The March of the King: Book One of the Divine Destiny Trilogy

By Ken Caffey

King Alez, a beloved ruler of the kingdom of Castlemyer, is a man strong in his faith, deep in his convictions, and generous with his compassion. Unfortunately, his half-brother, Dator, does not share the same traits and is preparing to carry out an evil plan.

Dator is hatching a plot to kill King Alez so that he can step up to the throne. With help from a false holy man, Dator tricks his brother, leaves him for dead, claims the throne, and begins a reign of terror. But what he does not know is that King Alez is still alive, thanks to the Lord who sent dwarves to his rescue. Now as the king travels to reclaim his crown, the Lord brings animals, dwarves, elves, men and women, and legends to life to aid him in his quest. But as he continues a magical journey that epitomizes the power of faith, King Alez is unaware that other enemies are hiding in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to pounce.

In this Christian fantasy tale, after a king is tricked by his brother and left for dead he recruits both humans and magical creatures to help him on his march to reclaim his throne.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Dec 1, 2017
• ISBN: 9781973607786

Ken Caffey

Ken Caffey retired from music ministry after serving churches for thirty-five years. He is the author of the murder mystery, Smoke Screen. Ken and his wife, Jana, have two daughters and reside in DeLand, Florida, where they enjoy spending time with family, worshipping at their church, and traveling the country.

Book preview

PRELUDE

ALL THE PIECES ARE IN PLACE.

D ATOR had been leading the hunting party since the sun had first peered over the Myer Mountains. He and the hunting party were following tracks and now seven men sat silently on their horses as a tracker crouched and touched the ground a few yards ahead. After a moment the tracker stood.

He has come this way, Prince Dator, the tracker reported, pointing forward. He is only a few minutes ahead of us.

Dator narrowed his eyes and allowed a thin smile to touch his lips as he stared into the woods. He patted his coal black stallion as the others waited.

Good. His voice was deep bass and he made a point to over enunciate the final d sound of the word he had just spoken. Now we’ll close in on the beast. Without removing his gaze from the trees he said in a quiet, stern voice, Jonhu and Prekor!

Yes, my prince, one rider barked, snapping a hand up in salute.

Another rider, mimicked the salute, and responded with, Your servant, sir!

Cross back to the stream we passed. Follow it north to the falls. Wait there. The prince finally tore his gaze from the woods and looked at the two appointed men. If he reaches that spot before I get him, turn him around. His voice then became a fierce whisper and he emphasized each word, overdoing each final consonant once again as he commanded, Do not let him pass.

Yes, my lord, the one named Prekor said. The two riders turned their horses east and galloped toward the stream.

Prince Dator looked toward the woods once more, saying quietly, You’ll not live much longer. He then looked back to his men. A berstar will make a fine addition to my trophy room. Let’s move forward. And remember—the beast is mine.

For over half an hour the party pressed steadily onward. No one spoke. Tension hung in the air like morning dew on a dandelion. Only the horses’ clomping hooves and an occasional bird’s song broke the silence. Suddenly, Dator signaled for a halt as the tracker quickly dismounted. The party sat quietly and listened.

Movement up ahead, the tracker whispered. An impatient horse snorted and the sound of trashing brush reached their ears.

He’s on the move! shouted the tracker.

Lance! cried Dator as he spurred forward. The hunting party raced forward and the lance-bearer had difficulty catching up with the prince’s stallion.

Lance! Dator cried again. "Lance!’

Glancing over his shoulder Dator saw the weapon bearer reaching forward with desperation, finally slapping the five-foot long lance into the prince’s outstretched hand.

Prince Dator sped forward, expertly darting between trees, around logs, and over fallen branches.

There! cried a soldier. Up left!

Dator looked and caught a glimpse of the fleeing creature a hundred feet ahead. Now the prince’s ears picked up the sound of the falls. As he had anticipated, the berstar was heading that direction.

Cut off the left! the prince yelled. Force him this way!

