Kingdom's Hope by Chuck Black Page A

Arrethtrae. As Kergon’s fame and influence grew, Leinad observed, so did his pride. With no force strong enough to penetrate the great city, Kergon believed the title of
King
was his to take. The lesser lords could not dispute him. They either vowed their allegiance or were overthrown.
    Kergon ordained one day to confirm his crown. The palace grounds were prepared, and the boulevards were lined with all the inhabitants of the city. When the palace trumpets sounded, every man, woman, and child was to bow to demonstrate allegiance to Kergon as King of Arrethtrae.
    It was a day of pomp and ceremony in the palace, but for one man, it was a day of intense sorrow. Leinad knew he could not kneel, and he was willing to accept whatever consequences fell upon him. What saddened his heart was that others would be forced to accept the same fate orcompromise their convictions because of the fear that surely gripped them.
    Who will be strong and die … who will be weak and live?
he wondered.
Oh Tess, that I could spare you this day
.
    Kergon’s guards were placed throughout the mass of people to maintain order and to ensure submission.
    Kergon stepped onto the high balcony of his palace, which overlooked his great city, and the trumpets blew. The mass of people knelt in unison before the self-proclaimed king. All the people … except three.
    â€œKneel down, Tess!” Lady Weldon exclaimed.
    â€œI am sorry, my lady. I cannot. There is only one King of Arrethtrae, and I have already sworn my allegiance to Him.”
    â€œThis is something I cannot protect you from, Tess. Please kneel,” Lady Weldon said softly.
    Tess looked kindly on Lady Weldon. “Thank you for all you have done for me, my lady.”
    â€œKneel or you will die!” an approaching guard shouted.
    W ITHIN A SHORT TIME , L EINAD , Tess, and Audric were brought before Kergon.
    â€œIt is good to see you, old friend,” Leinad said quietly to Audric as they waited for Kergon to approach them. Leinad could tell by Audric’s tattered clothing that his captivity had been difficult.
    Audric grinned lightheartedly. “And you, my friends,” he nodded.
    Leinad’s respect for Audric had grown tremendously over the years. He was a man of intense loyalty and convictions—two qualities Leinad found lacking in most men. The forthcoming adversity seemed easier to bear knowing that Audric and Tess were by his side. From the days of Fairos until now, they had been Leinad’s faithful companions and supporters. Their devotion to the King had been steady and sure through the years. They were true Knights of the King as well. Standing tall, the three of them now faced certain death for defying Kergon’s claim to be king of Arrethtrae.
    Kergon left his balcony and approached them, anger burning in his eyes. He was a distinguished-looking man with a beard that held streaks of gray. He carried himself with an authority that demanded submission from all of his subjects—almost all.
    At his approach, the four guards surrounding Leinad, Tess, and Audric saluted. Kergon stopped before them with his chin raised slightly.
    â€œI am told that the three of you have refused to kneel and swear your allegiance to me as king,” Kergon said with restrained anger in his voice. He stepped closer to Leinad. “You have been a faithful servant for some time now. You have earned my trust. To show you that I am a merciful king, I will allow you and these other two to kneel now so that you may live.”
    â€œLord Kergon,” Leinad said boldly, “though you give us a hundred chances, we will not kneel before you to swear our allegiance to you as king.”
    Kergon’s face turned red. Such defiance was not thought possible in his city.
    â€œWe have sworn our allegiance to the one true King of Arrethtrae,” Leinad continued. “There is not nor ever will be another.”
    â€œThen you will die, and your