by Chuck Black
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.
For some time there was little to report, and the months passed without serious incident. But eventually it became apparent to Gavin that the stranger’s influence over the citizens of Chessington was growing stronger.
Lord Kifus called for another meeting of the Noble Knights. They gathered from all across the city of Chessington into the great hall. As usual, there were many pockets of discussion throughout the room. Gavin looked toward Demus and Braden. They had chosen a table off to the side of the hall and were not joining in the discussion. Oddly, they were not
even speaking to each other. Gavin supposed they were gathering their thoughts for the report they were to give the assembly.
The hall was called to order, and Lord Kifus rose with an air of authority. As time had separated him from his encounter with the stranger, Kifus had slowly reclaimed his pride and prestige among the men.
“Sir Demus and Sir Braden, tell us what you have learned of this traitor.”
Gavin noted that Kifus’s selection of Demus and Braden as observers had not been an impromptu decision. Kifus’s actions, Gavin knew, were always purposeful and planned. Of all the Noble Knights, Demus and Braden had the best rapport with the people. They were good friends and were often seen in Chessington together. Kifus knew the people would be much freer with information about the stranger to Demus and Braden than to any of the other knights.
Of the two men, Demus was the more reflective and Braden the more outspoken. Braden rose to offer their report. “Lord Kifus and Noble Knights of Chessington,” Braden spoke loud enough for all to hear. “We have followed this stranger and observed his actions for many days now. We can confirm that he is indeed a traitor, for he is actively training a force of men in defiance of our law. He is continuing his heresy of speaking against us and of proclaiming himself Son of the King.”
“This is an outrage!” Sir Jayden rose to his feet with a clenched fist and a red face that clearly indicated his anger. “Lord Kifus, how can we let this continue? We are being shamed and disgraced before our own people, and we sit and do nothing!”
The assembly of knights joined with Sir Jayden in denouncing the stranger and his actions. There were many calls for death to the stranger. The roar of protests filled the hall, and Kifus found it difficult to regain order.
Kifus eventually quelled the knights. “Sir Demus, what have you to report?”
Demus looked a bit surprised. He slowly rose, and Gavin noticed that Demus and Braden momentarily locked eyes.
“Lord Kifus, what Sir Braden reports is indeed true. However, action must be taken with great caution, for this stranger has an ally that we do not—and a powerful one it is.” Demus paused and looked as if he did not want to continue.
“Who is this ally you speak of, Sir Demus?” Kifus asked.
Demus spoke hesitantly, for this statement would offend most of the knights present. “The people of Chessington.” Numerous looks of disdain were directed at Demus.
Kifus looked concerned.
Demus continued before losing the men’s attention. “We have won the respect of our citizens, but we have not won their favor. This stranger has done both. His words and his skill with the sword have captured the hearts of the people in a way I have never seen. Whatever action we take must be done without stirring the people against us. His influence is growing more and more each day, and time is not on our side.”
Demus sat down, as did Braden. Kifus looked long and hard at Demus, and the knights waited for a response.
Kifus led the Noble Knights because of his skill with the sword, but a savvy mind was as much a weapon for him as a sharp blade. “Sir Demus speaks truth to us, gentlemen.” He nodded toward Demus. The tension in the hall abated somewhat, and Gavin saw Demus relax slightly.
“The stranger is not only skilled with the sword but is a cunning deceiver as well. We all know the foolishness of the people. This man has taken advantage of this and has become a great threat to the Code, the King, and our beloved city.” He looked toward Braden and Demus. “Is the stranger ever alone?”
“Not that we have ever seen or are aware of,” Braden replied. “He often trains with his men in the hills east of Chessington.”
“Very well,” Kifus said. “We will move when he is in the hills, away from the people. We know his men are unskilled and foolhardy. They are not a threat. Braden, Demus, and Jayden will attack him and reveal him to be what he truly is—a traitor.” Kifus looked to the three men. “Upon his defeat, you will command him to leave our city forever. But if he resists unto death … then so be it.”
This plan pleased the men, and Jayden looked delighted at the prospect of killing the stranger. The assembly was dismissed, but Gavin remained longer than usual. He walked toward Braden and Demus and heard quiet but strong words being exchanged between them. At Gavin’s approach Braden saluted and dismissed himself.
“Sir Demus, your services to the King have been admirable,” Gavin said.
Demus bowed his head slightly. “Thank you, Sir Gavin.”
Demus and Gavin were fair acquaintances, and there was a genuine mutual respect between them. Gavin quickly scanned the room and relaxed his tone to one of familiarity. “You have never hidden your heart very well, my friend. What troubles you?”
