Read Online A Call to Arms: Book One of the Chronicles of Arden by Shiriluna Nott, SaJa H - Free Book Online

the shed that ran along that side of the training field. Long moments passed while they stared out at the other boys, but the quiet never felt awkward. Indeed, it wasn’t until the peace came crashing down that either of them thought to look up.
    Only a few paces away, a small commotion broke out. A cluster of older boys surrounded one who was much younger. With a red face pointed downward, the boy in the middle looked to be about the same age as Gib and Nage. The older boys circled and taunted the boy, asking snidely if he was ready for his first day of real work or not. One of them even called the young boy a “spoiled brat.” He talked back to them with defiance, claiming he was going to tell his father about their behavior. This only elicited a larger response from the perpetrators.
    A knot formed in the pit of Gib’s stomach and he glanced around, looking for an adult. Surely a teacher was around somewhere. Where was the Weapons Master to shoo these older, frightening boys away?
    “Father can’t always protect you,” one of them was saying. He was tall and well-built with dark hair, olive skin, and almond-shaped eyes. His smile was smug.
    “The real world is about to jump up and bite you in the ass, boy,” taunted a second one who was pale but just as tall as the first. The two of them seemed to be the leaders of this group of bullies and were certainly the most intimidating of them all.
    Nage kept his voice low so as not to draw their attention. “What’s their problem? Why’re they bothering that boy?”
    Gib swallowed a lump in his throat. The harassment seemed so much louder for the sudden drop in the surrounding noise. Every other student on the field had quieted and turned to look at the spectacle. “I don’t know but this isn’t right. Someone should say something.”
    “And have our teeth kicked in for our troubles?” Nage retorted. “I’ll pass. Besides, look at them. Every single one is a highborn, I’d reckon, even the young one. We don’t need problems with their fathers.”
    The young boy who was being taunted was trying to walk away from the bullies now. “Stop it! Leave me alone. Haven’t you had your fill yet?”
    The others continued to laugh at him. Gib clamped his hands together and looked desperately for help once more, still not seeing any adults. He knew he didn’t stand a chance on his own, especially when even Nage was unwilling to help. He thought about standing down and turning his head the other way, but he couldn’t do it. It wasn’t right. Someone needed to say something.
    “Stop.” Gib’s voice carried further than he’d thought it would. His insides shook but he took a timid step forward. “Leave him alone.” This time he was louder still and several people looked his way. His face went warm, but he could hardly stop now.
    “ I said to stop! ” Gib’s legs trembled. He’d no idea how he was still standing. It got worse when the bullies turned to look at him, their eyes piercing and critical. Gib sucked in a sharp breath. Would they come for him next?
    The taunting subsided and whispers were shared like a single ripple through the group. Gib’s attention was caught by the tall boy, who was obviously the leader, as he narrowed his eyes. When he swept closer, the others all followed.
    His dark, slanted eyes shone coldly and his smile sent a chill up Gib’s spine. The leader was well spoken with a soft, haughty voice. “What was that, Little One? Did you call to us?”
    Gib swallowed and took a step back. None of them were his age. They were all taller and broader than he. They each wore a sword on their hip and swaggered as though they knew how to use such weapons. He wasn’t even a threat to them.
    “Spirit will only take you just so far,” said the second, louder boy in a nasty voice. “Better hope ya grow a bit more, boy.” He tousled Gib’s curls as he sauntered past. The others said nothing as they went along but each looked Gib in the eye,