Kingdom's Hope (11 page)

Leinad's service to Kergon changed over the months. At first he was kept under close supervision and performed hard manual labor. But as he proved himself trustworthy, Kergon's captain gave him more and more responsibility and freedom. One of his duties included organizing the purchases required to maintain palace operations. Through these contacts, Leinad learned that Tess had been sold to a wealthy widow who was sympathetic to young ladies up for sale in a city that was less than scrupulous in its treatment of slaves. Though he hadn't seen Tess since their arrival in the city, he was relieved that she was in a moderately safe environment.

One day, Leinad was inspecting a number of carts loaded with produce that was to be delivered to the palace. Two other palace servants accompanied him. The shop owner bragged incessantly about the quality of his produce, and Leinad was becoming annoyed with the man.

“You will not find produce as fine as this in all of Daydelon,” the shop owner said with a smile as he followed Leinad through the inspection. A contract to sell goods to the palace was envied by most merchants.

“I'm sure your goods are top quality,” Leinad said. “But I must inspect them thoroughly anyway.”

The shop was in the central part of Daydelon called the Market, where the gentle sound of the river mixed with the daily routine of market activity. By night, the river's flow was
a gentle, soothing lullaby to those near enough to hear it. Large trees and shrubs lined the streets and walkways. The Market was clean and neat and a delightful place to conduct business. On a day like today, with the sun shining bright in the blue sky, the streets were teeming with activity.

Leinad stepped around the shop owner to advance to the next cart and bumped into a finely dressed woman inspecting an intricate dining plate. The plate fell to the ground and shattered into a hundred pieces.

“Oh, I am so sorry, my lady,” Leinad said as he knelt down to gather the broken pieces. He hoped that she was not a lady of importance in the city, for such an incident with a slave could be disastrous.

“You're going to pay for that!” the shop owner screamed as he exited the shop.

Leinad continued to work at gathering the pieces. “The expense is mine,” he said. The shop owner arrived at the scene red-faced and angry.

“How much was the dish?” Leinad asked.

The shop owner stated a price that Leinad knew was probably twice its value, but he reached for the palace money bag and hoped he could explain himself to Kergon's treasury officer.

“Thank you, Lady Weldon,” Leinad heard the shop owner say politely as he fumbled to open the bag.

The woman paid the shop owner, and he disappeared back into his shop.

Hardly daring to look the woman in the eye, Leinad thanked her. He knew she must be a prominent woman by the shop owner's response.

“Please forgive me, my lady,” Leinad said and bowed.

“It's quite all right, young man,” she said. “Just be a little more careful when you're about your business.” Her speech was refined and dignified. “Tess, come along,” she called into the shop.

Leinad nearly fell over at the mention of Tess's name. He raised himself up and turned to see Tess exiting the same shop. His heart leapt within his chest at seeing her, for it had been over a year since they were last together.

She was dressed in fine clothing and looked like a lady of stature herself. She stopped midstride and astonishment overcame her. Her eyes widened and her mouth parted slightly, but quickly transformed into a jubilant smile.

“Leinad!” she exclaimed and ran to him.

They embraced, and Leinad felt true joy in his heart for the first time since their enslavement. Somehow he knew it was true for Tess as well. They stepped back from one another as if to convince themselves that they were truly together again, even if it was for just a moment.

“Tess, is it really you?” Leinad said with wonder. He never would have believed that the freckle-faced little girl of Mankin would grow up to be the lovely, refined woman that stood before him.

“So this is the young man you spoke of so glowingly,” Lady Weldon said.

“Lady Weldon, please meet Sir Leinad of Chessington,” Tess said with pride and dignity in her voice.

Leinad bowed a second time to Lady Weldon and was amazed at how polished Tess's speech had become.

“I am pleased to meet you, Sir Leinad,” Lady Weldon said.

“The pleasure is mine, my lady,” Leinad said as he finished bowing.

“I have some unfinished business in the shop across the street. Tess, join me after a bit.”

“Yes, my lady,” she said with a smile that radiated delight and appreciation.

Leinad turned to one of the other servants and asked him to finish the inspection for him.

Tess put her arm through Leinad's. “Shall we take a walk, sir?” she asked sweetly.

Leinad smiled and led them toward a walkway that skirted the river. It was odd for him to see his sword-fighting companion as a poised and dignified young lady. It was apparent that Lady Weldon had given Tess what Leinad and his father never could. His feelings and his words felt awkward to him at first. It was like getting to know her for the first time.

“Enslavement has suited you well, Sunshine,” he said.

She dropped her smile. “Too well, Leinad. Look at me. Although I am a servant at her estate, Lady Weldon treats us more like daughters than slaves. I am spoiled and feel guilty when I see the plight of our people. It is difficult for me to come to the Market like this, but Lady Weldon occasionally insists. It has been months since my last visit.”

Leinad placed his hand on Tess's hand that held his arm. “Of all people, Tess, you should not feel guilty about being treated well, and I am glad you came to the Market today.”

She smiled, but Leinad knew that the words would not change her feelings. “Have you heard anything of Audric?” he asked.

“No, I have not. I hope he is well. Some of the people are serving under difficult masters.”

“Yes, I know. With my new responsibilities at the palace, I have been able to contact many more of the people. For most, the bondage weighs heavily on them.”

Tess looked down and away.

“I'm sorry, Tess. I didn't mean to—”

“It's all right. I know what's happening here. I would leave in an instant if given the chance,” she said defiantly. “How long will the King leave us here, Leinad?”

“The time is not far off, Tess.”

They walked and soaked up every moment they had together, for their next visit might be months away, if ever.

On their return, Leinad thanked Lady Weldon for allowing them time together and for affording Tess a safe haven in the midst of captivity. It was a day that both Leinad and Tess cherished for weeks to come.

INTO THE JAWS OF DRAGAMOTH

Kergon continued to prosper and conquer. He became powerful in the region and in all of 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 or
compromise 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.

“Kneel down, Tess!” Lady Weldon exclaimed.

“I am sorry, my lady. I cannot. There is only one King of Arrethtrae, and I have already sworn my allegiance to Him.”

“This 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.”

“Kneel or you will die!” an approaching guard shouted.

W
ITHIN A SHORT TIME
, L
EINAD
, Tess, and Audric were brought before Kergon.

“It 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.

“I 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.”

“Lord 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.

“We have sworn our allegiance to the one true King of Arrethtrae,” Leinad continued. “There is not nor ever will be another.”

“Then you will die, and your King can do nothing to save you!”

“You are mistaken, Lord Kergon. Our King is more than able to save us,” Leinad said. “Though should He choose not to, we are prepared to die as Knights of the true King of Arrethtrae.”