Kingdom's Reign (7 page)

A few weeks passed, and as Knights of the Prince, we resumed our training once again. We knew that our reprieve from the clutches and effects of the Dark Knight was only a temporary respite. The Prince continued to teach us, train us, and prepare us for a future mission back in Arrethtrae. He brought our skill with the sword to a higher level of mastery. He was patient but did not allow complacency in any aspect of our training.

“Cedric, you have mastered the sword and all of the maneuvers I have taught you,” the Prince said as He observed my training. “But now you must master your feet. When you encounter a Shadow Warrior, your footwork is what will save you. The sword and upper body will be ineffective if your legs and feet cannot carry you to a position of advantage quickly. Balance and speed start at the ground.”

“Yes, my Prince,” I replied and watched closely as He demonstrated.

When He finished, He looked intently upon me. “Life is good here, Cedric,” He said and placed a hand on my shoulder. “In Arrethtrae, the threat of evil kept you on your guard, but remember this: the most dangerous threat of evil is when it seems to be absent.”

I pondered His words and vowed not to forget them.

“Do not neglect your training, Cedric … here or in Arrethtrae, for the days of evil are not over!”

I was struck once again with the realization that the Prince was no ordinary man. It was as though He could see the future. His intelligence, discernment, and wisdom seemed to have no bounds.

During our absence from Arrethtrae, a time of great peril had come for all who remained. Their portion of anguish was doubled, for not only were they under the absolute, tyrannical rule of the Dark Knight, but the King's wrath against the people was great because they had rejected Him and the Prince.

Although none of the Knights of the Prince were allowed back to our beloved land during the years of peril, we learned much from the Silent Warriors' reports about the condition of Arrethtrae. Their role in the kingdom had changed once all of the Prince's Followers were taken. They had become observers instead of messengers, and implementers of the King's judgment instead of protectors of His people. Although I was
joyful to be with the Prince again, I could not deny a heart that was heavy for the kingdom and for the people left behind, even though they had rejected the King. I wondered if I could have done something more.

The Dark Knight, Lucius, established total control of the kingdom under the name Alexander Histen. His rule was ruthless, and since all of the Knights of the Prince had been taken across the Great Sea, there was no one left to counter Lucius's reign of terror. The people of Chessington who remained were confused and beguiled. Unwilling to accept the Prince as the King's Son, they continued to look for a deliverer. Initially they wondered if Alexander Histen was he, but they quickly came to understand the treachery that followed in his wake. He established his throne in our beloved city of Chessington. It was the ultimate insult to the King, since this was the city and the chosen people through which the Prince would deliver those who followed Him.

Although the citizens of Chessington who remained rejected the Prince as the King's Son, they had not rejected the King or their belief in His promise of a deliverer. And although the King was grieved by their rejection of His Son, He did not abandon the people of Chessington forever. He knew they would eventually accept the Prince as their king in Arrethtrae. As the reality of Histen's treachery became obvious to the people of Chessington, they found themselves at enmity with two kingdoms and two kings: one glorious and good, the other evil and loathsome.

As their days of peril lengthened, the citizens of Chessington
began resisting Histen's rule and his proclamation that he was the true king of Arrethtrae. Histen ruled all of Arrethtrae with a fierce hand. He demanded the allegiance of all and received it from all—all except the citizens of Chessington. Though intense persecution followed, they would not bend their knee to him. It was during this time of immense tribulation that the people of Chessington began to turn their hearts to the Prince. Some remembered the Prince and His profound words, while others listened to the stories and knew that they had misjudged the man … the deliverer. Now they wondered if there was any hope left. They felt the abandonment of the good King and the hatred of the evil one.

In the culmination of his anger and vengeance, Histen temporarily left Chessington to gather together a force of Shadow Warriors and Arrethtraen men so massive that no castle or fortress or city could stand for even an hour against its attack.

Now Histen wanted to utterly destroy Chessington and all of the King's people once and for all, for they were a reminder of the one he could not be—the one true King. Their only hope was to stand honorably against the coming onslaught of an evil army, even though it would mean certain death, for rule under Histen was not an option the King's people would accept.

