The Rebels of Cordovia (2 page)

Daniel decided to send Miles out again and
give them another invitation. If they refused again, then he would
tell Miles to challenge them to a contest of archery and sword
fighting. If they won, he would not bother them again and would
help them when needed. If they lost, they would have to join
Daniel’s men. If Robin’s small group of men really wanted to win
this battle against King Rupert, they would accept his
challenge.

Daniel had moved to this
small country of Cordovia about five years ago. He was upset when
he noticed that the
rich were getting richer and the poor
were getting… He hesitated, thinking for a moment.
Is it
possible to get poorer
, he asked himself. The humble and poor
people of the villages were in need of help. They needed medicine,
more food, jobs, and fewer taxes. Would he be able to make a
difference in this rebel’s cause?

Daniel came from a wealthy family. His
father was an influential man and was adamantly against the
dictatorship of the king. He was none to happy about the king’s
actions and encouraged Daniel to join one of the rebel groups.

Each evening ended in a hot discussion over
a new law that was crippling the people. That was when Daniel told
his father that he was going to create his own group of rebels…
that he was on a crusade to bring down King Rupert and replace him
with a good and righteous leader.

He was not in favor of bloodshed, but they
could no longer live without freedom. Freedom came with a price.
Daniel knew that oppression was not easily conquered. He had
earnestly searched for another way to avoid the calamities of war
but there was none. He had even asked for a meeting with the king
to discuss the needs of the people but was refused an audience.
Putting together an army of rebels was the only way… and he hoped
that God was on his side.

Daniel sighed as he watched his men practice.
Most were men of humble means. He knew many were struggling, so he
encouraged the men to make sure they helped their parents raise
good crops and put meat on their tables. He did not want his men to
neglect their families.

Miles walked toward him and laughed. “Well,
Danny Boy, I was thinkin’ about what you said… about havin’ a
competition between our two groups…” He grinned as he looked up at
Daniel and motioned to his large biceps. “That young leader of
Robin’s Rebels isn’t much to look at. A real scrawny thing! I
figure if you challenge him to a duel…that might do it. You need to
put down the leader in front of his men so they’ll be convinced
they can’t go against the king without us. What do ya say?”

Daniel looked at Miles and asked, “Do you mean a
competition separate from the rest of his men? One on one?”

“That’s right,” said Miles as he laughed at his
ingenuity.

Daniel thought for a moment. What could he do to
challenge the leader of Robin’s Rebels that would impress them? A
sword fight? Archery? Daniel smiled. He was the best at archery.
But then, if the leader was really that scrawny, perhaps a duel
with swords would be better.

“What is the leader’s name?” asked Daniel.

“Robin.”

“As in Robin Hood?” he said with amusement.

Miles nodded.

“All right,” Daniel chuckled. “Robin it is. When
you call on them tomorrow, let Robin know that I want to challenge
him to a duel.”

A look of enthusiasm spread over Miles’ face as
he said, “I think you should challenge him to archery.”

“Do you think so?”

Miles grinned. “Of course. I’ve heard a few
things about Robin. Even though he isn’t much to look at, he’s
gotten a reputation for being the best archer in Charlottesville.
It’s all over town.”

“Really?” asked Daniel with great interest.

“I know how you enjoy a challenge.” Miles
chuckled when he saw the interest in Daniel’s eyes. “Besides, no
one has ever beaten you. You’ve won every archery contest you have
entered. You’re sure to win. And that will impress Robin’s men.
Don’t you think?”

Daniel nodded as he folded his arms across his
chest. That was a fact. No one had ever beaten him before. This
contest should be easy to win.

While Miles was arranging another meeting with
Robin’s Rebels, Daniel was headed for Charlottesville. Last week he
had stopped by his father’s home for a visit. During that visit he
asked for part of his inheritance. His father was willing and gave
him more than he needed. After arriving in camp, he divided the
money up and sent his men to each of the villages to buy bread,
pastries, and whatever the poor needed. Then they would distribute
it among the needy. He had assigned himself to the town of
Charlottesville.

