Free Kingdom's Edge by Chuck Black Page B

complete with his preparation plans in the North,” one of them said.
    â€œHow is Kelson doing in the south? We must be ready in all quadrants or the mission will be delayed. Time is short,” the other one said.
    â€œHe is nearly ready, but I must tell you—”
    Crash!
    A door beside the two figures burst open, and a huge, menacing man lunged toward the two figures with sword drawn. Across the alley, two more monstrous men flew toward the same two figures, each flashing a wicked looking sword.
    In the blink of an eye, the two figures threw back their cloaks and drew their swords. Back-to-back, they faced their enemies. They had the look of serious determination, but not the look of hate that was on the faces of their three attackers
    The swords flew at blinding speed. We heard a thunderous and continuous clash of steel upon steel. I had seen the skill of a Silent Warrior against mere men, and I had fought against a Shadow Warrior firsthand, but never before had I seen two such formidable forces meet face-to-face. The fight raged on in a flurry of slices, cuts, and thrusts—a precise picture of good versus evil.
    â€œWilliam,” I whispered, “we must help them!”
    â€œI am ready,” he said.
    Though my stomach rose to my throat, we drew our swords and ran toward the battle.
    â€œFor the Prince!” William shouted.
    At those words, one of the Shadow Warriors left his fight and lunged toward us. Anger burned in his eyes.
    William and I traded offensive and defensive posturing to keep the Shadow Warrior distracted. Our past encounters with the Shadow Warriors had taught us a great deal, and we had grown in strength, skill, and experience. William defended against a combination, and I saw an opportunity, which I took.
    The Shadow Warrior screamed a curse at me as my sword passed under his left arm and separated the flesh beneath his ribs. He charged me with a full-force blow that sent me stumbling. He seized the momentary break in our fight to escape between two buildings, clutching his side as he went.
    We moved toward the other fight, but these Shadow Warriors also took flight. All of us scanned the area for further threat, but found none.
    After a moment of silence, interrupted only by heavy breathing, we sheathed our swords.
    â€œThank you for your help,” one of the Silent Warriors said. “Normally we avoid such confrontations, but lately it has not been possible. Their presence here is growing quickly.”
    â€œYes, we’ve noticed as well,” I said. “What does it mean?” He searched my face with narrow eyes. “You are Cedric?” “I am. And this is William.”
    â€œWe must go. Time is short—very short. Tell your people to be ready!”
    He nodded to his companion toward one side of the alley, and together they left us quickly and quietly.
    â€œBe ready for what?” I asked, but there was no one to answer.

CHANGE OF HEART
    Over the next three days, we spread the message from the Silent Warrior to the Knights of the Prince: “Be ready!”
    Of course, everyone repeated my statement with a question: “Be ready for what?” But before we could discover the answer, the kingdom of Arrethtrae saw the dawn of total oppression.
    I AWOKE TO A MORNING that was bright and cool, yet I felt a heavy darkness descend like a thick fog. I attributed it to a restless night’s sleep and tried to shake it off as I washed my face in cool water, but it lingered.
    Rob, William, and I journeyed to northern Chessington to organize a mission that would send us beyond our region. The city of Drisdol was in desperate need of supplies.Those who pledged allegiance to the Prince were plundered daily by Histen’s men. Though we suffered similar persecution in Chessington, our city was larger and afforded greater protection and supplies.
    For several streets, we walked in vigilant silence. William spoke first. “There is evil in