"M'lords," the two servants said in unison. "Are you both alright? When Ares returned home alone, we thought the worst."

"We are fine," Joshua replied taking off the snow-covered cloak he wore. Shaking off the snow, Joshua stopped and looked at the two servants. "Wait...what do you mean alone? Lance was riding Ares."

Shaking his head, Devon replied quietly, "Forgive us M'lord, but Ares had no rider when he returned home. That is why we were worried about you and Lord Justin. We had no idea that we should have been expecting Lord Lance as well. We were told he was to be staying a week at his parents farm in the lowlands?"

"He was," Joshua explained. "We had gone to visit him and to take him riding with us but he was really sick and could not go. His parents invited us to stay with them last night since it was so late, and since the storm was coming the town doctor felt it would be best if Lance returned home here before it hit. Justin and I rode Victory and let Lance ride Ares. We were halfway back when Lance remembered something he had left, but he told us he could find his way back by himself okay, so we came on ahead."

Looking at one another, Devin and Kennith swallowed hard. "He...he never ret..returned M'lords. We thought he was with you."

Pretending concern, Justin and Joshua looked at each other then at the servants. "Wha...what do you mean he did not return? He said that he would be okay getting back and we did not think anything of it since he was such a good rider. Maybe he returned to the farm and decided to stay because the storm got really bad."

"But then why did he send back Ares if he returned to the farm M'lord?" Devin asked, truely puzzled. He had heard his charge and the other talk about such things, to make them the only other lords in the house, but he did not think that Lord Joshua and Lord Justin would do such a thing.

"I do not know," Justin replied meekly. "He said he had forgotten something and returned to the farm to get it...and that he did not need us to wait. I cannot imagine what has happened to him unless he stayed at the farm."

"We cannot send someone to check on him. Lord Christopher will not let anyone outside the castle walls until the storm as passed," Kenneth explained.

"I am sure that Lance is at the farm and is safe," Joshua replied, sitting by the fire. "I doubt that he would dare brave the weather out there, especially being an experienced rider."

Helping Lord Joshua to change into drier garments, Devin exchanged worried glances with Kenneth. "Ye...yes M'lord."

"Devin, will you bring Justin and myself a glass of wine?" Joshua inquired as he began to feel warmer.

Bowing, Devin answered, "At once M'lord," before scampering off to the wine cellar. Returning shortly with a nearly dust free bottle, he handed it to his charge. "Is this to your satisfactory M'lord?"

"Yes, thank you Devin," Joshua replied taking the bottle and two glasses from the young servant. "It is getting late and Justin and I are tired. We are going to retire to our chambers and will see you in the morning. Perhaps the weather will break and Lance will be able to make it home."

"We hope so M'lords," Devin answered. "Will you be needing anything else?" When Joshua and Justin dismissed the two servants, they again bowed low and left the chamber; leaving Joshua and Justin alone.

Once the door was closed, Joshua took Justin in his arms and kissed him. "We did it, love...we did it!!! We finally got rid of the little farm boy."

Smiling and resting lighlty against Joshuas' arms, Justin looked into his eyes and whispered, "We are the only two again. Now it is just as it was before. We will have equal time with Joseph, and of course, time with each other."

"And no one will ever come between us again...ever."

Repeating what Joshua had said, Justin added small kisses between the words. After they had drained the bottle, Justin and Joshua climbed into Joshua's bed, Justin settling in Joshua's arms. Before long, they both were asleep.

Wrapping her heavy robe around her, Rebecca went to open the door and was shocked to see Lord Joseph. "M...M'lord," she replied. "Wha...what are you doing here?"

Puzzled by her reaction, Joseph explained, "There was news in Stratford that a snow storm was going to be hitting close to home. I did not want to get caught in it, so I left early. I hope I am not inconviencing you or James by stopping to pick up Lance a few days early?"

"But...but Lansten...he is not here...he has gone home to Herfordshire. Lord Justin and Lord Joshua came for him yesterday, but he had developed a bad cold and could not make the journey until today. M...M'lor, I do not understand," Rebecca whispered. "If you sent Lords Justin and Joshua here to get Lansten because you wanted them at home when you arrived, why did you come for Lansten?"

Shaking his head, Lord Joseph questioned, "I did not send Justin and Joshua to bring Lance home. I did not know about the storm until last night. I had no contact with Herfordshire while I was away."

