Race Riders (The Hidden Quest- Book One) Read Online Free Page A

also in a hurry, and Marquor is nowhere to be found.” She said in a slightly annoyed voice.
    Faazen chuckled thoughtfully and scratched his beard. “I might have an answer or two. Come, and bring JuJu and Mackie along for some cool peach berry tea.” The two of them made their way inside with the little ones following behind. Once inside the castle gates Faazen spoke slowly.
    “For some time there have been problems at Windsword with Rianor and Daksha.”
    Jessa nodded in agreement. She knew about the two of them, a pair of troublemakers to be sure.
    The wizard continued, “Somehow and we do not know when, Rianor has secured one half of the silver leaf. This may be a rumor, but we believe it could be true.” His loyal apprentice at one time, greed and a lust for power had overtaken him. It was as if Rianor was a different person. Gone was his faithful and kind friend. Now he lied, cheated and hurt everyone he once loved. The Ice Wizard was very secretive and rarely left Windsword. With Daksha joining forces, his reign of terror could be swift and powerful. “As you know they are both skilled in the magic arts and have been honing their craft well.”
    Jessa shook her head. “My my, I believe then Algor is upset about this because he knows our gnomlies could also be in danger, changing our way of life we have known and cherished for so long. For that we thank you Faazen, as you have been our protector and dear friend who has always come to our aid.”
    The kindly wizard bowed graciously. “It’s been my honor to serve you and the others well. The Seia Woods is our home and Brandiss-Dor is our kingdom to protect. There is also more to this story, but that is all I can say for now. You and the others will just have to trust me.”
    “Why Faazen, I knew there was something going on here lately. Whatever will I tell Algor, you know his ears will be twitching?”
    “There isn’t anything he doesn’t already know, it will unfold in time. Now there is much to do. Please help me to prepare the guest rooms.”
    “Very well Faazen, but who are your visitors?”
    “They are from another land.” That was all he could say at this time and the little gnomlie eyed him curiously.
    She nodded in agreement. “The winged messenger brought them last night didn’t he?”
    “Well my dear lady you know too much already. Come, there is work to do!”
    Jessa rolled up her sleeves and removed her hat. She made up the rooms with clean linens and put fresh cut flowers in the vases. She also swept out the hearth and put golden bowls of crisp and juicy appleys on the mantles. The appleys were a favorite of almost everyone, a miniature apple that came in several varieties. The gnomlies harvested them in their orchards.
    Faazen was busy in the library. He was returning the books back to the shelves as Jessa came into the room and looked up as she spoke.
    “Everything is quite the way you like it. When will your mystery guests be arriving”? She winked. JuJu and Mackie were at her side munching cookies.
    “Soon, very soon. Now the three of you should make your way back to Kinnledge. The wee ones look like they are ready for a nap. Then as if cued, the gnomlie children started yawning and rubbing their eyes.
    “Oh will you look at that.” Jessa gathered up her little ones and waved goodbye.
    “Thank you Jessa for all your help today.” The wizard was smiling as he went back into the castle. He stopped briefly at the kitchen and instructed Cook on what to prepare for the evening meal.
    Faazen watched as Cook put on her white apron and started pulling flour and sugar down from the shelves. There was much baking to do. Honey rolls and apple pies. Soon the delicious aromas would fill the air.
    In the Seia Woods the weebies were playing with a large crystal. They kept tossing it up in the air. It sparkled in the sunlight and threw prisms of light around the large mushrooms. They were about the size of a small bird and had tiny fluttering