Chapter 27: Cracking Facade

Vincent and Colin spend the rest of the day with Amelia and Luke. Once it's time for the market to close the four of them say their goodbyes before heading home. Vincent looks up to the sky and spots the first stars appearing overhead. Back at the inn Vincent sees to it that Colin goes off to bed.

"Can't I come with you?", Colin asks in objection.

"No. You need to sleep. Tomorrow is our last day here so we'll take it easy before moving on. Okay?", Vincent tells him. Colin looks down in disappointment, but understands.

"Okay.", he responds half-heartedly. He settles into bed and Vincent pats his head gently.

"I'll be back soon.", Vincent tells him. With that Vincent gets to his feet and heads out locking the door behind him. When he turns around he stares at the door to Angela's room wondering if she was gone already. He considers knocking but decides not to. Instead he carries on quietly with his own thoughts.

The streets are quiet and the air is cool as Vincent makes his way to the river. His hope is that with the meeting being here the chance of them being discovered would be lower. Though it would be foolish to not be on guard.

Vincent arrives at the meeting place before anyone shows up. He takes the time to settle his thoughts and reflect on the day. Sitting down with his legs crossed Vincent looks out toward the river. The half moon reflecting on its calm surface.

He attempts to think of what he could say that would be helpful to his appending audience. Specifically to get them to turn to whatever family they have, for that would be their best protection. As the thought crosses his mind he suddenly thinks of Amelia and Luke. An image of the two of them appearing vividly within his mind.

Vincent makes an effort to shake away the lingering image, but it remains. 'Why is that?', he thinks. Vincent sets his gaze on the water. The moon's reflection entrancing him until a howl catches his attention. He raises his eyes to the far side of the river and catches the sight of a lone wolf. The creature is drinking before it too brings its sight upon Vincent.

The connection lasts until another howl is heard. At its sound the wolf turns away and dashes off in the sound's direction. Vincent snaps out of his trance blinking his eyes. Just a split second after the sound of footsteps approaching causes Vincent to turn his head. He is greeted by the sight of Angela and her friends.

"Sir Vincent.", Angela greets him with a nod. Vincent straightens himself as he looks over the group of women. He sees unease, caution, but also hope in their eyes. Getting to his feet he faces them welcomingly.

"I'm glad you have come.", he says nodding his head to them. "I hope you find my words helpful, and please feel free to ask any questions. I will do my best to answer."

......…..

The next day Vincent and Colin ready themselves to leave the inn for a walk around town. Vincent was hoping a way to use the information his is gathering about the church could be used quicker would come to him. However, once they step outside the inn they are greeted by an early morning fog.

"This might delay us a bit if it doesn't clear up soon.", Vincent says to himself. Colin catches what he said and looks up to him with a worried expression. Vincent gives him a half smile. "Don't worry. I'm sure it'll disappear once the sun is up. After all, it's most likely like this here.", he assures him.

"Can we head to the Customs House and find out while we're out?", Colin asks.

"About the boat? Sure."

On their way to the Customs House Vincent and Colin walk along the river banks. Just before they reach it a commotion on the water catches Vincent's attention. He turns around and makes out three men struggling to pull something out the water. He strains his eyes trying to see through the fog.

Eventually Vincent resorts to concentrating his aura into his eyes. The technique is still rather new to him, yet he manages to maintain it just enough to peer through the fog.

"How much fish did they catch?", Colin asks, noticing. Vincent doesn't answer instead he watches as the men use their clubs to beat the water. His eyes narrow questioningly.

"I don't think it's how much rather how big.", Vincent says as his eyes follow the boat to the shore. "Come on. Let's see what they caught.", he says before setting off.

Vincent and Colin head to the shore and meet the boat and three men. The net is still mostly submerged, but Vincent catches a glimpse of a creature's back. It's smooth and dark in color.

"That's quite the catch you all managed.", comments Vincent. He releases the energy in his eyes. The discomfort forces him to rub them.

"Yes it is. Put up one hell of a fight too. Nearly dragged us out the boat.", the oldest of the men speaks meanwhile.

"I'm glad we managed to pay for that blessing from the church.", the youngest says. Vincent guesses this is a father and his sons.

"Well, would you like me to help you get it ashore. I must admit I'm curious.", Vincent offers.

"That would be helpful, thank you. Uh, fair warning though it may still be alive.", the oldest man says. Vincent notices he keeps referring to a single fish.

Hoping on to the boat Vincent grabs the net along with the rest of fishermen and lugs the fish onto the bank. Colin stands out the way and watches them. His eyes widen in shock as he sees the creature fully. Vincent takes a step back to look when they are done.

The creature is massive. It's girth brings the fish to Vincent and the others' waist while Colin can just see over it. The mouth is the largest Vincent has seen. He rubs the top of the fish's head and notices the whiskers.

"It's a catfish.", Vincent breaths. He feels like he has heard of a creature that fits this description. He thinks carefully trying to remember it's name. As he does he overhears the other men.

"Th-that's the monster! Father, we caught one of the monster's children!", one of the sons whispers urgently.

"This isn't a monster.", Vincent tells them as he recalls the name. He faces the father and his sons. "This is a regular animal called a wels catfish. A predator that can grow to immense size. Although it is aggressive and will take a person if given the chance.", Vincent informs them.

The fog is lifting now and people are beginning to gather as they catch sight of the fish. Muttering and commotion chase away the once present silence. Colin stops looking over the catfish and moves over to Vincent's side. Uneasy looks are shared between the three men.

"Sir, whether what you say is true or not this isn't good.", the father responds. It is then Vincent remembers the legend of Thymes and the illusion the cathedral maintains. He places a hand thoughtfully to his chin. The question now is what do they do when someone brings in a wels?

Almost immediately as the thought crosses his mind the sound of soldiers approaching causes Vincent to look in the direction of the crowd.