Read Bound to Survive (The Magic Within Book 1) for Free Online Page A

stories Gustov had told earlier. He looked forward to his arrival at the Keep and was eager to see all the wonders Gustov had told him about.
    They awoke early in the morning to hear the patter of the rain on the roof. They noticed a chill in the air and they could smell the sweetness of the soaked earth outside. Gustov was up and about already. He’d fashioned his canvas into a weatherproof cloak and around the middle he’d fastened it with a piece of rope. He was busy as he cooked breakfast over the small fire. The rain wasn’t heavy but it did look like it would hang around a while.
    The Antrobus’ stayed in the warmth of the carriage and Gustov brought them over some biscuits and dandelion tea. When they’d finished, they both left the comfort and warmth of its interior to find a quiet place not far away to ease themselves after the long night. They returned to the carriage and settled among the furs.
    Gustov packed up the site and then harnessed the horses and they continued on their way.
    By midday they knew the rain had set in and the Antrobus’ gave up all thoughts of leaving the warm interior to take a walk. They chatted about their journey so far and talked of things back home.
    It was early evening, the rain poured down as they arrived in Gallpass and the carriage pulled to a stop in front of the Boar’s Head Inn. Devon and Gerard were grateful to be out and stretch their legs. They entered the inn and ordered their meals and some hot-spiced mead to take the chill from their bones. They decided to sit by the fire and warm themselves while they ate. It had been a long day and they were ready for bed by the time they had finished their food. It wouldn’t be long now, only a few days until they arrived at the Keep.
    The next morning the sky was grey and the rain continued to fall in a fine mist. Devon and Gerard resigned themselves to another day of travel within the confines of the carriage.
    While they ate their morning fare Gustov entered the inn. He ordered himself some breakfast and some hot-spiced wine and sat near the fire to warm his bones after the cold night. When he’d finished he came over to the Antrobus’.
    ‘Mornin’ Sir, looks like we’re in for another wet day,’ he said.
    Gerard’s face dropped as Gustov confirmed the rain was here to stay for another day. Yesterday he’d been cooped up in the carriage and he didn’t think he could spend another whole day in there. Gustov saw the sad expression on his face.
    ‘Well it’ll probably be a little crowded for ya both in the carriage all day. I could probably rustle up another canvas for Gerard to wear and he could travel with me up in the driver’s seat for a while. He’d just be needin’ an ol’ hat to keep his head dry.’
    Gerard’s eyes lit up at the thought. ‘Could I, father? I think it would be fine. I could wear my old leather cap. That would surely keep the rain out.’ He sounded so happy and excited to ride up top with Gustov that Devon couldn’t deny his son.
    ‘Well as long as you find your leather cap and gloves and something to keep you dry, I suppose it will be all right. But only for a while, not all day you hear, or you’ll catch a cold and then what would I tell your mother. That I left you in this country sick?’
    ‘I’ll go right now, father, and get my cap.’
    ‘Let’s go. We be needin’ to find somethin’ to keep ya dry as well. We’ll meet ya out the front in a while, Sir,’ Gustov said and the two of them left the inn.
    In the barn the horses were still in their stalls and they whickered good morning as the men entered. Gustov and Gerard shook the rain from their clothes and walked over to give them a pat. The stable boy had already fed them and Gustov had rubbed them dry and brushed their coats when they arrived last night. Gustov took good care of the team. He knew a stray pebble caught in their hooves could cause them to become lame and he wouldn’t let that happen. His boss Mr. Towner