Three riders immediately broke away, following Dator’s directive. Only the tracker and lance-bearer stayed with the prince who rode toward the sound of the falls.

Then they heard a great roar that shook the surrounding forest. It sounded not unlike a bear, though more like a trio of bears, so thunderous was the sound. The beast broke into a small clearing for all to see. He was covered with silver fur and had a bright red streak that zigzagged down his back. His head resembled that of an ape but the body was bear-like—only much larger. When this berstar would stand on its hind legs it would probably tower over twelve feet tall.

Look at the size of him! Dator cried in awe. It’s the biggest berstar I have ever seen!

But there was no time to sit and marvel. With amazing speed for one so huge the berstar headed toward the falls. Dator charged, then checked up and raised his lance. His shot was spoiled as the beast turned suddenly, retreating back toward the woods.

Dator cursed and lowered the lance. Turn him! he cried. Turn him!

Just then the one named Jonhu darted from the trees on his brown stallion. He was right upon the beast as he drew his sword. The berstar’s roar filled the air as it rose on its hind legs to battle his attacker.

No! yelled Dator as Jonhu slashed at the creature. What is the fool doing? he asked no one in particular.

The berstar towered over horse and rider. One huge front paw struck downward and broke the neck of Jonhu’s mount. The horse collapsed in a heap and its rider leaped from the saddle. Jonhu fell then scrambled back to his feet.

Dator spurred forward again, shouting at the lance-bearer to remain close.

Jonhu, himself a rather large man, looked small and pitiful brandishing his sword in front of the gigantic beast. He looked up with eyes wide with fear at the huge creature with the enormous yellow teeth. Dator took advantage of the creature’s preoccupation and rode extremely close—closer than the lance-bearer wanted to get. The prince’s arm was cocked, ready to hurl the lance. But he did not. He set astride that black stallion, eyes riveted on his prey, waiting for the right moment to strike.

Jonhu, realizing his peril, cried out for help. The berstar slowly raised one huge front paw and Jonhu stood paralyzed. Still Dator remained frozen.

Can’t you help the lad? the lance-bearer asked in a breathless whisper.

Dator held firm. It’s my hunt.

Then the berstar struck. So powerful was the force of the blow that it tore Jonhu’s head from his body. At that very moment, seeing the beast’s right side exposed, Dator threw the lance and immediately reached back for another, which the lance-bearer slapped into the prince’s palm. The berstar roared in pain as the point ripped through its side. He went down to all fours and turned toward his new attacker. Green eyes burned with fury and he once again rose to his hind legs to attack. Dator released the second lance and it buried into the beast’s stomach.

Watch out! the lance bearer cried as the berstar began to fall forward. Dator had to maneuver his horse quickly out of the way, lest he be crushed under the creature. The butt end of the second shaft struck the ground as the beast fell and the razor sharp point burst through the bright red streak on the berstar’s back.

Prince Dator unleashed a volley of curses, never taking his eyes off the fallen beast that now struggled to crawl away. The prince dismounted and called for another lance then ended the hunt with a well-placed shaft into the heart of the beast.

The lance-bearer raised a cheer that the others in the party joined. The thin smile returned to Dator’s lips as he drew his sword and strode forward. A moment later he held aloft the head of the berstar, whose lifeless eyes starred into the sky.

Victory! he shouted.

Victory! the others repeated.

The prince turned and looked down at the huge beast, two lances in its side and one protruding, point first, from the back, bloodying the red zigzag stripe.

Dator snorted in disgust. Why did it have to fall forward? he snarled. That shaft ruined the pelt.

Better to have a berstar pelt bloodied by battle than not to have one at all, offered the tracker.

Dator’s stare silenced the man. Alez has one, he muttered to himself. And it’s perfect.

What of poor Jonhu? asked Prekor. Shall we take his remains …

Bury him here, was Dator’s quick reply as he mounted his stallion.