Looking at James, Rebecca turned white. "But...but they said...they came to take Lance riding yesterday. He was really sick and could not go, but because the hour was late and the weather turned bittierly cold, we allowed Lords Justin and Joshua to stay with us last night. Today, they kept insisting that you wanted them all home before the storm hit, which is why they had come. The doctor returned this afternoon and gave his approval for Lance to return to Herfordshire. Oh God, I knew we should not have let them take him."

Looking down at the ground, Joseph saw the obvious reason for the mix up. "They must have wanted to surprise me. I have returned home early before when a storm was coming. Joshua and Justin must have received word of the storm and came to get Lance. I am sure that is what happened Rebecca."

Looking to James, Rebecca's face relaxed somewhat, although inside she was still worried. "Maybe you are right, M'lord", she whispered. "Maybe that is what happened."

Nodding, Joseph smiled pleasently. "I am almost sure that is what happened Rebecca. I do apologize for Joshua and Justin. They meant no harm in scaring you."

"It...it is all right, then...I guess," Rebecca replied, a small smile corssing her face as she looked at James. "M'lord, would you like a full report on Lansten and his visit with us?"

Looking up to the sky, Joseph figured he had about an hour before he had to return home. And the rest with James and Rebecca was more then welcomed by him. "I would love one. I pray he was not a bother?"

"He was a perfect angel," Rebecca sighed. "I am just sorry he was not able to fully enjoy himself while he was here."

"And why was that?" Joseph enquired. "Was it because of the shortened visit? Or because he had fallen ill?"

"He...he became very ill, M'lord," James replied quietly. "His fever was extremely high and he could not keep anything on his stomach."

But he was fine when he left was he not?" the tall lord asked. He prayed that Lance was alright, had he be ill to begin with. This weather was not suitable for traveling, even if you were healthy.

Rebecca and James exchanged looks. "Well, he was better," James replied. "The doctor had us bundle Lance up warmly and said that if they made it home before the storm hits hard, Lance would be okay."

"How long ago did the storm hit?" Joseph asked, turning to look out behind him at the white covered land.

"A little over an hour ago," Rebecca informed Joseph. "And from what we were told, this is not the worst part of it."

"Oh?" Joseph echoed. "What is the worst part?"

"No, M'lord...I mean the worst part of the storm," James corrected. "We have not yet seen the worst part of the storm."

Feeling somewhat silly, as his mind had been off with his Angel, Joseph nodded. "Aw I understand now. Forgive me. The trip was long and tiring."

"It is all right, M'lord" Rebecca replied. "We know you are anxious to see Lansten again as is he you."

Smiling, Joseph admited that in the part few days he had been away from Lance, he was not able to get any work done. "My mind the entire time was on your son and not the work."

"Awww, how sweet," Rebecca replied. "I know Lance's mind was on you as well."

Smiling slightly, Joseph sighed as a mental picture of his beloved came into mind. "He was no trouble at all?" he asked, wanting to make sure.

"None at all, M'lord," Rebecca answered, smiling. "Lansten was a perfect angel. Even when he was sick, he was no trouble at all."

Nodding, Joseph replied that he hoped Lance would be able to come back to visit them on the weekend, like they had planned. "If we cannot arrange it so that he might come down to you, would you be able to come to Herfordshire to see him?" Joseph asked.

"May...may we?" James asked, unable to believe his ears.

Laughing at James' expression, Joseph nodded. "I am sure Lance would love for you to see the castle."

"Oh, thank you, M'lord," James replied happily. "If the storm lets up, we will be happy to come and visit our son at Herfordshire."

Looking outside, Joseph observed that the sky was clearing somewhat. Turning back to James and Rebecca, he said, "There is room in the coach, if you would like to go surprise him now? If not, I can send Jason back to get you this weekend."

"Oh James, can we?" Rebecca asked. She was estatic to know that she would be able to see for herself that her baby was okay.

Smiling at his wifes' giddiness, James nodded. "If M'lord says we may, then we can."

"Thank you, M'lord..we appreciate your allowing us to see our son again" James replied. "I will go gather a few things to take with us in case the storm gets any worse."

Joseph nodded. "We will leave as soon as you are ready," he said. Turning to Jason, he had him place extra blankets in the coach for the two extra riders. "The chill in the wind is picking up even for me."

Once they had everything they needed, they started out for Herfordshire.

