The Elder's Path Read Online Free PDF Page B

himself, the bearded man turned back and addressed Lyn once more. “We saw that bird a little while back and had something of a wager on it, you see.” He explained this slowly as he tucked the coins away in a belabored fashion. “Those of us who are worth our salt at flora and fauna know that a bird such as she isn’t natural to this area. Others don’t have such a sharp eye for these things.” A murmur of amusement rose from the men in the immediate vicinity.
    “He, actuall y,” Lyn said quickly, and then silently berated herself for her outburst.
    The round man chuckled again and bowed slightly. “My mistake, and a fine fellow he be. But where are my manners besides? My name is Yusef, travelling merchant and salesman. And who might you be, lass?”
    Without intending to, Lyn found her eyes flicking over to the large warrior standing silentl y beside Yusef. “My name is Lyn,” she said simply, determined not to give any more information until she knew for sure who exactly she was dealing with.
    Yusef took notice of her gaze, and his smile widened. “Oh, you’ve noticed my friend, I see. Strapping fellow, is he not? Name is Zhiva, a master swordsman from the Western Province. Met him years ago after a very profitable trip out there, he wa s an Arena champion back then, eh Zhiva?”
    The large man shifted ever so slightly and inclined his head to Lyn. “Yes Yusef, that is correct,” he said in a deep and heavily accented voice, “pleasure to meet you, miss.”
    Lyn was not entirely convinced of the man’s friendliness, but she was very curious; she had never seen his like before. “If you don’t mind my asking Mr. Zhiva, I have never heard of an Arena or its champion.” Lyn spoke with a confidence and directness she did not feel, but thought it best not to appear weak.
    Zhiva smiled slightly in response and a glimmer in his eye told Lyn he knew exactly how uncomfortable she was, but he politely responded. “In the west, we have a grand tournament every two years. Those who make it through their ladders in this tournament are considered worthy to compete in the Arena, which is then held the following year. These are the best warriors from around Arc, gathered to compete for glory and profit.”
    He paused, and when no response was forthcoming he continued. “I competed in two tournaments, and two Arenas, and I won each. Hardest fights of my life; I earned more than a few of my scars from them. Then this old windbag comes along and buys me in to a life of endless walking and boredom.”
    The two men exchanged glanc es and chuckled, sharing in their joke. Yusef slapped the large man on the back and said, “You were due for retirement, you brute. Plus I heard they were going to stop letting in people whose intellect was smaller than their winning streak.”
    He guffawed, clearly very pleased with himself. Zhiva chuckled again and turned back to Lyn. “It is not uncommon for the champions to find work as guard captains or personal protectors. Renown is wide for those who make it through the Arena. That is how I ended up here, miss, guarding a simple merchant caravan from bandits and any other trouble.”
    “And I pay him much more than he’s worth to do it!” Yusef interjected lightheartedly, “Which brings us to meeting you. You don’t have the look of a bandit about you, and with a bird like that so far from its natural hunting grounds…my guess is you hail from the forests.”
    Lyn started, put very suddenly off her guard by the accuracy of the bearded merchant’s keen speculation. She drew in her breath and considered lying. If they knew she was from the forest and that she was inexperienced in the world, they might try to take advantage of her.
    However, Yusef saved her the trouble by continuing, “Yes, definitely the forests, and there are two types of forest people: Rangers and Drui ds. And you’re no Ranger, that’s for sure; much too little muck, and far too pretty.” He winked at her and