Shadows of Men (The Watchers Book 1) Read Online Free

through rushing rivers and up muddy hillsides, and rested only when their feet refused to carry them any longer. 
                  Many days passed in this manner, the rain and hail beating down upon the hundreds of refugees that wished to escape Kaena, and the days passed into weeks, with no sign of the storms letting up.  They cried out in anger at the Gods for cursing their quest and others begged them to light their path while the rest ignored the Gods completely and pressed on with an unbreakable determination.  It was this determination that kept the rest of them going.  When someone would fall, another would stop to pick them back up, not allowing anyone to be left behind.  Several of the lesser-of-strength or ill refugees perished on the way and the entire procession would stop to bury them and listen to tales from loved ones about their lives.  Though they were running for their lives, they would not dishonor the dead. 
                  The refugees had come from all over Kaena- most came from Laydon and North and South Fort, many others came from Hely, Elipol and Bhrys.  There were even a few brave souls that had joined their escape from Axendra.  But no matter where the refugees had come from, all shared the same desire within their hearts; to live a life free of tyranny. 
                  The war that had set their escape into motion ended nearly a year ago, but when the Lords and Protectors and Captains who had fled and hidden in light of their defeat, returned to bend the knee and re-swear their fealty to the King, the free people of Kaena decided the time to leave had come.  They took the roads south, towards Lerous in hopes a ship would be available to take them far away. 
                  Those who led the refugees were few but they had chosen the bravest and strongest to guide their way.  Nearly forty men, young and old, created a perimeter around the procession, carrying their swords or axes or staves at their sides, ready to defend their flock if the need arose.  The refugees had started calling them their Captains and followed their orders without question, even if the one giving orders had only been a farm boy before being given his new title. 
                  Some of the Captains had not been chosen by their ability to fight and protect, but rather, they had been chosen simply because they carried a weapon.  Not many of the refugees who had fled in a moment’s notice had thought to bring a means of protection.  They had been more concerned with life-saving provisions such as; food, clean water and warm blankets.  There were no horses or carts amongst them- they had only been able to bring what they could carry and many did not have an extra hand for a sword. 
                  Those who traveled along the outside of the procession kept a close watch on their surroundings, scanning the trees and shrubs for anyone who may be hiding within. 
                  On the eighteenth day of traveling, when the sun had set and the refugees hunkered down for a night’s rest, the Captains decided to gather together to discuss the rest of their journey.  They sat, huddled around a small fire, scooting as close as they possibly could to ward off the cold, night air.
                  “We cannot pass through the Twin Peaks range.”  Captain Jamus said to the group.  “To do so would be pure madness.  There are no roads leading through there and I don’t think our children or the elderly could withstand the climb.”
                  All the Captains nodded in agreement.
                  “Passing through the Twin Peaks range was never an option.”  Captain Barlos replied.  “We are here to discuss whether or not we should travel by the main road to Tanis.”
                  “And if we do not, then we must travel east towards Ylia and Lord Ivran is not an ally.”