Winds of Change by Robert Stanek

Author:Robert Stanek [Stanek, Robert]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Reagent Press

Xith had other plans for the boy, and in this he must not fail. He did not know if he could cheat fate, or even if it was wise to try, but try he must.

Chapter Eight:

Guidance

The storm clouds of early morning were blown south by strong winds out of the north and a clear bright sky quickly replaced dark clouds. Adrina rode quietly, content for a time simply to watch the scenery they passed, scattered trees, farmers and work animals in fields, and the occasional traveler. The swelling rounds of the Braddabaggon quickly replaced the green of flat open plains. Though the gentle foothills weren’t wild country, Adrina kept her eyes wide open. She didn’t want to end up like Ridemaster Gabrylle. No lowland cat was going to ruin her day.

She thought about the long southwesterly trek to Alderan. The coastal port city, a mere day’s ride south of the Free Cities of Mir and Veter, was rumored to be beautiful beyond compare. In days of old Alderan City had been the capital of the Kingdom. Named after the first king of the land, the Alder, it was once considered the meeting place of the North, South and East.

Adrina maneuvered her mount between Keeper Martin and Emel, and attempted to spark a conversation with Emel, though without success. She didn’t know why he was angry with her but she aimed to apologize quickly. She needed someone to talk to.

“Emel, I am sorry. I won’t do it ever again, whatever it was. I promise,” said Adrina softly.

“Are you at least going to tell me what you know?” Emel asked. “Or do I get nothing in repayment?”

Before she might have decided to come clean and admit she didn’t know anything, but as she considered his question, she decided instead to feed him along. “Well, you actually didn’t help me. It was Father Jacob who did, and he already knows the plan.”

In response, Emel spurred his mount and rode to the front of the party. Her intent hadn’t been to anger Emel, only to carry on a conversation with him. Now she felt doubly poor for what she had done. An earlier promise would be kept, she would say an extra prayer this evening to repent for the subterfuge.

“Dear, he will forgive you in time. For now, just let him be. Enjoy the morning and the fresh air. Drink in its beauty,” said Keeper Martin.

Adrina was aghast; the Lore Keeper had spoken to her. She didn’t have the heart to tell him that she had already enjoyed the morning and was now becoming extremely bored. Her reply instead was an easy response of agreement, a few more hours of silence would be tolerable, but just barely so. She hoped Emel would speak to her soon.

At midday Captain Brodst called the column to a halt. The abeyance would only be long enough to give horses and tired foot soldiers a much needed rest and to grab a light repast. Adrina was very pleased to rid her bottom of the saddle for a short time.

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