As he pulled his wagon to a stop near the
Baker’s Shop, he saw a young woman lifting a large bag of flour
from her cart. It was a very interesting cart because a seat had
been built at the front for sitting. As he looked at the young
lady, he realized she was quite a beauty with raven black hair and
delicate features. He was impressed that such a dainty young woman
would even lift such a large bag of flour by herself.

He leisurely walked toward her, gave a pat to
her mule, and said, “That’s a mighty heavy load, Miss. May I help
you?”

As Robin struggled with the last bag of flour,
she said, “Why, thank you, sir, but I can manage on my own.”

She had already carried five bags into the store
and number six would not be any heavier. When she turned toward the
stranger, Robin’s eyes widened. She was not prepared for such a
tall well-built and nice looking man standing beside her, offering
his help. His white shirtsleeves had been rolled up above his
elbows. Over his shirt was a sleeveless leather waistcoat that was
laced loosely with a leather string across his chest. His broad
shoulders gave him the look of a warrior. He also had a small
dimple in his chin that was quite charming, to say the least.
Instantly she wondered what his
views about their
king were.
He would make a great addition to her group.

Then she remembered her father’s advice: “Act
like other females and let the men help you. Don’t be so
independent. You’ll give yourself away.”

Quickly amending her previous statement, she
said, “Actually I do need some help. This is quite heavy.” Robin
smiled gratefully. “Thank you. I tend to be too independent for my
own good. You are very kind.”

When she saw the way he was looking at her,
Robin was grateful that she had gone to all the work of fixing her
hair. She had made a few small braids that lay neatly against her
thick dark tresses. And her dress, though not fancy at all, it
accentuated her graceful feminine curves. For some reason, the way
he was looking at her made her feel beautiful.

As Daniel picked up the flour, he asked, “Where
are you headed?”

She pointed to the sign that said “Baker’s
Shop.”

“That’s where I’m headed, too,” said Daniel. “Do
you have business there?”

“Actually, my father owns the shop.”

With a nod, he carried the flour into the store
and set it on the floor with the others.

When Andrew saw him enter, he said, “Thank you,
sir, for helping my daughter. I was busy in the back and didn’t
realize she had arrived or I would have helped her.”

Daniel looked at the tall bearded man, noticing
he had a cane in his hand but didn’t say a word. He had a look of
dignity in his dark brown eyes and that impressed Daniel.

The baker walked to the cabinet and shook his
head. “I don’t get around much like I used to.”

“I’m glad to help out, sir.”

“Is there anything I can help you with, young
man?”

“I would like to buy all the bread and pastries
you have in stock. I’m on an errand of mercy today.”

Andrew raised his brow curiously as he eyed
Daniel’s attire. “What kind of errand?”

Daniel knew he didn’t look wealthy enough to buy
out his store, so he plopped his money on the cabinet and said, “I
can pay for it, sir. Don’t let my clothes fool you. I’m taking all
I can to help the needy in your town.”

Andrew’s eyes widened when he saw the bag of
money. Then he quickly said, “Call me Andrew. I’ll have your order
out to you in a few minutes. In the meantime, I’ll have more ready
by this afternoon if you want more.”

Daniel nodded with a wide grin. “Thanks, Andrew.
I can help load the goods onto my wagon.”

“I’ll take you up on that offer, young man, and
I’ll add a bonus for your generosity.”

“A bonus?” Daniel chuckled. “What kind of
bonus?”

Andrew looked at Robin Marie and said, “You may
use my daughter for the day, to show you around and help distribute
the goods. She’s able and knows who needs help since you’re not
acquainted with our little town. Is that all right with you,
Marie?”

Daniel looked at her and smiled. “I would
appreciate the help.”

Robin was surprised at her father’s offer but
very pleased at the same time. She also noticed how her father had
called her by her middle name, which was unusual for him. She knew
he was being extra careful.

After loading all the goods they could into his
wagon, Daniel helped Robin upon the seat and they headed down the
road. She spoke of the people they were about to see and their
condition, mentioning that many could not find jobs. She noticed
how Daniel’s heart went out to the people from little statements he
made.

