The Guardians: Book One of the Restoration Series Read Online Free Page B

target while traveling through human territories. The hunting outfits were green and brown and would help the wearer blend into the forest surroundings.
    He also got his sword, which he had been given several years ago, on his twenty seventh birthday . The sword was solid, but had some dents and scratches. He had received basic instruction on sword fighting, as did all young elven men. When he left tomorrow, he would also carry three knives. He would put one on his belt, one in his boot, and one would be strapped to his leg. The knives were throwing knives, but he couldn’t hit a tree when he was standing four feet from it.
    He packed ten silver pieces into a small leather bag, which would be worn on his belt. He hid the rest of his money in three small leather bags, which would be hidden on his person. He knew, from the stories, that he didn’t want people to know how much money he was carrying. Hidden in the three bags were forty four gold crowns, thirty two silver scepters, and thirty six bronze pennies. The coins were all elven, but it was all he had.
    Flare went down-stairs to have Althos prepare provisions for his trip. He finally found him outside, supervising the servants. “Althos, I need you to prepare provisions for a twenty day hunting trip. I intend to leave at sunup tomorrow.”
    “Certainly, sir.” Althos said as he turned from watching the servants working on the lawn. He started to turn back, when a thought suddenly occurred to him. “Oh, by the way, your mother is with the lady Octura. Octura has gone into labor and she should have her baby sometime today.”
    “Okay, thanks Althos.”
    Flare spent the rest of the day double checking his supplies and rethinking his plan. The toughest thing was not knowing when he would see his mother or his few friends again. The initial excitement was now turning into anxiety and depression about leaving the only home he had ever known. A deep sadness threatened to overwhelm him, at the thought of not seeing his mother for a long time. But the decision was made, and he intended to see the plan through.
     
     
    Flare arrived to dinner a few minutes late, but was surprised that his mother was not there. She was never late and disapproved when he was slow in arriving. He stopped an elven girl, who was setting the table. “Where is my mother?”
    “I don’t know, sir. I haven’t seen her.”
    “Well, do you know where Althos is?”
    “Yes, sir. He is in the kitchen, overseeing dinner preparations.”
    Flare entered the kitchens, and found Althos helping arrange desserts. “Althos, what is keeping mother? Is everything okay with Octura?”
    “No. I understand that she is having a difficult delivery.” Althos answered. “I think your mother will most likely stay with her until everything is over. I’m sorry, but I don’t know when she will be back.”
    Flare's heart sank. If his mother wasn’t home by sunup, he didn’t know when he would be able to see her again. It would break his heart if he left without getting a chance to say good bye.
    He barely ate dinner, before retiring to his bedroom, where he spent a sleepless night tossing and turning, before he got up and went for a walk. He spent an hour walking the grounds; after all he didn’t know when, if ever, he would be able to return to Solistine.
    An hour before sunrise, Flare was dressed in a brown and green hunting outfit. He had on weather proof boots, and an elven cloak. The elven cloak was made of the finest elven fiber, and was enchanted. The cloak was water proof, and even though it was a thin material, it would keep the wearer as warm as any fur coat could. His sword was strapped to his belt, but it kept getting in his way as he walked. He was not used to wearing it.
    Flare found Althos in the kitchen. “Did my mother ever come in last night?”
    “Yes, sir. In fact she came down a few minutes ago. She is waiting for you next to the gate.”
    “Thanks. Althos. Good-bye.” Relief washed over