Kingdom's Quest by Chuck Black Page A

to Gavinaugh. “Why don’t we make a deal? How about I have you all whipped and released, and you promise to never come back to my city again?” He dangled the keys in front of Gavinaugh as if to tease him.
    Just then a current of air flowed through the dungeon. The guard’s oil lamp flickered and went out, leaving them in total darkness. The governor muttered a curse beneath his breath.
    â€œDon’t just stand there. Get another lamp!” he shouted to the guard. Gavinaugh could hear the guard stumbling down the aisle and up the stairs to the guard room.
    A powerful lightning bolt flashed, and its light was bright enough to momentarily illuminate the cells. What they saw in that instant shocked them all. Two massive warriors stood one pace away from the governor with their swords drawn and a visage of fierceness. The governor choked on his own exclamation and fell to his knees in terror.
    â€œRelease them!”
    The voice was deep, and the sound of it shook one’s bones. Gavinaugh could hear the governor’s whimpering in the dark.
    A moment later, the guard hurried back to the cells. As his light invaded the darkness, Gavinaugh could not see the warriors anywhere.
    â€œWhat is wrong, Governor?” the guard asked, alarmed at what he saw.
    The governor was cowering on the floor, and his face was white with fear. The guard helped him stand, but his knees could barely hold him up. He fumbled with the keys and finally found the one that opened Gavinaugh’s cell. His hands were shaking so violently that he could not place the key in the keyhole. He finally gave them to the guard.
    â€œRelease them,” he whispered.
    â€œWhat?” the guard asked.
    The governor looked at him and then shouted.
“Release them!”
He looked around as though a monster were coming to devour him.
    The guard moved with great urgency and opened the cell doors. Gavinaugh, Weston, and Sandon exited their cells.
    Gavinaugh approached the governor, who looked as though he might run.
    â€œThis isn’t about you keeping your power intact in the region, Governor. It’s about the King destroying the powers of darkness in the kingdom.” Gavinaugh turned, and the three men left the dungeon.
    They went to the haven, and there was great rejoicing among the knights. Keanna looked relieved to see them, and Gavinaugh was pleased to see her.
    In the days that followed, the persecution of the Knights of the Prince all but stopped, and they were free to recruit, build, and train without threat of imprisonment. The haven quickly became a strong force in the region in spite of the challenges that had hindered its beginning.
    Gavinaugh looked for opportunities to spend time with Keanna. He was careful to temper his actions despite his growing fondness for her, for there were times when he feared she still held hi aaaaaaaaa m in contempt. At other times, she responded kindly but always remained quite reserved.
    One evening, Gavinaugh went to check on Triumph and foundKeanna caring for him. There was a connection between her and the animal that he did not fully understand, but he didn’t mind.
    â€œHow’s Triumph tonight?” he said as he approached and stood on the opposite side of the horse.
    â€œHe is a magnificent horse. I’ve never seen another like him. Where did you get him?” she asked.
    â€œHe was a gift from a stranger my mother showed kindness to.”
    Triumph nickered as Gavinaugh stroked his neck. “He seems quite taken with you.” He smiled at her.
    Keanna stopped her grooming and came to the other side of Triumph’s neck. She looked at Gavinaugh across Triumph’s nose. Her eyes gleamed in the evening night, and Gavinaugh drew strength from her gaze.
    â€œI have always been able to connect to some degree with the horses I’ve cared for, but Triumph is different.” Her eyes diverted to the steed.
    â€œIt’s almost as if he chose to