The Bonded Read Online Free PDF

the Adirondack Mountains. They are relatively immature for a mountain range, but their jagged peaks and smoky lakes scream caution to the casual vacationer. Yet the clean air exhaled by local Sugar Maples, Balsam Firs, and White Pines created a healing ground for those who suffered from tuberculosis. Through the years, as medicines were discovered, that population dwindled, but the locals still tough out the harsh winters to experience the majesty as spring is born.
    Their houses are all unique, constructed with cedars, mahoganies, and other exotic woods complimented with oversized windows to create a sense of community with nature. Its influence is apparent. The separate driveways join a main dirt road as different creeks join a river. The dirt road casually meanders down and through a semi-dense forest, vanishing as if swallowed by some dark and sinister maw. The night is cool and a subtle breeze caresses my face.
    Oops-a-daisy… Well, that’s what my folks used to call it when we would drive over a small hill and my stomach would float up my chest. It’s nausea and laughter playing tickle fight in my gut. I look around with expedience to ensure no one has noticed my hard swallow and discomfort when I find the source. Her long black hair is light and perfectly straight thrown this way and that by the slightest breeze. Chiseled cheeks and a focused stare, she must have been studying me. Our eyes meet and she slowly trails hers down… then up, giving me the onceover to ensure I am either ready for the imminent fight or bed. I’m hoping for the latter and expecting the former. She allows a glimpse of a smile, and in that moment, I know that Percy and I are more. More of what, I don’t know, but it is more. A scent stirs a memory, chilling my heart and inching its way into my nervous system. Enter the leader…
    Everyone immediately redirects their attention to this slightly built and graying man. He is taller than the rest at six foot and has a commanding presence that one is born with, not developed. In my experience, age has always carried respect because of wisdom and reverence, but that is only half given. A true and healthy long-term respect is earned through commitment, sacrifice, and most importantly… victory. I’ve seen leaders achieve victory through inclusion, through compassion, and through fear. I must admit that the battles I’ve experienced were led by people who were feared, not liked. By the lack of eye contact amongst my close friends, he is no exception.
    It is somewhat unusual to find older men who have the time or will to keep up with the whimsical trends of fashion, but this guy looks like People magazine’s Man of the Year with his tailored pants and slender-fit collared shirt to match. But I know his trappings are a façade because the fierceness of his gaze is the cold that killed without mercy in Siberia.
    Teeth protruding, he barks an order for total silence and everyone hushes with urgency. He says, “The waers are instigating a war. We have not provoked them, but we will end this tonight!” The restless murmurs of excitement begin. “We have been at peace for hundreds of years, yet we knew this time was inevitable. There can be only one of the dark races to rule! Our two sentries, Tristan and Frances, fought with honor, but were ruthlessly slaughtered by these beasts as they broke our perimeters. They will be here in moments, but have no secret fears, my family. They are stronger, but we are never without our wits and skills.” Sighs of relief and the anticipation of killing make strange bedfellows.
    “Cassius, what would you have us do?” says the Weapons Master.
    “Everyone is to form a circle seven feet apart to ensure our enemies can be seen in all directions.” There is a pause of uncertainty. “Now!”
    Everyone, including me, scramble for what we believe to be the best strategic position, and I hear the soft gentleness in his voice as he says, “Put the young one in the