The wind had picked up and had turned bitterly cold. Finally they reached the castle. Rebecca and James marveled at its spendor. "It's...it's beautiful, M'lord," James remarked as they stepped out of the coach and hurried into the castle.

Shaking off the cold snow that had fallen on his shoulders in just the few seconds they had been outside the carriage, Joseph removed his coat and handed it to Edward. "Thank you James." Turning to Edward, Joseph said, "Have the bed in the guest chambers made at once, and a fire built in the fireplace. And have Lord Lance come find us in my study."

Upon seeing that the young lord was not with Joseph, Edward turned white. "Oh, M...M'lord," the elderly servant whispered.

"What is it Edward?" Joseph asked. Noting the time, Joseph laughed to himself. "He is with Lord Christopher is he not?" Turning to James and Rebecca, Joseph explained, "My friend, Lord Christopher, has been working with him on his reading skills."

Edward sank into a nearby chair, his body starting to tremble. "N...no, M'lord...he is not with Lord Christopher. He was riding with Lord Joshua and Lord Justin home before the storm hit, but they said that he had forgotten something and had gone back to the farm and that they did not have to wait for him...but Ares returned to the castle and Lord Lance was not with him."

Letting what Edward had told him slide off his back for a moment, Joseph turned to Rebecca and James. "This is Edward. He is in charge of the servants here. Edward, this is James and Rebe..." Then it dawned on Joseph. "What do you mean Ares returned without Lance!?"

"Lord Lance was riding with Lord Joshua on Ares, and according to Lord Joshua and Lord Justin, he remembered something that he had left behind. Lord Joshua and Lord Justin offered to take him back to the farm, but Lord Lance said that he would be able to make it back by himself. Lord Joshua let him ride Ares, and he rode back to Herfordshire with Lord Justin."

"But we just came from the farm and there was no sign of our son between the farm and the castle," James put in, concern now starting to rise within him.

"You...you are Lord Lance's parents?" Edward inquired, taking an instant liking to them.

Nodding, James replied, "We are. I am James, and this is Rebecca; La...Lord Lances' mother." Looking at the servant, James asked, "Are you saying that our son is still out there in this storm somewhere?"

"I pray not, James," Edward replied fearfully. "From what was told to us the snow is to get heavier later tonight and end early in the morning. It is bitterly cold out there...I pray Lord Lance is not out in it. Perhaps, he took a different path to your farm and you missed each other."

Shaking his head worriedly, and grasping Rebecca to support her, James answered, "There is but one path that can be traveled safely from the farm to Herfordshire. Lance knows not to divate from that path."

"James, what has happened to Lance?" Rebecca whispered, tears beginning to slide down her face. "Where is my baby?"

Holding her close, James whispered that all would be alright while Joseph turned to Edward. "Bring me the warmest coat we have, and have Jason saddle the strongest horse in the stables."

"Joseph, you cannot travel out there in that weather," a voice replied from the doorway. All turned to see Lord Christopher stand there, a worried expression on his face. He and Joseph hugged each other.

Tears brimmed Josephs' eyes. "But he is out there Christopher. And with the storm picking up like it is, there is no telling how sick he will become; if he already is not sick. I have to go."

Putting a hand on Joseph's shoulder, Christopher spoke gently. "Joseph, I understand how you feel. But it is too bad out there for you to go. As soon as the storm lets up, I have already organized a search party to look for Lance. We will find, do not worry."

"But the storm is suppose to let up tomorrow. Lance cannot survive the entire night out there Christopher."

"We do not know that he is out there in the snow, Joseph," Christopher replied. "He might have found shelter to wait out the storm, if he did not make back to the farm."

Running a hand through his hair and walking to sit in a plush chair, Joseph rested his head in his hands. "But what shelter is there between the farm and here? I have traveled that path so many times and never once have I notice anything that would make for a suitable shelter."

Walking over and sitting down next to his friend, Christopher looked at him. The fear was written all over Joseph's face. "We will find him, Joseph. We will find your angel and bring him home to your waiting arms."

"Angel," Joseph whispered. "Please, be alright. Oh God, please be alright." Closing his eyes, he silently said a prayer, hoping beyond hope that Lance would be found the next day safe and sound. "Angel..."

Sitting beside his friend, Christopher could see the fear all over Joseph's face. "Joseph, he will be found. You must believe that. You have to remain strong, for Lance's sake."

