Benjamin Ashwood Read Online Free Page A

packed into
the Tavern or milling around outside of it.  Ben and Serrot pushed their way
into the low building and weaved through the crowd trying to get closer to see
the strangers.  They were still enjoying a little respect and celebrity for
their role in the fight with the demon so the crowd grudgingly parted until
they were almost on top of the table where the strangers sat with Alistair and
Blevin.
    Ben
had to agree with Serrot, the two girls were indeed dressed like fine ladies. 
Their clothing was simple but the quality far surpassed anything that Ben had
ever seen.  They wore dark trousers and dark vests over white blouses.  Their
hair was swept back in loose pony tails and it took a second for Ben to realize
that while they were dressed nearly identical, they looked very different.  One
was fair haired and had a scattering of freckles while the other’s hair was a
dark brown, nearly black, with a pale complexion and rose colored cheeks and
lips.  Both girls were stunningly beautiful.
    They
were nothing like the fine ladies in stories, always dressed in elegant dresses
with reams of sparkling jewelry, but there was no doubt in Ben’s mind that
these girls came from high bloodlines.
    Ben
was so enraptured with the two girls that he hardly noticed the man with them. 
When he did notice him, he was surprised.  Serrot said two members of the group
who were Hunters and one Hunter was a woman.  Ben had assumed that the second
man must be some sort of assistant.  But this man looked deadly and
disreputable.  He could have stepped out of one of the grittier stories except
instead of playing the hero he looked like the bandit.  He was nothing like
what Ben would expect to be accompanying two Ladies.
    The
man had shoulder length unkempt dark hair that he brushed back from his face
with one hand.  With his other hand he held a half empty pint.  Judging by the
empty pitcher in front of him, it was not his first.  Next to the pitcher on
the table was a wide leather belt with two heavy long knives resting in
battered sheaths.  Behind him leaned a longsword with a worn wire-wrapped
pommel.  Ben was no expert, but from what he could tell these weapons had seen
extensive use.  The man wore a light leather and chainmail jerkin as comfortably
as if he was born in it.  Ben could see no badges of rank or sigils proclaiming
an allegiance.
    As
Ben was studying the man, he started when he realized the man was returning the
look.  He took a step back under the man’s direct stare and glanced to his side
to make sure Serrot was still with him.  This was not the kind of man that you
wanted to meet alone.
    Blevin
suddenly noticed Ben as well and effusively called out, “Ben my boy!  Come, sit
down!  These kind folks were just complimenting you on your wonderful ale.”
    The
two girls turned to Ben and smiled.  His knees went weak.  He had never met
even one girl this beautiful and graceful, much less two at the same time.  The
girls in Farview were like candles next these bonfires.  Serrot had to give him
a little push from behind to prompt him to move forward and take the remaining
seat at the table.  He was in between the man and Alistair and directly across
from the two girls.
    “I
normally prefer wine but this really is a wonderful ale,” the dark haired girl
stated.  “Rhys tells me it is one of the best he’s had in this part of the
continent.  And Rhys is a man who knows his ales.”
    Ben
smiled at the girl and nodded his head at the man who must be Rhys.  “Thank you
sir.  I appreciate the compliment.”
    The
man took a long pull on his pint and rumbled, “Ben.  Would that be Benjamin
Ashwood?  The same one who fought off the demon and dragged this man’s son to
safety?”  He looked at Alistair who had his head bowed ignoring the
conversation around him.
    “Um,
yes sir, my name is Benjamin Ashwood.  I don’t know if you could say that I
fought off the demon.  I just acted on instinct and