Adventurers Wanted 2) The Horn of Moran by M.L. Forman Page A

the list. It didn’t make any sense to Alex, but he knew he would have to try.
     
    * * *
     
    Alex and his companions joined the Goodseed family for breakfast as usual the next morning, but there was a strange tension around the table. Michael seemed painfully excited, but nobody mentioned his birthday at all. At first Alex thought that Michael’s parents didn’t want to say anything in front of their guests, but then he saw Bregnest and Argus exchange knowing looks and he couldn’t help but smile at Michael’s impending surprise.
     
    “Well, it should be an interesting day,” Argus said enthusiastically. “More feasts and parties with the wedding couples.”
     
    “Perhaps you can tell us of the lands east and north of here,” said Bregnest. “It won’t be long before we are on our way once more.”
     
    “Oh, yes, I can tell you a great deal about the lands you will cross,” said Argus. “But, you know, I seem to be forgetting something—something important.”
     
    “That’s odd, I have the same feeling,” said Bregnest thoughtfully.
     
    “Oh, stop it, both of you,” Mrs. Goodseed snapped, clearly unhappy with their teasing of Michael. “You both know very well that it’s Michael’s birthday, so you might as well say so.”
     
    Alex and the rest of his companions laughed at Mrs. Goodseed’s outburst, and Michael laughed loudest of all.
     
    It seemed that the entire company had bought birthday presents for Michael, despite Andy telling them not to. Val gave Michael a magical flute that played songs by itself. Sindar gave him a large book of stories that included many beautiful illustrations. Bregnest produced a fine new bow and a quiver of arrows, and he was quick to help when Michael couldn’t quite manage to string the bow by himself.
     
    While everyone was wishing Michael a happy birthday, Andy slipped away from the table and out of the house. Mrs. Goodseed seemed to know what Andy was up to because she soon made a point of asking where Andy had gone.
     
    “I believe he stepped outside,” said Halfdan, winking at Alex.
     
    “Outside?” Mrs. Goodseed questioned, though she didn’t look at all surprised. “What in the world is he doing outside?”
     
    “Perhaps we should go and see,” Halfdan suggested.
     
    They all filed out of the front door and saw Andy standing in the courtyard with a beautiful black horse.
     
    “I hope he’s the one you wanted,” Andy said as Michael ran toward him.
     
    “Oh, he is,” exclaimed Michael, hugging Andy. “He’s perfect.”
     
    “A fine-looking horse,” Halfdan commented. “And Alex and I have something that belongs to him.”
     
    “What’s that?” Andy questioned, though it was obvious he knew what Halfdan was talking about.
     
    “We decided a horse was little good without a saddle,” said Alex, smiling at Andy.
     
    When Halfdan produced the saddle from his magic bag, Michael looked as if he were about to burst with joy. He looked around at all the adventurers and at his family, not sure what to do or say. It seemed as if he’d been given more than he’d ever dared to hope for.
     
    “Well, come on then,” said Andy. “You’d best go for a ride.”
     
    Michael didn’t need to be asked twice, and he was soon saddling his new horse with Andy’s help. Alex and his friends watched for a short time, and then went back to the house to finish their meal.
     
    “You have all been extremely kind to my son,” said Argus to the company as he took his seat in the dining room once more. “I am very much in your debt.”
     
    “It is a little thing compared to the kindness you and your family have shown us,” said Bregnest. “It is not easy having so many adventurers around the house.”
     
    “Oh, it’s no trouble at all,” said Mrs. Goodseed. “You are all welcome, any time.”
     
    After breakfast, Alex pulled Bregnest aside for a quiet chat. He told him about the golden brooch he’d received from Elwig and how he