Kingdom's Call (3 page)

Fortunately—or unfortunately—an incident occurred that would change everything.

 TREACHERY!

It was awkward to say the least. The Noble Knights were all gathered in Lord Kifus's great hall two days after the “incident,” and there was no boisterous bragging or jesting, only whispers. This day it was the incident that brought the powerful knights together, but the reason for the gathering also made it awkward. Sir Gavin knew that even two days was too long to wait for a discussion of the incident with Lord Kifus and the other knights, but he also knew that Lord Kifus needed time to recover from the sting of embarrassment.

Lord Kifus was the last to enter the hall, and when he did, all the knights rose to their feet in respect. As Kifus arrived behind his seat at the head table, the room resounded with the bright noise of steel on steel as all one hundred Noble Knights drew their swords and raised them above their heads.

“For King and Code!” they shouted in unison.

Kifus returned his sword to his scabbard, as did the other knights. Soon all the men were seated, and the awkward silence returned.

Lord Kifus seemed different today. As the leader of the Noble Knights, his authority was unquestioned. Over the years, he had proven himself the most skilled warrior in all of Chessington. No one had ever dared to challenge Lord Kifus—until the incident. He was a powerful knight who possessed not only skill with the sword but also a sharp and cunning mind. His dark hair and beard were slightly streaked with wisps of white that added to his noble stature. As he gazed across the room, most of the knights averted their eyes to avoid his stare. Gavin wanted to as well, but his curiosity about how Lord Kifus would handle himself overpowered him. For the first time in his life, Gavin saw a crack in Kifus's confidence. It was not easily seen, for it was covered with anger and spite, but it was there nonetheless.

The incident of two days ago hadn't left Gavin's mind for even a moment. He had been there, and a stranger had embarrassed not only Lord Kifus but every Noble Knight in the square. Quite simply, a girl had been caught stealing, and the law called for Lord Kifus to cut off her right hand as punishment. It was a harsh retribution, but it was necessary according to the law of the Noble Knights. Without order, chaos would reign. It was then that this stranger intervened and challenged Kifus and two other knights. He looked like a peasant until he drew a magnificent sword and prevented the young lass from enduring the edge of Kifus's sword.

Kifus naturally turned his sword upon the stranger, and soon it was evident that this impetuous man was much more than a brave-hearted, foolish peasant. The duel between the mighty Lord Kifus and this stranger was brief and decisive. The man actually disarmed Kifus and then countered the attack of two other Noble Knights simultaneously. Gavin could not deny the mastery of this newcomer, but his words of treachery against the Noble Knights, the King, and Arrethtrae enraged him.

Kifus straightened his back and spoke. “Undoubtedly there has been much private talk about what happened the other day. The whispers of the city are an insult to the Code, to the King, and to all of us Noble Knights.”

Kifus stood, and deep anger reddened his face as he leaned forward to finish his words. “Do not let your own lips be guilty of this insult!”

After a moment of silently staring at the knights, he seated himself and regained his composure.

“Gentlemen, we have a problem. There is a skilled man of defiance among us. What say you on this matter?”

Sir Jayden rose to speak. He was a fierce man, quick to action and patient with none. He was one of the two knights who had attacked the stranger from behind. “This traitor to the King deserves one thing and one thing only—death! No one has the right to defy the authority of the Noble Knights or to say such treasonous words against the King and live!”

“Hear! Hear!” Many knights exclaimed their approval.

Sir Camden rose and settled the hall with outstretched
arms. He was one of the wise knights. Everyone knew that his actions were carefully planned and well thought out.

“Sir Camden,” Kifus addressed him. “Impart some wisdom to this assembly.”

“Lord Kifus,” Camden began, “despite his apparent skill with the sword, this stranger most certainly is a traitor. However, even a man of skill can be a fool. And if not a fool, then most certainly a lunatic.” Sir Camden paused to let his fellow knights think on his words.

“Perhaps he is both,” Camden continued, “for only a lunatic would claim to be the Son of the King while dressed in peasant garb, and only a fool could find followers more foolish than himself to join his cause, as was evidenced in the square two days ago.”

Many nods of affirmation came from the other knights. “What does one do with a fool and a lunatic, Sir Camden?” Lord Kifus asked.

“In time, his followers will see their folly and the false hope of personal grandeur, and the city will see his lunacy. Time, Lord Kifus. Time will kill this stranger for us.” Sir Camden seated himself and basked in his own words of wisdom and the accolades from surrounding comrades.

The assembly continued, with as many opinions expressed as there were knights present. Gavin listened to them all and was disturbed. During the incident, he had watched not only the stranger but also the response of the people. They seemed to be taken with this man despite his treachery, and Gavin knew how potentially dangerous that was.

At one point the hall was filled with the noise of dozens of simultaneous discussions among the knights. Gavin kept silent and did not freely offer his thoughts to the others.

Lord Kifus watched the men, and Gavin watched Kifus. For the first time since he had known Kifus, it was apparent that he was uncertain of what to do.

“Sir Gavin!” Kifus shouted above the rumble of discussions. The knights quieted and turned their attention to Kifus and Gavin. “We have not heard your thoughts on this matter. How should the stranger be dealt with?”

The gaze of the entire assembly fell on Gavin. Though young, he was a powerful knight, and his skill with the sword had won him the respect of every man present. He had taken fourth place in the training competition in the square two days ago. Gavin knew his height was less than that of the average knight, but his build made up for it. With loosely curled black hair, he didn't feel particularly striking—except for his penetrating blue eyes which showed a deeply felt charisma that he believed shone through. He was a man of unwavering convictions and was grateful for the trust of the other knights, who recognized his devotion to the Code.

Gavin chose his words carefully as he stood to speak. “Lord Kifus and fellow Noble Knights, through our bodies flows the blood of nobility, for we have been chosen by the King to defend this kingdom and His Code. My blood boils with anger at the insolence of this stranger in attacking what we know is true and right. However, it is not our emotions that must govern our actions. I agree with Sir Camden, for the
people appeared to be enamored with this man's traitorous but persuasive words of false justice. However, I too am confident that the effects of his deceit upon the citizens will be brief. Therefore, let us be patient and let his own foolishness reveal itself to the people. He must be punished—that is certain. Let us not forget the offenses, but mete out justice at a time when the people will not despise
us
for it, but rather
him
.”

After some time of reflection, Lord Kifus stood. “Well spoken, Sir Gavin. We will wait—but we will also watch. Sir Demus and Sir Braden, follow this man and learn all you can of him.”

The two knights nodded.

Kifus raised his sword. “For King and Code!”

“For King and Code!” echoed back the sound of ninety-nine powerful knights—knights who would never forget the incident.

 A PEASANT'S THREAT

The days following the meeting of the Noble Knights were, for the most part, uneventful. As the weeks passed, Sir Demus and Sir Braden gathered as much information about this stranger as they could. They spoke to people who'd had encounters with him and had listened to his words when the stranger spoke openly in the square about the King and the kingdom.