Warden (Blade Asunder Book 3) Read Free Page A

his mind? Hendon believed there was a reason for everything, nothing was coincidence. No one can change the call of nature or of events that happen in one’s life. Each individual plays their part in the game of life and hopes that at the end of their journey, all will be well.
    An old man’s gravelly voice came into his head. “Well, go on then. How many times do I have to tell you?” the voice commanded of him.
    “Tell me what?” Hendon said aloud. “Who are you and where are you hiding?” His eyes scanned the room for the person whom the voice belonged.
    “Do you have to shout?” the voice cried back, inside of his head.
    Hendon put his hands to his ears as the unknown voice echoed around in his head.
    “Use your mind boy, don’t yell at me with your mouth,” the voice instructed.
    “You mean you really are in my head?” Hendon asked, through his thoughts and not his mouth.
    “That’s much better. You take an awful long time to grasp things. I can see I will have my work cut out, training you.”
    “I don’t even know who you are?” Hendon said, in his mind.
    “Now listen, very carefully, I’m only going to explain this but once to you. Do you hear me, boy?”
    Hendon did not reply. He smiled to himself. He had a good idea who he was having a conversation with, in his head.
    “You will take me with you wherever you go. I am to be treated like one of your limbs, and also with the utmost of kindness, so no more polishing, it tickles,” the gravelly voice said.
    “I know exactly who you are,” Hendon said. “I think you’ve turned into a miserable old man in the spirit world, Barnaby, as you sound very grumpy in death.”
    “Hmmph, that’s as may be, but don’t you be getting above your station. This is the only way I can help, now that my body has passed away. I didn’t like the thing anyway, it was full of aches and pains,” the voice said, not denying it was Barnaby.
    “To what purpose would you wish to linger on in this world, Barnaby?”
    “Until the balance is set again. Now then listen, you must go to the lizard people for two reasons. First, you can rescue the Duchess, whom I happen to have a great fondness for. Then you can set to rights what needs to be done. Now go off and tell the Queen. I need to rest now. I can’t communicate with you for long. Off you go, boy.”
    With that he was gone, and Hendon was once again left in peace.

5
    There was a commotion outside of Hendon’s rooms, which overlooked the stable’s courtyard. Crossing the room to peer out of the window, he saw that Linz had arrived with one of his tribesmen. He knew that the Queen had not sent for him. She had said she felt he had enough responsibilities with his new role as Chief. So it was a mystery as to why he was here.
    He had always liked Linz, strong and determined despite his young years, he instantly felt better knowing he was here. With his exceptional skills at tracking, he would be useful in their quest. Especially now they had a destination. Picking up his staff he went to greet the new arrival. As Hendon arrived in the courtyard, Linz was still in the stable mounted on his horse, as was his companion.
    “Ah, Linz, good to see you, my friend. You have arrived at a good time. You must have known that we needed you,” he said as he approached the young Lake chief who was now dismounting from his horse.
    “Hendon,” Linz smiled at the approaching forest dweller. Their hands clasped together in a friendly greeting. “I have news for the Queen,” he told him.
    “I will come to see her with you, as I too have news to convey,” he said, dropping his voice to almost a whisper and staring at Linz’s companion who stood close by.
    “This is my faithful guard, Wyatt,” Linz introduced his riding partner. “He is also my teacher for I have much to learn in combat. You can trust him. I do, with my life.”
    Hendon felt satisfied at this and continued his conversation. “We must go on a journey to the