Free Fall of the Western Kings (Tirumfall Trilogy Book 1) by J Drew Brumbaugh

Warm house, fine beds, and best of all, he'll know who to watch out for at the games.”
    “Good,” said Gant and let the fire's warmth ease the tightness in his muscles.  “Do you think Chamz is okay?  It was a long way back to Blasseldune.  It seems impossible for Uric to get Chamz there in time.”
    Jarlz smiled.  “Don't worry about Chamz.  Uric has his ways.  Next time you see Chamz, he'll be fit as ever.”
    Gant still didn't see how, but his uncle’s reassuring words put Gant temporarily at ease.  His thoughts turned to his father.  How was he doing in the smithy without Gant?  He sat up.  “Uncle, do you think my father is angry at me?  I couldn't stand by and let Wendler do what he was about to do, noble or not.”
    “Gant,” said Jarlz, putting one hand on Gant's shoulder, “your father loves you very much.  He knows you did what’s right.  But he can’t change the law.  Often I think he felt inadequate marrying a noblewoman.  But my sister loves your father and has never regretted the marriage.  Somehow this will all work out.”
    “I hope you’re right,” said Gant.
    Jarlz slapped him on the back.  “Sleep now.  I'll take the first watch.”
    “Okay,” yawned Gant, “Wake me for my turn.”
    Jarlz nodded.  Gant rolled over in his bedroll, his mind filled with questions about his father and mother and what was a real wizard like.  And how could Uric just show up in the woods when Chamz was shot?  Maybe Uric was a wizard.  He fell asleep wondering.
    #
    Jarlz was still sitting in front of the fire like a fury statue when the morning sun woke Gant.
    “Jarlz!” barked Gant.
    “What?”  Jarlz's head snapped around.
    “You didn't wake me.”
    “Of course not.  You needed your rest and I'm used to standing watch by myself.  Now get up.  It's time to be moving.”
    They wolfed down a cold breakfast bundled in their furs while the north wind whipped around the cave mouth.  The small fire barely fought off the chill. Gant's feet were numb by the time they were ready to start the day's trek. He stamped heavily to bring them back to life.
    They started off, keeping a fast pace all day.  Except for bends in the road they walked straight into the wind.  They pulled their furs around their faces and ears until only their eyes peeked out through slits.  Gray clouds blotted out the sky making everything dull and lifeless.  Occasionally a streak of sunlight burst through to lighten their mood.  Neither of them cared to talk and they trudged on silently.  Even lunch was on the move.
    The quick pace not only kept them warm but also got them to their destination early.  The sun was well above the horizon when Jarlz pointed to a narrow footpath leading off the road.  They turned in and followed it until, through an opening in a wall of tall pines, Gant saw a stout log cabin. Amazingly, the windows were wide open. Flowers bloomed in well-tended beds up against the house.
    Jarlz stopped at the edge of the ring of pine trees.  Gant stopped behind him and only then noticed a shimmering wall that blocked their path.
    Jarlz planted both feet, cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted, “Abadis.”  After a moment's pause he yelled louder.  “Sir Jarlz of the Whispering Blade wishes to visit.”
    Whispering Blade, wondered Gant.  What was that about?  Must be another tale he hadn’t heard.  He made a mental note to ask about it the first chance he got.  Just then a bearded face, wrinkled heavily around eyes that glowed, peered out one of the windows.
    “Ah, Sir Jarlz, ‘tis you.  And with a young man.  No doubt your nephew and new apprentice.  Enter as you wish.” 
    The old man mouthed a string of words that were strange to Gant and the shimmering wall faded.  Jarlz stepped through with Gant close on his heels.
    Once inside, the translucent barrier reappeared behind them. Gant noted that the air was warm, like a summer day.  Jarlz dropped the lead line to his