Read The Realms of Animar for Free Online Page A

whispered voice, “When he came to join our people a few years back, I did not allow it at first. I was thinking in the best interest of the village of course.”
    “Why? Because he is a bear?”
    “Yes, because he is a bear.” Avryn peeked around the tavern then continued, “They are very, well, volatile by nature and we have had problems with them in the past.” He noticed the confused expression on his son and added, “Bears are commonly thought of as natural omnivores. You know that term, right?”
    Thane rolled his eyes and said, “Yes father. They eat meat and plants.”
    “That’s right, but they are also known for their aggression towards others and are generally looked at, sadly I suppose, as outcasts by most mixed villages like ours because they have trouble getting along with others.”
    “So why is he still here?”
    Avryn thought a moment. “Well, he was stubborn, like you actually and would not go away. Not to mention the fact that he is the best trainer I have ever met. It’s a long tale boy but in the end I agreed to let him join us.”
    Just in time to rescue Avryn from further questioning, an obese round-faced man arrived with two plates.
    “Excellent!” Avryn proclaimed. “Now eat up. I want to show you around a bit more after lunch.”
    ***
    Following lunch, Thane walked out of the tavern and into the courtyard of the arena, sticking closely to the heels of his father. His ears were filled with the sounds of clashing metal and occasional yells from the participants. Several groups of villagers were scattered about the arena practicing fighting with an assortment of weapons and techniques.
    Two guards he knew, Semu and Dugan, were talking near the arena entrance. Thane waved but failed to capture their attention.
    “Come on,” Avryn said as he tugged Thane by the arm. “I want to introduce you to some friends.”
    They walked to the blacksmith’s building adjacent to the tavern and Avryn pushed the door open. Thane stood outside fidgeting while his father poked his head in. “Guderian? I think my sword needs some work friend.”
    From inside, a female voice replied. “Get in here Avryn! We want to get a look at that son of yours.”
    A light gray smoke escaped when Avryn pushed the door open and guided Thane into the building. From the inside, the shop seemed much smaller, likely due to the clutter and the thick haze that hung in the air. Two fires raged on opposite sides of the building causing Thane to sweat immediately from the heat.
    Seated on a stool in front of the fire to his right was a tall pleasant-looking man with shoulder-length blonde hair. He was covered in soot and in dire need of a bath. Across from him was an equally tall, attractive woman with long black hair tied behind her head. She was holding what appeared to be an unstrung bow.
    “Thane this is Joli,” Avryn said, motioning toward the woman. “She is a fine crafter and one of our best archers. Oh and I should mention that she is also one of our fastest sprinters. You two should get along just fine.”
    The woman winked at Thane. “I recall meeting you when you were just a little thing. You have grown up well Master Thane.”
    Avryn smiled and turned to the man. “And this dirty fellow is, amazingly enough, her husband, Guderian. He is a blacksmith and a fine one at that.”
    “Welcome to our shop young man,” the blacksmith said in a deep but warm voice. He then offered a dirty hand to Thane. “Pardon the mess.”
    Thane shook his hand shyly while his eyes wandered around the shop walls where an assorted collection of weaponry hung, many that he could not identify. There was a long pole with a sharp blade attached at one end and next to it was another with a blade at each end. Hanging on another wall was an impressive collection of maces and hammers as well a few variations he had not seen before that had chains attached.
    “Feel free to dig around young man,” Guderian suggested. “If you want