But, my prince, one soldier objected, his family should …

Dator raised his hand and his steely glare stilled the soldier’s voice. Is it your belief that Jonhu’s family would enjoy viewing the headless, mutilated body of their loved one?

Well, the soldier stammered, shaking his head. I suppose not.

Bury him here, Dator repeated. And do it quickly, then get my trophy prepared for transportation to Castlemyer. He held the soldier’s gaze until the other man bowed and turned to perform the task. The rest of you, Dator said, addressing the hunting party, help him. The other men dismounted and some began the work of digging a grave while others began to prepare the berstar for transport.

The sooner we bury this loser, the sooner I get home with my prize, Dator muttered to himself.

It was nearly sunset when a rider came upon the hunting party that was returning to Castlemyer, the huge carcass of the berstar in tow.

Oh, my prince! I have been searching for you, the young man exclaimed.

And you have found me, Dator snarled. State your business.

The rider bowed low over the neck of his horse. Yes, my prince. Cardinal Rahamon Vicmenion arrived at the palace this afternoon. He says he has business with you of a most urgent nature.

Dator could not hide the sinister smile as it returned to his lips. He called for Prekor who quickly rode to his side.

You are in charge. See to it that my trophy arrives safely in Castlemyer. I will be most displeased if anything unfortunate should befall my prize.

Prekor saluted. Yes, my prince.

Over his shoulder he called to the lance bearer, You are with me.

He then spurred the coal black stallion and galloped forward toward the city of Castlemyer.

Dator was off his horse the moment he entered the palace gates. The lance-bearer took charge of the stallion following the prince’s dismount and the prince walked as fast as his legs could carry him toward the guest chambers. He stripped off his coat and dropped it. Several servants scrambled behind him as he entered the palace and one scooped up the coat.

Dator hurried down the long hallway, peeling off the sweat-drenched shirt and dropping it to the floor as well. The same servant who had picked up the coat now grabbed the shirt. Another servant carried a fresh garment and helped Dator into it and the prince never broke stride.

A clean coat for the prince, the one servant cried and a woman, running to keep up, handed the head servant a jacket. Again, without slowing down, Dator donned the coat. Up another flight of stairs he hurried, once more hastening down a long corridor.

Will there be anything further? the head servant huffed, nearly out of breath.

My ring, Dator snapped.

The head servant turned pale. Who has the prince’s ring?

Here it is, my lord, a young servant said, rushing forward and holding a gold ring that had an image of a wolf’s head on top. Two ruby stones were the eyes of the wolf.

Dator placed the ring on his finger then released the other servants with a wave of his hand and he finally paused before a magnificently carved wooden door.

The head servant began to brush Dator from head to toe.

The cardinal is waiting. His Majesty is with him, I believe.

Dator frowned. Alez is in there?

Color drained from the servant’s already pale face. Begging your pardon, my lord, the little man began, but I don’t believe it is proper for you to call His Majesty by his given name.

Yes, yes, of course, the prince scoffed, waving his hand impatiently. But he is in there?

The servant gulped. Yes, my lord. I believe so.

Dator snorted and said something under his breath that the servant did not catch. The prince straightened, pulled at the tail of his coat, and entered the room.

Two men were staring at a chessboard when the door opened. The king leaped to his feet when he saw his little brother.

So the hunter returns!

King Alez was at least ten years Dator’s senior, shorter and a bit meatier, but with the same dark, ruddy complexion. In his eyes, there was love as he embraced the younger man. The cardinal stood, head slightly bowed, yet he did not speak.

I am glad the messenger found you, Alez continued. Your former instructor has some kind of business to discuss with you.

So I understand, Dator replied with a stiff smile plastered on his face.

As you can see, the king said, indicating the chessboard on a table behind them, I’ve been doing my best to entertain our distinguished guest.

The cardinal smiled and bowed from the waist.

Your Majesty has been most gracious.

The king laughed and slapped an arm around Dator, pulling him in front of the table. He addressed Cardinal Vicmenion as he said, Yes, but it is clear you haven’t been. Alez winked at the prince before continuing. Just look at this mess.

