Allegiance

Chapter 22

Tensions were high, and no one said a word. The natural light from the sun was almost gone, and a small breeze washed over the four individuals standing outside. All eyes were on Reynolds now, who was looking intently at the spike before him while holding his last horseshoe in his hand.

This was it. This was the moment that would decide if the game was over or if it would continue. Vincent's horseshoe was the closest to the spike, meaning he would get the points this round. That is unless Reynolds manages to get his horseshoe closer to the spike.

Carefully, Reynolds swung his arm back before tossing the horseshoe forward. Vincent held his breath, saying a silent prayer as he watched the horseshoe, hoping Reynolds screwed up. The horseshoe descended toward the ground, and a loud ding sounded through the air from metal hitting metal as Renolds' horseshoe hit the spike, landing beside it.

Belated to see his horseshoe was touching the spike and he had won, Reynolds punched his fists into the air, cheering loudly, "Yeah! Victory is mine!"

Vincent visibly slumped, feeling slightly dejected that he had lost. "This is bullshit," Vincent whispered under his breath.

Hearing Vincent's comment but wanting to play around, Reynolds leaned toward Vincent and cupped his hand around his ear, like he was trying to listen to what Vincent was saying. "I'm sorry, what was that?" Reynolds teased.

Vincent shot an annoyed glare at Reynolds, and crossed his arms, almost like he was pouting, "I said this is bullshit."

"Oh, come now," Reynolds said, trying hard not to laugh. "I won fair and square."

Vincent grumbled and looked to the side, "Still bullshit."

Hearing Vincent's grumbling, Reynolds jestfully broke into laughter while Vincent stood there, sulking at his defeat.

Arthur and Jarrod chuckled in amusement, shaking their heads, seeing Reynolds' and Vincent's childlike playfulness.

"Hey, everyone!"

Arthur, Reynolds, Jarrod, and Vincent looked toward the voice, seeing Eleanor standing in the doorway, waving at them.

"Yeah?" Reynolds asked curiously, wondering if his daughter needed something.

"Dinner is ready!" Eleanor yelled cheerfully.

"Oh, thank goodness, I'm starving," Vincent commented, grabbing his stomach, which grumbled at the thought of food.

"Same," Reynolds chuckled, feeling eager to have a family dinner and meet the girl his son brought over. "We're coming!" Reynolds yelled back at Eleanor.

Eleanor nodded and walked back into the mansion to tell Alice that the boys were coming and to help finish setting the table.

Jarrod looked at the game of horseshoe, seeing the horseshoes lying on the ground. He looked at Vincent curiously and asked, "Do you want to pick up the horseshoes before we go inside?"

Vincent looked at Jarrod, hearing his question, before he looked back at the horseshoes on the ground. Deciding he would pick them up later, he shook his head and looked at Jarrod, "No, let's go eat dinner first. I can pick them up later."

Jarrod nodded, and the four of them began to walk toward the mansion. They reached the back door to the mansion, and Jarrod opened it, holding it open for the rest. Arthur, Vincent, and Reynolds thanked Jarrod before they entered the mansion, with Jarrod following them.

***

In the dining room, Alice, Tabitha, Lilia, Eleanor, and Tessia were finishing putting the food on the table. Sylvie was sitting under the table, wagging her fluffy tail back and forth with anticipation as she stared at Eleanor.