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

fit you fine.” Saberrak nodded to Tubrey.
    “I cannot, you saved us and I am just, just a---“
    “And these, my little minstrel, are for you as well .” Shinayne put three coins, platinum, with the griffons of Kilikala stamped upon them into his little hand. “These were given to me by my adopted mother, Queen Eohrina of Kilikala. One from myself, Gwenneth, and Sir James. Whenever you think or worry for us, pull them out and rub them in your fingers, for luck.”
    Tubrey looked wide eyed at the dragon fangs around his neck reaching below his waist, then to the savage stone axe in his hand, lastly at th e shining coins with elven writing decorating them. He had no words, he felt guilty for a moment, having asked nothing from these five besides to travel with them to the western curselands. He knew he was not a warrior like them, he could not truly fight, and he had not thought of his band behind him when he had asked to go. He resigned with a smile, that they would part ways. He wiped his eyes and bowed low.
    “Well done my brave friends, well done.” Sir Jardayne bowed as well.
    “ All this honor inspire s me to dare gather the army of Evermont and charge in with them!” Sir Codaius of Norninne slapped Jardayne on the back , again .
    “I think low king Symond would have us renounced for such an action, Sir Codaius. Just traveling to Freemoore and leaving Evermont with but three knights to guard her will likely earn me a few hours in the throneroom under scrutiny. But, I feel as you do, there is no doubt in that. None at all.”
    “When we were younger, jousting in our early twentieth seasons, we would have charged in , Jardayne.”
    “Yes, before we were knighted and swore to our low king and the high king upon the Shield of Shanador. Yes we would have then, two decades past, before title and responsibility were honored upon us.” Jardayne smiled, seeing the little stunted men, women, miniature elves, bearded gnomes, and even the two goblins of the travelling minstrel band all line up to receive farewell embraces from the five companions heading west. Word had spread that they were leaving.
    “Very well, your resolve and duty are paramount, as always Knight General. To Freemoore then, to king Symond?” The Bear looked up to the wandering eyes of Jardayne, glancing from here to the west, then back down.
    “Yes, to Freemoore. Let us part ways and let them go .”
    The knigh ts of Evermont shook strong forearms with Azenairk, Saberrak, and Sir James. They kissed the cheeks of Gwenneth and Shinayne. Everyone smiled, bowed, and talked of seeing each other soon, wishing safe journeys each direction, and then their steps seemed to part. The cavalry stared from a distance in wonder and curiosity, the Shans o’ Little Door stood beneath Codaius and Jardayne, and they were all on the east side of the road. On the west side, just a few steps, stood the five they were wishing would not leave them. All watched as hands waved farewell s , and one by one, their backs turned and their steps headed west away from them.
    “No turning back now, agreed?” James looked to Zen.
    “Agreed.” He looked up to Saberrak.
    “You know my answer priest. Gwenneth?” The gray minotaur huffed and flared his nostrils.
    “Agreed here, just keep walking and don’t turn around.” Gwenne looked to Shinayne.
    “Why?” Shinayne looked back and stopped. The little ones, the fifty cavalry, and the two knights of Evermont were all in formation on the road, swords drawn and raised toward them in silent honor. None of them moved, only the banners and flags had motion, then they saw that she had stopped and turned around. She heard it loud, they all did.
    “ Three cheers of honor for Lord Azenairk Thalanaxe priest of Vundren !” Sir Jardayne shouted at swordpoint.
    “ Yay! Yay! Yay !” All fifty soldiers , gathered little folk, and the knights yelled their praise in unison.
    Zen drew and raised his blacksteel warhammer back at them from