Rise of Allies (The Gryphon Chronicles, Book 4) Read Online Free PDF Page B

cowardice.
    Oh, yes, he was well aware that everyone was curious about him because of the strange circumstances of his life, how he had gone missing as a baby after his parents’ murders and how he had finally been found again. No doubt all the world wanted to get a look at him, which made him feel doubly pressured to impress them all.
    With a slight gulp, Jake prayed the earth would open up and swallow him.
    It refused. All he could do was remind himself that he had to go through this if he wanted to become a Lightrider someday. Indeed, there might be a few Lightriders watching in the stands even now.
    Another reason to conduct himself to the best of his ability, Jake thought. He had never met a real, live Lightrider before, but Aunt Ramona said he might be introduced to one or two at some point during the Gathering. Shoring up his courage, Jake thrust self-doubt out of his mind as best he could and followed his kin.
    With Aunt Ramona leading the way and Henry in the back, they headed for the bleachers.
    “Your Ladyship, they have a chair for you over there with the other Elders,” the tutor called, pointing.
    “Thank you, Henry, but I wish to stay with my nephew for now. I shall join my colleagues later.”
    Jake sent the old woman a grateful smile.
    She put a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “Up there. Where the gnome’s waving to us, see?”
    More gnomes posted around the bleachers were serving as ushers, though they were barely tall enough to manage the steps. One was beckoning them to an empty bench a few levels up. Aunt Ramona lifted the hem of her long, ruffled skirts and proceeded up the steps, leading the way to the seats the gnome had found for them.
    Jake let the girls go ahead of him, finally learning to have some manners. Archie’s influence, no doubt.
    Walking up the bleacher stairs, Jake warily eyed the long rows of fashionable humans and magic-folk that he passed. The crowd seemed reasonably friendly and supportive, clapping for the unfortunate lad who was currently enduring his Assessment on the Field of Challenge.
    Jake paid him little mind as they reached their seats. The gnome had directed them to a spot near a family of shapeshifters. Although they looked like ordinary people at first glance, the truth soon became obvious, thanks to the antics of their horrid children: triplets—two boys, one girl—about ten years old.
    The young shapeshifters had no interest whatsoever in the Assessment in progress. Instead, they kept turning themselves into half-human half-skunks and torturing everyone around them with their wild laughter and squabbling.
    Unfortunately for Dani, she was sitting closest to them, and it wasn’t long before the pests took an interest in the redhead.
    She didn’t even notice at first, but eventually she sensed them: three beady pairs of eyes looking curiously at her, studying her in devilish speculation.
    Sizing her up.
    She tried very hard to ignore them. She was good at ignoring people when she tried. Jake knew that firsthand.
    Several minutes later, she let out a startled yelp.
    Jake looked over, wondering what they had done to her. Apparently somebody had pulled her hair. When she turned around and glared at them, the shorter boy stuck his tongue out at her. Then, laughing, they all three turned themselves into full-fledged skunks and ducked out of sight, snickering at their own antics.
    “Try that again!” she warned them, holding up a fist.
    Jake rolled his eyes and shook his head. He didn’t have time to worry about that. Dani could take care of herself. Still, it was too bad the skunkies’ parents were oblivious, eagerly absorbed in the Assessment.
    Jake put the troublemakers out of his mind and focused on getting the lay of the land. Right, he told himself after a minute or so. This ain’t so bad. If that mumper out there can do it, so can I.
    “Egads!” Archie lifted his telescope to his eye. He never went on an adventure without it. The king of gadgets always