A Call to Arms: Book One of the Chronicles of Arden by Shiriluna Nott, SaJa H Read Free Book Online Page B

more than a dozen leagues from home before I got my conscription notice.” He wrung his hands and hoped he wasn’t annoying the older boy. “So, you can use magic?”
    Joel laughed. “Yes. The ability to wield magic is a requirement for one to be trained as a mage.” He turned to face Gib, as though the trainee had finally decided the lowly farm boy was worthy of attention. Joel’s crystal eyes were intense but not denouncing. “I suppose you must be feeling pretty lost.”
    Gib lowered his head. “Yeah. I have two younger brothers who I had to leave at home. I miss them—and I’m not sure I’ll be able to fit in.”
    Joel nodded. “Well, the good news is you’re certainly not the only new recruit here, and tomorrow you’ll meet the others. Probably the majority of them will be—” He paused as if searching for the right word. “—from outlying lands, such as you.”
    “Lowborn. You can say it.” Gib laughed with a snort.
    Gib wasn’t sure if his new companion would accept the slight. However, Joel seemed not to find offense. He nodded amiably. “Forgive me. I would like you to know I hold no ill will toward the common-born. I may come across as apathetic at times but I assure you this is from ignorance, not malice.”
    Still feeling overwhelmed, Gib managed to accept what he was hearing. “It’s okay. When I ask stupid questions about you being a mage you can feel free to ask stupid questions about me being a farmer if you want.”
    A genuine smile graced the mage trainee’s lips and Gib’s stomach flipped in a peculiar way.
    “Fair trade, Gibben,” Joel replied in a lighter tone.
    Gib found himself chuckling, which was also strange. He’d been sure just a short time ago that he might never be merry again. Perhaps this Joel fellow would be a good thing. They may even grow to be friends. Gib’s stomach twirled again and he rested his hand over it, confused. “Huh.”
    Joel’s dark eyebrows knitted together. “Are you all right?”
    “Yeah, I think so. My stomach keeps doing this odd thing.” As if to confirm the story, a rumbling growl issued from Gib’s empty belly. “Oh. I guess I’m just—”
    “Hungry.” Joel finished the sentence and leapt to his feet. “Forgive me. I should show you to the dining hall. And after that, I can take you to the training arena and anywhere else you may need to become familiar with.”
    Gib nodded. He didn’t want to be a bother but it was nice to have someone extend such hospitality to him. “Thank you.”
    Already standing beside the door, Joel had an open, if not overly friendly, look. “You’re very welcome. Follow me.” He was honest, Gib was sure and took comfort in that. With any luck, camaraderie would come later.

Chapter Three
     
    The rest of the day was a whirlwind of events, and Gib found himself swept up within the immensity of his new world. It was as though he were dreaming, merely bearing witness as some other boy stumbled through this strange place in utter confusion. Nothing felt real.
    Joel showed him to the dining hall, a large open room filled with rows of long tables lined with benches. The mage trainee explained to Gib that he would be taking his three main meals here. The variety of foods offered had been overwhelming. Freshly baked bread still steaming from the oven, vegetable stew spiced to perfection, warm apple cider, and meat were all on the menu. Chicken was roasted and rolled in butter until it was gleaming, blackened pork bathed in salt, and even sliced beef—an expensive commodity which had never been available at the farm.
    Gib tried a little bit of everything, and it all tasted like something prepared for a royal feast. The meat was so tender it seemed to melt in his mouth and the cider to wash down the meal was a perfect balance of spicy and sweet. Gib made sure not to overindulge. He was hungry but didn’t want to be seen as greedy. Joel watched him as he ate, asking questions warmly. The mage trainee seemed