He gestured to the partially completed game of chess. The good cardinal has had me on the run since the first move.

Dator had always been a much better chess player than his older half- brother and he quickly saw that the king’s king was in great peril. Alez never was one for strategy, Dator thought.

The prince let his eyes stray to Cardinal Vicmenion as he said, I am interrupting your game. The Cardinal and I can discuss whatever business he has with me later.

Nonsense, my brother, Alez patted the prince on the back. I know when I am beaten. White resigns.

Cardinal Rahamon Vicmenion smiled apologetically and bowed once more.

I’ll leave you two to your business, the king said. But I would like to know about the hunt. Any success?

Dator’s head lifted in conscious pride. I brought down a full grown male berstar. Twelve, maybe twelve and a half feet. He is magnificent.

The king’s face beamed with pride. Excellent! I knew you could do it, though I feared for you. Those are the strongest, most brutal creatures in all of God’s creation. He shivered at the thought. All well with the hunting party?

Dator shook his head. A young, inexperienced fool got too close. No one could help.

The joyful expression on the king’s face faded quickly. Pain etched his countenance and his shoulders slumped.

Who was it? King Alez asked with voice suddenly soft as a rose petal.

One named Jonhu.

Alez shook his head, sadness overcoming him. I don’t know the lad, he said quietly. Or his family. Is his body being brought back?

I thought it best, for his family’s sake, to have him buried there, Dator replied. It was rather grisly.

The king nodded. Yes, I’m sure. Was the young man a believer?

The question caught Dator off guard and he shook his head. I don’t understand.

Did he follow the Word of Jeruseus?

Dator huffed. Really, Alez! How could I possibly know that?

An unfair question, the king replied, raising his right hand. I pray that he was so that he would awaken in the arms of the Almighty.

Amen, the Cardinal uttered, prompting Dator to do likewise.

But the prince was not yet ready to relinquish his claim to glory at the expense of a dead soldier. He returned the conversation to his personal victory.

You should have seen this beast, Alez. He was monstrous! It took three lances to bring him down. Then Dator felt disgust sour his expression. And when he fell one of the lance tips ripped out through his back, ruining the pelt.

King Alez sighed, apparently still thinking of the one who perished. After a moment’s pause he said, Perhaps the pelt is stained, but it does not lessen the accomplishment.

The pelt in the throne room is perfect, Dator countered. The bearstar you took down was not as big as this one, but at least the pelt is absolutely perfect.

The king looked his younger brother in the eyes. Dator, I have told you before—that was purist luck. It was a lance hurled in terror that found its mark before I was struck down. Jeruseus directed the point into the beast’s heart so that I might live. He closed his eyes and shook his head. I’ll never forget that awful fear. The same fear young Jonhu must have felt. He looked down at the floor for a moment.

Well, you two discuss your business. I will go see Reverend Cousel about a fitting service for this lad. Then, we’ll find his family and break the news.

The king extended his hand to the Cardinal, who took it and bowed. It was wonderful seeing you again, even in this time of sorrow.

Likewise, Your Majesty.

Alez turned and left the room, softly closing the door behind him.

Dator waited until the sound of footsteps disappeared down the corridor.

Sympathetic fool.

He then looked at Cardinal Vicmenion and he smiled as he gazed into the flabby face of the holy man.

The cardinal returned the evil smile. The years of planning have paid off. Both here and elsewhere. All the pieces are in place, he said. The question is, are you ready to play the game?

Dator moved to the chess table and picked up the white king saying, I am ready.

He dropped the piece to the floor and crushed it under the heel of his boot.

CHAPTER 1

DECEPTION

K ING Alez IV led the small royal guard that had started riding from Riverton earlier that morning. They rode toward the eastern edge of the Campher Mountains that now loomed overhead, casting ominous shadows into the canyon that lay beyond. The party reined to a halt as an eagle’s screech pierced the air.

