Prince Longchamp: The Rebellion of Ankgar

By Daniel Lowry

Prince Edward Longchamp could kill you. But he won't. Even if you're a medieval warrior swinging a double-edged axe at his head, he still doesn't want to take your life.

Edward is a product of a medieval society built around warfare, and his entire education has been dedicated to making him an elite warrior.

But before he could complete his training, he's thrown in the midst of a violent rebellion.

Duke Gathmar Jasper has a new secret weapon and a brilliant plan to turn the kingdom into chaos. Edward must leave his schooling before he can learn how to deal with plunging swords into chests-- or firing arrows into hearts. Prince Edward would just as soon enjoy the sweet crunch of a green apple, listen to the wind in the trees, or catch a whiff of the wonderful fragrence of a fair maiden while she whispers secrets in his ear.
Just nevermind the fair maiden is his brother's new wife.
Edward must fight to save his way of life, his father's kingdom, and his brothers' lives from the savagery of war. All the while, he struggles to uphold his own values; honor in battle, virtue in love, and respect for life.
But it's difficult to fight a war without taking lives.
PRINCE LONGCHAMP: THE REBELLION OF ANKGAR is a novel of 65,000 words for young adults-- or anyone wanting to escape into the wonderful world of a great book.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Daniel Lowry
• Release date: Aug 27, 2011
• ISBN: 9781466102354

Daniel Lowry

Daniel Lowry lives in Kentucky with his wife and two daughters. His breakout novel, Prince Longchamp: The Rebellion of Angkar, is set in the middle ages and involves a prince who must save his kingdom from a violent rebellion, even though he can't seem to make himself kill anyone in battle. Lowry is an avid student of history and literature. When not reading or writing, he enjoys travel and learning about different places, cultures, times, and people.

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What others are saying about Prince Lonchamp: The Rebellion of Ankgar

"Stunning and gripping, a novel of full of life and excitement... each character grabbed my imagination. --Dr. Gwen Curry, Georgetown College

Couldn’t stop reading...the whole book goes by so fast, there’s nothing about it I didn’t love. --Don Lester, Survey Reader

Vivid...wonderful... intense... I fell in love with Longchamp from the first bite of that green apple. --Erin Milburn, KET

Prince Longchamp:

The Rebellion of Ankgar

By Daniel Lowry

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2009 by Daniel K. Lowry. Mr. Lowry retains sole copyright to his contributions to this book, all rights reserved.

Cover image, A Man in Armour, 1655, Rembrandt.

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This book is dedicated to the five most important women in my life: my wife, Erin, for teaching me true love; my daughter, Jena, for teaching me true purpose; my youngest daughter, Annabelle, for teaching me the value of life; my mom, Evelyn, for teaching me how to live properly; my granny, Christine, for teaching me how to get the most out of every day.

A special thanks to Dr. Gwen Curry who helped me in the pursuit of my dream.

Contents

Chapter One: In the Dungeon

Chapter Two: Fourlock

Chapter Three: Grave Danger

Chapter Four: Midnight Ride

Chapter Five: Fire In The Sky

Chapter Six: A Most Terrible Sight

Chapter Seven: Saint Wind

Chapter Eight: The King’s Castle

Chapter Nine: The Forsaken

Chapter Ten: Unfurl The Flags!

Chapter Eleven: Ghosts Of Azbill

Chapter Twelve: Royal Interlude

Chapter Thirteen: Sally Forth!

Chapter Fourteen: Edward’s Secret

Chapter Fifteen: The Search For Tancred

Chapter Sixteen: Assault At Sicca

Chapter Seventeen: The Heights

Chapter Eighteen: Destruction At Pratz

Chapter Nineteen: Death Awaits

Chapter One: In the Dungeon

The Longchamp family never knew love could so easily endanger it. Edward Longchamp knew that it was because of love he was about to be killed. Right now Edward was locked inside a dungeon. Not the best of places for a mighty prince. He had been taught the skills and arts of war from the famous ‘King’s Way.’ However, even the 10 years he had spent learning the Way could do nothing for him now.

At age 20 he had set out on his first noble adventure. Now, at age 21 he sat inside a dark cell within the walls of a castle. His royal green uniform with the emblazoned eagle and dragon crest offered him no protection. He stood up to his full height and pulled himself up by the ledge of a small window that poured light into his cell. His blue eyes flickered while the sunlight bathed his face. His stubble covered two pink scars down his cheeks.

