance to the people and one day when the marketplace was found destroyed. They blamed me. As a result I was forced to run away because Mother Margaret was unable to convince them I didn't do it. That's what happened and how I ended up in the forest.", Vincent admits.

Winston listens and at first doesn't understand why it was hard for Vincent to tell him this. Then he understands how traumatic the experience may have been.

"I'm sorry. That must have been hard for you", he says.

"You have no reason to be sorry. It is because of you and Ryanah I was able to get past it. That's why I can go and why I'll be fine.", Vincent responds. Winston gives him a half smile.

"I know, but I had to be sure... Remember I protect you just as much as you protect me." Winston says.