Kingdom's Reign by Chuck Black

King reigns!” He exclaimed.
    â€œAnd His Son!” we replied. The Lion of the kingdom was to meet the dragon once again.
    Our small circle dispersed, and we returned to the men. In a short time, our large force of Silent Warriors and knights was divided into three contingents. For my band, I chose twenty ofthe best fighters, which included my brothers Rob, Barrett, and Cullen. It was a difficult decision, because I knew this could be the mission that ended their lives. We rode to the ridge and gazed into the Chessington Valley once again. It was more beautiful than ever. It was hard to believe that this lush, serene valley would soon be host to the greatest battle in the history of two kingdoms. I was suddenly aware of the anxious feelings rising within my chest.
    From this distance, Chessington looked as though it were peacefully sleeping in the dawn’s cool morning air, but I knew that was a false perception. I’m quite sure that every remaining inhabitant was sick with fear and apprehension. I could just see Fenton’s makeshift army at the northern edge of the city. Tiny figures peppered the green countryside—although sizable, this army would be discouragingly small in comparison to Lucius’s. I was not allowed to reveal the Prince’s plan to them; however, I was anxious to share my message. At the very least, it might give them some hope.
    I glanced at William, also deep in thought, and wondered at the picturesque scene below. He looked my way and nodded.
    â€œLet’s ride, men,” I commanded.
    The closer we came to Fenton’s army, the more distinct the forms became. Although twenty approaching men would not normally be a threat to any army, this one was visibly nervous and wary as we drew closer. Fenton and two hundred or so other men were mounted, but most of the force was not. Their weapons consisted of swords, axes, pitchforks, and a variety ofother farming implements. I pitied their position but admired their courage, as it was clear they believed that today they would surely die.
    We slowed our gallop to a canter to appear less threatening. Some distance out, I stopped the men.
    â€œNoble men of Chessington,” I called. “We look for the one called Fenton.”
    One man and two others broke from the force and approached cautiously. Twenty strides away, they stopped. The leader sat tall on his mount.
    â€œI am Fenton. Are you friend or foe?” he asked in a brusque voice. He was an older man with the look of a gentleman. Wisps of gray highlighted his temples.
    â€œWe are friends,” I said clearly. The tension on his face eased slightly.
    â€œIf that be so, then I am bound to warn you to leave this valley, for today Histen comes to destroy our city and our people.”
    â€œI am afraid we cannot do so, sir,” I replied. “I have a message for you and the courageous people of Chessington.”
    Appearing somewhat bewildered, Fenton cocked his head to the left and squinted his eyes.
    â€œThe King has heard your plea, and the return of the Prince is imminent,” I said.
    Fenton lowered his voice. “Who are you, sir?”
    â€œStand strong, gentlemen, and prepare for battle!” I exclaimed. I kicked my horse and commanded the rest of my men to follow. We rode north at full gallop, up the Chessington Valley, directly toward the enemy. The flow of wind across myface and the pounding of the horses’ hooves upon the ground helped to ease my growing apprehension. A hundred things could go wrong, and we were delivering ourselves into the teeth of the dragon.
    I did not know how many men we would encounter in Lucius’s advance contingent. The success of our lure would depend largely on how long we could hold them off without being killed. To my left and right were twenty of the best swordsmen in the entire kingdom—men I trusted with my life.
    And today we would all trust our lives to one another and to the wisdom of the