Kingdom's Quest by Chuck Black Page A

spread quickly. Within a few moments, there was an ovation mixed with shouts that shook the stadium. Even the nobility eventually joined, for they looked foolish to remain still.
    Gavinaugh held his hand out to Keanna, and she slipped her hand in his. Though soiled by the dust of the arena, the warmth of his touch seemed to flow up her arm and fill her heart. She could no longer deny the strong feelings she had for him. When Gavinaugh nearly died during the battle against Bavol, she felt as though she would die herself. The feelings she had suppressed were laid bare by the threat of his death, and her heart pleaded with the King to save him. Now, in the presence of twenty-five thousand, he had lifted her from peasantry to nobility in an instant.
    The roar of the crowd continued to fill the amphitheater, and Keanna didn’t know how to respond to such a thing. At first she was horribly embarrassed and wanted to disappear, but the response from the crowd was overwhelming, and soon she could not help the tears that spilled onto her cheeks as she looked about the amphitheater. The tears she shed watered the seeds of forgiveness in her heart. They cast the beast of vengeance away. They healed the wounds of anguish. They welcomed the hope of love. Lady Keanna had arrived, and it was all because of the Prince.
    Gavinaugh held her hand and turned her to face the people. Her hand felt delicate in his, and he sensed no hurry from her to abandon his touch. They descended the stairs, and he called for Triumph. He readied himself to lift her onto Triumph’s back, but she hesitated andlooked at him. She smiled through her tears, reached up, and gently kissed his cheek. He felt forgiven all over again and thought his heart might leap from his chest. He lifted her onto Triumph and then walked beside her, leading Triumph toward the north gate. All the while, the cheers of the crowd did not diminish.
    This Tournament of Lords would not be easily forgotten by the people of Thecia, for a Knight of the Prince had come to proclaim His work among the Outdwellers and bring true nobility within reach of the common people.

OLD MASTER
    Garamond became strong in the ways of the Code, and his heart embraced the teachings of the Prince with great fervor. His home became a haven for the training of other Knights of the Prince. After many weeks there, teaching and training the new recruits, Gavinaugh called for Weston, Sandon, and Keanna.
    â€œIt is time to return to Chessington,” Gavinaugh said.
    Sandon and Keanna did not fully understand what this meant, but Weston did.
    â€œThat is not wise, Gavinaugh,” he said. “You know that Kifus and the Noble Knights would love nothing better than for you to go to Chessington. At Cresthaven, I met with Sir Nias, and he assured me that Kifus’s desire to find you is greater than ever, especially since your fame is spreading throughout the kingdom. If you go to Chessington, you can expect to hang.”
    Weston spoke more strongly than Gavinaugh had ever heard, and Sandon and Keanna were obviously disturbed by his words.
    â€œI appreciate your concern, Weston, but you cannot persuade me otherwise. I must meet with our fellow knights there, and if perchance I should meet with Kifus, then so be it. His sword is no more deadly than any others we have faced. The Prince will be with us.”
    Weston did not look pleased, and although there was great division in their thinking, the three Knights of the Prince and Keanna prepared for their journey to the center of the kingdom … Chessington!
    On the day of their departure, many difficult farewells were made, especially the one with Julian.
    â€œIt is an honor to have served you, Sir Gavinaugh,” Julian said stoically, trying to hide the quiver in his voice.
    Gavinaugh knelt down and placed a hand on the lad’s shoulder.
    â€œThe honor is mine, young knight,” Gavinaugh said and gazed deeply into the bright eyes of the