Kingdom's Quest by Chuck Black Read Free Book Online Page B

than it took to eat an apple. Sandon was sentenced to six months in the dungeons, but Gavinaugh was to be beaten and cast outside the city limits. The sentence of beating was really a sentence of death, since the thugs executing the sentence often would not stop until there was no sign of life in their victim.
    â€œDo not lose heart, Sandon,” Gavinaugh called to his companion as they were separated.
    â€œNor you, Sir Gavinaugh,” Sandon called back, but there was sadness in his voice.
    Four burly men took Gavinaugh to a rock quarry beyond the surrounding hills of the city. His bonds were not loosed, so his unprotected body bore the full blow of each fist and foot. When he could no longer stand, he fell to his knees and the rocks beneath him turned red with hisblood. The pain of the beating began to fade until it seemed his body was completely numb. He fell facedown with nothing to soften the impact and could vaguely feel the jarring of his body across the jagged rocks beneath him as the beating continued, but the pain was nearly gone. A dark cloud descended from the sky and enveloped his mind, giving him a final escape from the brutality of the thugs.
    â€œThere are so many people, my Lord … so many,” Gavinaugh said as he walked beside the majestic Prince along the shore of a beautiful sea that shined like clear crystal.
    â€œDo not be discouraged, my friend. For every one you reach, My words are multiplied a hundredfold and will not return empty. Rise up and carry on.” The Prince stopped and placed a hand on Gavinaugh’s shoulder. He smiled a gentle smile, and Gavinaugh felt the warmth of the Prince’s glory empower his soul. His words felt like sweet water to his lips.
    â€œI will, my Prince. With all of my strength, I will!”
    The Prince left him, and Gavinaugh began to feel very tired.
    â€œWhat do we do now?” a voice asked.
    â€œThere are other Followers in nearby villages. I think we should find them. Even though Gavinaugh is dead, the words of the Prince are not,” another voice responded.
    Gavinaugh felt a hand on his forehead, and with that touch, the pain from his entire body crashed upon his consciousness.
    â€œHe brought us such hope. Dare we go on without him?”
    Gavinaugh now recognized this voice. It belonged to Fredrick.
    Gavinaugh opened his eyes and heard the exclamations of his fellow knights as they gasped in shock. He slowly pulled himself to a standing position.
    â€œOf course, we go on,” Gavinaugh said and tried to smile through his swollen face. “The Prince expects no less.”
    The four men surrounding him looked as though they had seen a ghost and even backed away from him slightly.
    â€œYou were dead, Gavinaugh. I felt your chest and there was nothing. How … how can this be?” Fredrick said in disbelief.
    Gavinaugh felt as though he might faint, but Jonnas reached out and supported him. They leaned him against a large stone nearby.
    â€œTo live for the Prince brings hope to the kingdom.” Gavinaugh labored to catch his breath. “If I should die in that service, my end will be in honor. Either way I gain. My life is in the hands of the Prince, not the brutes of Penwell.”
    The men were still amazed as they searched for a cloth from their packs to wipe the blood from his wounds.
    â€œWhat I don’t understand is why they left this water flask when I am certain they also thought you were dead,” Jonnas said as he handed the flask to Gavinaugh.
    He took a drink from the flask, and the water was sweet, like the words of the Prince. He felt the cool sensation in his stomach. Although his body ached, the healing had begun. He looked across the rock quarry and into the vast kingdom beyond. The words of the Prince would bring healing to a land in pain, and the forces of the Dark Knight would one day be crushed by the heel of the Prince. Of that he was certain!

THE DUNGEONS OF