Free The Exodus Sagas: Book IV - Of Moons and Myth by Jason R Jones

that they would not see the five heroes of the Misathi Mountains ever again.
    “You are going to die then, for no one has ever survived those lands. No one.” Tubrey choked out his mind into words, full of sorrow and without any melody.
    “Aye, perhaps. But not without a fight, I can assure ye o’ that, little man.” Azenairk patted him on the shoulder seeing he was deeply saddened by this. His little blue eyes were open wide and tearing in the corners under his brown curls.
    “Lord Thalanaxe, would I be able to discuss this with my low king, I could possibly arrange an excursion. As those lands are part of Armondeen, it will take time and several meetings, but it could be done if you would allow some patience.” Sir Jardayne did not want to see these brave comapnions die, not if he could do something about it.
    “Those lands belong to him, not Armondeen. He has the deed to Kakisteele, passed down for generations. The longer we wait, the more that get involved, the further we will truly be from…from…” Shinayne stopped, she did not truly know what would happen. As much as she believed what was there, she had not thought of what they would do with a lost realm if they succeeded . “…from..being closer to…”
    “…From seeing the lands there freed.” Saberrak spoke up.
    “…From having another reminder of Altestan and their curses undone, for justice , against wickedness and evil .” James replied.
    “…From making good on Zen’s promise to his father, and taking back what is rightfully his.” Gwenneth commented.
    “Ye’ see me friends, I have companions here that can speak for me, know what we must do as much as I, and sometimes more than me. When I feel that it be futile, they be my strength and reminder of what we is doin’ and why. So, it is time for us to see it done, to whatever end .” Zen knelt by Tubrey now, eye to eye with the human pygmy with a big heart.
    “I want to go with, I can fight and I am very small you see, and I won’t eat much, I---“
    “It is dangerous, ye’ heard the tales o’ the dead and the demons there. Ye’ are brave little one, but just the five o’ us be goin’, I am sorry.”
    “But, but..I will never see you again then. I have songs, so many ballads I was writing, and not just for Lord Agrannar either, I had..I.. had one for you too, I.. ” Tubrey covered his eyes. He had never met much more than big Shanadorian knights and lords, perhaps a few kings, but none like these five here, and none that paid him much mind. They were the stories of legend and he had seen their bravery firsthand. They were not mythical figures long past , but here in the flesh , and he had hoped to travel with them across the realms in song and adventure.
    Zen put his stocky arms around little Tubrey, everyone quiet. He let him cry, he knew what it was like to lose a hero, or to be losing one. The dwarf had lost his, all three in fact, over the years. He thought of what his father would do, if he were here.
    “Allright, allright. We be seein’ each other soon, no worries now. I want ye’ to have somethin’ then, in case it be awhile longer than I hope. This was given to me, since ye’ like stories and all, by a savage lion-man, a lewirja. He helped us through the Misathi, and this stone axe o’ his killed a Mogi cannibal giant in the mountains. He gave it to me, Dalliunn Cloudwatcher was his name, and I will give it to you, Tubrey o’ Tarnobb. Just to hold , until we meet again.” Zen handed Tubrey the stone and bone handled weapon he had traded his family warhammer for , back in Marlennak.
    Saberrak walked forward. He lifted the necklace of seven dragon fangs from his neck and placed it over the head of little Tubrey.
    “These were from the giant at the crossroads, he asked for a brave death, for honor. I gave it to him, but not before he asked me to take these from his neck. They may be a bit big for your size, but not too big for your courage, little one. I think they