Free Kingdom's Edge by Chuck Black Page A

every city in the kingdom. We worked hard for years, and eventually nearly everyone—men, women, and children—heard the story of the Prince and was given an opportunity to join us. It was during these years that many valiant men and women rose up to fulfill the mission of the Prince.
    Our beloved city of Chessington seemed to be the Dark Knight’s focus. We began seeing more and more of the Shadow Warriors. They were disguised as commoners, but we could tell they were much more than that.
    The Noble Knights faded into history and either gaveway or were absorbed into a new form of government. The city chose a strong man by the name of Alexander Histen as its governor.
Strong
is a broad description of Governor Histen. It applies to his physical strength as well as his political might. His charisma seemed to magnetize the people to his cause.
    I did not like him nor was I fooled by his sweet rhetoric. As chaos increased, so did his control over the people. It was “necessary,” so Governor Histen said, “to maintain security and peace in the city.” He convinced the people it was for their own good. The desperate citizens swallowed it all, for they had no choice.
    In the back of my mind, I wondered how much of the chaos was generated by Histen himself. It was just as Keef had told me.
    Over the next year, Alexander Histen widened his sphere of influence to include most of the surrounding cities and villages. Histen scoffed at our story of the return of the Prince and denied altogether the King’s authority in the land. He labeled us as haters of peace and harmony, the very antithesis of what we were. His propaganda worked, and our mission became much more difficult. Serious persecution returned. Many of the Knights of the Prince were beaten and imprisoned for the crime of causing a disturbance in the city. My own scars testify to such atrocities.
    In spite of this, we still found people hungry for hope. They yearned for truth and peace with freedom as a companion, for the peace they tasted now was falsely induced under tyrannical rule.
    Eventually, Histen changed his title to Governor Supreme.It was clear to us that he cared for only one thing—total control of the entire kingdom.
    During these difficult times, our belief in the Code is what kept us together.
    â€œHow long will this go on, Cedric?” William asked as we walked toward the meeting place.
    Barrett’s shop had been discovered and burned some time ago. We found a safer place for him and his family on the outskirts of the city, but our new meeting place was still in the heart of the city.
    â€œIt does seem nearly impossible to continue, doesn’t it,” I said. “It’s been so long since the Prince left us, and yet I know He will be true to His word and deliver us from this bondage.”
    The moonlight lit our path, and we moved carefully down the streets and alleys, ever vigilant to watch all sides.
    â€œIronic, isn’t it?” William said quietly. “When we first met the Prince, we felt we were in bondage to poverty, but now we know what true bondage is. I don’t see any end to Histen’s desire for power and control of the people.”
    We turned onto another alley and began walking down it.
    â€œNor do I, Will—”
    I stopped midsentence, and we both took cover in the shadows. Other men occupied the alley already. We were not seen, for they too were deep in conversation, and they were walking our way.
    They paused some fifty feet away. Both men were broad and tall. I had never seen either one before, but I recognized their posture. Fear began to grip my heart, and I fought to maintain control of it. Though they were dressedin common clothes, I knew they were either Silent Warriors or Shadow Warriors.
    William and I froze in the shadows and strained to hear their conversation. They spoke softly, but their deep voices carried far enough for us to hear.
    â€œâ€”nearly