The Hunter's Apprentice Read Online Free PDF Page A

that you will do so seriously. I will ask you some questions from time to time and if you don’t know an answer, you will be severely reprimanded for I don’t like laziness.
    He turned towards the shelf and began searching. From time to time he would take a book out and lay it on the table. Finally he took one last book out and turned with a satisfied look on his face. He tossed the book on the table where it joined the seven he had already took out.
    -You will need to read and memorize everything in these books, he said as he returned to his chair. These are the basics that every hunter needs to know. There are many things that you’ll learn from the study of beast and monsters to that of edible roots and leaves and the study of runes.
    -Runes?
    -Yes runes. It is essential that you learn this.
    -But why?, asked Aerys again.
    He sighed.
    -This is exactly why I did not want an apprentice. Never tired of asking questions huh? Let’s just say that every hunter needs to learn it. It is a tradition that has been passed on since many decades. So off you go now. I don’t want to be disturbed again. Erasmus will show you to your room and…ah, one more thing, he added as Aerys grabbed the books and headed towards the door.
    -Don’t laugh at him again. If I were you, I’d apologize right away.
    Aerys nodded and walked out with the books. They were really heavy but he managed to keep his balance as he walked. He found that the table had already been laid in his absence. There was only one bowl which was filled with what looked like a delicious stew. The gnome was there looking at me coldly by the fire where he sat with a flute in his hands. He laid the books on the table and walked towards him with a saddened expression on his face.
    -I am sorry for my behavior, he said sincerely. I did not wish to hurt you and I promise you that I won’t laugh at you again.
    This was not exactly true and he crossed his fingers behind his back for he did not really think he could resist the urge to laugh again when he heard him talk. Erasmus looked at him with penetrating eyes and did not seem like he wanted to forgive him. However he sighed and extended a tiny hand towards Aerys.
    -Alright boy, he said in his funny voice again. I’m afraid I can’t blame you. My voice is like this and I know that it’s funny. But I just don’t like people laughing at me.
    Aerys took his hand.
    -Go on and eat before it cools off. Stew is better eaten hot.
    Aerys hopped off towards the table and seated himself in front of the delicious looking stew.
    The first spoonful confirmed his impression. The stew was excellent. He had never tasted anything like this before. As he ate, the gnome started to play a melody. It was a mixture of sadness and joy. The whole house seemed to be filled by the music and Aerys tried not to make any noise as he ate so as not to break the melody. When he finally finished his meal, he remained seated while Erasmus continues to play. Aerys thought he saw tears in his eyes but behind his glasses it was difficult to tell. Finally he stopped and he beckoned Aerys to follow him. I turned to take my books but to my surprise they were flying towards Erasmus. He walked towards a dark corner which I had not notice and I realized that there was a stairway there actually.
    Aerys followed him and they climbed up the stairs. It was very dark and he could barely see Erasmus.
    -Just a couple of torches which need to be replaced, said Erasmus noticing his fear. Don’t worry. This house is the safest place in this country, even safer than the King’s palace.
    They climbed the final steps and found themselves in a long corridor with doors on each side. The place was lit fortunately although the light of the torches were dim. Erasmus walked on and Aerys followed him with precaution. The place did not appeal to him in any way. Whenever they passed a door, the gnome would tell him about its occupant. The first door was that of the hunter’s room. The