Read Online Kingdom's Dawn by Chuck Black - Free Book Online

nightmare of nightmares … when will I awake?
His thoughts were interrupted by Gabrik’s large hand on his shoulder.
    â€œThe King believes in you, Leinad. Now you must believe in the King and in the confidence He has in you.”
    It was the one and only moment of tenderness Leinad had ever seen in Gabrik. He returned the affirmation with a firm nod.
    Gabrik quickly scanned the surrounding country. “Enough talk. We may be too late already. Lucius stole your horses, so you must take mine. It is time for me to rejoin my men.”
    Leinad mounted the large steed, and Gabrik effortlessly lifted Tess onto the saddle behind him. Leinad looked down at Gabrik as he stroked the horse’s mane.
    â€œWhat is his name?” Leinad asked.
    â€œDeliverance.”
    â€œWill I see you again?” he asked of the mysterious companion who had been a friend and an unknown protector of Leinad and his father for many years.
    Gabrik looked at Leinad but did not answer his question. “For the King’s honor!” Then he turned and began jogging northward.
    Leinad turned his horse and his thoughts toward Mankin. Even if he reached them in time, what could he say that would make them believe him?
    Tess held Leinad’s waist tightly as he pressed Deliverance into a full gallop and raced toward the unknown. As the wind blew across his face, Leinad wondered what path he should take. Deliverance instinctively knew the way to Mankin and followed it. Leinad was envious, for his course was unknown.
    The familiarity of his farm quickly fell behind, and so did the life he once knew. Though his heart ached for what once was, in the depths of his soul he knew he would never be able to return.

LET THEM HEAR
    Leinad and Tess made the ride to Mankin in record time but still arrived late in the afternoon. The town was in the midst of a wedding celebration complete with music, dancing, and much drinking. But a terrifying storm was building, and no one could see it. At the cursing of many, Leinad did not slow his horse until he reached the town square. He quickly dismounted and left Tess with Deliverance as he ran a few paces across the square platform to the bell tower and pulled the rope twice to signal a town meeting. He knew that he would lose time if the townspeople retreated to their homes under a full alarm. It would be necessary to convince them of the severity of the impending disaster. When the music stopped, the celebration quickly diminished.
    The town prefect emerged from the courtyard of his manor house, which was near the edge of the town square, where the celebration seemed to be centered. As the prefectmade his way to the bell tower, it was clear that he was extremely annoyed. A few of the prominent men of Mankin accompanied him. As they neared the bell tower and saw that the alarmist was a boy, their demeanor changed from annoyance to anger. Many of the people were already gathering at the platform where all of the meetings were held.
    â€œWhat is the meaning of this, boy?” the prefect barked. “I am the only one in Mankin that can call a town meeting!”
    â€œPrefect, I am Leinad, Peyton’s son. I was sent by the King to warn you of a disaster that is coming to destroy Mankin.”
    The prefect burst into laughter. “If the King is still alive, He doesn’t rule these parts. I am the authority here, and besides, there is no disaster coming that we have not already survived.”
    Although the smell of wine was heavy on his breath, he was well in control of his faculties, much to Leinad’s amazement.
    The people in the square moved from the prefect’s manor across to the bell tower. Others outside the square joined them as well. The square was filling rapidly.
    â€œPlease, Prefect, there is not much time,” Leinad said. “The King has told me to warn you of the Vactor Deluge. It will come from the coasts and devour everything in its path. You must warn the