by Chuck Black
Landor’s voice dropped only to a whisper. “Only those who become Vincero Knights learn the full truth of the dungeons.”
“And you were such a one?” Kendrick tried to imagine Landor as a bloodthirsty knight whose sole purpose was to destroy, but all he could see was a man who risked his life to save his own and Duncan’s. It didn’t make any sense. “Why did you leave?” Kendrick asked.
Landor walked over to the tree, placed his hand on its thick trunk, and leaned against it. He lowered his head and Kendrick could tell he was struggling with something deep.
“I was one of Lord Ra’s loyal Vincero Knights. For years I did his bidding and destroyed many people … many homes … many dreams. I gathered a band of murderous thieves to broaden my influence, much as Lord Ra has done, and to insulate me from the crimes. Then one day something snapped inside me and I … I couldn’t …”
Landor swallowed hard. He straightened and turned to face Kendrick. “I couldn’t do it anymore. That day I mounted my horse and rode. I rode until night fell and then rode the next day too, caring not what direction I took or where I ended up. When I stopped, I hid, because I knew that once you belonged to Lord Ra, you always belonged to him. I knew he would come for me, and he did—over and over and over. He sent other Vincero Knights after me—at first to bring me back, later to kill me. I have been running and hiding for many years.”
Landor’s voice grew heavy with weariness. “I am tired. When you came to me, I … well, I found it impossible to refuse you.” He looked straight into Kendrick’s eyes and smiled sadly. “Your heart seemed so pure, even after having endured your own tragedy. I found myself curiously refreshed by your goodness. I … wanted more. And now.” He paused, a look of bafflement on his face.
Kendrick walked over to Landor and placed a hand on his shoulder. “I am neither pure nor good, Landor, and it is not me you seek. What you see in me is the work of the Prince, for only He is pure and good. He has called all who are weary and heavy laden, my friend. Through Him you will find rest. He came to restore this land, these people”—Kendrick swept his hand as if to include the whole region—“and to restore you, no matter what you’ve done. He came also to destroy the strongholds Lucius has built and to free those who are in bondage!” Kendrick stood tall and faced his new friend. “That is why I’m going back.”
Landor looked at Kendrick in disbelief. “To Ra’s castle?”
Kendrick nodded. “Lord Ra and the castle of Bel Lione must be destroyed and his captives set free.”
“My friend,” Landor said quietly. “We overcame those two warriors because of surprise, not because of our might. Ra commands an army of guards, knights, and warriors that strikes terror into the hearts of all. Men don’t fight him; they flee from him. You still don’t understand his power!”
Kendrick shook his head. “No, Landor. You still don’t understand the Prince! Tomorrow I ride for Chessington to call all Knights of the Prince to arms against Lord Ra. Ride with me and see what great and mighty things the King and His Son are doing in the hearts of men and women across the land. It is time to retake this region, not hide in fear.”
Landor looked at Kendrick and did not scoff at him this time. Something in Kendrick’s passion seemed to crack the wall that he had built around his heart … something powerful.
CALL TO COURAGE!
The following morning, Kendrick rose and began his preparations for the journey back to Chessington. He went to the stable to saddle Pilgrim and found Landor packing his own steed.
“Going somewhere, Sir Landor?” Kendrick asked.
Landor chuckled. “It turns out that a certain madman has invited me on a journey. I am found with some time on my hands and thought I might join him.”
Kendrick laughed and slapped his friend on the back. “I can promise you one thing. When you say yes to the Prince, you had better hang on tight, for His stallion rides far and fast!”
The two men finished packing their mounts and went together to see Duncan. Elise was smiling when they entered the room. Duncan turned his head and opened his eyes.
“You’re awake,” Kendrick said, crossing over to the bedside.
The young man raised his forearm off the bed to reach for Kendrick, who carefully took his hand.
“I owe you my life, Kendrick,” Duncan said.
