The Elder's Path Read Online Free PDF

and tried to force herself into it.
    But she saw nothing, and the sounds she had hea rd seemed to be coming closer. Exasperated, she huffed and came back to her feet, searching once again with her own eyes for signs of the approaching noise. After a few moments she caught sight of movement ahead and just behind one of the small hills. Panicked that they may take notice of the hawk and somehow mark her position, she frantically motioned for Alir to come down to earth.
    As he landed near her she whispered, “Peace my friend, let us see what manner of people these are.” Her woodland skills came in handy; she had much experience stalking through the trees and underbrush for game and adventure. These soft hills were easily navigated by comparison, and she successfully approached the newcomers without detection. Lying prone just behind the crest of the nearest hill, she peeked over to see just who or what awaited her. To her surprise, it was what appeared to be a traveling caravan with multiple wagons pulled by horses. Moving casually, she could see that there were multiple guards walking beside the wagons, speaking with each other and the drivers. The atmosphere seemed rather jovial considering the gloomy atmosphere.
    At the head of this caravan was a rather rotund looking fellow with a great white beard, trimmed into a cultivated yet whimsical shap e. Beside him walked a very large man indeed, well over Lyn’s own height, at least three times her bulk, and of dark complexion. She noticed many blades strapped to him in various positions, and his intimidating demeanor made her cringe inadvertently. Either this caravan was also bandits of a more insidious nature or this big and very well armed man was more trustworthy than he looked, for the bearded bloke seemed at ease in his company and appeared even to be making jokes at him. Curious now, Lyn strained to see further and better judge their character. So intent was she on observing the caravan, she did not notice the armed man looking about until his scoping eyes had already met hers. She dropped down behind the curve of the hill, heart pounding. She heard someone call out a halt to the caravan, and suddenly it was silent save for the muffled sound of low voices.
    Lyn considered her options, and was preparing to bolt from her makeshift hiding spot and make an escape when a good-natured voice called out to her.
    “Ho, girl,” it called, “we are no enemies of yours! Come out so we may speak like civil folk.”
    Lyn paused and thought on the company she had observed. Based on the guards, and especially the one in front, it was possible this was a bandit group moving away from a heist. Or it could be a simple merchant caravan on its honest way. Lyn looked to the sky and mouthed “why,” bemoaning her lack of experience in the outside world. She looked to Alir for guidance, and to her surprise he seemed unperturbed. Sighing, she stood slowly with her hands up in the universal sign of well-intentioned peace. Before her, she saw the caravan had indeed stopped, and all eyes were upon her. The bearded man had descended from his seat on the foremost wagon and was watching her with a smile on his face, which peeked through his beard in an amusing manner.
    The man gave her a once over, his smile remaining. He was shorter than Lyn had expected, and with his red, grinning face and stout form he somehow put off an air of generally g ood spirits. He motioned her closer, and as she stepped forward her raptor companion alighted upon her shoulder. To their credit, no one batted an eye at the sudden appearance of the large bird, nor commented upon his evident familiarity with Lyn.
    “Ah,” t he bearded man spoke, “we suspected that bird was with you.” He turned to another man behind him, and raised his eyebrows. The man in question rolled his eyes and procured a few coins, which he grudgingly passed over to the bearded fellow.
    Jingling the sma ll coins in his hands and chuckling to