Shortly after Histen left Chessington to gather his final forces of destruction, an assembly of the King's people gathered in the city square beneath the very tree upon which the Prince had died. A Silent Warrior named Gabrik had made a number of voyages across the Great Sea to report the condition of Arrethtrae to the King. Oftentimes, Gabrik's reports were
given aloud at the King's grand palace courtyard for all the Knights of the Prince to hear. Upon his last return, he had recapitulated the words of Fenton at this assembly. Fenton was one of the men of Chessington responsible for turning the hearts of the people back to the Prince. I will never forget the impact his passionate words made upon the King. Through Gabrik we heard the words and saw the King's response:

“People of Chessington, our hands are red with the blood of the One who would deliver us! Only in this dark hour do we see our grievous mistake, for our King has rightfully abandoned us, and our sworn enemy has gone to gather an army to utterly destroy us. The truthful words of Leinad fell upon our fathers' deaf ears and hardened hearts, as did the words of the Prince upon our own. There is no promise left for us … no hope … no future. My soul is sick with grief at our betrayal, and yet within my bones I feel the zeal to make my life count for the King and His Son. Our final hour is come! Stand with me for the King and His Son against the evil one.”

Gabrik spread his arms open wide as he recalled Fenton's final words to the people.

“Hope against hope do we call across the Great Sea. Oh my King, forgive us for our betrayal! We beseech You to incline Your heart to us one more time. Though we only deserve Your wrath and judgment, we appeal to Your kindness and mercy as King of all. Forgive us, oh King, and let us be Your people once again!”

Gabrik lowered his arms and bowed his head, and our assembly stood in silent contemplation before the King. A
tear fell from the royal cheek of the King as He turned to face His Son.

“It is time!” the King proclaimed.

The Prince rose to His feet. “Silent Warriors and Knights of the Prince, prepare your hearts. We sail for Arrethtrae!”

The Silent Warriors drew their swords and lifted them high into the air. In unison they shouted, “The King reigns … and His Son!”

The Knights of the Prince drew their swords and echoed their cry, “The King reigns … and His Son!”

The Prince looked at Micalem, the commander of the Silent Warriors, and nodded.

Micalem turned to face his warriors. “Prepare the ships. Arrethtrae awaits her King!”

Under the majestic evening sky in the heart of the Kingdom Across the Sea, the distant cry of the people of Chessington had been heard, and the heart of a King was moved.

CHESSINGTON'S HOUR

We left the Kingdom Across the Sea and sailed back to Arrethtrae, where the massive and evil army of Lucius would soon be descending upon Chessington. Our force disembarked far enough southeast of Chessington to escape the attention of all. The journey to the hills east of the city was made at night under the protection of dark. The full moon was enough to light our way. Just beyond the crest of the near horizon lay the Chessington Valley. The Prince sent a small contingent of Silent Warriors to scout the approach of Lucius's army. By the time of their return, the direction of the deadly force was already evident by the rising dust cloud to the north where the higher lands of the plains were dry.

The voyage across the Great Sea and across the southern kingdom to this place has afforded me time to remember. And upon this trek I have shared the saga of this great kingdom
with all who would listen, for its telling has changed the destinies of many people. But my time of reflection is over, and the future is unknown.

Once again, the Chessington Valley north of the city would host the battle of the ages, just as it had when Leinad and the Knights of Chessington faced Zane and his army many years before. As I scanned the horizon from left to right, my eyes came to rest on the line of gallant knights and Silent Warriors beside me that stretched as far as the eye could see. I saw Sir Gavinaugh, a brilliant sword affixed on each side of his belt—for now both arms were whole and skilled instruments of the King's judgment. There was also the mighty Leinad, whose eyes were fixed upon the Prince before us, now ready to give our orders.

“Silent Warriors and Knights of the Prince,” the Prince said loudly for all to hear, “this is the day of deliverance for Chessington and all of Arrethtrae! Let your hearts be bold and your faith be sure, for I am with you. Today is the Day of Judgment for Lucius. His reign of tyranny is over. Today is the day of victory for freedom!”

The entire force of gallant knights raised their swords in silent celebration, for the shouts of thousands would carry too close to the ears of our enemy.

“Captains, approach,” commanded the Prince. Dressed in full battle armor shining in the light of the early dawn, He exuded fierce power.

Micalem was already at His side. Gabrik broke from the ranks of the Silent Warriors, as did Leinad, Tess, Gavinaugh,
Keanna, Weston, William, and I. We joined the Prince to await our orders. Keef and Ramon were captains also, but were not present. I looked at the faces of my companions. All were experienced veterans of the sword and of battle. I was humbled and honored to be in their presence. From peasant boy to captain of the Prince's army, such noble company made me feel undeserving.