Son of Soron Read Online Free Page A

on hers she took her son out into the forests and swamps to learn about the different plants and wildlife. Velaina came from a family of healers and herbalists. Her potions and salves sold to healers all over the continent. Her herbal skills were as much in demand and as valuable as her husband’s metal works.
    Today they were on the edges of the Great Northern swamp. A vast isolated murky and vile land thought by most people to be cursed. She knew this swamp released a large amount of methane. If you weren’t careful it would cause you to pass out, usually into shallow water were drowning often followed.  A few foolish travelers and injured animals had died this way and the bones left future travelers to wonder at the deadly swamplands. These bones were at the heart of the curse stories but Velaina discarded the stories for the misinformed gossip they were.
    After collecting some of the swamp reeds that grew along the banks of the dreaded swamp, Velaina and Nathan retreated to higher ground to have a quick lunch, they sat together under tree watching the birds flying above and diving into the swampy waters, preying on the fish beneath the surface of the murky waters.. Later they would continue further into the swamp in search of other valuable herbs. Many such as bilbub ferns, a dark purple flowered plant with a sweet almost candy-like aroma grew only in the treacherous lands. 
    Velaina opened her small basket and brought out their lunch as they sat under a large willow tree, enjoying the shade it provided from the bright sun above. As she handed Nathan his lunch he took the sandwich from her outreached hand and returned a small handsomely wrapped package in its place.
    Velaina, surprised at this unexpected offering, looked at the package wrapped in balsam leaf and twine. “What is this?” she asked.
    Nathan smiled at his mother. “You didn’t think I would forget your birthday did you mother? It is your gift.”
    Velaina was very proud of her thoughtful son. With curiosity, she opened the package; inside she found a beautiful bracelet. In the shade of the tall willow, the dark metal seemed almost black, yet the speckles in it caught the leaf filtered sunlight and sparkled like tiny stars on a dark night. The intricate pattern of woven leaves reminded her of ivy curling around the base of a young cherry tree.
    “It’s gorgeous, Nathan, thank you so much. You must have done a lot of bargaining to get your father to make such a bracelet that won’t be sold.” Velaina put the bracelet onto her arm. The dark metal contrasted perfectly with her light golden brown skin.
    Nathan smiled with pride. “No mother. I made it for you myself. Father let me forge my own rod yesterday.”
    Velaina cast her eyes back and forth from her young son, who was beaming with pride, and the beautiful piece of artwork that now decorated her arm. She knew Nathan was not lying to her but the bracelet was a very intricate and detailed piece of work. She could not help but be impressed that her young son had done this himself. After the initial shock of discovering the depth of his talent, she realized that it shouldn’t have been that big of a surprise. Nathan was a clever and creative child. His northern strength mixed well with the creative mind and dexterity of hand that came from her people.
    While watching her son, Velaina thought about the many hours training and education that she and Soron spent on their son. One day he would need all the skills they could pass onto him, but that was a darker thought for another day.  Velaina pushed that thought away.   It was far better to bask in the beauty of the day, be thankful for their quiet life, and enjoy her son’s wonderful gift. Life had not always been so good. Tranquility was to be enjoyed.
    “Mom, I need to tell you something.” Nathan gave her a serious look as he spoke. “The weirdest thing happened to me. The other day, Ava and I were sitting in the meadow by the pool…”