The Halfblood King: Book 1 of the Chronicles of Aertu Read Online Free PDF

took a table in the back corner, still joking as they took their seats.   Lutea, the serving girl approached with a smile.  She was nineteen and had known the trio since they were children, in Barathol and Geldun’s case, their entire lives.  They were friendly, likeable boys, though they had gained a reputation as ones not to be trifled with.
    “Three pints of ale please, Lulu,” Geldun called out to her.   They continued their conversation and when she made her way back with three full tankards, he followed with, “Just set those down on the table and set yourself right here on my lap.”
    “Save your smooth charms for the little girls Geldun.”  She admonished him after setting the drinks down.  “Remember, I used to wipe your boogers when you were little.”
    Geldun looked crestfallen and Barathol added, “You did have quite a lot of them,” as Aleron nearly spit his beer out stifling a laugh.
    “Now look what you almost made me do.”  Aleron complained.  “That would have been a waste of perfectly good ale.  I think some got up my nose.”  He added, sniffing. 
    ***
    As the boys were busy carousing at the inn, Hadaras and Jessamine were getting ready for the trip.  Inventory and packing of supplies and equipment took up the afternoon.  They had decided that Aleron could spend as much time with his friends as possible, since they would be gone for most of the year.  Hadaras had re-shoed the horses that morning and was now inspecting their gear.   Their travelling clothes consisted of light chain hauberks and boiled leather paneled spangenhelms.  Each would wear a hand and a half sword and long dagger while travelling and pack a light sword and dagger for wear about town.  He packed the two Chebek horsebows in their cases and set them with the four quivers of fifty arrows each.  Hadaras preferred the longbow of the elves, but the Chebek bows were more practical on horseback.  Additionally, the horn and sinew construction allowed them to remain strung for days on end.  Were he travelling alone, Hadaras would need none of this weaponry, but he could not reveal his sorcerous abilities to Aleron.  One day, the boy would learn of his true heritage, but the time was not yet right for that.   In the meantime, they would need to be prepared for any eventuality.  Jessamine was wrapping dried meat into bundles, placing them with the flour and oil to await further packing.  “I hope those boys don’t drink too much this evening,” she stated.  “The alcohol is not good for their young brains.”
    “I’m sure they will be fine.  The other two still have the evening milking to contend with, so they cannot stay at the inn too long.”  Hadaras stated.
    As the evening drew into night, Aleron entered the house.  “Boots outside!”  Jessamine called out as he walked through the door.
    “Sometimes I think you can see through walls Jessie.”
    “No Aleron, I just know you too well.  Now get those boots off in the mudroom and come get some supper.”
    After the meal, Aleron set to helping with the supplies and equipment.  As they inventoried, Hadaras made notes of what he needed to pick up in town the following day.  “So, how are your friends today?”  He asked.
    “They are doing well,” Aleron replied.  “We were talking about what we will do next year.”
    “And, what exactly did you discuss?”
    “Well, Barathol and Geldun are both thinking of joining up in the fall of next year, you know, after they turn sixteen and after the harvest is in.”
    Hadaras mulled on the information for a moment and then said, “That is a little surprising.  What about their farms?”
    “They’re thinking that they will do a three year stint to make some money before they settle down on the farm,” Aleron explained.  “Both of their fathers are still young and they have younger brothers who will be big enough to help next year.”
    “That’s a sensible enough plan,” his grandfather