Free The Crown Of Yensupov (Book 3) by C. Craig Coleman Page A

he’ll have us killed. I’ve no right to let you take a chance like that; you’re my best friend. What kind of a person would let his friend be killed wandering around on a hopeless mission?”
    Bodrin sat up on his forearms, “What kind of a friend would let his buddy go off to Prertsten without him?”
    “I can’t bear being responsible for your getting hurt.”
    “Life is a journey, Saxthor. You think I want to sit home safe, while you have the adventure of a lifetime. I’d resent your preventing me from sharing this journey. Whatever happens, it’s an experience we’ll share and relive in our old age around the fireplace. You can’t deny me the experience and memories. Understand this; adventure gives life its richness. It paints the color and texture of life’s pattern. It’s risk that adds the depth and brilliance to that pattern.”
    “Yeah, like you’re going to remember the arrow in your leg.”
    Saxthor looked up at Bodrin, and the two of them looked at each other for a moment. I guess this is as much Bodrin’s fulfillment of his life’s purpose as it is mine, he thought. They’ve all chosen to come on the mission. They think it’s worth the risk and live for the excitement, being part of something important. Saxthor thought.
    He nodded. “Your wounded self better get well soon. I understand the Prince Pindradese doesn’t take wounded prisoners. Besides, we’d look pitiful charging into Prertsten with you on a stretcher.”
    Bodrin laughed. “I’ll be able to kick your tail all the way to Prertsten Palace in a week or so. You’d better go get some exercise and keep in shape. It’s more likely I’ll have to haul your butt to the capital.”
    Saxthor squeezed Bodrin’s shoulder.
    “You’re right about that, you’ve always looked out for me.”
    “How about telling Tonelia I sure would like something with meat in it tonight, so I can build up my muscles to chase you out of here.”
    Saxthor laughed. “He reads me like a book.”
    “Get out of here before you have me bawling and we both look stupid,” Bodrin said.
    “Thanks, my friend.”
    *
    Saxthor found Tonelia.
    “Tonelia, would you fix the invalid something with extra meat tonight so he’ll heal faster?”
    Tonelia nodded, “Of course I will. He’s recovering well.”
    “Thank you for all you’ve done for us, and for making Bodrin so happy. You mean so much to us all, tending to our needs, while being dragged through every horror without a serious complaint.”
    She looked up at Saxthor and returned a smile, then flushed. “What you mean ‘without a serious complaint,’ I’ve tried hard. You just weren’t listening.”
    “Tonelia, you’re a treasure.”
    “I’m not used to compliments, you know. Does this mean you want extra food too? Cause I can only handle one pitiful at a time on this journey.”
    Saxthor said nothing, but chuckled, then left, shaking his head. He walked with Delia out onto the battlements, where he looked out over the Edros Swamp. In the breeze, there was no other sound, and his mind cleared. Delia licked his hand and he petted her.
    I couldn't have better friends, he thought. These people, half strangers, have stood by me through the worst of times. How could I ever express how much I appreciate them? Tournak has been a parent, having raised Bodrin and me on Helshia. Hendrel, and this extraordinary man Astorax are the rarest and truest of friends. The fires of danger forged these family bonds. We’ll always support each other when most alone or endangered.
    Saxthor felt peaceful and secure, standing with the breeze in his face, free of the festering swamp. No matter how the mission turned out, no one could take away the journey’s extraordinary experiences or the friendships formed. The sound of footsteps on the stone stairs behind him broke his thoughts.
    “When’re we leaving, Saxthor?” Tournak asked. He stood beside Saxthor on the battlements staring out across the moon-sparkled Akkin