Kingdom's Edge by Chuck Black Read Free Book Online

with people. Near the center was the large oak tree. I forced my eyes to search, and I found it—from one of the large limbs hung a rope. I found a corner between two buildings and faded into the shadows, as did my heart.
    Kifus led his death procession of Noble Knights around the perimeter of the square, displaying the Prince as though He were some prize catch of the day. His hands were bound, and His head was bruised and bleeding, as was His back. My soul was tormented to see Him this way.
    Some people were laughing and jeering; some were crying.
    Why? Why is this happening?
I could not bear it any longer and hid my face in the brick and mortar of the wall. I stole a last glance and caught the eyes of the Prince looking my way as the procession passed.
    Even now, on the verge of His death, His eyes held no fear. What I saw was tender compassion. The true power and strength of this man was in His great ability to love in spite of all tragedy. Now I fully understood the Code. The Prince lived the Code. The Prince
was
the Code.
    My doubts were gone, but my despair was not. I felt so helpless. He had saved my life once. Now He was dying for me, and there was nothing I could do but watch.
    Kifus led the Prince to the oak tree, placed Him on a horse, and slipped the rope about His neck.
    Where was the army of the King to save His Son from death? Didn’t He care? Did He even know the peril His Son was in? Where were the Silent Warriors?
    Kifus spoke loudly for all to hear. “People of Arrethtrae, this man is guilty of treason against the King and against you. He has lied to you and misled you. He brings chaos to the kingdom. Today, justice is served!”
    Kifus slapped the horse, and the Prince hanged. No army, no help, only silence—a silence that gripped the people as we watched our hope of a better kingdom die with this man.
    I turned and ran to the hills. The trees and sky were blurred by my tears. I ran until I felt that my lungs would burst. At last I collapsed beneath a sprawling tree. The tall grass swallowed me, and I wept bitterly.
    It truly was over.

A NEW BEGINNING
    The sun was nearing the horizon before I found enough energy to move. My tears were gone and so was my hope. I raised myself to my knees and wiped away the trails of dirt on my face.
What now?
I wondered.
    My head hurt and my soul was empty.
    Still on my knees, I looked over the grass and brush and realized that my blind run had brought me to familiar country. Our training area was nearby. I moved to stand up, but my eyes caught a glimpse of the unbelievable. Just an arm’s length away was the Prince’s sword, its blade embedded in the soft soil.
    I stood and pulled the sword from the ground and held it before me in open palms. The memories of the Prince came back to me like a flood.
    â€œWhy did You have to die?” I asked out loud, certain that I would never find an answer.

    â€œCedric, what are we going to do?” William tried to break into my muddled thoughts as I stared at nothing.
    Most of the Knights of the Prince had been scattered, but we had managed to meet with a dozen fellow knights in secret. Barrett’s shop had a back room with no windows. We locked the doors and spoke in hushed tones.
    â€œYes, Cedric, what happens now?” Rob asked. “Do we try to get to another city or flee the kingdom altogether?”
    â€œNo,” I finally said. “First we must honor the memory of the Prince and give Him a proper burial.”
    â€œWhat!” Rob said. “Are you mad, Cedric? The Noble Knights have purposely left His body hanging from that tree as a message to all the people. If we try to take Him down, we’ll be found out and killed immediately!”
    â€œNot if we go now, Rob,” I said. “It’s the middle of the night, and we can be quick about it. They have posted only two guards. Some of us can set up a diversion while the others cut down the body. This is something we