Kendrick thought he still looked like he had just been dragged behind a horse, but he was elated to see him awake and talking. “We’ve been worried about you, my young friend.”
“I am well taken care of.” Duncan managed something like a smile on his swollen face. He motioned with his eyes to Elise without turning his head.
Kendrick looked to Elise, who was wiping a tear away from her eye. “Yes. You are well taken care of.”
“You look like you are on a mission.” Duncan made an attempt to look past Kendrick to Landor, who still stood in the doorway.
Kendrick motioned for Landor to come closer. “Duncan, meet the man who truly saved your life … and mine. Sir Landor.”
Landor shook his head as if contradicting the statement, but Duncan held out a hand to him.
“Sir Landor, I am truly grateful. Your courage and nobility is something I shall aspire to.”
Landor seemed challenged as to how to respond. He just nodded.
“Duncan,” Kendrick said. “Landor and I are about to leave for Chessington to meet with the council. I go to call the Knights of the Prince to ride against Lord Ra and his castle.”
Duncan’s eyes widened and he tried to sit up, grimacing with each movement. Kendrick and Elise put their hands to his shoulders.
“Duncan, what are you doing?” Kendrick asked.
“I must come with you … this is too important … please!” Duncan pleaded.
Kendrick put on a stern face. “You’re in no condition to make this journey. Lie down, rest, and heal. It will be many days before I can gather a large enough force to attack Ra. If you have recovered by the time I return, you can join us.”
Duncan had no more energy to argue. He settled back to his bed and closed his eyes. He nodded once. “The King reigns!” he said as he grabbed Kendrick’s hand again.
“And His Son!” Kendrick replied, gripping Duncan’s hand as a farewell.
Elise followed the two men out of the room.
Kendrick put a gentle hand on her shoulder. “Take care of him … if you can.”
“I shall try.” She smiled up at Kendrick. “He is strong. If I can keep him resting, I am certain he will recover quickly.” She gave Kendrick a quick hug. “May the Prince be with you.”
Kendrick gently hugged her back. “And with you.”
Despite his concern for Duncan and eagerness to ride against Lord Ra, Kendrick enjoyed the six-day journey to Chessington with Landor. They spent some time riding in companionable silence and some time talking. Kendrick found himself growing quite fond of the older gentleman. When their discourse offered Kendrick an opportunity, he gently turned the conversation to the Prince—the mighty works He had done and was doing in the kingdom. Landor listened carefully but made few comments, and Kendrick was not inclined to push.
When they arrived at Chessington, a special council meeting was called. Kendrick relayed all the past events and his discoveries to William and the rest of the council, who voted unanimously to provide Kendrick with as much support as possible. A call immediately went out from Chessington for all Knights of the Prince who were able to join forces with Kendrick against Lord Ra and the castle of Bel Lione.
All through the following week, many men and women arrived to join Kendrick. They came not for fame, not for fortune, not for power, but for love of the Prince. Landor was amazed at how this loyalty transcended boundaries of family, class, dialect, and region. By week’s end, more than five hundred knights had gathered to journey with Kendrick back to Bel Lione or had sent word that they would meet him there.
Fearing that such a large force would draw too much attention from Lord Ra, the
council heeded Landor’s suggestion to divide into smaller teams. No more than five knights would travel together in a group, to arrive at different times from different directions. The thickly forested region far north of Bel Lione was chosen as an encampment site, for they could make their way closest to the castle gate unseen from that direction.
Over the course of the next five days, the Knights of the Prince departed Chessington and traveled north over multiple routes. Kendrick and Landor were among the last to leave and so arrived back at Lions-gate nearly four weeks after they’d left there. Duncan greeted them in the courtyard with his sword on his belt and a broad smile upon his face.
“I thought you’d never get here,” he said. “Were you successful?”
“Yes,” Kendrick replied.
Landor shook his head, frowning. “It is not enough. Lord Ra will have nearly one thousand guards, knights, and Shadow Warriors within the castle, and who knows how many Vinceros.”
