Read The Exodus Sagas: Book IV - Of Moons and Myth for Free Online Page B

all across great Shanador.” Tubrey raised his glass of morning wine mixed with fresh fruit to Zen and drank.
    “Oh, and ye’ think that ye be up to, such a task, truly? Perhaps I needin’ to be talkin’ with me companions for a moment, in private then .” Zen was fuming. He had told them not to say a word.
    “In truth, you would only require myself to guard you on such a journey, but the others have insisted on tagging along. Ha!” Sir Codaius spoke up, elbowed Jardayne, his mass and weight nearly knocking his superior out of his chair.
    “We know all about your cousins in Freemoore, Lord Thalanaxe, and we would be honored to escort you for the mere week there. I have royal business with Freemoore in any regard, as Armondeen has been harassing the free city and their merchants. Besides, low king Symond should be passing through on his return from Acelinne. I shall be giving him escort for the remainder of his return here, to Evermont. Thus, it is a convenience for us both, thine and mine own, good dwarf. I insist . ” Sir Jardayne explained, curious as to why the dwarf would not wish an escort and company for just a weeks travel north.
    His breath let out like a mountain of weight h ad just fallen off his chest. Zen smiled, looking to Saberrak who huffed at him, then to Gwenneth who smiled back , and lastly to James and Shinayne sitting on his left.
    He whispered. “ Fine, allright. But what do we do when tis time to turn west? Just leave em in the mornin’ and head out without a word? What if they try findin’ us or followin’ or, Vundren’ s Blessed B reastplate, now what?”
    “ It will be fine. Have faith, it will work out one way or the other .” James whispered back, raising his glass of water to a toast from yet another knight of Evermont.
    “ How many days before we turn west, Zen ?” Shinayne whispered as the conversations carried on, some music strummed into the air, and everyone ate.
    “ Four or so, when we see the foothills o’ the Kaki Mountains .”
    “ Then, we have four days to plan it. ” She whispered back, enjoying the figs and morning wine.
    “ How? Ye’ got any ideas, elf ?”
    “ No .”
    “ James, anything ?”
    “ Afraid not. Heading west to those lands, there is no r eal explanation besides suicide , or the truth. But I would thank them regardless, the Knight General has insisted and we are in his country . They have been nothing short of honorable and giving. ”
    “Great. If I tell em’ the truth, someone sure will hear o’ it. Keep it quiet then, I will handle it in four days, I be the one to explain it when we leave em ’.” Zen stood and sighed.
    “Knight General Jardayne o’ Evermont, though we not be in need o’ yer escort, it would be an honor it would, to have ye’ then. Me thanks to ye, and to you as well, little Shans.” He raised his glass of fruit and weak watery wine that humans loved , drank, and sat back down.
    The knights of Evermont, the five that had remained while their low king was away at the capital, all stood, glasses in hand in early morning.
    “I believe that I speak for us all, the knights of Evermont that is, when I say that you five are likely the most heroic and dedicated folk that have passed through our city since I took my knighthood. I commend you for your honor and bravery!” Young Sir Anders of Carrelyn flicked his blonde braids of hair back and looked to his four fellow guardians of the low throne.
    “No finer truths have been spoken this day!” Gruff yet noble, Sir Naghen of Nestrim concurred.
    “I shall drink to any words of praise for these five bearers of deed and companionship!” Handsome and clean shaven, Sir Valonne of Cailoc raised his glass with the others as his blonde locks blew around.
    Sir Codaius and Knight General Jardayne each drew their blades over the breakfast table, followed by the other three, and raised them high toward the five companions they thought were heading to Freemoore under their