Read The Dark Half of the Sun (The Young Ancients: Timon) for Free Online Page B

area for landing was bare dirt, all the grass worn down from the heavier transports, which were made of focus stone instead of shield material. His was better, but a lot harder to make. He didn't know for certain, but Tim was pretty sure he could copy the lift plates and shields for a big transport. If not personally, then some of the Lairdgren group could do it. They were all better at that kind of thing than he was. So far at least.
    Sam was decent at it, which was part of why he'd been left in place as the Magics Counselor's attaché, even though he was really too young for the job himself. He was also probably going to have to do his job from Lairdgren, if he was returning. Regardless, it was a great summer position to have, since it meant living in the palace and being able to make lots of good contacts.
    The man with him was tall, meaning a royal, at least by blood. He had white hair that was thinning on top, a thing that Timon would probably never be able to see from the ground, but had noticed through the window and wore cream and goldenrod yellow robes that matched the glow that a Truth amulet gave off when used. That probably wasn't a mistake. What it meant Tim didn't have a clue, but his brother had both created the basic amulet field and knew this man.
    Maybe it was a statement about how the Military Counselor was a paragon of truth? That or a joke.
    He hopped out quickly, noting that there were two people standing behind Sam and Smythe, wearing black and purple, with the King's livery on their chests. Royal Guards. One was a sharp looking woman with dark hair and slightly dusky skin. The other was a man that had to be in his fifties, but who looked just as hard as all that type did. The faces weren't really familiar to him, but he noticed that their eyes were trying to see who had come through the open door.
    He paused for a second, then bowed to the group. He didn't go overly low, since he wasn't the least ranking person in the world, but everyone else here probably deserved the respect. In the main it didn't hurt to seem humble either.
    "Gentles. I'm Timon Baker. The King arranged for me to take you to Wildlands Station. If you will load up, we can be underway. Our estimated time of arrival will be approximately seven to ten minutes after takeoff." He could make it faster, but he remembered to pad the time a little bit, just in case. "Please forgive our late arrival. Some... matters came up."
    That got a smile from Sam, who was wearing the Lairdgren group uniform, which wasn't too far off of what Timon had on. It was even made to look like heavy velvet. Sam had purple stripes on the legs, a single one on the outside of each, which was the only visible difference. It wasn't a mistake, since it was what Tim had stolen the idea for his own outfit from. He didn't know clothing that well, so it made sense. Borrow from those with the skills.
    Kind of like what he did with magic.
    It was Smythe that approached him, causing him to look up, since the man was over six and a half feet tall. He didn't frown at him however, just bowing back a little, which was polite of him. The rest did it too then, as if they'd forgotten they should. Sam had an excuse, since they were friends after a fashion and he was from humble origins, but the Royal Guards didn't really.
    "Well met young man. I'm Smythe of Westend, this is Sam Builder and these worthies behind us are Royal Guards George and Kara. The King asked that they go with us, to provide assistance if needed. Is that allowable?" He was being very polite it was clear, but smiled in a friendly fashion anyway.
    "I resized for up to ten passengers. In a pinch the craft can carry twelve. Less if they're very large people. We should be fine however. On board already we have Countess Ward, Baronetta Coltress, Sara Debri and my sister in law, Lady Alyssa Baker." He stressed the words on Alyssa's name. It was a bit of a warning and proper enough. Basically he was telling the men that if