Kingdom's Reign by Chuck Black

been.
If only you had believed
, I thought.
If only you had believed
.
    Although she was a broken woman, Kendra seemed comforted by William’s strong arm and Talea’s sympathetic eyes.
    We left for Elttaes the next morning. I figured we would make it by mid to late afternoon. We did not have an extra horse for Kendra, so she rode with William. The scenery was beautiful and lush. At times we traveled in meadows between the breaks in the thick forest walls. The road was narrow, but it sufficed. After a few hours of riding, we came to a small clearing that ended in a growth of thick trees. The road was the only place where the trees broke open. As we approached, Talea became anxious.
    I stopped the men. “What is it, Talea?” I asked.
    Her face was stern and a bit fearful. We all listened for a moment, and then Talea quickly drew her sword from her scabbard. A moment later all of our swords were drawn.
    â€œWhere, Talea?” I said, feeling the tension of the moment rise.
    â€œAll around, Cedric,” she said. “All around!”
    Kendra held tightly to William’s waist, and the stark fear we had seen in her earlier returned.
    â€œBrenton, fall back!” I called to the captain, but it was too late.
    They came at us from all sides, and we had no time to form battle lines. In an instant, we were fighting for our lives against a force of renegade warriors that was twice as many as our own. The clashing of our swords filled the forest with the sounds of a desperate battle. This time, there were no Silent Warriors to call … 
We
were the warriors. William’s fight was most difficult since he had to protect Kendra. I tried to cover his back, but there were vicious men all over. Talea fought like a true Knight of the Prince—as did all of the men. Our enemies were visibly surprised at how skilled our forces were, but we would soon be overrun simply because of their numbers. Three of my men were already down. As we fought, I spotted their leader circling the battle from behind.
    â€œBrenton!” I commanded. “Take two men and make a break for Elttaes!” I shouted above the yells and crashing steel. Elttaes was not too far for a horse at full gallop. This battle would not last long, but at least there was a chance.
    â€œNo need, sir. Look!” He pointed to the line of trees.
    From the road in the trees to Elttaes came the delicious sight of our rescue. Cullen broke through first, followed by fifteen knights with swords drawn and ready for battle.
    Although we were still outnumbered, the fight quickly turned in our favor. Soon there were fewer of them than us. The skill of the Knights of the Prince far surpassed that of any band of renegades. They fell into retreat, but we pursued. It was not enough just to survive—we owed the people ofthe kingdom freedom from the likes of men such as these. William, Talea, and a few men stayed behind to care for our wounded.

    â€œCullen,” I called and pointed toward the enemy leader as he entered the trees. He nodded, and we focused our attention on him. After a feverish chase through the trees, we surrounded the man and ordered him to disarm and dismount. I commanded the man to be bound and began questioning him.
    â€œWho are you?” I asked. The man’s only reply was a disdainful look and silence.
    â€œWhy do you fight against the Prince and His knights?” I was angry, for some of my men were wounded if not dead because of him. At the mention of the Prince, the man spit at me and cursed.
    â€œYour Prince claims to bring freedom to Arrethtrae, but it is not freedom for everyone … only for
His
people!” he replied.
    I restrained myself. “The Prince wants the best for all. Only those who work evil deeds are imprisoned and punished.”
    â€œThen you admit that there is not freedom for everyone?”
    I shook my head. “The freedom you talk of would deny others their freedom.