Kingdom's Reign by Chuck Black Page A

That is anarchy and brings destruction to the kingdom,” I replied, trying to quell the anger that was rising within me.
    â€œThere is no difference, for the Prince imprisons those who refuse His rule … and there are many!” The man glared at me with hatred in his eyes. “I want the freedom Histen offered.”
    â€œThe freedom you talk of is self-serving and brings destruction and devastation to those who are not powerful enough to defend themselves. The freedom of the Prince is selfless and brings goodness to everyone … no matter how weak or poor they might be. Only those who are wicked of heart will stand against the Prince, because they are full of pride, arrogance, and selfishness. You and those like you would not hesitate to harm and even kill others to get what you want.” My anger became evident in my voice as I leaned closer to this rebellious man’s face. “What you do not understand is that someone will always be more powerful than you, and one day he will destroy you to get what he wants. Your freedom is not freedom at all—it is bondage! Those who support Histen are fools who cannot see beyond their own petty lusts!”
    I backed away, looked at the man, and let my anger subside.He did not speak, but I could see the loathing in his eyes. I gazed upon him in pity and bewilderment—how could a heart be so cold and deny things so good? His twisted and despising frown was broken only by a repetition of foolish words full of cursing. I questioned him further to attempt to discover the whereabouts of his men, but he was insolent and made it very clear that he would not cooperate.
    â€œYou will be taken to Chessington, where you will stand before the Prince to be judged according to your deeds,” I ordered.
    The encounter with this man troubled my spirit, for only now was I beginning to understand the depth of wickedness a man’s heart could attain. Even under the blessing of a just and noble King, where peace was promised and good health was available for all, where the spirit of brotherhood was desired and prosperity thrived, some hearts refused to yield the evil they clutched so tightly. This was a sad realization—that even in paradise, serpents lingered.
    On our return back to the clearing, I had an opportunity to thank Cullen. “You saved us, Cullen. How did you know to come?”
    â€œYou said you would follow us a day later, but you didn’t arrive,” he said. “I could only assume that you ran into problems, so we came to offer help.”
    â€œWe were delayed when we stopped to help a young woman. Your timing was impeccable, sir,” I said. “Did Elttaes greet you well?”
    â€œYes, quite,” he said soberly.
    â€œYour family?” I could tell from his tone that his discovery had not been favorable.
    â€œNo one is left, Cedric. Histen’s devastation was far-reaching,” he stated.
    I touched his arm. “I’m sorry, Cullen … I truly am sorry. How is Keely doing?”
    â€œShe’ll be all right—with time.”
    We arrived back at the clearing with the leader and four other prisoners. I hurried to my fallen men while Cullen and Brenton took care of the prisoners. None of my men were dead, but William and Kendra were attending one who had taken a thrust to his chest. It was serious, but the Life Spice was strong in all of us, and it was working quickly within this man.
    William worked to stop the loss of blood. “Kendra, please fetch my water flask on my horse,” he said. She quickly walked the few paces to retrieve it.
    Cullen walked over to check on the men. “How are they doing?” he asked.
    Kendra’s back was to us, but I heard her gasp. She dropped the water flask. As she turned around, her face was pale and her mouth had dropped open.
    â€œCullen!”
    Cullen hesitated, and then his eyes became wide with excitement.