Chapter 27: One Journey Ends another Begins

With the help of the townspeople it isn't long before all the bandits have either been killed or captured. Vincent had lead his childhood neighbors in protecting the cothen joining up with the second entry force at the southern gate to the town.

Prince Winston lead the main force from the west. The two soon met in the center of the town where the leader of the bandits was apprehended alive as was Prince Winston's request.

Word is sent as quickly as possible to the king when the battle is done. With the bandits no longer a threat the knights and troops are free to be taken home for now. The bandit leader, because of the level of his crime is taken to the capital where he will face trial by the crown. Winston decides to get home as soon as possible and Vincent is allowed to go with him as his knightly escort.

High in spirits and adrenaline pumping the two boys laugh and remark on their first major mission. In his mind Winston also remembers the sight of Vincent reuniting with his fellow orphans. Their words and embraces were enough to melt anyone's heart that knew of Vincent's past, which he is lucky enough to be the only one to do so.

Even the whole town rejoiced in Vincent's return and apologized to him deeply for what happened years ago. Come to find out it was a small group of outlaws that later joined the larger band that had taken over the town. Of course Vincent forgave them and while everyone else made preparations to leave Vincent went about telling of what happened to him and how he became a knight and gaining his reputation. One that resulted in him recently becoming known as the holy knight.

Winston also found himself the object of the people's wonder even more than usual thanks to Vincent's stories. When it is time for Vincent to leave, this time on better terms, the townspeople give him a resounding farewell. There is no doubt in Winston's mind that Vincent had become another source of pride for the people of Gordowe.

Though freeing Gordowe isn't the end of the kingdom's problem Winston knows. Banditry had grown to be a major problem recently and this part of the kingdom won't be the only one with large bandit groups running around if they don't do something soon. The question is would he be the one to have to take on this problem.

When Winston and Vincent return to the castle it is nightfall. The meeting with the lords has come to an end and Winston is informed that his father did indeed get the message of his success in Gordowe, but the mood is not as light as he expected. He finds his mother sobbing in her and his father's room. As Winston stands in the entrance way his heart sinks. Jamonson approaches Winston.

"Your father fell to his illness. He was only able to read what you had accomplished and stand against the lords one last time.", he whispers in Winston's ear. He knows what his father's death means, but he couldn't think of that now.

"Prince Winston!" he turns at the sound of his name to see Vincent approaching. "Your king now...?", Vincent breaths. Winston says nothing. He only walks to Vincent and rests his head on Vincent's shoulder before he too begins to sob.