Kingdom's Quest by Chuck Black

to us, but we cannot deny your skill or your victory this day. You are indeed champion of the Tournament of Lords!”
    The crowd gave a riotous ovation that could not be easily quieted. After some time, the duke spoke again.
    â€œCome and choose a lady from the nobility upon which to bestow the honor of Lady of the Tournament of Lords.”
    The duke motioned to the ladies seated about him. There were many beautiful and dignified ladies. Those who had received such an honor before wore pendants signifying such. The master tournament official came and guided Gavinaugh up one of the staircases and onto the ceremonial platform. The duke presented him with a pendant and a royal robe that he was to bequeath to the chosen lady. The pendant was bright gold with a ruby set amid intricate inlays. The robe was as exquisite a garment as Gavinaugh had ever seen, made of red velvet with white lace edgings. The collar was cream colored silk that shined like the moon off the still Crimson River.
    Gavinaugh looked into the faces of the women. Some sat with a dignified look of propriety, while others seemed to beg with their eyes to be chosen. Two nights before the tournament began, there had been a ball where the knights and ladies were to become acquainted, but Gavinaugh’s late arrival and selection for the tournament had caused him to miss the affair. He was thankful, for being in the presence of the Thecian nobility felt like being back in the world of the Noble Knights.He looked out into the faces of the common people and thought of the Prince. The Prince had not chosen the Noble Knights; He had chosen peasants. And Gavinaugh had seen more nobility in the hearts of those peasants than he had ever seen in the upper estates. And beyond that, the Prince had now chosen the Outdwellers since the people of Chessington had rejected Him.
    Gavinaugh folded the robe over his right arm and held the pendant in his hand. He walked down the staircase away from the nobility.
    â€œSir Gavinaugh, you must choose a lady,” the duke said sternly.
    Gavinaugh paused midway down the staircase. “I shall, good sir.”
    The crowd began to murmur. They had never seen a knight so boldly cast aside the traditions of men.
    Gavinaugh continued down the staircase and walked toward Keanna. As he approached, she stepped aside to let him pass, but he did not pass by. He faced her and looked into her eyes—eyes filled with wonder and puzzlement. He held out his left arm for her, but she backed away, shaking her head.
    â€œKeanna, in the eyes of the King we are all equal—there is neither nobleman nor peasant. What He sees are people who need a Deliverer. When we accept that, we become royalty, like His Son. You may consider yourself a peasant, but the King sees a princess … and so do I.”
    Keanna stared blankly at Gavinaugh and then lowered her head. Since he had never expressed his feelings to her before, he wondered if such words might rekindle the animosity she had previously felt for him. She looked back up at him, and he saw that her eyes were moist. She slowly took his arm, and they proceeded up the staircase. There was great commotion in the crowd. On the platform, Gavinaugh took the royal robe and placed it upon Keanna’s shoulders. He then fastened the pendant about her neck. She turned to face Gavinaugh, and he was taken once again with her beauty.
    Gavinaugh addressed the awestruck crowd. “The Prince I spoke of is coming again to rule in honor and in truth. Open your eyes andbelieve, for He calls each of you, whether noble or peasant. He cares not of the stature of a man but of the condition of his heart. All are equal in the eyes of the Prince!”
    Gavinaugh turned to face Keanna, bowed deeply to her, and then proclaimed, “I present to you, Lady Keanna of Arrethtrae … Lady of the Tournament of Lords!”
    The applause was slow to begin, but as it started with the common people, it