Chapter 13: Sir Knight Vincent's Call

Vincent follows King Winston out of the throne room through the main doors. Winston orders the guards outside into the throne room leaving the two alone. Winston runs his hand through his hair as he takes a deep breath and releases it. Vincent puts in an effort to relax as well; releasing the tension in his shoulders.

"I guess this doesn't have anything to do with what we were talking about in there.", Vincent speaks. Winston turns to Vincent.

"No, it's actually about some other things I've had on my mind. Although if the church finds out about it they'll have more to use against me. Not only that, but it will be true.", Winston replies in a low voice. Vincent narrows his eyes in suspicion.

"You speak of your affair.", Vincent guesses. "It's true the church would use it, but I doubt it would have much effect. You're a king, but your people also see you as a human.", Vincent offers assurance though he himself doesn't agree, but then again he is also remotely responsible. He sighs inwardly and curses himself. Winston shakes his head half heartedly.

"That's true, but I'm afraid the situation has...evolved.", he says.

"How so?", Vincent asks with his thoughts racing. Winston's eyes look to the side uncomfortably as he rocks forward and back at his waist.

"She's pregnant.", he says not looking at his friend.

"Who's pregnant?", Vincent replies, not believing what he's heard.

"Vanessa.", Winston answers looking back to Vincent. "Vanessa is pregnant with my child.", Vincent doesn't say anything. Ultimately, he isn't sure what to say. He is happy for his friend and feels bad for Lillian. Though he wants to congratulate Winston he also wants to ask him what he was thinking. He looks to his friend and sees his plea, nor can Vincent bring himself to be a judgmental person.

"Congratulations.", he says smiling. Winston returns it with his own. "I am afraid your right though that would be something to keep from the church."

"Yes, well. That's what I need your help with. I want to bring Vanessa here into the castle, but obviously I can't just bring her out of nowhere. I want you to help me think of a way to. . .introduce her into the castle.", Winston replies. Vincent's eyes widen. He can't believe Winston really wanted him to get more involved. Perhaps there was a time he would've helped, but Vincent knows he has to set a limit on how far he will put his values to the side.

"No.", he says firmly.

"Wait. What?", comes Winston's shocked response.

"No. I won't help you with this. I have done enough for you already and that is because I felt partly responsible for how your relationship with Lillian ended up. But this-this is on you. I have no obligation to put my values on the side for this.", Vincent tells him.

Tsk. "Come on Vincent. It's no big deal. I just need help thinking of a way to ease how Lillian will feel.", Winston responds calmingly.

"You do realize no matter what you do it will not make the pain of what you have done any less. Whether you loved her or not you betrayed her with this affair."

"Oh and who's fault is that. Who gave me the idea to help her by marriage.", Winston fires back feeling offended by Vincent's remark.

"Don't you dare put all your actions on me! I know what I did! If I didn't I would have never helped you cover this up! You agreed with me! You didn't have to listen to me, but you did! It's you that has to deal with the results of the affair! I only have to shoulder the weight that led to it."

"Oh you're just so holier than thou?! Are you going to look down on me because of what I did?!"

"I never said anything of the sort! I never looked down on you! If the situation was different I probably would have done the same, but I haven't! You have! Therefore this new development is yours just as it would've been mine! I'm not helping you!", Vincent counters. Winston glares with bared teeth.

"You will if I order you as your king.", he replies.

"Don't you dare. I've gone above and beyond for you as a friend. Don't you dare.", Vincent retaliates firmly.

The two stare each other down for what seems like a lifetime before Vincent is the first to move. Not caring to stay around he moves past Winston to the doors behind him. He calls into the throne room telling Selena it's time to go. Winston does nothing. He only stands and watches as his friend leaves; tightening his empty grip in frustration.

...............

A week and a half passes since Vincent's and King Winston's clash as well as Queen Lillian's and Selena's. Though neither pair were aware of the others'. It is the first day of spring and the spring festival.

A three day celebration, people from different parts of the kingdom, who are capable, travel to the capital and major towns such as Gordowe to celebrate. However, ever since King Winston improved the kingdom's road system festivals like this have become more available to everyone. Even becoming a source of income for some who open their homes up to travelers and shops. Though it is only in the capital that a ball is held on the last day of the festival. Held in the city's main square it is open to all.

"I can't believe you haven't spoken to King Winston for so long. What did you two say to each other?", Selena says to Vincent. The two of them walk down one of the streets of Lumorra enjoying the music and festivities around them.

"I can say the same about you and Queen Lillian.", Vincent counters turning to her. Selena scoffs at his attempt of invasion.

"It's not important. Trust me, but if this has anything to do with King Winston's secret I do expect you to tell me.", she says lowering her voice. Vincent sighs as they pass a baker's set up on the side of the road which is all Selena needed. She stops and turns in front of him.

"Really?!", she says in exasperation.

