Kingdom's Edge by Chuck Black

broke out across the country, but the Knights of the Prince stood strong.
    Some of our men were beaten and thrown into prison, but this only solidified our resolve to accomplish our mission—to be ready for the Prince’s return and to be prepared for the great battle with the Dark Knight.
    â€œAre you ready, my brother?” I asked William.
    The Code made friends of strangers and brothers of friends. William and I were now kindred spirits, not of our own doing, but because of what the Prince had taught us to believe in.
    â€œYes, Cedric, let’s be on our way,” William said. “The road is long before us, and we must make Chandril before sundown.”
    We set off on our journey that morning hoping to find more recruits in the neighboring city of Chandril. Along the way, we came across a man and his family journeying to our own city of Chessington. A wheel on their cart was broken, and we stopped to help. We told them of our mission and shared the story of the Prince. Their ears yearned to hear of such hope and promise.
    â€œPlease be careful in Chandril,” the man said as we completed the work on his cart. “Not only is there poverty in the city, but also many of the people have become bitter and hateful. There are evil men that have great influence over the people. It is not a safe place anymore. That is why I am taking my family to Chessington.”
    â€œFind the shop owned by a man named Barrett,” I said. “Tell him that William and Cedric sent you. He will help you get settled and provide protection for your family.”
    â€œThank you for all you have done, gentlemen,” the man replied. His wife smiled gratefully as they passed and proceeded on toward Chessington.
    The delay caused us to arrive in Chandril at dusk. I felt the city’s oppression in my spirit as we entered the outskirts. We walked up a broad street where shops wereclosing windows and locking doors at the end of a day’s work. Our presence caught the stares of many weary faces. We stopped one fellow as he began to shut his door.
    â€œGood sir, would you be kind enough to direct us toward the nearest inn?” William asked.
    He glanced at our tunics and saw the emblem of the Prince. His face revealed his disgust.
    â€œI have heard of your kind and your lies. Stay away from my shop!” Then he slammed the door in our faces.
    A gang of six burly men across the street turned their attention to us when they heard the door slam. We walked on our way but were acutely aware of the menacing men following our every turn. They quickened their pace to gain ground. Finally we could not ignore them any longer and turned to face them.
    The shops had all closed by now, and the sun was set, but there was enough residual light to see that these men were not friendly. They slowly surrounded us, each brandishing a sword on his hip. Timid faces appeared in the windows of the nearby shops and homes.
    â€œCan we help you, gentlemen?” I asked while searching their faces for intent.
    â€œWho are you?” the lead man asked.
    â€œWe are from Chessington and are looking for a place to stay,” I said.
    â€œI didn’t ask where you were from. I recognize that mark, and it is not welcome here. You should be more careful about where you walk.”
    â€œYou have allegiance to the Noble Knights then?” I asked.
    â€œWe have allegiance to no one but ourselves. Kill themand take their money,” he ordered his men.
    They all drew their swords and advanced on us.
    We drew our swords quickly and positioned ourselves against the wall of the shop behind us. Even if they were only average swordsmen, I knew their numbers would eventually overwhelm us.
    They attacked with fury, and William and I found ourselves in a fight for our lives. Our swords collided, but there were too many of them. I injured one with a quick slice from my right, but then I caught a thrust through my left arm. The steel