Kingdom's Call Read Online Free PDF

Kifus, for he did not fully grasp what Kifus was trying to say.
    Kifus looked squarely at Gavin. “You have great influence among the other men and I need your leadership, but I want you to keep your distance from this … this imposter who claims to be the King’s Son. With regard to him, your role will be one of observation only.”
    â€œLord Kifus, I am fully capable of dealing with the insolence of this imposter. Believe me, neither my resolve nor my stomach will become weak,” Gavin said.
    â€œI do not question your resolve or your stomach, but I am not asking; I am commanding. There is no need to bloody your hands with this affair. I need your influence among the men, but you will observe from a distance.”
    â€œYes sir,” Gavin replied.
    Kifus nodded and Gavin departed. On his way through the city, he felt compelled to stop and talk with Demus at his home. He did not understand the heart of his former friend, and he hoped that a few words of reason would bring him back to his senses.
    The two men stood in the foyer of Demus’s beautiful home.
    â€œHow have you been so fooled by this man, Demus?” Gavin asked.
    â€œYou have not felt the power of his sword or looked into his eyes as I have. His words are not the words of a lunatic—or an imposter,” Demus replied.
    â€œI do not want to look into the eyes of a man under the influence of the Dark Knight and be lured by his words of deception as you have.”
    â€œHe could have easily killed me today,” Demus said. “And the moment I looked into his eyes I saw more nobility and compassion than I have ever seen in anyone else. How is that the evil of the Dark Knight? No, he is not an evil man. Instead of taking my life, he spared it. We went to kill him, and yet he showed us mercy. That is true nobility, Gavin, not treachery!”
    Gavin looked on Demus sadly. “You have been bewitched, my friend, and it will cost you everything.” His eyes shifted to take in the riches of Demus’s home.
    â€œTo take up my sword against this man would cost me the very character of my heart, and I am not willing to pay that price!”
    Gavin shook his head as he left Demus’s home. The influence of this stranger was far-reaching indeed, and he wondered for a moment if Kifus was worried that he too could be swayed by his cunning words. Gavin steeled himself for the great task ahead, for he felt in his heart that a day of judgment would bring deliverance for the people of Chessington … even if they didn’t yet realize they needed it.

 THE SILENCE OF A STRANGER
    The Noble Knights rose up for battle on a blistering hot day. With the exception of two or three, all were mounted and riding into the country east of Chessington. The earth shook as the hooves of nearly a hundred battle horses thundered across the grassy fields. Triumph seemed as agitated as Gavin, and for the first time he found it difficult to control the beast.
    Gavin’s armor felt heavy today as he wondered if the followers of the stranger would fight. The knights wanted only one man, and the thought of killing fellow citizens of Chessington to get to him was contrary to his own character, even if they were mere peasants. Though not worried about the outcome if such a fight were to occur, Gavin could not have been more anxious than if they were riding to meet five hundred savage warriors.
    He was also concerned with how the rest of the people ofChessington would react to them seizing this stranger. The stranger had won the hearts of many people.
    Gavin saw Kifus confidently leading their mighty force and was thankful for his wisdom and his ability to control the people. Beside him rode a man Gavin had never seen before.
    As they approached the base of the hill, Kifus halted the men and spoke briefly with the accompanying rider. Gavin watched as Kifus handed a small pouch to the man, who then galloped speedily back