The Lord Son's Travels Read Online Free PDF

grounds, and
these maps are short on details.   We may need help in finding our way.”
    "Who
do we know we can trust that would know this land?” was Adrien's reply.   "I think if we travel lightly and
discreetly, we’ll manage.   We must
not attract attention.   I assume my
father will send out a party to find us and return us here."
    "And
that would be a most unpleasant meeting with your father," Brendan
agreed.   "Is there anyone else
you feel should travel with us?"
    Adrien shook
his head.   "No, I think it
would be best if it was only you and I.   If necessary, we can later hire a local guide.”
    Brendan
shook his head, feeling the questions inside shaking around like seeds in a
child's rattle.   "When do you
think we should leave?"
    Adrien
shrugged.   "As soon as
possible."   He could feel the
tension in his friend's voice, half hidden by his forced casualness.   "You do not need to go," he
said suddenly, catching his friend’s eyes.   "You have no obligation to me to do this."
    Brendan smiled.   "No, my friend, I'm with you.   I've always wanted to see the mountains
anyway."   He voice dropped in
pitch as he leaned in closer.   "I've thought about what you said, Adrien.   This is the right thing to do."
    The
companions sat in silence, stunned by the decision they had reached.   Over the rim of his mug Brendan
observed the congenial ruckus of the public house; Rene bantering with the farm
boys at the bar, Bendelbert howling through the closed swinging door behind the
bar at the cursed fools making a mockery of his kitchen.   Brendan had never left Allè-dènè until
his first scout many years ago, and in a few days he would be leaving for a
land few Allè-dônian boots had trod upon in years.   More so, he would be leaving as a rebel and traitor to his King.   'Why am I doing this?' he wondered,
certainly not for the last time.   He caught a surreptitious glance at his companion.   Adrien was pondering his half-empty
cup, holding it up in the faint lantern light for a glimpse into its
depths.   Brendan could see in the
set of his jaw his decision was now one carved in stone; nothing was going to
change the path this man set first step on today.   Brendan nodded imperceptibly in return, and joined him on
the dark road reaching into the future.
    "How
are we going to gather all of the supplies we will need without attracting
attention?"   They bantered
ideas back and forth.   They had to
travel light to travel inconspicuously, so they could only carry the minimum
amount of supplies necessary.   Gold
was the least of their worries, being easily acquired by both, and could
purchase more supplies on the road if needed.   Most of the first stage of the journey though, would be
through uninhabited forest in which they could not rely on finding towns in
which to purchase anything they might find themselves without.   They agreed to take a minimum of
foodstuff, for hunting would provide fresh meat on the way, and gathering water
and greens should not be difficult.   Both had military wear for camping and good reliable horses.   After a few minutes of moral quandary,
it was decided that they would be wise to 'borrow' armor from the Fortress.
    "Most
important to leave behind is our identities," Adrien declared glumly.   "We must go quietly as a couple of
ex-soldiers of Allè-dôn."
    "Adventurers
seeking gold and fortune!" Brendan suggested in amusement.   "Maybe we'll get lucky and
discover a dragon's lair."   Adrien shook his head as his friend laughed.   "We could find a fortune and buy your brother some
wits!"
    "Save
some for yourself!" Adrien suggested dryly, but his lips twitched at the thought.   "Tomorrow night then," he
said.   Brendan nodded, feeling the
lightness of the moment wither away.   "I want to speak to the Counselor of our plans," Adrien said
suddenly.   Brendan snapped his head
back to gape at him.   Before he
could speak, Adrien continued, "He can name contacts for