Age of the Gods: The Complete, twelve novel, fantasy series (The Blood and Brotherhood Saga) Read Online Free Page A

couple of new outfits here in the trunk for each of you, compliments of Emily and Rose, and some new boots as well. I’ve also made each of you a good sturdy pack for the trip south.” Samuel brimmed with pride. “I’ve given them to James so he can pack you some supplies for your trip.”
    "Thank you so much!" Seth said.
    “How could we resist for you boys?” Emily asked. “We can’t have you out traveling the world looking like beggars. As I always say, first impressions are the most important.”
    This indeed was something they had heard her say several times and so they both returned her smile.
    “Rose and I have made you each two sets of new clothes, a heavy set for the journey that should keep you warm and should not tear so easily, and a dress outfit for The Choosing ceremony," Emily continued with tears rimming her eyes. “Rose will see you off in the morning with the others. She didn’t want to have to say goodbye twice.”
    The twins nodded their understanding, each now with moisture clouding their vision. Rose and Emily had sort of taken on the mothering role for the boys after their mom had passed away. Both boys knew they would miss their foster mothers when they left.
    “Well boys,” their father began, “I guess that just leaves me. I was gonna wait until morning, but what with all the gifts, I sort of feel left out.”
    James walked out of the seating area and behind the bar with all five sets of eyes following him. He bent his large body below the surface of the bar where no one could see him and rummaged around on one of the shelves concealed there. He stood up bearing two packs and two coin purses. Walking swiftly back with his giant strides, he stopped when he reached his twins and set the packs down at their feet. Both were made from black leather, one trimmed in blue, the other in silver.
    “I got you all packed up with food,” he said to both of them at once. “And you each have a blanket and towel.” He then held out the coin purses to them, but before releasing them into his sons’ hands he added, “You each get ten silver from the community fund, as with all the kids who leave for The Choosing. In addition to that, I’ve added five silver each out of our savings.” This last part he said quite boisterously as he swelled with pride at himself. “I expect that should be enough to get yourselves a room at a few inns along the way, and keep you fed. And if there is enough left over…” he trailed off for a moment, holding back the tears that a man of his age and size shouldn’t show, “use it if you can to send message back that you made it safely.”

CHAPTER 4
    James
     
    James ended quickly, trying not to lose his composure. The only time that he had ever cried in front of his boys was when their mother had passed away, and that he was sure neither of them could remember. He didn’t want to think that this might be the last memory his sons would have of him. Quickly he thrust out his hands, giving one coin purse to each of his sons.
    “Boys, tell everyone ‘thank you’ again since they have all worked very hard to make you these gifts. You need to be getting to bed as you have a long journey ahead of you. I have to go attend to our customer.” James turned and strode across the room.
    Everyone else had forgotten the young man at the opposite end of the common room seated quietly against the window. He was now reading a book, aimlessly tracing absent symbols on the table with his free hand. Trying his best not to eavesdrop, he looked up suddenly when James came between the lamp on the wall and his book. They spoke in hushed tones and James picked up the man’s mug and returned to the bar to refill it. Returning it, again they spoke quietly and James turned and walked back across the room to his friends and sons. As James came up, the twins were just finishing bidding everyone goodnight and thanking them all again several times for the gifts.
    “The boy’s name is