Free Draconis' Bane by David Temrick Page B

he enjoyed. In that moment, Tristan
decided that even if his memories had failed him, his instincts
served him faithfully.
    Next he grabbed the
saddle off its post and placed it on top of the blanket; he flipped
the stirrup over the saddle and pulled the cinch through the
buckle. He tightened the cinch and noticed there was a slight
fading four holes up. Behind him he could hear Albert chuckle. Not
knowing why Tristan slapped the mare in the stomach lightly forcing
her to exhale as he tightened up the cinch the four required holes.
Smiling to himself he grabbed the reins and walked back towards his
brother and the horsemaster.
    “Care to go for a
ride?” He asked with a self-satisfied smirk.
    His brother smiled at
him, shaking his head and laughing as he saddled his own horse.
    The two of them rode
out of the stable and down the hillside their fathers’ castle was
built on. Tristan had only ever seen the town from his window and
he was enjoying this leisurely ride through town. They took the
long way around several of the main districts until they finally
approached the central marketplace. It was an enormous space that
served as an open market. It must clear out at night, he thought to
himself, because he’d never seen such congestion from his window.
At the moment, the market was crowded with hundreds of wagons full
of the most amazing things.
    The brothers tethered
their horses at one of the available corral posts and made their
way into the market. Tristan gaped in amazement at the variety of
wares being sold, one wagon was selling the strangest smelling
herbs, and right next to it was a middle-aged gypsy looking woman
selling various styles and colors of silken scarves. It wasn’t
until they approached a weapon dealer’s wagon that Tristan was
truly impressed though.
    Both sides of the
wagon flipped up, being held aloft by long eight foot poles. Kevin
still had to lean down to get under the awning though. Tristan,
however, was transfixed by the selection of exotic and impressive
weaponry. When Kevin finally motioned for them to move on Tristan
had marked several wicked looking blades he was very keen to try
out.
    A few hours later
they slowly made their way back into the palace grounds and
stables. Tristans’ world was getting larger by the moment and he
was keen to get on with his journey to Kenting.
     
    That night the family
gathered in his father’s council chamber, located behind the main
assembly hall. Conversation was light and Tristan was thoroughly
enjoying himself. After a memorable meal, his mother passed him a
small carved wooden box. A crest was carved into the box of a raven
flying over a rock jutting out of the ocean. Behind it, a wave
crashed sending a spray of water high into the air. The wood was
once again stained in a manner unknown to Tristan though he assumed
it was much the same process as his furniture.
    When he opened the
box he found a silver ring with the crest carved into a flattened
out circular section. His mother explained that the raven was made
of opal, painstakingly carved into shape. The rock was made of
atacamite and the crashing wave was carved out of dark blue
sapphire. Finally, the sea water was carved out of light blue
sapphire. The gems refracted the flames from the nearby fireplace,
making the scene seem to dance and come to life.
    “Our families ring
Tristan. When a member of our family comes of age it’s tradition to
give them a golden ring with the family crest on it.” Dion
explained. “Since you prefer silver I had the jewel smith cast it
in white gold instead.”
    “Atacamite is the
family crystal; it’s very rare.” Annadora added.
    “Open mine next!”
Eurydice insisted smiling widely.
    She passed over her
small gift wrapped in a thick black cloak with a red silk sash tied
in a bow holding it together. He placed it gently on the table and
untied the bow. Tristan pulled back each fold of the cloak to
reveal a dagger inside. The handle was wrapped in black