Kingdom's Call Read Online Free PDF Page A

continued with his bold words.
    â€œI must insist that the council of these Noble Knights reconsider any action that would take the life of this man, for I have not yet seen or heard of him breaking any article of the Code!”
    Jayden walked toward Demus as though he were ready to strike down a traitor. “Sir Demus, your words hint of treason. You must be mad to defend this traitor!”
    â€œDemus is granted the right of opinion just as any otherknight here, Jayden,” Kifus said. “I suggest you consider your words carefully, Sir Demus, for this assembly will deliver justice to the stranger, and that justice will come by the noose of a rope—with or without your consent.”
    All eyes fell upon Demus. Gavin had never felt such tension in the hall of the Noble Knights before. Demus boldly took in the stares of his fellow knights until at last his gaze came to Gavin. Gavin slowly shook his head in a final attempt to warn his friend against foolish action.
    Demus stood and faced the knights. “Then let it be known that I do not consent, and I will have no part of this plot!” He turned and exited the hall.
    Gavin was sad and angry at the same time. He knew that any friendship he had with Demus was over, and he pitied Demus’s foolishness. But Gavin’s anger with the stranger was now rooted even deeper in his heart. He felt a fire in his bosom that he knew would only be quenched when the stranger was gone … or dead.
    â€œYou can see the extent of this traitor’s influence,” Kifus said, attempting to regain the attention of the knights. “We must act decisively and with full force.”
    â€œThe stranger’s skill with the sword is overwhelming,” one knight said. “How do we take a man who has no weakness?”
    Kifus thought for a moment. “The traitor does have one weakness,” he said. “His followers! He may be able to defend himself against great odds, but he cannot defend all of his inept followers. We will attack them, and he will then yield to us.”
    Numerous discussions between knights revealed unanimous approval for Kifus’s plan. He was a brilliant tactician, and that had never been more obvious than now.
    â€œHow will we know when and where to attack his followers?” one knight asked Kifus.
    Kifus smiled wryly. “There is one amongst the followers who has a fancy for silver. Prepare yourselves and the rest of the men. When I call, be ready to ride, for we will end this man’s treachery once and for all!”
    Kifus dismissed the knights but asked Gavin to remain. “Gavin, these are becoming desperate days, and I am concerned with the loyalty of some of the knights. I need men I can trust implicitly.”
    Gavin looked directly into Kifus’s eyes. “There is no breach in my resolve to defend the Code and the order of the Noble Knights against such imposters as this stranger. You can trust me, Lord Kifus. I give you my word.”
    Kifus smiled and placed a hand on Gavin’s shoulder. “I believe you, Gavin. And in the days to come I will need to rely upon you heavily, for all that we believe in and live for is at stake.”
    â€œBy the sword of the King I swear my allegiance to Him and to the Code. This stranger and his followers must be eliminated!” Gavin said.
    Kifus nodded and Gavin turned to leave. After he had walked a few paces toward the door, Kifus called to him.
    â€œGavin, the work we must do will become, shall we say, a bit
messy
.”
    Gavin looked at Kifus, confused by the remark.
    Kifus continued, “There are certain aspects of this job that are best suited for men like Sir Jayden and Sir Bremrick. You needn’t involve yourself too deeply in the method of this justice. Do you understand?”
    Bremrick was as brash a man as Jayden but much more distasteful in his habits. Gavin tried to have little to do with him. Gavin did not know how to respond to