Are we following the correct path? the king asked the prince who was riding his coal-black steed.

Yes, Dator said curtly. Just up ahead, we take a right, north of Almon Canyon.

And this was the urgent business you needed to discuss with my brother? the king asked Cardinal Vicmenion, who rode next to Dator.

Yes, Your Majesty, the plump cardinal replied. I did not want to bother you if the information I had received was incorrect.

Alez smiled and addressed Dator once more. Keeping secrets from your brother—what would your mother say?

Dator merely smiled and pointed. We go through there, he said, indicating a split in the rocks.

The riders went single file through the split, Cardinal Rahamon Vicmenion going third. He stopped the soldiers who had accompanied the king.

You men wait here. This is for the king’s eyes only. It is only a short ride from this spot.

With all due respect, Your Eminence, said the captain of the party, I would feel better accompanying the king.

Perfectly understandable, Captain Vrayman, the cardinal said. You alone may come with us, but you may not enter the cave. Is that understood?

Yes, Your Eminence.

After the four men rode up into the mountains for a quarter hour, Dator pointed and said to his brother, There it is.

King Alez moved his mount toward a narrow opening in the rock. Here?

That’s right, said the cardinal.

The opening appeared to be nothing more than a large crack in the mountain. The smell of damp rock emanated from the opening.

Captain Vrayman said, Surely you don’t expect King Alez to go in there!

Dator turned to protest, but the king placed his hand on his half brother’s arm, stifling any remarks the prince would have made.

It is quite all right, Captain Vrayman. A small amount of mold and mildew will not hurt me. And if it’s the smallness of the opening that concerns you, he said as he patted his stomach, I assure you that my paunch will fit.

The captain of the guard chuckled, and the king winked at Dator as he dismounted.

It certainly does not give the impression of being much of a cave, he said, examining the entrance. You have been inside?

Yes, Dator answered. We both have.

And how was it discovered?

Dator’s gaze fell upon the cardinal, who replied, Prospectors. They took what they wanted and then reported the rest. The cave looks small, but after only eight steps or so it opens up. And it is truly wondrous.

Alez nodded.

"As you both have told me repeatedly." He sighed. Very well. Who goes first?

I will, Dator volunteered. You follow. Cardinal Vicmenion can come after you.

I informed Captain Vrayman that he needs to stay outside., the cardinal said.

The king laughed and replied, As you wish. After all, we can’t have my most trusted man seeing what the king has not yet seen, can we?

There was an awkward pause, and the sound of a nearby stream seemed very loud.

Then the king said, Gentlemen, it was a joke. Both the captain and I fully understand your caution. Until this moment, Captain Vrayman did not even know why we have traveled all these miles from Castlemyer to look into a crack in the rock. However, we both trust the two of you. Isn’t that correct, Captain Vrayman.?

Yes indeed, Your Majesty, the soldier agreed.

The king turned back to Dator. That being said, lead on, my brother. Show me what we’ve come to see.

Dator bowed, a slight smile on his lips, and he slipped through the crack in the rock. Alez followed. Cardinal Vicmenion, barely able to fit through, went last.

As the cardinal had said, the small opening soon widened into a chamber about eight to ten feet across. Dator lit a torch and then led the king through a winding passage. The king did not realize it, but Cardinal Vicmenion stopped following after the torch was lit. Dator ignited several torches as they walked the rocky floor of the chamber.

The walls of this cave, King Alez said, they are filled with gold?

Dator nodded. I’ve not seen anything like it.

I can just imagine the good we could do with such wealth. The king continued to trudge behind his brother. Not that the treasury is barren, but still the kingdom can never have too much wealth.

My thought exactly, Dator muttered.

"We could build better schools in Barro and Finford. We could give needed assistance to farmers in the valley. Many need oxen to pull their plows. In Riverton, we could help the shipping business and fishing industry with new vessels.

