The Call of the Crown (Book 1) Read Online Free PDF

out from behind a tent. His tired legs very nearly gave way at the sight of her.
    The girl was indeed beautiful, half a hand shorter than Gialyn, though she held herself such that she appeared taller. She was standing square in front of him, clad in her hunter garb as though she had just come from tracking a pack of wild boar, rather than competing in a town fair.
    Gialyn rarely, if ever, had been so close, definitely not while he was the subject of her gaze. His first few words fared little better than his feet. He coughed and started again. “Thank you, Elspeth. Congratulations to you, too.” He bowed, though it wasn’t necessary. Truly, he didn’t know what else to do.
    Elspeth mimed a curtsey—she wore no skirts to flare—laughing a little as she did so. “Why thank you, sir. You are most kind,” she said with a haughty grin.
    Gialyn slouched nervously, rubbing the back of his neck, gazing between the ground and Elspeth’s knees. Say something, you fool! Do not just stand there like a lemon. “Did you win by much?” he asked. Yes, that’s a good question. Well done!
    “It was closer than I thought it would be.” Elspeth stood up straighter and raised her chin even higher—as if she wasn’t arrogant enough without adding to it. “Mr . Calande took me to a three arrow shoot-off. Of course, I was sure of the outcome. I could hear by his breathing that the man was getting tired, and probably the worse for ale, too. I’m sure he had three jugs while on the range! Men… they think they can do everything at once.”
    “I thought you would win. I watched you … Uh, I mean, I’ve seen you practicing, when I walk past the field… sometimes.”
    Meric coughed and cast a wry smile in Gialyn’s direction.
    “Yes. You have to work hard if you want to be the best,” Elspeth said, fiddling with her bow. “You will learn that, too, Gialyn, when we get to Bailryn.”
    Gialyn dropped his arms and gave her a wide-eyed gaze. “When we… Who…? Who is going to Bailryn?”
    “Oh, hasn’t your father told you yet? Silly me, of course not, you wouldn’t have had time to speak with him. Yes, my father has asked Mr . Re’adh to escort Ealian and me to Bailryn for the palace guard recruitments. Of course, Ealian isn’t applying; he’s just coming because he cannot bear to miss anything. Your father has agreed, and he said it would be ‘good for you to see a bit of the world.’ I think that is how he put it… ‘Maybe Gialyn will apply for the post, too?’ or something like that. I didn’t hear the conversation myself. Can you use a bow or sword, Gialyn?”
    “Can I what? This is … Are you sure? When was this decided?” Gialyn knew he was blank-faced and gawking at Elspeth—of all people—but at that moment, he didn’t care.
    “Forgive me. I shouldn ’t have spoken until you have talked with your father.” She wasn’t sorry at all, or at least she didn’t look it. “I’m sure he will explain when you see him.”
    “I’m sure he will,” Gialyn whispered. He looked to Meric and then Grady. They both hunched their shoulders; they looked as surprised as he was. “Excuse me. I …” Gialyn walked off without another word.
    “Oh dear, seems I’ve put my foot in it.” Elspeth giggled. She spun on her heels and walked off in the direction of the stage.
    Grady and young Meric exchanged puzzled looks and followed her to watch the presentation of the prizes.
    Gialyn was late for his.

CHAPTER 2

Brea's Lot : Part One
    The Aldrieg Caves, near the peaceful village of Braylair. One hundred twenty leagues west of Bailryn.
    It was su pposed to be Brea Loian’s day for behaving normally. She should be down at the lake, catching up with friends and others her own age, maybe even fishing. But no, Rek had to fall asleep while lounging in the Moon Pool. Stupid dragon.
    The Aldrieg cave was a poor substitute for a sunny morning in the meadow. It was dark, damp, and never was there any chance of a visitor. Not