(Dragonkin) Dragon Rider Read Online Free PDF Page B

far as he was concerned. A fair was a place where people could come together to laugh, and sing, and be merry. It was a place where jugglers, acrobats, and other showmen, entertained men, women, and children, as they circulated around the fairgrounds. The fair at Argnon was a contest of the skills of war, and every town was to be represented by order of the regent. Only men were allowed at the fair when it was held, and they must have reached their eighteenth year to compete in the events. Very seldom did anyone that young attend the fair though, for the fear of being sent to the army was too great. There were no prizes for winning an event in this fair, but a certain level of skill was set for each event, and those who failed to achieve that level, were sent to the army to train until the next fair.
       Today was the day that they were to leave the village of Alenvale, and the entire town was there to see them off. Kyler, Feran and Javen, were the only three to make the trip this year, because there were no others of age available. The village had lost seven men to the army in the last two fairs, and Kyler was the only one to return from the last. It had been his first fair, and though he was only barely old enough to compete, had done well enough to escape the army. His father had not been so lucky, the life of a farmer did not leave much time to train for combat, and his skills had declined.
       The horses were made ready for their riders, and the packhorse loaded with supplies, as the three men said goodbye to their families. The time to leave had come, but it was close to midmorning before they rode from the village. It was a late start, and there was a long road to travel ahead of them, but they were leaving a few days early and had the extra time. They would make for the old road to the west, then travel north to the Great Western Road of the old empire. There they would turn east, and travel to Argnon. It would take them four extra days to use the old road to the west, but it would be much safer in the end. There were many bandits and thieves between them and Argnon, and a party of three would be easy prey for these men.
       No one used the old road to the west anymore, as there were no towns for travelers to spend night in, or get supplies from, along the way. Only the ruins of the old empire were on that road, and they did not offer much shelter or protection. Kyler had traveled this road only once before, and that was with his father on their way to the fair three years ago.
       It was getting late when they reached the old stone road, and two days had passed since they left Alenvale behind. Feran built a fire and began preparing their supper, while the horses were stripped of their gear, rubbed down, and hobbled for the night. From here on they would have to keep watch at night, and be wary during the day, if they were to reach their destination unscathed. Each year there were more and more desperate men on the roads of the region, preying on unsuspecting travelers as they made their way along them.
       Javen was the youngest of the three, and he had been very quiet for the last two days. Kyler knew he was worried about the fair, and tried to ease his mind as they sat by the fire.
       "Don't worry Javen, everything will be fine," He said. "The contest is not as hard as you think."
       " How hard is it?" Javen asked. Looking at Kyler as he spoke.
       "You do not have to fight any one for one thing. And you know the drill as well as any from Alenvale, or they would not have sent you."
       "I guess you're right." Javen replied, "but I still wish I had not been chosen."
       "Those with the poorest skills will draw the attention away from the rest, and it will all be over before you know it, you may even have some fun, so do not worry."
       Feran was the oldest by two years, but was not chosen until now. He was married just weeks before the summons arrived from Argnon for the last fair,