And let’s not forget the work of the Lord. We could pay expenses of preachers to go across our kingdom and beyond, proclaiming the Word of Jeruseus. I pray that every man, woman, and child in my kingdom will hear about His love before my reign as king comes to an end.

He suddenly realized that Dator had stopped inside a large cavern. The prince had lit two torches affixed to the wall of the cavern. King Alez looked about, closely examining a wall of rock. There was no gold to be seen.

When he turned to question his brother, fear gripped his heart. Dator’s face was dark and shadowed in the flickering torchlight. The wrinkle of his forehead furrowed deep and black. His eyes revealed their hatred from darkened, bottomless sockets. A sneer of disgust touched Dator’s lips. Somewhere within the cave, a single droplet of water fell into a small puddle.

Dator? The king’s voice was soft, breathless. Is this the chamber of gold?

Slowly Dator smiled. It was a horrid, sinister smile that chilled the king’s heart. King Alez had never seen anything that looked so evil in his life. Torchlight danced across his brother’s face, and Alez realized he had been duped.

You really believed there was gold in this cave! Dator scoffed. You, the great King Alez, tricked as easily as a child!

He laughed and shook his head while placing the torch in a holder on the wall. He stooped and picked up a rock about the size of an apple. Then he began to turn it deliberately in his hands.

Dator, the king said, Jeruseus is watching.

This brought nothing but laughter from the younger man. I’m sure He is. And He will watch you die.

The king thought for a moment about drawing his dagger, but it would be no match for the sword that hung at Dator’s side. He could call for Captain Vrayman, but even if Alez’s cry was heard, the trusted soldier would be too late to save him, and then that man’s life would be in peril. The king had to buy some time—time to think of a plan of escape. He prayed quickly for the Lord to intervene somehow.

Dator, how can you do this? If the Word of Jeruseus is in your heart—

Maybe it’s not! Dator interrupted. Maybe I have just pretended all this religion because you are so enthralled by it. He shook his head. I spent my whole life gaining your trust, and now, big brother, I am about to reap my reward.

You will get no reward from this, Alez countered. Jeruseus will not allow it.

Dator looked down at the rock in his hand. But He has delivered you to me—or so it seems. No, Alez. There is no gold here in this cavern, but this is where you will remain. This was my mother’s dying wish—that I ascend to the throne. I vowed to her that I would take it! Now I make good on that vow! Your feeble reign is about to end, my dear half brother.

The king noticed a passage jutting off to his left. There was nothing but blackness within, but it might be his only chance. He would have to run fifty feet to reach it. Could he outrun Dator?

And what if someone discovers how you obtained the throne?

He casually took a few steps toward the passage, kicking a rock as he did so.

You are a fool! Dator cried. No one will find out. I will say that you were involved in an accident while searching for treasure. Then I will use your very own men to seal the entrance to this cave. Yes, Alez, the prince said, gesturing about the cave, this will be your tomb.

Silently, Alez prayed, Father, I need Your help.

Dator chuckled quietly, and then harsh lines etched into his face. My reign will be like no other. Unlike our father’s passivity and your benevolence, mine will be a reign of terror! Terror, you see, is the key to absolute power.

Would our mother approve of your taking the throne in this fashion? The king took another step to his left.

Dator’s head snapped up, eyes glaring at the king. "Don’t call her our mother. She was my mother. You killed yours on the day you were born! Now your reign as king of Castlemyer has come to an end."

King Alez made his break. He raced toward the passage, catching Dator by surprise. Dator threw the rock too late, and it splintered against the cave wall, its percussion echoing loudly.

The king heard his brother curse violently and knew Dator would pursue. But the next instant, his footing gave way and he fell.

Dator heard King Alez’s anguished cry, a rustling of clothing, and then a loud thud that echoed throughout the cave like the sound of a last heartbeat. He pulled the torch from its holder and drew his sword as he moved forward. He listened a moment. Only the dripping of water could be heard. He sheathed his weapon and moved cautiously forward.

Cardinal Vicmenion rushed to his side.

What happened to Alez?