"Calm down. It has nothing to do with me at this point. What happens from here on out is on him.", he responds making calming motions with his hands.

"What do you mean by that?"

"All I'm going to tell you is that the woman is pregnant with Winston's child and he wants to bring her into the castle to live.", Vincent speaks matter of factly.

"Ohh, okay.", Selena replies, understanding. She falls back beside him as they continue their walk. "So what is he going to do?"

"I don't know, but I told him I would have nothing to do with it.", Vincent says determinedly. Selena doesn't say anything as she senses that her husband's mind is made up. "Come let's enjoy the festival.", Vincent speaks, filling in the silence.

As a show they are watching comes to an end a sensation comes over Vincent. He can tell he is being watched and turns his head in the direction the gaze is coming from. Immediately, he spots a young boy.

His chestnut brown hair is a ragged mass. His face is coated with dirt and he wears a ruff looking, ragged cloak over his clothes. Though Vincent could tell it is he that he sensed. The boy's stare was steady and unbroken. Before Vincent can make his way to him Selena places her hand on his shoulder.

"Are you okay?", she asks.

"I'm not sure. This boy was just staring at me.", he says looking to where the boy just was to find he is gone.

"A boy?", Selena looks around curiously at the dispersing crowd before setting her eyes back on Vincent. "Are you sure he was looking at you? Maybe you were just in his way of seeing the show.", she suggests instead. Vincent shakes his head.

"No. I can tell. His line of sight was trained on me.", Vincent insists.

"Well he might have just recognized you. You are well known.", Selena offers, yet Vincent isn't quite convinced. Something was wrong with the boy. His appearance made it obvious.

Instead Vincent closes his eyes and focuses on extending his aura beyond himself. A form of sensory magic, he is able to sense the auras of all individuals around him. It is only a moment before he locates the child. He turns around and spots the boy. A look of surprise and traces of relief on his face.

"There.", Vincent informs Selena nodding to him. Vincent walks towards the boy. He doesn't move though his expression changes to one of nervousness perhaps more fear. Vincent notices. "It's alright.", he speaks softly approaching the boy with caution. He isn't sure what could be the reason for the boy's interest in him. "Do you need help?"

Instead of answering, the boy runs off. "No, don't run!", Selena cries out as Vincent follows, with her behind. The boy weaves his way through the people, but not so much to the point Vincent losses him. Finally, they come to an ally where the boy stops and turns to Vincent. He stops as well and faces the boy for a moment. Selena catches up to them in the meantime.

"Why did you run?", Vincent asks. The boy looks past them briefly before bringing his eyes back to them. Vincent guesses he must be seven, probably eight years old.

"I had to make sure there was no one watching us.", he speaks. His voice is gentle, but tired. Vincent crouches down so they are eye to eye.

"Like whom?", he asks.

"Like someone from the church.", the boy answers. Vincent is intrigued by his answer. His eyebrows scrunching.

"Why would you want to avoid someone from the church?", he goes on. The boy faces Vincent with steady eyes.

"Because they are planning to kill my family.", he states plainly. A gasp escapes Selena while Vincent focuses on the boy. He has an idea of what is going on judging by the boy's aural strength.

"Why would they be doing that?", he asks calmly. The boy licks his dry mouth.

"They found out we use magic and now we are accused of witchcraft.", before the boy can even finish speaking Vincent's mind is filled with images of his parents. He doesn't notice what he does next, but by the time he does he has the boy in a hug.

"I won't let it happen. Your family will live. The church will not take them away from you.", Vincent speaks determinedly to him. The boy is shocked, yet his eyes still begin to swell with tears. "I promise. For now you will clean yourself up, eat, and rest." Vincent hears the emotion in his voice, but is unable to stop it. He pulls back from the child and rises to his full height.

"What is your name?", Selena asks as he does.

"Colin.", the boy replies.

"Well, Colin, come with us. We'll take you to our home.", Vincent says holding his hand out to him. Colin takes it and follows Vincent and Selena.

................

Once they return home Selena heads to the kitchen to prepare a meal for Colin. Vincent leads him up stairs. As he does so he continues to think about Colin's claims and though he has a feeling the boy is telling the truth he needs to be sure.

"Let's get you cleaned up so you can rest.", Vincent tells him. As Vincent fills the first bucket with water an idea comes to his mind. He fills the tub and proceeds to place his hand inside and warms the water using heat generated from his hand. Colin watches silently while Vincent looks for a reaction or any sign that the boy is surprised, but sees none.

'His definitely used to seeing magic being used.', Vincent thinks gladly. He stands up and turns to Colin. "Alright then. That should be good enough.", Vincent says drying his hand. "Get undressed. Once you are done with your bath your meal should be ready for you. I'm also going to bring you something to help you relax.", he goes on.

"Thank you.", Colin replies thankfully with a nod. As Colin undresses Vincent retrieves two candles from a cabinet in the hall, but also decides to test Colin one more time.

