The Black Sword Trilogy: The Poacher Read Online Free PDF

father taught him.  Despite his rage, he forced himself to breathe deeply.  He gnashed his teeth together and he felt as if his eyes were on fire.  He picked up the sword then stood to his feet.
     
                  “Do you see that, gentlemen?” The Prince said teasingly.  “I do believe our friend here is a little angry.”
    Several guards laughed.  Captain Krall swallowed his own emotions.  He was horrified and angry; but also felt helpless.
    “Don’t worry,” The Prince said grinning.  “You’ll be joining your friends soon enough.”
     
     
    The Prince swung his sword at Kenner’s neck and Kenner stopped it cold using only one hand.
    “Well,” said the Prince.  “Isn’t this something?”
    He swung again and Kenner parried again easily, all the while staring intently at the murderer.  “Stay cold.” Kenner told himself.  “Never fight angry.”
     
                  The Prince tried several combinations of blows.  None of them seemed to bother his opponent.  For a moment, he thought it was fun.  Here was some good exercise.  But the more blows were countered, the more he began to get frustrated.  He swung, he jabbed.  He went for the legs, the shoulders and the groin.  All his attacks were repelled.  He swung faster and faster and in great swirls and loops.  Still, the peasant stood.
     
                  As the fight went on longer and longer, Kenner could sense the Prince beginning to lose his composure.  His smooth, controlled blows were beginning to become more desperate and erratic.  He could see his breathing becoming heavier.  In his eyes, he began to see more frustration and anger.  The Prince tried his best moves; one’s taught to him by masters.  Still he could not penetrate the peasant’s defenses.  Finally, Kenner saw the moment was right.  He slammed the broad edge of the sword into the Princes gut.  Had it been a sharp sword, the Prince would have been disemboweled.  He doubled over in pain, and then Kenner smashed the pummel of the sword onto the middle of his back.  The Prince fell to the floor in a heap.
     
                  All at once, the spears and swords of the soldiers began to descend on Kenner, standing over the wounded Prince.  Just before they all reached him, a loud, commanding voice shouted, “Stop!”  All eyes looked to the top of the stairs.  Kenner only caught a brief glimpse of the barrel chested man with the red beard before he was grabbed and forced his knees.  Captain Krall called out, “All hail the King!”
     
     
     
    Chapter Five
     
     
     
                  The King walked slowly down the stairs with a look of intense anger on his face.  Kenner looked up at him, surprised to see how ordinary he appeared.  He was a little taller than himself, barrel chested, with short red hair and a thinly cut red beard.  He did not wear fine linens or adornments like his son.
    “What the hell is going on here?” He growled.
    No one spoke.
     
                  When he reached the bottom of the stairs he pointed at Captain Krall.
    “You!” He said.  “Captain of Walechia.  What happened here?”
    Captain Krall slowly rose to his feet and bowed.
    “Prince Melkur has found these men guilty and has taken it upon himself to meet out what he says is justice.” Krall said sternly.  The Kings eyes hardened and narrowed on Captain Krall.
    “Justice,” he hissed.  “And you did nothing to stop him?”
    “He is the Crown Prince, your majesty.” Krall answered.
    “You are a Captain of Walechia!” The King shouted.  “I expect my Captains to uphold the law and be brave enough to stand up against injustice, no matter who is responsible!”
     
                  Prince Melkur, panting heavily and coughing rose to his feet.
    “Father,” he said gasping for breath.  “Did you see what he did to me?”
    “Yes, I did,” The King answered angrily.  “And I