I’m not sure, Dator answered. Come on.

The two men crept slowly forward into the passage. The darkness was so deep that the torchlight barely pierced it. Suddenly, the cardinal’s foot slid downward, sending a cascade of rocks into a pit below. He cried out and grabbed for Dator, who, still holding the torch firmly in his left hand, helped the cardinal regain his footing with the right.

A pit, Cardinal Vicmenion gasped.

Dator’s nod was almost imperceptible in the torchlight. He held the torch outward and on the damp floor some twenty feet below he saw the King of Castlemyer. Alez’s right leg crumpled beneath him and he lay deathly still.

Do you think he’s dead? the cardinal whispered.

Probably. But it doesn’t really matter. Look how smooth the sides of this pit are. He held the torch to illuminate the face of the pit. Even if he is alive he will never be able to get out—especially with a broken leg. If he is not dead, he will die in a few days.

Then, checkmate, the cardinal said.

Dator nodded. Checkmate. The prince then kissed the wolf ring that adorned his left middle finger.

The two men walked back the way they had come, extinguishing the torches along the way. They paused before stepping back into the sunlight, Dator plastering an appropriate look of despair upon his face.

Captain Vrayman, he cried as he staggered from the cave. Something awful has happened!

The captain leaped off his horse and began to enter the cave, but was stopped by the cardinal.

Where is King Alez? Vrayman demanded.

Dator tried to speak but overcome with grief. He motioned for Cardinal Vicmenion to explain.

Our king is dead, the religious man stated, choking back his own tears.

What? Vrayman grabbed the pommel of his sword and pushed the cardinal aside.

Please, Captain Vrayman! Hear me!

That stopped the soldier and he turned to face the two grieving men.

I am afraid that in his excitement King Alez wandered too far. He stumbled into, uh, into a deep pit. Then the sides of the pit crashed down upon him. The explanation was given in a breathless whisper. We heard him cry out as the rocks crumbled and we rushed to him. If it had not been for our noble prince, I too would have perished. We called out to him. But in moments our king was buried under the rock.

Vrayman’s face twisted with agony and he bowed his head, squeezing his eyes tightly together. I should have been with him. Perhaps I …

Perhaps you would have fallen in as well, Captain, Dator said, inhaling deeply. Then we would be mourning the loss of my brother and his most trusted captain of the guard.

But maybe …

No maybes, Captain. The cardinal and I called out, hopeful of a miracle; praying that somehow my brother was still alive under the crush of rock. However, there is no doubt. The king is dead.

Captain Vrayman nodded understanding, tears filling his eyes.

This, Captain, will be my brother’s final resting place. I want no one disturbing it and I want no one to perish while trying to recover his body. Go get your men and seal this entrance.

Vrayman mounted and turned his horse and it began to trot down the path toward the canyon. As he did so, Dator allowed a slight smile to cross his lips.

A hazy consciousness returned to the king as he lay on the cold, hard floor of the pit. Intense pain passed through his body as his right leg throbbed. Endless blackness stretched out before his eyes. He tasted blood. King Alez did not know where he was nor could he remember why he was in this dreadful place. He tried to lift himself up, but he fell back unable to muster any strength. It hurt to breathe. Some ribs must be broken.

He thought he heard something—a trudging of feet, rocks crumbling and tumbling about him. With a mighty effort, he raised his head slightly and strained his eyes in the darkness. He saw nothing and finally lapsed back into semi-consciousness.

He felt himself moved. The pain subsided, leaving him with an overall numbness from the damp cold. The last thing he felt before he fell into a deep sleep was a sensation of floating upward.

Are you taking me home, Lord?

CHAPTER 2

KIMLA

T HE king awoke suddenly. When his eyes cleared he realized he was in a very neat, clean, but extremely small bedroom; a bedroom that smelled of cinnamon. He inhaled deeply and smiled. The brightness of the day shined through the window, even though the curtains were drawn. A hand carved cane was propped next to the bed. He used it to pull back