Wielder of the Flame Read Online Free PDF Page A

in his lifetime. He would not let his emotions get
the better of him.
    He stood up and slowly walked over, putting himself between
the boys, the camp, and whatever was drawing near.
    The glowing light reached them before they could see its
source. It was more than light, it surrounded them and entered them, spreading
calmness through them.
    And then the thing emerged from the trees. It was a giant
beautiful beast of the forest. It stood on four powerful legs with hoofed feet.
Protruding from its large head behind its ears were two massive curved horns
and two impossibly enormous, intricate, antlers. The creature stared down at
them with black and green glowing eyes. It had a long muzzle ending in a large
black nose. It towered over them. It’s head was the size of a man. A thin light
brown fur covered most of its body, a massive shaggy mane covered its lengthy
neck and its lower leg joints. A powerful glowing aura surrounded the creature,
lighting from its body and mane almost like a lustrous green and white mist.
The creature was the source of the brilliant emerald and silver light.
    A young man about the same age as Zildjin and Sesuadra lay
nestled in the antlers of the creature, asleep. The boy was dressed in strange
apparel and had a sword attached to a belt around his waist. He had a head of
thick, tousled, brown hair. Another small furry creature, not unlike a tiny Rovaar,
sat next to the boy.
    Soren’s eyes grew wide with wonder at the appearance of
three visitors. He slowly let his fingers uncurl around his sword and the
weapon fell to the earth. He felt like he was in the presence of greatness, a
feeling he had experienced before. He knelt on one knee out of respect. He
didn’t have to look behind him to know that Zildjin and Sesuadra were following
his example. He heard their weapons drop and the shifting of their clothes as
they moved.
    The small furry creature was black, also with green glowing
eyes. It lighted off the antlers, landing with extraordinary grace to the
ground below.
    Then a voice came into Soren’s head, and he could sense that
the voice could be heard in the two boys’ collective minds as well. It was a
male voice, deep, resounding, coming from the large creature.
    Nao Timore. Fear not.
    The glowing aura around the creature brightened for a moment.
Soren felt calmness spread through him again and he relaxed.
    Then a second voice came, this time coming from the small
feline. It was a calm, soothing, female voice. A beautiful voice.
    We come only to speak a few words for we cannot remain
here long. I have led this boy here, now, for a purpose. This is a strange new
place to him, help him in all things, guide him. We have granted unto him a way
that he will understand those around him, and you will understand him. Darkness
is rising and you all have a part to play in the fight against it.
    We will help when we can, we will be watching.
    The large creature carefully leaned forward, bending its
massive front legs, and bowing its mighty head to the ground. The white and
green light surrounded the sleeping boy and lifted him from the antlers to
softly rest on the clearing floor.
    The small furry animal looked up at Soren. Zildjin and
Sesuadra watched silently as Soren and the small creature held their gazes
steady for a few long moments. Then Soren nodded and the black creature turned
to the mighty beast.
    The small creature bounded gracefully back up to its antlers
and then the large beast drew back to its extensive length.
    Farewell.
    They all three heard the voice.
    Then both creatures slowly withdrew into the forest, the
light fading with their retreat.
    It was silent for what seemed like a long time.
    Then Zildjin spoke, “We should help him.”
    Soren nodded.
    “Sesuadra, grab an oil lamp and—” he began but Sesuadra was
already lighting one.
    After the lamp was lit he came with Zildjin to Soren.
    The three of them slowly moved forward to where the boy lay,
resting.
    Sesuadra lifted the