"Do you know of candle magic Colin?!", Vincent calls to him while examining a candle.

"A-a little...", Colin replies. Vincent smiles and returns instead with four candles; white, green, blue, and red. He places them in front of Colin.

"Which two would you prefer?", Vincent asks him. Colin looks at each of the candles. A look of surprise on his face.

"I recognize the red one. My mother used one to prepare me for my journey.", he says after a moment. Vincent nods in understanding.

"Red is a symbol of strength as well as survival. It's a perfect match to prepare for a difficult journey.", he says. Colin nods.

"I choose the blue and white.", he goes on pointing to each one. Vincent looks to the candles he chose.

"Peace and calm. Excellent choices.", he says and smiles.

"Did you not believe me?", Colin asks. Vincent chuckles.

"I just had to be sure.", he replies. "Now get in the tub while I prepare these.", Vincent goes on. As Colin does as he's told Vincent puts back the green and red candles and also gets some incense to burn with the candles as well.

Back in the bathroom Vincent sets two tables on either side of Colin's head. "Oh! Almost forgot.", Vincent says with sudden remembrance. "Here. You need to be the one to dip these candles in the water and infuse your energy with them. That way they synchronize more easily with you.", he tells Colin presenting him with the two candles.

"You don't have sea salt?", Colin asks as he takes a candle in each hand.

"Sea salt...?", Vincent responds. Colin nods.

"It helps with this part of the preparation.", the boy reveals.

"I didn't know that. I'm afraid we don't have that though. Salt, let alone sea salt, isn't so common here in this part of the kingdom.", Vincent tells him.

"Oh...", Colin responds understandably and proceeds to submerge the candles, clearing his mind as best he can.

Though Vincent doubts he is as successful as he could be and goes on to help him. Clearing his own mind Vincent places his hands on Colin's shoulders and uses his own aura to guide Colin's through the candle. Meanwhile Vincent says a prayer to bliss the candle itself. Once Vincent removes his hands Colin brings the candles out of the water and gives them to Vincent.

Vincent puts one candle down while he dresses the other with oil; starting from the top and moving down to the center first. Then from the bottom to the center.

"I cleanse and consecrate this candle. Let it be used in service to the light.", he says as he does so. After doing the same to the other candle he dots Colin's center forehead and sternum. He then lights the incense and candles. Instead of staying and controlling the smoke from the incense and candles to surround Colin and his bath Vincent allows it to be free and fills the room; closing the door.

Descending the steps Vincent meets Selena in the kitchen. She turns her attention from the pot of boiling vegetables as he enters.

"How is he?", Selena asks when she sees him.

"Exhausted, but well. He is taking a bath now.", Vincent tells her. Selena nods.

"His food is nearly ready.", she responds. Vincent detects the distance in her voice.

"What are you thinking?", he asks her. Selena hesitates for a moment before looking to her husband.

"You- you were quick to believe him. Why?", Selena asks, a little confused. Vincent sighs and contemplates how to explain his life to Selena.

"I...believed him...because it's not the first time the church has done this.", Vincent tells her.

"What?"

"And what is happening to Colin now happened to me. That's how I ended up in the orphanage. My parents were killed during the inquisition and there was no one who could stop it. I saw the fear in his eyes. He is a child not a baby. I am not going to let anyone die just because they use magic."

"Vincent.", Selena breaths, approaching him. Vincent falls silent as their eyes lock and Selena cups his face with both hands. "I'm so sorry. I didn't know.", she goes on quietly.

"Of course. I didn't tell you. I found out for sure only a few weeks ago.", Vincent replies. His eyes become slits as he takes one of his wife's hands in his own and places a kiss. "I will have to tell you more later.", he goes on softly. Selena drops her hands understanding and goes on to attend to the food.

"Already you are going against the church in secret. This will no doubt become a public matter.", she says worryingly.

"Whether I help this boy or not our stand off with the church will be made public.", Vincent replies. Selena faces him with a horrified expression.

"What is King Winston's goal in all this?", she asks.

"I don't know...", Vincent admits.

"That's odd... You two usually always know what the other is thinking.", Selena tells him. Her words strike Vincent in the heart waking him up to just how bad off he and Winston are. It unnerved him. Selena notices, but before she can say anything Vincent speaks.

"Ah! Almost forgot I should get Colin's clothes cleaned.", he says with sudden remembrance before walking off.

As Selena finishes cooking Colin comes down stairs with Vincent. The boy looks about ready to go to sleep as he sits to the table.

"I hope you are not too tired to eat.", Selena says as she brings him his plate.

"Thank you so much.", Colin says.

"Now Colin. I want you to rest. Lady Selena and I must attend the spring ball. Tomorrow I will like for you to tell me more about what's going on. Until then, find peace of mind. We won't leave until you are asleep, alright?", Vincent instructs him.

"Yes, Sir Vincent.", Colin replies with a nod and begins to pray.

'How did he know me?', Vincent wonders.