Read Online Trail of Bones: A Young Adult Fantasy Novel by Chris Salisbury - Free Book Online Page A

along?” he asked with a grin.
    “Yes, of course! This is Corsar. He’s young, and far too eager, but one of my finest scouts. He’s been tracking you for at least three days,” Ataris said as the wolf scout gave a quick bow and trotted off. “Why you take the southern slope, I do not know. Did you lose your way again, Chief Barbarian?”
    Thayne reached down and rubbed the wolf’s thick fur on the back of his neck. “Yes, but I found the trail, as I always do. But you have my gratitude for the assistance,” teased the barbarian.
    Ataris plopped down on his haunches next to his barbarian guest. “I wouldn’t let you wander for much longer. Perhaps another day or two,” said the wolf.
    He then stood and sniffed Thayne’s boots and hands. “I see your wife’s cooking has not improved since last we spoke. She overcooks every meal, takes all the flavor out.”
    Then the alpha wolf caught the eyes of young Adolphus’ stare. The boy quickly bowed his head as the wolf returned his glance. The boy so badly wanted to look up, but he did as his father had instructed.
    The barbarian chief noticed the quick exchange. “Ah, my son. You remember him? Adolphus. Come here, lad,” commanded Thayne.
    The boy hustled over but was careful not to raise his head or look directly at the wolf. He kept his eyes on his feet and the ground before him.
    “This is Ataris, son of Uvad, ruler and protector of Thornmount, and leader of the Shade Wolves,” said the chief as if he had rehearsed it.
    “Did I get that right?” he asked as Ataris looked on.
    “Close enough,” said the wolf.
    Ataris approached Adolphus, circling the young boy, getting closer with each pass. The wolf’s large snout bumped against the boy’s leg, then traveled around his body taking in deep breaths as the canine sniffed his scent. His black, wet nose brushed the boy’s cheek and blew the child’s hair as he let out a blast of air.
    Try as he might, the boy couldn’t help giggling from the sensation.
    “He’s grown since last I saw him,” said the wolf as he admired the boy. “Healthy and strong, too. A good first born. Perhaps he will lead your pack one day, Draghone. If he follows the wolf code I taught him, I have no doubt he will.”
    The boy’s head shot up. “That was you?” he asked before realizing he had just broken one of his father’s instructions. He quickly bowed his head again.
    Thayne and Ataris exchanged quick smiles. “Do you remember what I told you that morning, small one?” asked the wolf as he looked at Adolphus.
    The boy refused to raise his head as he responded. “Yes. I do. ‘Run with purpose.’ I remember everything you said, every word.”
    Draghone beamed as his son passed one of his first true tests. “Boy, do you think you are worthy to meet the Shade Wolf pups?”
    Adolphus’ excitement returned at the mention of the wolf pups. “Yes, Father, I am. If it pleases you, I brought my own offering for the wolves. May I…” he paused as he searched for the words his father had taught him.
    Ataris once again sniffed at the boy’s hair in an attempt to distract him.
    The boy continued, “…may I honor the pack with a small gift - a gift of meat and blood from a good … hunt.” He knelt and presented one of the rabbit pelts to Ataris.
    The wolf leader stood before Adolphus. “You may…” he started to say but realized the boy was still kneeling with his head down.
    “Stand up, Son. Look him straight in the eyes and don’t look away,” whispered Draghone.
    The son of the chief of Thornmount Village stood tall as he could. He held his head high and looked at the wolf. Their eyes met and a nod of respect was given by each.
    “You may present your gift, Adolphus, son of Thayne, heir and warrior of the village,” said Ataris.
    After uttering the final word, the alpha wolf threw back his head and let out a long howl. The rest of the pack joined in as Thayne, Adolphus and the rest of the barbarian group looked