Kingdom's Hope Read Free Page A

him.
    â€œWhat’s that?” Tess asked.
    â€œIt’s an ointment made from a rare spice found across the Great Sea. It’s called the Life Spice. My father once told me about it, but I’d never seen any until I met the King.”
    Leinad wrapped a clean cloth around Tess’s waist and covered the gash.
    â€œIt feels better already. Thanks!” She grabbed Leinad’s arm and looked into his eyes with a heartwarming smile. Tess kept her hair tied back, and she swept a few loose strands from her soiled face.
    â€œI missed you, Leinad. I still can’t believe you’re alive.”
    â€œI missed you too, Tess. Every day my hope was that you would be all right until I returned,” he said, returning the smile. Their temporary separation coupled with the possibility of never seeing each other again had caused them both to realize how important and deep their friendship had become.
    Tess washed up in the cool water while Leinad built a fire and fixed some food. They enjoyed their meal together and talked at length about the King and their future.
    â€œWell, Leinad, here we are again … the two of us with the whole kingdom to explore.” Leinad read concern on her face. She looked earnestly at him. “I want so badly to just leave this wretched place. I don’t want to lose youagain, Leinad. Please don’t fight Fairos tomorrow.”
    â€œYou know I have to go back, Tess. The King’s people will die there unless I do. We are part of them now. Don’t worry, the King will deliver all of us from the hand of Fairos.”
    Tess looked solemnly at the ground. “I know we must go back. I couldn’t leave them either. I just wish there was a better way than to see you face Fairos again.”
    Leinad looked sharply at Tess. “
We
are not going back.
I
am going back, and
you
are staying here, where it is safe, until I return,” Leinad said.
    Tess narrowed her eyes at Leinad. “I am going with you! I will run all the way to Pyron Mid if I must.”
    Leinad shook his head and looked upset, but he loved her courage. “Get some sleep, Tess. We both need it.”
    The weariness of slavery had taken its toll on Tess, and Leinad was exhausted from the sword fights earlier that day. Tomorrow was going to be another very intense day.
    T HE NEXT MORNING, THEY ATE their breakfast in silence.
    â€œYou’re not coming with me, Tess,” Leinad finally said. “I don’t know how Fairos will respond, and it might get brutal. Yesterday he demonstrated just how barbaric he can be.”
    â€œI suppose you’re right,” Tess said. “It’s much safer to leave a helpless young girl in the wilderness all alone.”
    Leinad couldn’t help the smirk, which turned into a smile. “You are an ornery lass and have been from the first time I met you.”
    Leinad and Tess made their way back to Pyron Mid and arrived just before noon. The cool morning air was quicklyconsumed by the sun of a cloudless day. At the castle, the entire entourage of guards, overseers, servants, and slaves were gathered around the drawbridge. Leinad and Tess dismounted.
    â€œPromise me you will not die, Leinad,” Tess whispered to him.
    â€œI promise, Tess. The King will be my strength and my assurance.”
    Tess took Freedom aside, and Leinad walked through the aisle formed by the crowd leading up to the drawbridge. The slaves looked more worn than usual. Leinad tried to encourage them with a determined smile, but most of them looked weary and empty. The younger ones responded enough to fuel Leinad’s drive. He walked to the middle of the drawbridge and waited.
    Fairos soon appeared and approached Leinad. “As you can see, I have gathered everyone so that they may witness your death today, slave. Your futile attempt to rescue these pathetic people is over, and so is your life.”
    â€œThe King demands one thing from you,