Hunt For The Hero (Book 5) Read Online Free PDF Page A

talking back.
    “ Well done, Garrison,” it said. Its voice was deep and creepy. “Keep me informed.”
    “As you wish,” Garrison said, bowing. “All hail Barnabus.”
    What did he say?
    “All hail indeed,” said the shade. The image shimmered and faded away.
    Ben remained hooked to the tree. What was that? Who was that? Barnabus?
    Here was the itch that Ben had needed scratched. Ben could feel it in his gut now.
    Garrison’s a spy! A traitor.
    He stepped out from behind the tree and drew his sword.
    Garrison jumped.
    “A … Ben, what are you doing here?” Garrison said.
    “No, Garrison, What are you doing here?” He took a step closer. “Traitor!”
    Garrison stepped back and lifted his hands, palms up.
    “I’m just checking the snares, Ben. You know that.” He eyed the lump on Ben’s head. “Say, you aren’t feeling so well , are you? And that bump’s looking worse. Let’s get you back to the camp.”
    “Checking snares my behind, Garrison,” Ben said. “You work for Barnabus. You know about Sasha, don’t you! Where is she!”
    Garrison’s smile was like a fox’s. Ben had never seen that look before. All these months his friend had been quiet and agreeable, even dull, but now he was different.
    “Ben, really, whatever it is you think you saw, I can explain,” Garrison said. “Listen, let’s get out of this rain. There’s a spot nearby where we can talk.”
    “Here is just fine,” Ben said. “I’m all ears.”
    “You’re trembling, Ben. Are you afraid of something?”
    Ben swallowed. He’d never been in this sort of confrontation before. He was alone. No back-up. His eyes slid through the trees. Maybe he’s not alone.
    “Out with it, Garrison!” Ben said. “I want to know everything.”
    Garrison shrugged his broad shoulders. He had about thirty pounds over Ben and was strong as a black bear. He took a step forward.
    “You going to kill me, Ben? With your little sword?” Garrison rubbed his chin. “I don’t think you have it in you. Killing a Man. Your friend. A fellow soldier? How are you going to explain that, Ben? Murdering a Legionnaire. Over what? They’ll hang you for certain.”
    “I’m sure they’ll figure it out,” Ben said. “I’m an honest Man.”
    “You aren’t going to stab a Man whose sword is snug in the scabbard, are you, Ben? Tsk, tsk. No, I don’t think so.” He kept his hands up and offered a smile. “Listen, Ben, no one else has to get hurt. Not me, and not you. And do you really think I’d be doing this if I didn’t have to? I don’t have a choice, Ben. The Clerics of Barnabus … they have my family.”
    “Say again.”
    Garrison’s eyes drifted left.
    “They have my family.”
    “Liar,” Ben said. “I know it, and you know it. Now, you’re coming with me. Keep those hands up.”
    “What?”
    “Clasp your fingers together on your head,” Ben said. “You know that drill. Don’t play stupid with me, Garrison.”
    “Oh, with you never, Ben. ” Garrison rolled his eyes. “Never at all.” He locked his fingers over his head. “Alright then, it this better?”
    Ben stepped around behind him and poked his sword in his back.
    “Go!”
    “Do you want to march me back or can I walk normal? Ow!”
    “Waddle like a duck for all I care, Garrison. Just get moving.”
    Garrison waddled forward and started making quacking sounds.
    “Stop it!”
    Garrison kept at it.
    All these months I never suspected a thing!
    Garrison had been quiet, but not too quiet. He’d worked hard, trained hard and fought hard. He’d always had a steely quality about him, but Ben had put that down to his being a soldier. Now Garrison was a different person. Sly and confident. Speaking with another level of intelligence.
    Ben wiped his sweaty palm on his trousers and swallowed.
    “So Ben,” Garrison spoke up as they cleared the forest. “What are you going to tell the Legionnaires? There’s only a few of them. And the sergeant in charge isn’t so bright.