“It will have to be enough,” Kendrick said, refusing to be discouraged. “How are you feeling, Duncan?”
“Fit and ready for battle.” He placed his hand on the hilt of his sword.
Kendrick looked him over. He wasn’t entirely convinced.
“You couldn’t keep me from this battle if you tried,” Duncan added defiantly.
“No. I don’t suppose I could.” Kendrick put a hand to his young friend’s shoulder. “Come, let’s talk.”
Most of the volunteer force was already in place by the time Kendrick, Duncan, and Landor arrived at the encampment north of Bel Lione. The three knights then spent many hours in the campaign tent with the five captains who had been selected to help lead the force, relating all they knew about Ra and the castle and carefully plotting their assault.
“We must gain entrance to the castle before there is any discovery of an attack,” Landor insisted, and many knights nodded in agreement. “If they manage to drop the gates and raise the drawbridge, your battle will end before it begins.”
Landor unrolled a rough plan of the castle that he and Duncan had managed to sketch out. The knights were gathered around a table, searching the map for any possible weakness.
“I agree with Landor,” Kendrick said. “Laying siege to the castle is not an option. They would surely outlast us, and who knows what would happen to the prisoners. With our numbers, it is paramount we gain access to the castle secretly.”
“From what you have told us, getting even one knight into the castle undetected seems impossible,” a knight named Winston said. “How in the kingdom are we to get five hundred?”
Silence followed his question. No one had an answer.
“These woods come close to the drawbridge,” Duncan offered, pointing to an area northwest of the castle gate. “Perhaps if we rush upon them from the edge of the woods, they will not have enough time to secure the castle.”
Landor shook his head. “You must all understand that Lord Ra’s spies are everywhere. He knows almost everything that happens in this region. Although we are far away, I’d be surprised if he doesn’t already know we are here. It would take a miracle to bring a force of five hundred to the edge of his castle without his knowledge.”
“Would a diversion of some sort help?” asked another knight.
“What did you have in mind?” Kendrick asked in return.
“You said that youth are let in for the monthly festivals and the weekly fetes. Could we get one of them to do something from within?”
“Yes!” Duncan said. “There are a number of thatched wooden shelters near the games court. If those could be set aflame …”
A murmur of approval ran around the table. Fire within a castle is always a great concern, for there is much to burn and little to stop it.
“Yes,” Landor said. “But Duncan has already proven that Ra and his warriors can identify even a young knight with relative ease.”
Duncan took a deep breath, knowing Landor spoke the truth. Even before Casimir identified him at the festival, the Shadow Warriors had been watching him.
“We would have to ask a youth to do it,” Winston said. “One who is no apparent threat to Ra and his warriors.”
“I’ll do it.”
With those words, the back wall of the tent lifted up. Eight knights reached for their swords, then replaced them when they recognized the speaker was but a lad of sixteen.
“Ancel,” Kendrick said fiercely, “what are you doing here?”
“I’ll do it!” Ancel repeated.
“How long have you been listening, son?” Winston asked.
Ancel stood straighter. “Long enough to know you need me to set fire to the castle.”
Winston exited the tent, and the men inside heard him rebuke the knights who were supposed to be standing watch over their encampment. Extra knights were assigned, and he quickly returned.
Ancel turned to Kendrick. “Please, sir. I was foolish, and I caused Duncan—and you—great harm. Now I am certain Lord Ra was behind the death of my father, and he has brought great pain to many in Bel Lione. I’ve watched my friends change, and one of them even disappeared because of him. Let me join you and help destroy this monster. I am not afraid!”
Kendrick looked to the faces of his fellow leaders. No one offered any objection. It was the only plan thus far that had any credence.
“I will discuss it with your mother,” he told the boy. “The decision will be hers.”
Ancel nodded, and the rest of the knights seemed encouraged.
