The Weapon Bearer (Book 1) Read Online Free Page A

down any man that might try and protect them. He had been known to drink his fill and then some on his father’s tab. He thought that because his father was Mayor, he would run the town one day. Bowie guessed that today would be a rude awakening for Chit.
    “What did you say about me, pretty boy? I don’t like people talking behind my back in my town. Especially on my big day. Now tell me what you said so I can use that shirt of yours to clean my boots before I leave.”
    Daniel finished his ale slammed his mug down and stood up. He spoke softly with his back toward Chit. “You’re one to talk. Look at the pretty green shirt you’re wearing. Did your mother pick that out for you to impress the messenger boy? I’m sure he’d like a kiss. If you hurry I bet you could catch up to him.” Daniel turned to face Chit. They were about the same size, but Daniel had worked in his father’s stables his whole life and didn’t receive much school. He often only wore his leather vest as not to dirty his wool shirts. He spent his days tossing grain, loading mules, and fetching saddles. His build was as solid as stone. He had been kicked enough times that the entire town knew just how tough he was. No one wanted to get into a brawl with him.
    Chit stood eye to eye with a wavering Daniel and then straightened his jacket. He gave one glance to Bowie, warning him not to get in the way, and walked out the tavern door. Bowie wiped off his shirt. He would have to change before the wizard showed up and the dancing started. He helped steady his friend as they made their way for the door.
    ***
    The town was the busiest it was going to be all year with festivities and selling of their wares. Kilen had already been stopped to ask how he managed to get so close to a deer to wrestle with it. Another gentleman asked him if he had to run it down before snapping its neck. Bowie had obviously worked quickly. Bowie couldn’t be found at the butchers so Kilen knew his next stop would be the tavern to spread rumors. When he approached the front stoop, a man in a green riding suit with black polished boots came out of the tavern, followed by the Mayor. Kilen watched as he mounted and brought his horse to a canter through the town’s main road. He turned back to see Chit come out upset about something. The look on his face was murderous. Kilen turned to avoid Chit’s gaze. He didn’t need any humiliation today, he already had one near death experience. Chit passed him and Kilen turned back towards the tavern and saw Bowie leading Daniel out. Bowie smiled and stuck his chin out at Chit, and Kilen knew the reason for Chit’s angry face.
    “Hey Daniel, who was the guy in green?”
    “The messenger for the King. Chit is finally leaving for the King’s army!” Bowie was always ready to let Kilen know of any good news he had heard about Chit. “He’s only been saying it for two years now. I guess he’s finally run off enough of the local girls that he needs a new playground.”
    Kilen waved off what Bowie had said. He wouldn’t believe that Chit was leaving till he watched him ride out of town. “Daniel, does your Dad have that horse, the one that could pull the carts forever?”
    “My dad sold off the entire stock, apart from what we use for breeding. You might be able to buy some from the peddler if he has a mind to sell’em but I heard him saying he could get twice as much in the next town. I’m sure he’s right too. That was a good bunch of horses. I’m not gonna have anything to do around here for a while,” Daniels speech was slurred as he spoke.
    Bowie spoke before he could even finish, “There’s nothing of any worth left except farm supplies. You better just plan on picking up stuff in Basham. I’m sure that the peddlers couldn’t cart off everything in a city like that.” Bowie knew what Kilen was thinking and spoke before he could get his question out. “You can borrow what you need from me for the travel in the