Free Kingdom's Call by Chuck Black

visions … visions of a man hanging on a tree and of a peasant being pierced by the swords of enraged men.
    Gavin’s visits to the Chamber of the Code no longer brought him peace as they once had. But he could not—would not—turn aside from what he knew to be right, for he was SirGavin, defender of the Code, servant of the King, and judge of the traitorous Followers. He believed that his peace lay at the end of his successful crusade to eliminate the memory of the imposter and his Followers from Chessington.
    On this day, Gavin was leading an entourage of Noble Knights out of Chessington to the east toward Denrith, another haven for the Followers. The journey would take most of the day, and he hoped to arrive before nightfall. At midday, Gavin halted his men in the shade of some towering trees that seemed to stand guard over a small forest ahead. It was a welcome reprieve from the humid heat of the day.
    â€œSir Hanan, dismount the men. I will survey the road ahead,” Gavin commanded.
    â€œYes sir.”
    Gavin galloped ahead into the beauty of an intriguing forest. After a few moments, he slowed his steed to a trot and finally to a walk. The air was much cooler here, and Gavin felt the burden of his task lift slightly as he enjoyed the splendor of vibrant forest flowers, the smell of evergreens, and the lilting sound of a brook not far off. The main road pressed on through the forest directly ahead, but a less traveled path diverted to the left, and Gavin assumed it ended at the brook he heard. It was a peaceful invitation away from the drudgery of a long journey. Triumph instinctively followed the path toward the water, and Gavin allowed the diversion.
    Within a short time, he arrived in a clearing at the brook and dismounted to allow his horse time to quench his thirst. Gavin did the same, for the water was cool and refreshing.
    A moment later, Triumph became startled and Gavin instantly felt the tension in the horse. He grabbed the reins to keep the animal from bolting.
    â€œEasy, Triumph,” he said to calm the animal, but the horse’s fear only intensified. Gavin looked about and saw nothing unusual, but he thought it best to mount and vacate the area for Triumph’s sake. As he did so, his steed turned to face the north, and Gavin could not seat his foot in the stirrup.
    â€œWhat’s wrong with you, Triumph?” He was becoming agitated once again with the horse. “Keep this up and you’ll be pulling a plowshare. Now settle down!”
    He pulled hard on the reins and grabbed the saddle. As he placed a foot in the stirrup, the steed reared up. Gavin was thrown clear of the frightened animal and landed a few paces to the side. Triumph bolted back up the path, leaving Gavin bruised and angry.
    I am through with that horse!
Gavin thought. He would find a new mount by week’s end.
    Gavin stood and was thankful for no broken bones, for it was a violent throw. In an instant, however, he realized the source of fear that his steed had perceived. Five fierce-looking warriors broke through the forest wall into the clearing, riding massive warhorses. He had seen their like only once before in his life, on the road from Cartelbrook.
    Gavin was in awe once again at their size and form. He became overwhelmed with dread. The massive black steeds were not too large for their riders. They approached Gavin with an air of authority, power, and arrogance. One of the menwalked his horse straight to Gavin and stopped just short of overrunning him. Gavin did not dare back away lest he show his mounting fear. The hot breath of the knight’s beast permeated the surrounding air, and Gavin was forced backward one step as the animal shook his head up and down near Gavin’s face. The other riders slowly moved to flank their leader.
    Gavin knew that these men were not mere thieves or marauders. There was something distinctly unnatural and evil about them.
    â€œWhat have we