Chapter 25: Path to Redemption

Vincent treks carefully through the shadows with the rest of the scouting party. There are six of them, including Vincent and the leader of the scouting mission Sir John.

The air is cool and crisp while the rotting foliage underfoot helps conceal their movements. Vincent leads the way actually taking the very route he used to escape seven years ago. His senses are alert for any sight of movement as he peeks out from the allyway. When he is sure the way is clear he gives the signal to move. He is to first lead the group through the residential/storage district of the western part of town. Then go perform his own mission.

They make it through undiscovered only having to take out one party of patrolling bandits.

"Alright, this is where I leave you. I have another mission to take care of for Prince Winston.", Vincent tells Sir John in a hushed voice. With a nod from Sir John, Vincent takes his leave sticking to the buildings and listening out for anything strange. The town appears normal other than for the group or pairs of bandits walking around drunk and loud while everyone else are in their homes hiding in fear.

When he is close to the convent he spots two rough looking, drunk bandits forcing their way into a home from an alleyway. A few minutes later he hears a woman shouts.

Vincent hurries in at the sound and finds that one of the men had knocked out the woman's husband and are now coming on to the woman. Vincent draws his sword without hesitation and quickly force it into one of the brutes back and slicing the other in the abdomen. The two of them fall dead from the fatal blows.

The woman paints freighted and relieved, but catches her breath enough to thank Vincent. Her husband soon comes to and lays eyes of surprise on the sight.

"Quickly, hide them and close your door.", Vincent tells them as he leaves.

"Wait a moment!?", the man says quietly; stopping Vincent. "Vincent...? Is that you?", asks the man in disbelief. Vincent turns to the couple and recognizes the man as one of the towns blacksmiths.

"Yes, Sir Riel it is me.", he answers confidently.

"We thought you had either gone somewhere far away or died.", Sir Riel says still shock. Vincent shakes his head.

"Far from it actually, but I don't have time to explain. I'm on my way to the convent. I'm going to get everyone there safe.", Vincent tells him hurrying out the door.

Vincent finally reaches the convent, but looks around once more before nearing. He looks up to the sky to see the first stars begin to fade. It would be morning soon and the attack will begin as well. He needs to be quick.

There are two guards at the door. Taking a rock off the ground Vincent throws it at one of the guards' head stunning him and the other running in his direction. Instead of hiding Vincent stands where he is.

As the guy brings his axe down Vincent moves to the side and taking his sword in his hands chops the man's arms and jabs his sword into the mouth as he begins to scream. He then hurries over to the convent. Avoiding a blow from the other guard he follows by slicing him upward. When Vincent tries to enter he finds the doors locked and has to use a key held by the second guard.

Once inside he proceeds to find the sleeping quarters of the sisters and Mother Margaret. He first comes upon Mother Margaret's room. When he wakes her up her eyes are first filled with fright, but as her vision clears and she sees it is Vincent a look of disbelief and surprise comes to them as if she had seen the forest move or someone come back to life.

"It can't be... It just can't-, but it is.", she says first in a hoarse voice then in one filled with tears and emotion. She embraces him like a mother who had just found her long lost child. "Vincent...you're back. Oh, thank God for answering our prayers.", she says tearfully. Vincent returns her embrace and is relieved to see her again and alright, but he knows he can't stay for long. Ending their embrace he rest his hands on her shoulders.

"We have to get everyone out of here. Prince Winston has a force of knights and troops outside the town. They are going to attack at sunrise. I'm going to get everyone out of here and safe and I intend to use all my strength to make sure that happens.", Vincent says to her. Mother Margaret is in awe at Vincent's words.

"Vincent how do know-,"

"I don't have time to explain just hurry.", Vincent says hastily.

As Mother Margaret readies herself Vincent goes about waking everyone else and telling them to get ready leaving them astounded and surprised by his return. As Vincent finishes in the last child room he looks out the window to see that the sun is rising and hears the first sounds of battle. The attack has begun.