The Faerion by Jim Greenfield Read Free Book Online Page B

said Elise with a smile. Wynne shared her humor briefly, and then her thoughts turned to King Yeates and what he tried to make her do.
    "How did you become a sorceress?" asked Elise.
    Wynne's eyes flashed at that, and then softened before she answered as she realized that the rumors of Nantitet seldom reached Paglo. She found no mischief in Elise's question. Wynne looked in the wide expectant eyes of Elise, wishing a futile wish. What has been done cannot be undone.
    "A sorcerer passed through our village seeking a child to be his apprentice. He offered a bag of gold to the parents. I was chosen."
    "Your parents sold you?" asked Culver, a fire rising in his chest.
    "It is quite common among the poor in my land. Besides, I had been adopted, not a child of their flesh."
    "We would never do that, never," vowed Elise.
    "Consider it again, if you have twelve mouths to feed and no money. That bag of gold would feed my family many years."
    "Did you ever see them again?" asked Elise.
    "No."
     
    It was the next afternoon when the king called the council. Culver was surprised to have been summoned. Avolan told him of it when the old Tuor checked his patient and told Culver not to be late. Elise was not summoned and filled Culver's head full of questions to ask and information to learn. He knew he couldn't remember everything she had told him, but he refrained from telling her so. He knew what she would say.
    King Ian sat on a raised chair at the head of the table. Avolan sat to his right. Culver sat near the foot of the table. There were eight Tuors present.
    "We all know the subject," began the King. "The question is, how do we assist Wynne?"
    "Will Treteste look for her here?" asked Tobal.
    "Yes. She has said as much," said Avolan. "There are soldiers looking for her even as we speak."
    "Send her away," said Marco. "We don't want her here."
    "I agree," said Tobal.
    "She will be leaving," said King Ian. "That is not the question. Listen to what I say. Think for a change!"
    The king's voice cowed the council and they were silent.
    "We should send two or three Tuors to help her reach the Daerlan," said Culver. "Perhaps a Border Guard or two."
    "Why is Culver here?" asked Marco. "He's just a poet."
    "Culver found Wynne," said Avolan. "And is caring for her at his house." Marco snorted.
    "I bet Elise is happy," muttered Tobal.
    "Elise is happy," snapped Culver.
    "Peace," said King Ian, holding his forehead. "We shall not bicker here. Tobal, that comment was ill-advised."
    Tobal stood up and bowed.
    "I agree with Culver," said Tomen. "I volunteer to guide her over the mountains to the land of the Daerlan. I will gather supplies. No more than four travelers or else we shall draw too much attention in Darkfell."
    "Excellent," said King Ian, nodding his head. "The safety of the company is in your hands. Now, who else shall go?" He looked around the table expectantly.
    "I will go," said Culver. All eyes looked to him. "She is in need of our help, and Elise likes her."
    They all nodded. Elise's opinions were held high in Paglo. Marco thought Culver out of place in Paglo and was happy to see him go.
    "Is three enough?"
    Tomen nodded.
    "It is settled then," said King Ian.
    "Settled? Settled?"
    They turned to see Wynne and Elise standing at the door.
    "It is settled without asking me?" asked Wynne. "Don't I have a say in who guides me? I feel like a commodity."
    "This is a council meeting," said Tobal. "And you are not part of the council."
    "I little care for your posturing. I thank you for your healer, but I will bother you no longer. I will leave in the morning. If your escort is ready, I would appreciate the company. If not; it is no loss." She stared into each face. She turned and departed. Elise stood glaring at them.
    "Foolish males. I am ashamed of you." She stared at them, shaking her head. Her lips pressed together and she nodded to herself.
    "I shall go too."
    "No, Elise," said Culver. "It is too dangerous."
    "If you go, I go. Nothing