The Scions of Shannara Read Online Free PDF Page A

“You’re one of the outlaws!”
    The stranger executed a quick bow. “Yes, lad, I am proud to say I am. More important, I am free-born and I do not accept Federation rule. No right-thinking man does.” He bent close. “You don’t accept it yourself now, do you? Admit it.”
    â€œHardly,” Coll answered defensively. “But I question whether the outlaws are any better.”
    â€œHarsh words, lad!” the other exclaimed. “A good thing for you I do not take offense easily.” He grinned roguishly.
    â€œWhat is it you want?” Par interrupted quickly, his mind clear again. He had been thinking of Rimmer Dall. He knew the man’s reputation and he was frightened of the prospect of being hunted by him. “You want us to join you, is that it?”
    The stranger nodded. “You would find it worth your time, I think.”
    But Par shook his head. It was one thing to accept the stranger’s help in fleeing the Seekers. It was another to join the Movement. The matter needed a great deal more thought. “I think we had better decline for now,” he said evenly. “That is, if we’re being given a choice.”
    â€œOf course you are being given a choice!” The stranger seemed offended.
    â€œThen we have to say no. But we thank you for the offer and especially for your help back there.”
    The stranger studied him a moment, solemn again. “You are quite welcome, believe me. I wish only the best for you, Par Ohmsford. Here, take this.” He removed from one hand a ring that was cast in silver and bore the insigne of a hawk. “My friends know me by this. If you need a favor—or if you change your mind—take this to Kiltan Forge at Reaver’s End at the north edge of the city and ask for the Archer. Can you remember that?”
    Par hesitated, then took the ring, nodding. “But why . . .?”
    â€œBecause there is much between us, lad,” the other said softly, anticipating his question. One hand reached out to rest on his shoulder. The eyes took in Coll as well. “There is history that binds us, a bond of such strength that it requires I be there for you if I can. More, it requires that we stand together against what is threatening this land. Remember that, too. One day, we will do so, I think—if we all manage to stay alive until then.”
    He grinned at the brothers and they stared back silently. The stranger’s hand dropped away. “Time to go now. Quickly, too. The street runs east to the river. You can go where you wish from there. But watch yourselves. Keep your backs well guarded. This matter isn’t finished.”
    â€œI know,” Par said and extended his hand. “Are you certain you will not tell us your name?”
    The stranger hesitated. “Another day,” he said.
    He gripped Par’s hand tightly, then Coll’s, then whistled his companions to him. He waved once, then melted into the shadows and was gone.
    Par stared down momentarily at the ring, then glanced questioningly at Coll. Somewhere close at hand, the sound of shouting started up.
    â€œI think the questions will have to wait,” said Coll.
    Par jammed the ring into his pocket. Wordlessly, they disappeared into the night.

 
    III
    Â 
    I t was nearing midnight by the time Par and Coll reached the waterfront section of Varfleet, and it was there that they first realized how ill-prepared they were to make their escape from Rimmer Dall and his Federation Seekers. Neither had expected that flight would prove necessary, so neither had brought anything that a lengthy journey might require. They had no food, no blankets, no weapons save for the standard long knives all Valemen wore, no camping gear or foul-weather equipment, and worst of all, no money. The ale house keeper hadn’t paid them in a month. What money they had managed to save from the month before had been lost in the fire