The Choosing Read Online Free Page A

jaws opened wide to the top of the scabbard where the sword would enter, as if it would swallow the sword.  Garret remained speechless as he accepted the scabbard and slid his enormous blade into it.  Samuel was already leaning over to the case at his feet.  He removed a sheaf for each of the twins' daggers and a leather cloak for each of them, one black trimmed in silver, the other midnight blue also trimmed in silver. 
    "There are a couple of new outfits here in the trunk for each of you compliments of Emily and Rose, and some new boots as well.  I’ve also made each of you a good sturdy pack for the trip south.”  Samuel brimmed with pride. “I’ve given them to James to pack you some supplies for your trip.” 
    "Thank you both so much."  Seth said.
    “How could we resist for you boys?” Emily asked. “We can’t have you out traveling the world looking like beggars.  As I always say, first impressions are the most important.”
    This indeed was something they had heard her say several times and so both returned her smile.
    “Rose and I have made you each two pair of new clothes, a heavy pair for the journey that should keep you warm and should not tear so easily, and a pair of dress clothes for The Choosing ceremony."  Emily said with tears rimming her eyes. 
    “Rose will see you off in the morning with the others.” Emily started a little shakily. “She didn’t want to have to say good bye twice.”
    The twins both nodded their understanding, each now with moisture clouding their vision.  Rose and Emily had sort of taken the mothering role for the boys after their mom had passed away.  Both boys knew they would miss their foster mothers when they left.
    “Well boys.” Their father began to say.  “I guess that just leaves me.  I was gonna wait until morning but what with all the gifts I sort of feel left out.”
    James walked out of the seating area and walked back behind the bar with all five sets of eyes following him.  He bent his large body below the surface of the bar where no one could see him and rummaged around on one of the shelves concealed behind the bar.  He stood back up bearing two packs, and two coin purses.  Walking swiftly back to the seating area with his giant strides he stopped when he reached his twins and sat the packs down at their feet.  Both packs were black leather one trimmed in blue the other in silver.
    “I got you all packed up with food.” He said to both of them at once. “And you each have a blanket and towel.”  He then held out the coin purses to them and before releasing them into his sons hands added.
    “You each get ten silver from the community fund as with all the kids who leave for The Choosing.  In addition to that I’ve added five silver each out of our savings.”  This last part he said quite boisterously as he swelled with pride at himself. 
    “I expect that should be enough to get yourselves a room at a few inns along the way, and keep you fed, and if there is enough left over…” he trailed off for a moment holding back the tears that a man of his age and size shouldn’t show.  “Use what’s left if you can, to send message back that you made it safely.”  James ended quickly trying not to lose his composure.  The only time that he had ever cried in front of his boys was when their mother had passed, and that he was sure neither of them could remember.  He didn’t want to think that this could be the last memories he would ever make with his sons.  Quickly then, James thrust out his hands with the coin purses giving one to each of the boys.
    “Boys tell everyone thank you again, they have all worked very hard to make you these gifts.  You need to be getting to bed you have a long journey ahead of you.  I have to go attend to our customer.”  James turned and strode across the room.
    Everyone else had forgotten the young man at the opposite end of the common room seated quietly against the window.  He was now