Free Bound to Survive (The Magic Within Book 1) by Sharon Gibbs Page A

didn’t think there was any value in your trade.
    ‘Well what do they use it for now?’
    ‘Storage, Henry. Storage for their weapons.’
    ‘Really, that’s interesting,’ Henry said absentmindedly. He tucked the piece of information away in case it may be of use someday. ‘Well one day, things will be different,’ Henry said as he tried to reassure Frank.
    ‘Do you really think so?’
    ‘I hope so, Frank, I really do. I must be on my way now,’ Henry said.
    ‘If you ever need anything, Henry,’ Frank said as he pointed to the lane way by the bakery. ‘We live down there, the house with the red door. Anytime at all you just drop by. You’ll always be welcome.’
    Henry thanked Frank and told him he’d be sure to call if he ever passed that way again. He mounted his horse and called out to Frank to take care before he rode off.
    When he reached the edge of the village, Henry turned and headed towards Thomas and Mary’s home. As he travelled down the road he thought about what he’d say to them, unsure how they’d react when he told them of his previous life. For the last twenty years Henry had live in seclusion and really hadn’t shared knowledge of his past with anyone. He knew he could trust them but he’d been worried any information he shared with his friends would put them in danger.
    Before he knew it their house came into view. Thomas and Henry had built the little house many years ago. They’d cut down trees and collected mud to make the shingles and had fashioned the whole lot into a small log house to keep the Bartholemews dry and warm through the winter months. Henry rode up the path. Thomas was over by the wood hut splitting and stacked wood for the coming winter.
    ‘Morning,’ Thomas said as he watched Henry ride towards the house.
    ‘Morning, Thomas. Fine weather we’re having today.’ Henry dismounted his horse and tied her to a small tree near the little home.
    Mary had heard Henry’s voice and she stood in the doorway and called out to welcome him. ‘Morning, Henry. I’ll make some tea,’ she said then disappeared from sight.
    Thomas sauntered over. ‘Why is your horse packed?’ he asked as he pointed to Henry’s mare.
    ‘Well that’s why I’ve come to see you and Mary.’
    Thomas frowned. He knew he wasn’t going to like what Henry was about to tell him. ‘Well out with it,’ he said.
    Henry’s gaze faltered. ‘I think I might like that cup of tea first, Thomas.’
    Mary appeared with a pot of hot tea, cups and a plate of thinly sliced cake. She placed them on the table under the tree and beckoned them to join her. As Mary poured them each a cup of the hot brew, she noticed Henry’s horse over by the house.
    ‘Henry, why’s your horse packed? Are you going somewhere?’
    Henry sat down at the table and helped himself to a cup of tea. ‘Well, I’ve come to say goodbye. I leave for The Dale, to be reunited with my grandson,’ he said.
    Both Thomas and Mary’s eyes widened. Henry had never mentioned any family before. ‘We’d not realised you had any family, Henry,’ Mary said.
    Henry sat quietly and thought of the best way to tell them his story. ‘I’m sorry I haven’t shared my history before now. It’s something I’ve deliberately kept from you. Not from a lack of trust, only fear that the information would put you both in danger.’
    ‘We understand,’ Thomas said. They both knew there was more to Henry than he ever shared, but they’d felt he would confide in them in his own time.
    ‘Well the time has come for me to reclaim my life. I’ll tell you my story, so that you’ll understand all that I’ve done and all that I now have to do.
    ‘Many years ago, when I was but a young boy, my father took me to the Keep in Canistar. My lineage is Wizardry and my father had seen the magic within me. As I grew, I spent most of my young life in study. My gift lay in the art of healing and I learnt how to make tinctures and potions. My studies taught me