Read Online The Mage of Orlon: The beginning by Gene Rager - Free Book Online

sword since I was old enough to walk. ”
    “ Okay maybe just the knife then. ”
    Nate tied the knife to his belt. They began walking again. The sun shined through the trees, and once again Nate was lured into feeling calm and unassuming. That is when it began to rain. The travel cloaks Crolin had given them shed the rain with no effort. It was when they approached the clearing that Lela stopped. The tension rolled off her in waves. Nate picked up on her worry and peaked over her shoulder. The clearing showed nothing out of the ordinary.
    “ Lela what is wrong? ”
    “ The clearing, it is perfect for an ambush, there is no cover. Nate if the howlers break cover they will try to separate us. If that happens climb the closest tree you can. That should keep you safe. ”
    “ What about you Lela? ”
    “ I will be fine, do not come looking for me, and just keep going Nate do you understand? ”
    “ Lela, I can ’ t leave you to be eaten alive by these things.
    “ I will be fine, just do what I say okay? ”
    They slowly entered into the clearing; they made it half way across when the first creature appeared in front of them baring their path. They turned around to find two more behind them. The rest of the pack emerged from the surrounding forest line. The howlers stood four foot tall, their jaws were lined with fangs that over hung the muzzles. They stared at Lela and Nate with hungry eyes. The howler that first appeared began closing the distance between them.
    “ Lela, what do we do? ”
    Lela remained silent for a few minutes watching the creature, the twig snapping behind them turned Lela around. The two howlers were running now. Lela loosed two arrows in rapid succession. Both arrows struck the lead howler downing him instantly. The pack began running at them now.
    “ Nate run for the trees! ” Lela screamed.
    She let two more arrows fly, but the creature dodged both arrows. Lela began to run towards the charging howler screaming. The howler kept charging, and leapt into the air. Lela slid under the airborne beast and let an arrow fly into the creature ’ s tender underbelly. It crashed into the ground, dead before it hit the ground. Lela turned around while pulling the invisibility cloak hood up disappearing. She side stepped the third howler who landed confused as to how its prey could just vanish from sight. This brief moment allowed Lela to see Nate running for the forest line with four howlers in pursuit.
    “ No. ” was all she said as Nate hit the ground sliding into the underbrush.

Chapter 13
    Nate saw the brush and the thorns it contained; maybe it would buy him some time. Nate dove like an Olympic swimmer hitting the pool. His momentum slid him into the bramble patch. The howlers slowed to a trot. Nate crawled through the patch that tore at his exposed flesh mercilessly. Nate emerged in the forest and began to run. The pack began tracking the fresh smell of blood. Nate began trying to find a tree to climb up. All the branches were too high for him to reach. Nate stopped only for a moment when he heard the first growl.
    Nate turned just in time to catch the howling monster ’ s throat with both hands, keeping the snapping jaws inches from his face.
    The howler pushed forward on its back paws causing Nate to stumble backwards. Nate fell, but refused to let go of his would be killer ’ s throat. The beast began snapping its jaws viciously trying to wrench free enough to claim Nate ’ s face as its meal. With all his strength Nate held the monster at bay. The snapping twigs caused Nate to look to the side the rest of the pack that had followed him where closing in. If he didn ’ t think of something fast they would tear him apart in a matter of seconds.
    Nate Twisted trying to find the hunting knife, but it was gone! Dammit! The knife must have fell off when he slid into the brush!
    Despair grew in Nate, if he had magic he could defend himself. If he had been a mage he could have protected Lela who