Outside the small window, Edward could see the scaffold of the gallows. He could hear the hammers finishing the instrument that would seal his fate.

Prince Longchamp, burst forth a voice from outside the cell, I doubt you shall be able to crawl thru that window. The spaces are smaller than your head.

Edward let go from the ledge and dropped back to the floor. He blinked and readjusted his eyes to the darkness. Guards with torches lit the exterior of the dungeon.

The four guards wore their dark leather overcoats. Two of the guards held torches. The other two held long double-edged axes. In the middle of them stood another man, Tostig Jasper. His silver breastplate bore the head of a dragon etched in gold.

Edward bowed low in a gesture of sarcasm.

Tostig Jasper, you look lovely, quipped Edward. Are you here to escort me to my freedom?

Why, no, I am here to escort you to your death. Tostig motioned with his arm and a guard opened the cell.

Edward glanced back at the window. In an instant of memory, he was back at the beginning of his doomed journey. He recalled the day his brother had plucked him from bliss and thrust him into chaos.

Chapter Two: Fourlock

Sunshine filled the beautiful gardens of Fourlock. The monastic village was as picturesque as any place in the Ponce Union. Edward had been sent there at age 10. His primary schooling had been completed and it was time to enter the training of the ‘King’s Way.’ Every prince of Ponce had been educated there for a century and a half. Fourlock had four mighty walls covered in gorgeous ivy. Each wall had a gate. Each gate was said to be covered in magic and impregnable by any hostile force. In fact, the gates had never been tested. Inside the walls were fountains, meadows, and hills. And of course, the village of Fourlock.

The village had 30 buildings. Each building had a specific purpose. In the center was the Great-house and residence of the students. The only students were the Princes, the Guardian Knights and the Fourlock Monks themselves. The monks were in charge of maintaining the village. The King of Ponce kept them in good order and allowed them holidays out in the Kingdom. However, they seemed to prefer life in their village to any place in the world.

Edward lived in Fourlock until age 20, when his brother came for him suddenly. His brothers, Lanz and Tancred, had studied in Fourlock along with Edward. Tancred was the eldest and 7 years older than Edward. Lanz was the middle son and 3 years older than Edward. They had two sisters who enjoyed life out in the kingdom as Princesses.

Edward had savored rare trips into his father’s kingdom. These gave him a chance to know girls. For him they had become magical creatures whom he longed to hold and caress. He had enough of them to satisfy his lusting and then his studies forced him to return to his education. However, he craved the hospitality of Fourlock.

Tancred never understood how Edward could enjoy the place so much. By age 18 Tancred probably had populated an entire village worth of illegitimate children. Lanz had also been extremely infatuated with the female species and gone so far as to have taken a wife. She was a citizen of Ankgar, and the union proved to be especially fateful for both kingdoms.

Edward thought less about girls and more about his growing powers. The ‘King’s Way’ was an art. It was an addiction. The monks each specialized in an aspect of the Way. Sword fighting, army leading, slaying of beasts, and mastery of all manner of powerful gifts were an appealing mix of activities for young Edward. In combat, anyone trained in the Way would be worth at least 50 warriors.

Edward sat and stared out at the setting sun. Soon it would sink below the west wall and then the green hills beyond. A few paces off sat Monk Arbor.

Your sun sets on this place, my friend.

I love that thing, replied Edward. How are we certain that is not a God?

You have been taught, Prince Edward.

Yes, but I like to think of the sun as my friend.

Yes, but it does not see you as its friend. Tis’ not wise to have friends who do not hold the mutual feeling.

Arbor, why are you always so much about being wise. How far away is the sun and how hot is it? How many people have gazed upon it and how many people have felt its warmth? If you are so wise, answer me those questions.

Edward, if I knew I would be closer to God, I suppose.

Edward stared at Arbor for a moment. Edward held out his hand toward the wise monk. Come on, I know you have one. Arbor reached in his brown pouched pocket and pulled out a nice green apple. He tossed it to Edward. Thank you.

You should learn to pick some for yourself and keep them with you.

I love these things, Edward crunched on the juicy fruit. Now why would I do that when I have you always around with three or four perfect ones in your pouch?