"I...I love him so much," Joseph whispered. "If anything where to happen to him, I do not know what I would do." Looking up to James and Rebecca, he shook his head and stood. "Where are my manners? Please forgive me. I will show you to your room, so that you both may rest."

"Am I to assume that these are Lance's parents?" Christopher inquired, smiling at them.

"Yes," Joseph answered. "Again, my apologizes to you all. James and Rebecca, this is a very dear friend of mine, Lord Christopher. Chistopher, James and Rebecca."

"It is a pleasure to meet you both," Lord Christopher replied, greeting them. "I am just sorry it is under these circumstances." Rebecca could not say anything now, her mind was swimming with worry for her son. James only nodded politely, he himself on the verge of loosing his voice from fear.

"I...I would like to rest now," Rebecca finally managed to whisper.

"Of course," Joseph replied quietly. "Please, come with me. I am sure Edward has had adiquate time now to prepair the guestroom."

James and Rebecca said their good nights to Christopher and followed Joseph to the guest room. Edward had already put away their things. "It is beautiful, M'lord," James replied quietly, looking around the room. "Thank you."

"You are very welcome James," Joseph replied somberly. "If there is anything you need, my chambers are two doors down."

"M...M'lord?" Rebecca asked timidly.

Turning before walking out the door, Joseph smiled as bravely as he could. He knew that both James and Rebecca were worried sick about their son. "Yes Rebecca?" he asked quietly.

"Please tell me that my baby will be found safe?"

The look of worry in her eyes tore at Josephs' heart. He wanted to tell her that her son would be found safe, for both her sake and his. But, he would not lie to her. He did not want to instill any false hope. "I cannot tell you he will be found safe Rebecca. I can only tell you that we hope he is safe."

"Oh God...Lansten," Rebecca sobbed, her heart breaking. "My baby...where is my baby?"

Lowering his eyes, Joseph wanted to go to her, to comfort her, but he did not feel it was his place. Silently, he left the two alone, closing the door behind him.

James put his arm around his wife. Silently the both prayed that Lance would be found alive and safe. Changing into their bedclothes, the slipped under the covers and held each other, continuing to pray for their missing son.

Opening the door softly, Christopher walked in and went up to the bed. Sitting next to his friend, he put his arm aorund Joseph to comfort him. "He will be found, Joseph," Christopher whispered. "First thing in the morning, the rescue party will go out and find him and bring him home."

Now that they were alone, Joseph broke down completely. Holding Christopher tightly, Joseph cried out for his missing Angel. Questions came at him from all sides. What if something happened to him? What if he was hurt? What if he could not find adiquate shelter? What if he was caught out in this storm? What if...Oh God, what if by the morning, the rescue party would be too late?

His own eyes filling with tears, Christopher leaned over and put his arms around his worried friend. "Joseph, you must not think the worst. Believe in you love for Lance and his for you. He will be found and back in your arms."

"I cannot help but worry about him Christopher," Joseph replied. "Rebecca told me of how ill he had been before Joshua and Justin began coming back home. I...I dear God, please let him be safe..."

"He will be found, Joseph...he will be found. You have to remain strong. It will not do you or Lance any good for you to get sick."

Looking out the window that overlooked the courtyard, Joseph cringed as he watched the white powdery snow continue to fall. "My Angel," he whispered to himself. "Out there alone. Maybe ill." Closing his eyes, he said a silent prayer for Lance.

Christopher said nothing as he, too said a prayer for the missing Lance. He sat with Joseph all throughout the night until the wee hours of the morning when he looked outside and saw that the snow was tapering off. "The worst of the storm is over," Christopher announced. "The search party is about to leave now to find Lance."

Standing and picking up a warm coat, Joseph headed for the door as he said, "I am going with them. Stay here and watch over Herfordshire until we return -- "

Grabbing his arm, Christopher shook his head. "No, Joseph...you need to stay close by in case Lance is found. You do not want to go out there and get sick, too."

"But my Angel is out there Christopher," Joseph began to protest. "I have to to go find him. I want to be the one he sees riding up and leaping off the horse, to run towards him. I am going."

"No, you are not," Christopher replied sternly. "If you get sick what then? What good will you be to Lance?"

"I will not get sick," Joseph answered, tears lacing his once strong voice. He had to go find his Angel. He would not be able to sit within the warm walls of Herfordshire knowing Lance was on the other side of the haven, in the storm that bit at everything it could. Joseph just had to try and make his friend understand that he didn't want to find Lance; he had to go.