Chapter Three: Obstinate

Orwen decides he would rather not go to the vigil.

"Uncle, I am not a very religious sort of person, as you are very well aware. Vigils bore me and I'm certain to fall asleep at such a late hour. In fact, I'm very surprised that Jansen would even invite me to such a somber event. He certainly has no liking for the monk's long ceremonies and rituals."

"Ah." Thoreau said slowly. "Well, I suppose you're right. You need your beauty rest, my darling nephew."

Orwen laughed.

"Uncle, your sarcasm is showing."

Rising from the armchair, Orwen brushes past his Uncle's chair and goes to look out the window.

"Besides, it looks like it might rain."

"Hmm." Thoreau let a long moment of silence stand between them. Then with a great sigh he said in his slow way, "I don't suppose you would mind riding with me if I decided to go myself?"

"You Uncle?" Orwen turned and looked at his Uncle's face, which was turned up at him in a calm, patient smile.

"Yes." Thoreau sighed once more. "I have felt the weight of my sins more heavily than usual lately. I would visit the monastery to-day if that would help. But I know that they are not holding a service on this day; it is their habit to work in their gardens all day on a tuesday. So I am compelled to go tonight."

"Well, if you truly wish for the company. Perhaps I could pull Jansen out of the vigil and spend my time more agreeably while you are there." Orwen paced before the window, not really wanting to go, but feeling sorry for his Uncle."You won't stay all night, will you?" He asked Thoreau at last.

"Oh, no. Unless my sins feel very heavy at the time." Thoreau's face worked into a quiet smile.

"Then I must accompany you. It is my honorable duty to a faithful gaurdian and a beloved Uncle." Orwen laughed, kneeling suddenly at Thoreau's chair and kissing his Uncle's cold hand.

"Why, you're shaking, Uncle. Are your sins so heavy?" Orwen frowned.

"N-no my boy. In my old age strength has left me." Thoreau ground out.

Orwen stood and bent to kiss his Uncle's wide brow before striding out of the room.

"I'll meet you in the courtyard at half-past eleven." he called back. Thoreau waited until he heard his nephew take the stairs two at a time, and then he rang for a servant. Vin entered, and bowed whimsically.

"Close the door." Thoreau whispered.

Chapter Four: Vigilant

Orwen and Thoreau ride to the vigil.