Arbor pulled out a red one and held it up to the sun. Edward stopped munching. Arbor turned it around slowly in his hand. Edward sat up straight. Arbor brought the gleaming red apple to his mouth. Edward leaned in. Crunch!

Where did you get that? said Edward.

Maybe if you picked them, you’d be able to get one for yourself.

I didn’t know there were any like that!

Yes, right next to the trees of green ones I have a tree with red.

Trees?

Yes, apples grow on trees, you fool.

My friend, let me have one. Edward stood up. Please.

Arbor chuckled as he munched. Come on, Arbor, they say my brother is coming to get me.

You never know when your sun will set, do you? Perhaps you should have discovered this new thing earlier. You’ve been here ten years and still have much to learn.

Arbor, I could live here a lifetime and find a new thing every day.

Suddenly, from the distance, a trumpet blast shook the still air. Riders! exclaimed the two in unison. Arbor got up and the two took off down a shady path toward the village. Arbor gave Edward a bite of his red apple as they scurried down the cobblestones. Arbor held his hand out for his apple, but to his dismay Edward handed him the green one back instead. This red one is amazing! shouted Edward.

The East Gate at Fourlock swung wide. Scores of monks in their brown frocks along with dozens of students lined the road at the entrance. Edward and Arbor joined the throng at the East Square Fountain. The crowd watched as three pairs of Guardian Knights entered the village. Another trumpet blasted off two reports. Behind the six knights came a magnificent six-horse carriage. The eagle and dragon crest of the Longchamp family was on the saddlecloths of all the horses. Two flags bearing the insignia flew from the rails of the carriage. Behind the carriage came another three pairs of Guardian Knights in their full armor and regalia. The monks began to applaud and cheer. Edward folded his arms.

Several monks at once lit the torch lights along the road and walks. The shadows were long and the large fireballs illuminated the scene in a splendid fashion. An old monk with a long gray beard and a silver tunic stepped out of the crowd and approached the carriage. The lead knight cupped his hands to his mouth and bellowed, Great members of Fourlock, I present to you His Majesty, Crown Prince Tancred Longchamp!

The door of the carriage sprung open and Tancred leapt out, standing with one foot on the carriage step and the other in midair. His right arm held on to the carriage and his left arm waved to the crowd. They erupted in another cheer.

View halloo! shouted Tancred. Edward rolled his eyes. Tancred wore long black boots with golden trim, red pants, a long blue jacket and a leopard skin sash. His black hat had a large red plume on it that matched his blazing bright pants.

Monk Roland reached out his long arm from under his silver tunic. He was the Fourlock Headmaster. In an essence of majesty and power he seemed to hold all knowledge in his hands. Intimidating in his tall, lank frame, he seemed to tower above the world. He extended his hand to the Crown Prince. Tancred, who never seemed to fear or revere anyone or anything, grasped the hand and smiled.

Welcome back, Prince Tancred, spoke Roland in his soft tone. Right before he spoke the crowd had hushed. Tancred stepped from the carriage and stood in front of the Headmaster. Tancred was a monster of a man. The thick red plume from his hat made him appear even bigger. Tancred took off his hat. His hair lay in long curls. Edward rolled his eyes again.

What a peacock, whispered Edward to Arbor.

Thank you, Monk Roland. It is always an honor to return to Fourlock. Is my baby brother around here? Tancred scanned the gathering. Heads went darting this way and that. All eyes stopped on Edward.

Ah! Edward! I have something for you, my dear brother. Tancred reached in the carriage and pulled out a mahogany case. It was about four feet long and a foot wide.

No! exclaimed Edward. My time here is not complete! I will go with you but I need to return! The crowd began to murmur. Monk Roland stepped forward. His lips parted and the gathering silenced.

I must agree with young Prince Edward here. His training is not yet complete.

Tis’ not my wish, but the King’s, replied Tancred. The King has need of all his sons. He sends his request to you, Monk Roland, to present this to Prince Edward and allow him to finish what training may be left for him at a later time.

If this is the King’s wish, I do not disobey, answered Roland. However, I will do this honor in the morning. I must prepare a few things first for young Prince Edward. You will begin your journey tomorrow. Roland always spoke softly, almost as if making suggestions, yet his words were always taken as law.

