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

Captain Moresy said.
                  “He is not an enemy either!”  Captain Jamus said spitefully, clearly hoping to defend Lord Ivran’s name.
                  “He was not with us during the rebellion.”  Captain Tammeran said, the only man to have actually been dubbed a Captain before the war.  He served under Protector Zane in Bhrys.  Lady Ashryn of Bhrys had refused to join in the rebellion so Captain Tammeran had fled.  He ran to Laydon where he joined forces with Lord Doran Caster.  When the war ended and all of Lord Doran’s army had been defeated, Captain Tammeran headed south.  He found the mass of rebels fleeing and decided to join them, knowing that if he was ever caught by Bhrys or Axendra he’d be executed as a traitor. 
                  “Lord Ivran remained neutral, that is true, but it does not change the fact that he is a decent man with good principles.  He will aid us.”  Captain Jamus said.  It was unclear to the rest of the Captains where Jamus had come from, but in their current situation, it was unimportant.  They had to come to a decision quickly- a decision that could either save them or put them in harm’s way.
                  “How can you be certain?”  Captain Moresy asked.  “What if he turns on us- imprisons us and calls for the High Protector to come fetch us?  What do you think will happen to these people then?  The King will not show mercy to those of us who have chosen to flee from his rule.”  Most of the Captains nodded and whispered their agreements under their breath.  Only Captain Jamus remained silent, staring at Captain Moresy with harsh intent in his eyes.
                  “Ugh.”  Captain Tammeran let out an audible sigh of frustration.  “I think we should not assume that we can trust anyone at the moment.  However, finding a suitable place to rest and replenish our supplies will be necessary.  We cannot pass through the mountains.  As Captain Jamus so eloquently put it, that would be pure madness.  But we cannot travel by the main roads either.  The High Protector and the entire army of Axendra could be hunting us as we speak. 
                  ‘What does anyone know about Lord Garrick, Lady Madeleine and Protector Wallis in Adona?  I know they were with us during the rebellion.”
                  “Rumor has it that Lord Garrick and his Protector were among the many who traveled to Axendra with their tails between their legs, begging the King to forgive them.”  Captain Moresy said with spite.  He turned his head to the side and spit into the fire which caused a small but bright flash and the sound of liquid sizzling and turning to smoke.
                  “Then we cannot travel to Adona.”  Captain Tammeran sat back on his haunches with his shoulders slouched.  He had been studying a map which he himself had drawn up but now he looked at it with distaste- as though the mere sight of it made him ill. 
                  “We must travel east then.”  Captain Jamus piped up.  “We must pass over Adona and travel south towards Ylia.  It is the only way.  To travel west around Twin Peaks would take far too long.”
                  Captain Tammeran shrugged his shoulders in defeat.  “I think Captain Jamus is right.  That would be our quickest route to Lerous.”
                  “Perhaps we should send riders forward to Ylia to speak with Lord Ivran.  If he is in agreement to house the poor people of our group, then a message could be returned.  If no message is brought back, then it should be assumed that Lord Ivran is not a friend and Ylia can be avoided.”  Captain Moresy said.
                  “And if Lord Ivran has ill intent and our messengers alert him to our plight, he will send an army after us, or worse yet, call upon the High Protector to give our position