Age of the Gods: The Complete, twelve novel, fantasy series (The Blood and Brotherhood Saga) by Jeremy Laszlo Read Free Book Online Page A

helping people build houses and it pays pretty well. Glenvale is growing fast. I guess it’s because we are so close to the ocean and it’s the only pass around the mountains to the north,” Ashton ended, his childish face alight with a giant smile, thinking of home.
    Despite his awkward boyish looks, Ashton was nearly four months older than the twins. This had come as quite a surprise to Seth when they compared birthdates with their newfound friend.
    They continued walking and talking like old friends as they wound their way southward, following the narrow trail through the forest as the sky slowly began to darken. The day had been perfect for traveling; warm, but not uncomfortable, a slight cool breeze at their backs, sunshine, not a single cloud in the sky. Though the day was fading, rapidly becoming dark, it appeared that they too would have a well-weathered night. As daylight was fading the three companions decided they should look for a site to make camp.
    Continuing down the trail they looked this way and that, searching for a suitable spot to rest for the night. It wasn’t long before Garret spotted a small clearing off the right side of the trail where a large tree had been uprooted and now leaned against its neighbors, making a large depression, sheltered from the elements on three sides beneath its roots. The trio could not believe their luck and set to making camp.
    The air was cooling off as the last of the debris was removed from the hollow beneath the tree, but it wasn’t yet cold enough for a fire so the boys unanimously agreed against starting one. The twins dug their blankets out of their packs, unrolled them and laid them in their makeshift shelter. Ashton pulled a large leather hide out of his pack, which he told them was from a bear, and laid it in the shelter as well. They all removed food from their packs and shared with each other happily, talking about their hopes for The Choosing.
    Obviously Ashton wanted to join the white-robed healers who followed the teachings of their goddess Lorentia. Garret too had no problem telling them that he was hoping to join the ranks of the army and win glorious battles. It was then that Ashton told them there were two gods that most of the army worshipped; Gorandor, the god of honor and valor, and Vikstol, the god of battle. Seth noted immediately that Garret’s hopes had come to a screeching halt, and understandably. Sure they had heard of the gods, though he didn’t remember any of their names until now, but neither had ever considered joining a religion. After all, there were no places of worship in Vineleaf and no one there Seth could think of offhand had ever worshipped any god.
    Thinking over it a few minutes while Ashton prattled on about the differences between the two gods and their worship, Seth noted his brother’s steadily nodding head.  It was obvious that Garret had come to the conclusion that if these gods were good enough for those under the banner of the armies of Valdadore, then certainly one of them would be worthy of his worship. Only when it was Seth’s turn to tell of his hopes did their shelter seem a bit too small.
    “I don’t know what I want,” Seth admitted. I don’t want to fight just because someone says to. I don’t want honor or glory. Don’t get me wrong Ashton, I think healing people is wonderful, but personally, I’d rather not be the one to do it.  To be honest,” He continued with a sigh, “I just want to do my five years and come home. I suppose I’ll have to do whatever I am chosen for, and make the best of it, but the only praying I plan to do is for a swift enlistment and safe return home.”
    Set sat silently a moment, thinking over his own words and feelings again before he continued.
    “I suppose if I was given the choice, I would like to do something for the families who have lost a loved one in the kingdom’s wars.”
    All were quiet for a few moments, taking in what Seth had revealed about himself.