Fine, then, responded Tancred. Here you are. He handed the case toward Monk Roland, who nodded. Another monk stepped forward and accepted it. Tancred walked to his brother. I know you love this place, he whispered. But there is a whole world out there waiting for you. Also, your father needs you right now, and I need you. Tancred grasped him in a hug. Edward smiled.

Monk Roland opened his arms. To the Meade Hall.

Chapter Three: Grave Danger

The celebration for Tancred’s return was in fact a farewell party for Edward. The monks seemed to care for Edward as a son. Tancred quickly realized the festivity was for his younger brother and a bittersweet event. Edward’s teachers for years, the monks of Fourlock, had done their best to prepare him for every possible danger they could imagine. As the youngest prince, Edward’s lessons had focused more on combat and less on ruling a kingdom. Tancred, as the Crown Prince and heir to the throne, had been schooled more on leading. Their middle brother Lanz had been taught a balanced mix of both, but never before had a King’s Way student been more enthusiastic than young Edward. The monks loved him.

Finally, after hours of well wishes and stories of Edward’s youth, the celebration faded and everyone began retiring to their residences for the evening. Edward closed the door to his bedroom chamber and pulled off his clothes. He extinguished the small wall-torches with the snuffer and slid under the blankets of his bed. The shutters on his window were open and the night air filled the room. From his pillow he could see the moon.

Edward wondered how many times he had rested on this bed and stared out the window. Would this be the last time he would see this sight? He was supposed to return, but somehow he realized that possibility was remote. Edward felt this would be his final evening in a place he had spent nearly every night for nearly a decade.

Edward’s body felt heavy. He could feel himself sinking into the bed. His eyes fluttered as he fought to savor the sight and feeling he had known so long. He began to drift off to sleep. However, Edward could feel a presence. He could sense someone approaching his window. He could hear the rustling of the grass and the crack of a few scattered leaves. Despite the feeling, his eyes closed again and his body molded to the comfortable bed. Someone was out there. Edward could feel eyes watching him. He managed to open his eyes once more to check.

Edward, awake! whispered a voice. Wake up, get up. Edward closed his eyes again. Tancred’s whispers grew a pitch. He leaned in the opening of the window and glared at his younger brother. Edward, get up or I will break you in half.

Tancred, go away. Go to sleep.

Edward, you are in grave danger. Edward opened one eye. Grave danger was a phrase he had never heard uttered in reference to him. He had been in danger, but never grave danger.

How do you say that? asked Edward. I’ve never been more safe.

No, you need to gather yourself and we need to depart. Father told me to take you alone. I am not even to trust the Guardian Knights who came with me.

Edward sat up in bed. He stared at his brother in disbelief. Are you mad?

Edward Longchamp, so help me God I am telling you the King’s truth. Father gave me instructions to arrive here with the Guardian Knights but to take you and for the two of us to steal away at night and journey back to the castle. Now get your shite and let us go.

Why, pray tell, are we to be escaping like refugee scoundrels in our own kingdom?

Tancred leveled his body and thrust himself thru the window feet first. Edward jumped out of bed as Tancred grabbed hold of him. The two spun and Edward twisted Tancred’s large hands off him. Edward twirled Tancred around again and slammed him down against the cobblestone floor. Tancred had at least a six inches height and 50 pounds on Edward, but it was obvious Edward’s skill in combat was unrivaled.

Yes, break me in half, will you? he said as he put on a robe.

Tancred stood up. He eyed his brother. You don’t understand. You are about to be made Duke of Ankgar.

There’s already a Duke of Ankgar.

Well, the current Duke of Ankgar has decided he wants to be king of Ankgar.

He can’t be king, it’s a Duchy.

Yes, well there are 12 Duchies in the Ponce Kingdom. There have been 12 for 200 years, but now there are about to be 11.

I don’t have to rule as a Duke of Ankgar. Tell Father to let whomever is Duke now stay duke and I’ll take over one of the other Duchies if someone dies. The Duke of Kardon is old, he’ll go in a few years. I’ll live there. I don’t care.

Gathmar Jasper does care. He has taken quite well to his post. He likes Ankgar so much he’s declared that everyone in his Duchy wants it to be made its own kingdom.

Where is Lanz, then? His new wife should know, she’s from the place.

Yes, that is just it. A group of Guardian Knights attacked Lanz. I swear on the King’s name. They attacked him on the road from Ankgar Castle, after he had left from visiting Gathmar.

Is he well?