TWO HEADS TWO SPIKES (The Pearl of Wisdom Saga) Read Online Free PDF Page A

front of the wrong person, it can have disastrous results. I have heard such sad stories of fathers killing sons, brothers killing brothers, even daughters killing mothers. They did all these things for filthy lucre and power that did not bring true happiness. I plead to our Gods every day that this doesn’t happen to Mattingly or any other region for that matter, but if that day should arrive you must be prepared. Do you understand?”
    The young boy drafted something on the board and held it up to show the Count. Count Sproul cleared his throat and continued, “You will need that finely forged Dragon-Steel, there is little doubt, but that may be only half the battle, my boy.”
    Riceros suddenly got up to stretch his legs. He couldn’t sit for long periods of time because of the lump on his back that often caused him pain. Right now he was just being fidgety, but because of his physical limitations he spent most of his time indoors, gaining wisdom. He had gained the respect of his brothers as a sharp shooting archer, but most other physical activities didn’t suit Riceros’ skill set very well.
    He sat back down as the Count went on, “You see when death comes knocking at ones door, it is best not to answer. A live coward may help in many more ways than a brave, dead hero in most scenarios. You may even be forced to relocate someday. And extensive knowledge shall aid a man in as many ways as the finest sword in all the lands.”
    Riceros had attained a wide wealth of knowledge in this library but still retained the impatience and inexperience of an eleven year old.
    The Count continued, “Life is as unsure as the sea. We from Mattingly navigate the wild waters better than almost all, but even so the sea has funny, unpredictable patterns. I have known of boys younger than you who left with a great captain never to return to their weeping mothers. And life is much of the same. We can predict matters up to a certain point, but estimating the amount of evil a man possesses can prove a difficult task.” The long-winded Count gathered his thoughts, waited several moments, and carried on, “You see, I cannot precisely tell you how knowing the religions of far off lands will help you right now. But if the unsure Sea of Green that we always travel were to hurl you into some unknown land, this instruction just may save your life, my Lord. So what is it you would like to hear?” Count Sproul asked.
    The two often sat together at the circular, stone table in the library. Books and documents were on shelves, lined all around the room. Maps were unrolled and fastened to the walls, like fine art covering all the vacant space. The library trained the young boy’s mind and had become Riceros’ most treasured place in the castle. Riceros learned to read at age three and by eleven he showed quicker mental skills than most grown men. He finished printing on the board and spun it toward the Count.
    “Aah,” the old man sighed, “I am afraid we may not have enough time to talk about the elusive Pearl of Wisdom. Perhaps you would like to listen to a quick story about your grandfather?”
    Riceros eagerly nodded his head up and down with an immense grin on his face.
    The old man knew Riceros loved listening to stories about his family. He reflected for a moment before starting, “Jasper Colbert lived in a different time. The Colberts were not exactly wealthy and the nasty Beverly family tried to hold them back even further. Patrick Beverly had a personal hatred for Jasper. He used his social graces to turn people against the Colbert family. But you see my young Lord, there comes a time in a man’s life when he has been pushed around just a bit too much. When he has to stand up and fight, not only for himself, but for his family and flag holders. And that is what happened to your grandfather. Everyone said that to revolt would be to die,” the Count revealed with a wry smile. “The odds were stacked to the stars against your