The Unwilling Aviator (Book 4) Read Online Free Page A

be?" Percy guessed.
    "Yes, but there are pockets along this trail where a traveler will not meet with much wind resistance, and the city itself is snug beneath high cliffs," Ned told him.
    "Then we had better find one of these pockets and set up camp. Night's going to be falling soon," Canto pointed out.
    "Onward, wind weary troops!" Ned called to them. He guided them onward and after a few more run-ins with the whipping wind they came to a cave opening large enough to lead their animals inside if they dismounted, which Ned did.
    The others followed suit, and Ruth looked curiously at the cave walls. There were chisel marks along the sides. "Was this cave made by someone?" she asked Ned.
    "By the people of String. It's a cave for weary travelers to rest in on their journey to the capital," he explained to her. He led the way inside and they found the cave was clean and spacious. A rock fire pit sat in the center surrounded by stone benches. There were even posts on their left to tie their horses.
    "This is very kind of them," Percy commented. He tied his horse, unpacked his bedroll, and turned to Ned. "What sort of a people are these Kiters?"
    "A very freedom-loving sort when their rulers aren't trying to spoil their fun," Ned replied.
    Canto harumphed. "And more than a little strange," he added.
    Ned smiled. "And a little of that." He secured his horse and seated himself on one of the benches. With a flick of his staff a fire arose from the half-burnt wood in the pit. "They have neither king nor lord, but are ruled by a counsel of old men in an assembly of judges called the Senex," he told them. "The people can bring their grievances to the Senex at any time and have it debated among them. The verdict us unquestioned, and the law is revised based on their judgment."
    Pat frowned. "There are no women among them?" she asked him.
    Ned shook his head. "None at all save for the occasional soothsayer whom they consult on important matters, though some women have been known to rule through their husbands and sons," he replied.
    "A bunch of old fools," Canto grumbled. He plopped himself down on a stone bench and warmed his hands. The wind was a cold companion. "Arguing this and fighting over that like a bunch of proud hens, and never getting anything done."
    "The tournament is always on time," Ned argued.
    "And that is in the fall?" Ruth recalled.
    "Yes, and while we may be missing a grand sight of thousands of Kiters swooping through the air, we will be better off without the crowds," Ned replied.
    Percy nodded. "Indeed. The more people around the harder it will be to find the stone and destroy it," he agreed.
    "Are we going to talk all night or are we going to eat something?" Canto spoke up.
    A sly smile slipped onto Ned's face. "All those in favor of food and rest say 'aye.'"
    "Aye!" everyone yelled.
    Ned turned to Canto and bowed his head. "The votes were unanimous and the measure has passed. We may eat."
    Canto rolled his eyes and everyone laughed. They proceeded to eat and sleep, but some hours later Fred was awakened by the whistling of the wind. He tried to get back to sleep, but after a few hours of counting cantankus he gave up and arose. The cave was quiet and the fire embers cast a faint light on the cave walls.
    Fred noticed a silhouette outside the entrance and walked over to it. It was Ruth in her gargoyle form as she watched for signs of trouble. Fred meant to be quiet, but his foot kicked a stone. In a half second Ruth turned and wrapped her tail around him. Fred yelped when he was lifted from the ground and pulled toward her outstretched claws. She stopped him just short of her talons and gasped.
    "I am so sorry, Fred!" she whispered. She quickly set him down and unwrapped her tail.
    Fred bent over and coughed as air returned to his lungs, but managed a smile at her. "Not as sorry as I am," he joked.
    Ruth gently set her hands on his shoulders. "Is something the matter? Should you not be resting?"
    He shook his head