Read Online Adventurers Wanted 1) Slathbog's Gold by M.L. Forman - Free Book Online

Bregnest continued. “First of all, I would like to formally welcome our eighth member. As he has just joined us today, and this is his first adventure, he may not know all of our ways. I ask that each of you help him and be patient with him.”
    The rest of the company voiced their agreement to Bregnest’s request. Alex doubted that he knew anything about the ways of adventurers and he wondered if he’d ever be able to learn everything he needed to know.
    “One of the first things you should know, Alex, is this,” said Bregnest, his face serious and his tone stern. “As we have all signed the Bargain for this adventure, there will be no secrets kept in our group. We will all depend on each other throughout this adventure and so every member of this company has the right to know anything and everything to do with it. And that includes knowing things about each other that may affect the success or failure of our adventure.”
    Bregnest was watching Alex closely as he spoke, perhaps judging how well Alex took in what he was saying.
    “With that in mind, I feel it important to share some information I have learned about Alex,” Bregnest continued. “It seems that the distinguished Mr. Blackburn measured Alex for his weapon and found that he is well suited for all types of weapons. That alone would mean we have been very lucky in our eighth man. What is of more importance to our current adventure, however, is the fact that Alex is exceptionally suited to use a staff.”
    Bregnest paused to let the information sink in with the other members of the company. Alex felt extremely uncomfortable with everyone looking at him. He still thought Mr. Blackburn must be wrong about the staff, but he said nothing.
    “Knew it all along,” said Thrang, tapping the side of his nose with his finger. “Something special about that boy. I said as much to Arconn just this morning.”
    “Of course, Alex is not trained, though there is some value even in having an untrained wizard with us,” said Bregnest. “Perhaps, when we return from this adventure, we can find a wizard for Alex to apprentice with. For now, there is no time.”
    “Practical experience is the best teacher,” said Thrang, smiling at Alex. “And Arconn and I can each teach him a thing or two while we travel.”
    “Then let us toast our adventure and wish for luck,” Bregnest concluded, ringing a small golden bell.
    As soon as the bell had sounded, servants appeared carrying silver pitchers. They filled a mug for each of the adventurers, placed the pitchers on the table, and left the company alone.
    “What is this?” Alex asked Skeld, who was already raising his mug. Though Mr. Roberts ran a tavern, Alex had never been allowed to drink anything stronger than soda.
    “It’s only a honey cider,” Skeld answered with a smile. “Don’t worry, it’s not strong enough to muddle your wizardly wits.”
    “To the adventure and for luck,” said Bregnest, lifting his mug.
    “To the adventure and for luck,” the rest of them repeated as they all stood up.
    To Alex’s surprise, the cider tasted sweet and slightly fruity.
    “Not half bad, is it, your wizardliness?” Skeld laughed and they all sat back down.
    “No, it’s not,” said Alex with a smile. “It’s very good, in fact.”
    “Be careful,” said Tayo, who was sitting across the table from Alex. “It may taste sweet tonight, but if you drink too much of it, your head will pay come sunrise.”
    “And if the sun doesn’t rise, you’ve nothing to worry about.” Skeld laughed and took another long drink from his mug.
    Bregnest rang the bell a second time. As before, servants instantly appeared, this time carrying large trays of wonderful- smelling food. Alex was stunned by the variety of the food he saw on the trays. Mr. Roberts was a good cook, and Alex had always had plenty to eat, but no meal he’d ever had compared to the meal he ate at the Golden Swan that night. Alex tried everything on the table