“We still need to secure the gate and drawbridge before we reveal our force,” Winston said. “This diversion will help us do that, but how do we take advantage of it?”
The men returned their attention to the map on the table.
“There is only one option,” Kendrick said as he stroked his short beard. He pointed to a place on the northeast grounds beyond the castle wall. Landor slowly nodded his head in agreement.
“What is there?” a captain asked.
“It’s the secret passageway Landor and I took to rescue Duncan,” Kendrick said. “If we are fortunate, they may not have discovered it yet. We were careful to cover our tracks.”
“But it leads to the second level of the dungeons,” Duncan said. “That is a fair distance from the front gate. A force coming in that way would surely be detected before they reached the gate.”
Most of the knights nodded. “It seems impossible,” one of them said.
“There is a way,” Landor replied.
He threw a metal disk onto the map. It spun about, oscillating in its circular fall until it came to rest directly over the gate of the castle.
It was the medallion of a Vincero Knight.
The stunned captains glared at him with suspicion in their gaze.
“Be at peace, gentlemen,” Kendrick said. “Landor was indeed a Vincero Knight. But he has risked his life twice for us, and I am proud to call him my friend. You have my word you can trust him.” Kendrick locked eyes with Landor across the table. “I do.”
Silence hung in the room for a long moment as the knights exchanged glances, then reached an unspoken agreement.
Winston nodded to Landor. “What do you propose?”
“I will enter the dungeons as a Vincero Knight escorting three prisoners to their cells. This is not unusual.” Landor pointed to the map as if he could see the events unfolding beneath his finger. “We will make our way to the castle gate and secure it while Ancel’s fire is burning. Then the rest of the force will enter through the gate, and your battle will begin.”
“It is too dangerous,” Kendrick said. “Ra is still looking for you, and if you are discovered—”
Landor cut him off. “It is the only way.”
“And I will go with Landor,” Duncan added.
“No—” Kendrick protested, but Duncan interrupted.
“Kendrick, I am the only other one who has seen the dungeons and knows the layout. Landor will need me. There is no other choice.”
Ken
drick wrestled with the logic of the suggestion and then finally yielded. He slowly nodded, and the other knights agreed.
“So be it. Find two more volunteers,” he said to the captains. “They must be young or at least look young.”
“One of the female knights would make our ruse even more believable,” Landor added.
The men discussed a few more details of the mission and agreed the assault would begin on the following evening, in conjunction with the weekly fete. After all was finished, they adjourned. Duncan went with the captains to find two more volunteers for their mission, but Landor stayed behind with Kendrick. His words were solemn.
“Even if all goes according to plan—which I have my doubts about since we have hinged our whole operation on the success of a boy—you still don’t have enough men to defeat Ra and his warriors. I fear you are leading them all to a slaughter.”
Kendrick considered Landor’s words carefully. He laid a hand on his shoulder. “My friend, I find myself more and more indebted to you with each passing day, for you have sacrificed much and risked even more on my behalf. Your wisdom and logic have become my greatest ally, and I want you to know I take your warning very seriously. But you must understand we are doing more here than storming a castle. We are fighting to bring hope to a land that does not understand it, for they do not understand the Prince. It is my hope that one day you yourself will come to believe in Him.”
Kendrick looked deep into Landor’s eyes and could see the desire but not the evidence. Landor put his hand on Kendrick’s.
“You have shown me many wonderful things that would testify to the existence of this man you call the Prince, but the greatest of them all is your heart.”
Kendrick nodded and accepted the honor of his words. They prepared to leave, but Landor looked once again at Kendrick.
“I must admit that your Prince is no longer a fairy tale to me.”
Kendrick responded with a smile. “It’s a start.”
Later Kendrick took Ancel back to Lady Odette and shared the events of the evening with her. Ancel was quiet as Kendrick described the plan for entering the castle. He didn’t implore her to agree, for his own heart could hardly justify the danger the boy would be in.