Sir Demus was one of the older Noble Knights, and the slight wisps of gray near his temples seemed to add to the wisdom that was always present in his words. He never rushed into a situation without first considering the consequences and evaluating every option.
Demus looked into Gavin’s eyes as if to question his motives. “I do not want to fight this stranger,” he said plainly.
Demus was a quiet man, but Gavin had never known him to be fearful. Or worse—a coward.
“I can understand your reservation, Demus. He is a skilled swordsman. There is no doubt of that. But surely with three of you the fight cannot last long and you are sure to be victorious.”
“I am not concerned with the outcome, Gavin,” Demus said. “I am concerned with”—Demus looked at Gavin directly—“our cause.”
Demus had just revealed a very dangerous possibility to him. Gavin paused and tried to discern the sincerity of Demus’s comment. “What are you saying, Demus?” Gavin could feel anger rising within him. “That this stranger is something other than a traitor? That there is some flaw in our judgment of this madman?”
“No, of course not,” Demus said with some reserve.
Gavin looked sternly at Demus. “You have a duty and an obligation to fulfill your mission. Do not let the charisma of a lunatic cloud your judgment, Demus!”
Demus’s countenance revealed his own anger. “Are you questioning my loyalty, Gavin? I have dedicated my life to defending this city and my brothers here. My sword will not fail to defend the honor of the Noble Knights!”
Demus turned abruptly and left Gavin without another word. Gavin was further disturbed and somewhat surprised, for such a response from Demus was uncharacteristic. The influence of the stranger was reaching far beyond a few disgruntled peasants in the city, and Gavin was quickly becoming aware of the magnitude of the danger. He hoped that this surprise attack by three of their best knights would end it all, but in the shadows of his heart he saw a beginning—not an end.
TROUBLED HEART
Demus, Braden, and Jayden converged upon the stranger without regard for the four peasants who were with him. The peasants were no match for the Noble Knights, and everyone in the hills that day knew it. Just prior to their engagement, one of the peasants threw his sword to the stranger. Wielding a sword in each hand seemed as natural for him as handling just one. The knights tried to encircle him, but steep terrain prevented their attempt, so they maneuvered apart to divide the stranger’s attention.
Sir Jayden aggressively attacked from the left and Sir Braden from the right, while Sir Demus engaged the man from the front. Seeing the stranger’s mastery over Kifus was incredible, but experiencing it firsthand was nothing less than terrifying for Demus. Within a few blows, Demus was awestruck at the power and skill of this traitor. With a sword in each strong hand, he thwarted and countered the flashing steel of three swords simultaneously. It seemed as though the stranger knew the exact position and direction of each attacking sword even with his eyes averted. With each cut, Demus’s sword did not simply meet resistance; it met immovable force equal to that of a brick wall. There was no giving or fainting of strength.
It was Jayden who made the first reckless attempt to kill the stranger. Apparently perceiving an opening, Jayden thrust at
the stranger from the left. In one quick motion, the stranger parried the thrust to his back, blocked a cut from Demus’s blade, and slammed the pommel of his sword into Jayden’s head. Jayden fell immediately to the ground, unconscious.
Demus and Braden intensified their fight, for the error of their misjudgment was overtaking them. Demus countered a cut and brought a vertical blow from above upon the stranger. Braden timed a knee-high cut from the side, attempting to bracket the stranger between the two approaching blades with no escape. But to Demus’s surprise, the stranger brought both swords up to block the cut from above, seeming to leave himself open to Braden’s deadly cut from below. In an instant, the stranger leapt above the approaching cut and brought a forceful heel into Braden’s chest, which sent him reeling to the ground without any air in his lungs.
Demus now faced the fierceness of the stranger’s fight alone, and fear overwhelmed him. It was no contest, and Demus knew that he was only one or two blows shy of death. This stranger, a true master of the sword, wielded two swords that had no equal. Demus held his sword before him and retreated one step, hoping only that his end would be quick and merciful. The stranger spun each sword in a circular motion and brought such strength to the double crosscut on Demus’s blade that his sword was sheared in two.
Demus prepared for death as he looked into the stranger’s face. In battle, the gaze of the victor over his defeated adversary was always full of wrath, for the blood of aggression required it. But as Demus looked into the stranger’s eyes for the first time, he was dumbfounded. There was no wrath—no fierce anger. Demus’s fear left him, and he wondered at his own heart. The stranger’s gaze penetrated him like the steel of a blade but left no wound.
By now Braden had recovered and was approaching them from behind. The stranger placed a sword at Demus’s neck, but Demus was no longer afraid. He knew his life belonged to this man, and he did not resist.