The Familiars Read Online Free PDF Page A

up for air. “He’s a master sorcerer, skilled in multiple circles of magic. Necromancy, conjuring, abjuration.”
    “And he makes a tasty beetle soup,” said Gilbert.
    Skylar just shook her head at him.
    “What? That’s important, too,” Gilbert added defensively.

    Skylar shrugged and turned back to Aldwyn, who was doing his best to hide the fact that he had no idea what she was talking about. “Kalstaff was one of the three great spellcasters who helped defeat the Dead Army Uprising, but that’s common knowledge. Which legendary battle is your favorite? Kalstaff was in all of them, you know.”
    “Gosh, there are so many to choose from,” said Aldwyn, trying to stall. Skylar waited for a response. “But if I had to pick, it would probably be the one where he used the magic.” She continued to stare at him. “. . . To defeat that scary thing . . .” Still staring. “. . . On the mountain.”
    Her attitude changed instantly. “Oh, the Clash of Kailasa,” she enthused. “A little-known engagement but noteworthy for his use of weevil dust.”
    “My thoughts exactly,” said Aldwyn.
    Just then, Gilbert’s tongue shot out from his mouth and plucked a juicy horsefly right off Aldwyn’s tail. He swallowed it whole, then looked up guiltily.
    “I hope you weren’t going to eat that.”
    “Nah, it’s all yours,” replied Aldwyn.

    “Don’t mind him,” said Skylar. “He’s amphibiously challenged. Now where was I? Oh, yes. I was telling you how lucky you were to be here. Kalstaff’s students go on to do great things: serve her glorious majesty Loranella, become temple masters, or explore the Beyond. And their familiars are always at their sides, aiding their loyals in any way they can. The last student, Galleon, graduated from here a few years ago. He and his familiar, Banshee, have been defending the town of Split River from sea monsters and elven pirates ever since. Very heady stuff.”
    The prospect of having to fight sea monsters and elven pirates didn’t exactly fill Aldwyn with joy, but for the moment, Stone Runlet seemed like paradise—especially given the difficulties he was leaving behind in Bridgetower. Of course, passing himself off as a familiar was not going to be easy, even for a clever alley cat such as himself.
    Skylar looked over to see smoke beginning to drift out of the cottage’s chimney.
    “Gilbert, let’s see if we can’t be of assistance to our loyals,” added Skylar. “Aldwyn, you might want to wash yourself off down by the runletfirst. See if you can’t do something about those freckles .”
    With that, she beat her wings and flew off toward the cottage to catch up with Dalton.
    “Is she always like that?” asked Aldwyn.
    “No,” said Gilbert. “Today she’s positively cheerful.” He put a webbed foot on Aldwyn’s shoulder. “But she’s not all bad. Get past the high-and-mighty, know-it-all attitude, and you find a bird who will always have your back.”
    “So, what’s for dinner?” asked Aldwyn, whose whiskers were once again all atingle.
    “I like the way you think. I have a feeling we’re going to be good friends.”
    “Hurry up, Gilbert!” called Skylar from the open doorway of the cottage. “You’re going to let in the wind fairies.”
    “I just try to block out the sound of her voice,” said Gilbert. “It makes the day go by a lot faster.”
    Gilbert hopped ahead, but Aldwyn hesitated. Although the prospect of a dip in the runlet sounded most disagreeable, it seemed unwise to ruffle Skylar’s feathers.
    “Aren’t you coming?” asked Gilbert.

    “You go ahead,” said Aldwyn. “I think maybe I will freshen up after all.” Gilbert shrugged and continued toward the cottage.
    Aldwyn took a turn back for the runlet, which split the meadow in two. In spite of the absence of the crowded streets and marble towers of Bridgetower, this open and empty place already felt strangely like home to him. He trotted ahead, each step cushioned