The Mirror's Tale (Further Tales Adventures) Read Online Free Page B

there.”
    “Really?” Bert’s heart pounded, and his legs bounced on the seat. This was the most exciting thing he’d ever heard.
    “Keep your voice down, Will. And don’t be afraid. There’s probably nothing to it—I wouldn’t let you go if I thought it was real. But I still want you to observe.Count how many soldiers your uncle has—it shouldn’t be more than eighty. See if he’s stockpiling weapons or horses. Just watch, that’s all. I don’t want you to do anything stupid or rash—if I wanted that, I would have sent your brother.”
    Bert winced and sank back into his seat. “I’m sure Bert would have done a good job.”
    The baron shook his head. “Your brother’s too reckless. He never thinks, he just acts, and never worries about the consequences. I’m not ignorant, Will—I know which one of you causes all the trouble. And that brings me to the second thing.”
    Bert put a hand on his stomach. Suddenly he didn’t feel well. His words came out thick and slurred. “What is it, Father?”
    The baron spoke even more quietly this time. Bert could see a thin smile through his sparce, black beard. His father’s eyes twinkled. “I know everyone believes that Bert will be baron one day. But I wouldn’t assume that if I were you.”
    Bert’s mouth dropped open. He felt like a cold dagger had been thrust into his gut.
    His father winked. He must have figured the surprise was a pleasant one. “Being a baron isn’t about running around with a sword, looking for fights. A strong brain is just as important as a strong arm. And I know you’re the wiser of the two. Smarter, and more sensible.”
    Now the dagger was being twisted.
    “But … Father …” Bert sputtered weakly. If he spoke too loud, he thought he might throw up.
    “Nothing’s decided yet, Will, so don’t go off thinking the barony is yours just yet. But consider this as a test. If you handle yourself well … if you can find your courage out there at The Crags … you know what I mean.” The baron offered an encouraging, toothy grin.
    “Of course,” Bert said quietly.
    “That’s my Will,” said the baron, clapping Bert on the shoulder. He turned to shout. “Ready, Matthias!”

CHAPTER 4
    W ill dashed around the back of the keep as soon as the carriage left. He ran to a corner of the inner wall and into the dark doorway that led to the stairs. Bert and he would always race to the top, and Bert would always win. Will felt a pinch in his heart, keenly aware of his brother’s absence.
    He bounded up—three steps at a time until his legs weakened, then two steps, then one, until he finally arrived in the neglected watchtower. His chest heaved as he gasped for air, openmouthed. He leaned out the window and peered out, shielding his eyes from the sun.
    The carriage had just passed through the gate of the outer wall. Will waited for Bert to lean out the window of the carriage. “Go to the tower,” Bert had whispered just before they stepped outside to act out their good-bye. “I’ll wave one last time before I’m out of sight. Be sure to wave back.”
    Will watched as the carriage rolled down the dusty road, approaching the forest that would hide it from sight. Four horsemen formed the corners of a square around it. Will held his hand halfway up, ready to wave,and wondered if Bert had forgotten. Finally, before the carriage disappeared, Will raised his arm and swept it back and forth, hoping his brother might at least peek out and see it.
    Bert was gone. A breeze whistled through the tower. Will felt a strange and foreign sensation creep across him. It made him sink to his knees and put his forehead on the cold stone floor of the watchtower.
    He was alone.

CHAPTER 5
    B ert sat quietly for the first hour of the trip, letting every bump in the road jostle him from side to side. He’d replaced the gold ring he’d given to Margaret with an iron band, which bore the family crest, and he twisted it back and forth around his finger