Finally, after explaining what kind of shape
their kingdom was in, hoping to get his opinion on the matter, she
was delighted when he made his first statement of rebellion.

With a slight grunt of disapproval, Daniel said,
“How can anyone who cares about their country allow the people to
be in such terrible condition? Something just has to be done before
more deaths occur from illness and lack of food. And what about the
self-respect of the people?”

“That’s exactly how I feel,” said Robin
resolutely.

Daniel turned toward her and looked into her
eyes as he gave a curt nod of approval.

“Where are you from?” Robin asked curiously.

He smiled. “Over five years ago we moved here
from across the sea. My father had heard of the generosity of
Cordovia and what a great kingdom it was. After living here for a
time, we were surprised how the king had complete control over his
people. It didn’t seem right.”

Robin slowly shook her head. “It wasn’t always
this way. My father told me that years ago we had a kind and
generous king who ruled over this land. His name was King Edmund.
Papa said that he was a righteous man and believed men were equal
in the sight of God. The people loved him and trusted him. When he
created a group of warriors to defend our country, they called
themselves Edmund’s Legionnaires. When he was about sixty years of
age, he told his son that he didn’t want a king to rule over our
people any longer. He said that one day a wicked man would take
over and our rights would be taken away from us. So he wanted
judges to rule instead.”

“Judges? I don’t understand.”

“He wanted a High Judge, which would be his own
son. And then he would have Lesser Judges. No laws could be passed
without the approval of all the judges. This would be for the
benefit of the people.”

“I see,” said Daniel. “In other words, the High
Judge would be in charge but he would have to discuss the matter
with the Lesser Judges before he could pass a law or something of
importance.”

“That’s right,” said Robin with a smile. “When
the High Judge retires or passes away, then the people would put in
another High Judge by the vote of the people.”

With enthusiasm, Daniel said, “I like it.”

Robin laughed. “Me, too. Well, King Edmund
taught his son how to be a good and righteous leader, telling him
to allow the people their rights and to have a say about the laws
of the land. He was preparing him to rule the people as the High
Judge. Then he sent his son to far off countries to learn from
them… not only the good things but to learn from their mistakes,
too. His son was around twenty-five at the time.”

“What was his name?”

“Jonathan.”

“So what happened to him?” asked Daniel.

“I’ll get to that,” Robin said with a smile.
“Just be patient.”

“All right,” Daniel laughed as he whipped the
reins, encouraging the horses onward.

“Rupert was Jonathan’s devoted friend. In fact,
they were inseparable. They did everything together, even planned
their future. While Jonathan was gone, Rupert heard about the
king’s decision to not have another king. He wasn’t happy about it
and felt he would be a better leader than Edmund. So he quickly
gained the trust of the king. Without his knowledge, Rupert was
gradually poisoning him day by day.”

“What?” exclaimed Daniel. “I don’t understand.
How could he get away with it?”

“He did it a little at a time. The servants
suspected something was not right. After Rupert’s arrival, they
noticed how King Edmund’s health began to decline. He became sicker
and sicker each day. One of the servants noticed a glass at his
bedside every morning, which wasn’t there the night before. When
she questioned the king about it, he said it was new medicine that
Rupert was giving him so he could feel better. She didn’t believe
it for one moment because that small glass smelled funny. She had
it analyzed by a friend and found her suspicions to be true. After
telling the news to the servants, they told her to tell the king
but it was too late. He passed away the following day. She then
told the King’s Legionnaires what she found out and they were
shocked. By then Rupert’s men had moved in and taken over. They
could do nothing.”

“He had a following?” asked Daniel with stunned
surprise.

“Yes. He began rounding up followers as soon as
Jonathan left. They called themselves Kingmen because they believed
a king should rule over their land. Edmund had heard about them but
didn’t know that Rupert was the leader of the group. Rupert had
promised his followers riches and high positions of great
importance. So, needless to say, they quickly backed him up.”