Defenders of The Sacred Land: Book One of The Sacred Land Saga by Mark Tyson

and then stowed his pack on the wagon. He usually asked to handle the reins, and Dorenn planned to let him drive the whole way if only to avoid the constant badgering. Rennon looked up after stowing his pack and smiled thinly at Dorenn.
    “I am ready here,” he said. “I was wondering, Dorenn, did you plan to take the reins this trip?”
    Dorenn smiled to himself. “No, Rennon, I thought I would leave that task to you.”
    Rennon had a look of satisfaction. “I will take my place on the wagon then.” Dorenn nodded and glanced around. “Any sign of the others yet?”
    “No, but I expect they will be coming along soon,” Rennon said as he climbed onto the wagon.
    Lady Shey, Rodraq, and the elf maiden appeared just after the sun topped the Jagged Mountains. Dellah Adair prepared breakfast for them while the stable hands saddled three mounts for the guards. Rodraq and his men were to ride disguised as merchant hands as ordered by Lady Shey. Tatrice and Vesperin appeared soon after and began to load the provisions. Nervously, Rennon stepped down to once again inspect the team and check the horses’ shoes. Rennon’s black hair fell down in front of his olive face, and he pushed it aside each time he inspected a horse. Dorenn noticed Rennon brushing the hair aside repeatedly. “Rennon, when are you going to let Sanmir cut that hair?”
    “Why, it defines my character,” Rennon said.
    “What character? You look like a young maiden!” Dorenn said, and he smiled when he heard Tatrice snicker from behind the wagon.
    “I will tie it back. Perhaps someday I will get it trimmed.”
    “Let’s hope that day comes sooner than later,” Dorenn said. Rennon grinned and shook his head.
    Lourn came out of the inn from the side door with two coin pouches, which he handed to Dorenn. “Here is the gold needed for the ale. Since Lady Shey and her maiden are going along with you, I am sending Tatrice along as well to purchase the dry goods I need.” Lourn held his hand up to stop Dorenn from interrupting. “I know you can shop for dry goods, but Tatrice knows paprika from oregano, and I doubt you would care to visit all the shops for the best price the same way she would. Lady Shey insisted that Tatrice come along anyway since many of the shop owners know her face from the many trips with your mother and me. Lady Shey does not want to rouse attention while she is there on business, and I don’t blame her. Are there any questions then?”
    “No, Father, I have everything well in hand.” Dorenn grimaced at his own words.
    “Good, Dorenn.” Lourn kissed his son on the forehead. “Do be careful, son.”
    “I will, Father,” Dorenn replied.
    “Now, go and kiss your mother.”
    “Yes, Father,” Dorenn obeyed.
    Dorenn found his mother in the kitchen. She looked as if she had been up all night. Her eyes were swollen and bloodshot and her hair was unkempt.
    “Mother, did you not sleep last night?” Dorenn asked, stopping his mother in mid stride.
    ”Oh, Dorenn, no dear, I tossed and turned all night. I hate the thought of you going so far away. Anything could happen to you out on the road.”
    “I have gone to Symbor before and to places far more dangerous.”
    “And I worried the whole time you were gone those times too.” Dellah smiled and shook her head. “Don’t worry about me, my son, I will always worry when my child is so far away from home. It is the way of mothers.” She hugged him tightly, and Dorenn was glad there was no one around to see. “Now, go and have a safe trip, son.”
    “I will, Mother. I promise to bring you some of that perfume you love so much from Symbor.”
    “Oh, Dorenn, that would be lovely of you.” She smiled.
    Dorenn left the kitchen and discovered he was the only one not ready to leave.
    “It’s about time,” Rennon laughed. “I thought we were going to have to leave you.” He turned and shouted, “All ready to move out?”
    “Aye,” replied the two guards on