Wielder's Awakening Read Online Free PDF Page A

that you have money and belong there.  Now go on and open your other presents.”
    Traven broke his gaze away from the splendid clothes and focused on the next bundle in front of him.  He proceeded to bare the contents of the second bundle.  This one contained almost the same contents as the first but in a very different style.  From the bundle he produced a clean white shirt and heavy traveling breeches.  There were also dark brown traveling boots lined on the inside with fur.  On top of all the rest there was a heavy brown hooded cloak.  These clothes were not as fancy as the others, but they appeared to be well made and extremely durable.
    “We figured you would need some traveling clothes for your journey.  It’s starting to get cold, and we don’t want you to freeze before you get to school.”
    “Thanks so much Pops and Mams.  I don’t think I’ve ever had a better birthday.”
    “Oh it’s not over yet. Open your last gift.”
    Traven got up from the table and slowly unwrapped the last package that was sitting on the floor in the corner.  It was an old, well broken in saddle.  He wasn’t sure what he was supposed to do with the saddle and turned to his grandparents with a confused look on his face.  They were both grinning crazily.  His grandfather began laughing when he saw Traven’s face.  Finally, Traven’s grandmother spoke up.
    “The saddle belonged to your dad Traven.  The gift really isn’t the saddle. The gift is out back.  We thought . . .”
    Before she was finished, Traven shot out the front door and raced around the house to the back.  There, tethered to a tree was a horse.  He could not believe it, his very own horse!  It was not a young, fiery horse, but it was a horse nonetheless.  It was an old gray horse dappled with white spots.  He was skinny and not all that tall, but he was Traven’s.  He ran over to the horse and began stroking its muzzle and patting its side.
    “His name is Dapple.  He’s not all that great, but it was the best we could afford.  Better to ride an old horse than no horse at all,” explained his grandmother.  Traven had been so busy with the horse he had not even noticed that his grandparents had followed him around to the back of the house.
    “There’s nothing wrong with him at all.  Dapple’s beautiful.  I can’t believe how lucky I am.  I love you both.”  Traven broke away from the horse and gave each of his grandparents a hug.  “I’m going to miss you both so much.  I don’t know what I’ll do without you.”
    “Don’t start blubbering now boy.  You’re eighteen years old.  You’re a man today.  I’m sure you’ll get along fine without us.  We’re probably just holding you back.”
    As his grandfather turned to head back into the house, Traven patted Dapple one last time and followed with his grandmother.  Now that he had opened all of his presents, they had to get to work.  It was still early, but he needed to leave before midday and still had to get all of his things together.
    Traven took his new clothes into his room and added the fancy attire to his ragged pack.  He also put the hunting clothes he had been planning on wearing for his journey into the pack.  He quickly washed up and then set about putting on his new traveling clothes.  The breeches were snug and very comfortable.  He knew he would be thankful for the extra padding when the nights began to get colder.  The shirt was light enough that it was not hot, yet heavy enough to keep him warm.  Lastly, he pulled on the boots.  They also fit well and seemed to mold to the form of his foot.  He folded up the cloak and stuffed it into his pack with the other clothes.  It would come in handy later, but it was still too warm for it now. 
    Traven took another look around his room to see if he had forgotten anything.  He noticed several snares sitting on his washstand.  He had often used them when hunting small game such as rabbits.  Those