Kingdom's Hope Read Online Free Page B

mounted force down on the fleeing people.
    Quinn returned shortly and dismounted. “The canyon walls directly ahead are far too steep,” he said. “Off to the right there is a gorge that descends to the canyon floor, butit is narrow and long. Our people can pass only five or six wide. It will take too long to get them into the canyon. Besides, Leinad, what happens then?”
    â€œWhy don’t we stop and fight them?” a large fellow said. “We outnumber them five to one.”
    â€œWe have no weapons and they are mounted,” Leinad replied. “It would be a massacre that none would survive. We don’t have a choice. Quinn, lead us to the gorge’s entrance. I will take Freedom to the rear and hurry the people.”
    â€œI’ll go with you,” Tess said.
    â€œNo, Tess. I need you to help Quinn direct the people to the gorge.”
    She looked disappointed but knew this was no time to argue. “Yes, Leinad.”
    Leinad galloped to the trailing people while Quinn and Tess altered their course toward the narrow gorge.
    After what seemed like an agonizingly long time, the first few people reached the narrow gorge. Leinad rejoined Quinn and Tess to find a near riotous situation developing. The gorge was indeed narrow and caused a serious bottleneck. The hurrying mass of panic-stricken people now found themselves motionless as a small trickle descended the narrow passageway into the canyon. Before long, people began to push, and the flow through the passage slowed even further. Pandemonium reigned.
    Leinad rode Freedom into the mass of people near the gorge entrance and drew his sword. He pulled on the reins. Freedom reared and neighed loudly, which momentarily quieted the people.
    â€œPeople!” Leinad shouted for all to hear. “You must not panic or we will destroy ourselves! The women and children will pass first. Go quickly, but do not push!”
    The large man who earlier had suggested they fight Fairos’s men had stepped aside to help others into the gorge.
    â€œWhat’s your name, sir?” Leinad asked him.
    â€œI am Audric.”
    Audric was darker skinned than most of the people. His voice was low and his hands were large. Leinad assumed he was from a different region of Arrethtrae but had chosen to call the King’s people his own. Though he seldom smiled, Audric’s eyes were strong and gentle.
    â€œAudric, I want you, Quinn, and Tess to manage the entrance into the gorge, and I will try to bring some order farther back.”
    Leinad did not have the luxury of asking anymore; he was commanding. The urgency of the situation forced him into leadership. It was a skill that did not come naturally for him, especially at his young age.
    Soon the people were moving steadily into the narrow passageway down to the canyon floor. Leinad kept a watchful eye on Fairos and his approaching army. He knew it was going to be close—too close.
    Tess stayed at the entrance with Quinn and Audric until the last of the people entered. The individual members of Fairos’s army were now discernible.
    â€œTess, Quinn, Audric … get down the passageway. Quickly!” Leinad said.
    â€œWhat about you, Leinad?” Tess asked.
    â€œI will come shortly! Now get going!”
    Once they departed, Leinad dismounted Freedom and looked toward the approaching army. “O my King, how will we survive the wrath of Fairos?” Leinad asked out loud.
    Freedom pawed at the ground nervously. Leinad turned to descend the gorge, but froze at the sight before him. The hairs on his arms and neck stood straight, and fear was all he felt.
    Before him, guarding the entrance to the gorge passageway, stood two massive warriors. Their silent approach shocked Leinad, but so did their massive arms and chests. Their swords were drawn, and their faces were stern. Besides their swords, each also carried a golden trumpet that gleamed in the late afternoon