Kilenya Series Books One, Two, and Three (7 page)

Jacob’s face tightened. He stood and paced near the front door. Kenji was right. These people were in too much danger if he didn’t leave. The wolves wouldn’t let him go home, and they had no hesitation in attacking others to force him into following the Lorkon plan. He wanted to curse. He wanted to throw things, to rip something up. He clenched his fists, frustrated at how things had turned out. Why now? It wasn’t fair. He looked at the expectant Makalos.

“Okay, I’ll go. It’s just so . . . annoying.” He scowled. He sounded so selfish. He sat in resignation, trying to think how the Makalos must feel. They were practically helpless. “But I can’t do it alone.”

Relief spread across Kenji’s face, but he quickly replaced it with a serious expression—the expression adults got when they were planning something important. “Akeno will accompany you, along with the Minyas, September and Early.”

Jacob nodded and glanced at Akeno, who smiled back. “But you’re sending more than just us, right?”

“There’s no need,” Kenji said.

“The four of you are enough,” Ebony said.

“What?” Jacob frowned. “I don’t want to offend Akeno, but I figured you’d also send an adult with us. At least, someone a little older than me, and more experienced.”

Kenji smiled. “Actually, Akeno is older than you. He’s the oldest of the Makalo youth here.” Kenji said it with pride in his voice.

Jacob raised an eyebrow. “He looks like he’s ten. Maybe eleven.”

“He’s thirteen, but Makalos age differently than humans.”

Akeno leaned forward. “If I were human, I’d be seventeen or eighteen. Our bodies mature physically, mentally, and emotionally much more quickly than do the bodies of humans.”

“Kind of like my dog,” Jacob said. He flushed, realizing how that would sound to the Makalos. “I’m not saying that you’re dogs or anything like that, or animals, or . . .” He stopped talking, wanting to kick himself for not being more tactful, but relaxed when the others laughed.

Kenji leaned back in his chair. “One of our friends, a man named Gallus, lives in Macaria, which is about a two-day journey from here. We need you to stop by and visit. He has an important journal that we’d like you to pick up and that we especially need you to read. It tells the history of someone very significant to this land. It also explains how the Lorkon got in control, which you need to know.”

Jacob shrugged. “Okay.”

“Now, then,” Ebony said, glancing at Kenji, a worried expression on her face. Kenji smiled in encouragement, and she turned to Jacob. “We hesitate telling you more about the Lorkon.” She took a deep breath. “But you do need to know what you’re up against.”

Kenji closed his eyes. “Jacob, I really wish things were different. I wish your first experience in our world had been under better circumstances. And more than anything, I wish the Lorkon weren’t what they are.”

Ebony nodded. “By giving you this information, we hope to better prepare you.”

“I’m sure it’ll help,” Jacob said. “Tell me as much as you can.”

“They’re horrible and very powerful,” Kenji said. “They’re taller than humans, nearing nine feet. Sometimes they hunch over inside their cloaks and it’s difficult to know how tall they really are. Their teeth are stained black and yellow. They are very swift on foot and are extraordinarily strong, both physically and mentally. So strong, they don’t have need for weapons.”

He shook his head slowly. “All this aside, however, the most disturbing feature of the Lorkon is their skin. It’s blood red in color and is constantly chafing and peeling. They infect whatever they touch, and the blood that oozes from the cracks in their skin burns like acid.” Kenji shuddered at this point, rubbing his shoulder.

“That . . . is disgusting,” Jacob said. “And I have to get the Key from them? How is that even possible?”

“It will be possible,” Kenji said. “But remember, do not attack them. You’ll lose if you do. The Lorkon are immortal and invincible. We discovered this during the last war. Sneak into the castle, using the Minyas to look out for danger. Hide until you know the coast is clear. Use the abilities you and Akeno have at your disposal to get the Key and escape. And do everything in your power not to get separated.”

Kenji got up and looked out the window. “The sun is about to set. You need to leave now—even though night is coming. It isn’t safe for you to stay any longer.”

Jacob knew he was right. “Which way do we go?”

Kenji motioned to Akeno. “Get the map, please,” he said.

Akeno nodded and left the room.

While waiting, Jacob turned to the others. “I still don’t understand why an adult doesn’t come with us. I’m really glad Akeno will be there, but if he’s never left the village . . .”

Kenji sat at the table again. “Only the youth are unaffected by those trees outside the entrance. Plus, Akeno’s Rezend is fairly strong. Stronger than most other Makalos, and he can control it really well. He’ll be the best company for you.”

“What’s Rezend again?”

“The magic of the Makalos.”

Akeno entered the room with a slab of stone nearly half his own size. He carefully placed it on the table in front of Jacob.

Jacob leaned forward, eager to see. A fragile, two-foot square piece of leather was mounted to the stone, and on it was a map drawn in ink. It was a standard-looking map, with markings to show mountain ranges, villages, and roads. He looked to Ebony and Kenji for an explanation.

“We’re right here,” Ebony said, pointing to a spot near the top left corner of the map. “And this is where the Lorkon live.” She pointed to a spot several inches south.

“Don’t let the small distance between here and there fool you,” Kenji said. “Even though it’s just a portion of the map, it will still take a long time to get there. Three or four days, as we said.”

Kenji then showed Jacob the way to the Lorkon castle. It was fairly simple. The only thing Jacob had to remember was to head through the forest, then stick to the path that led them closest to the mountains. It was the only one that would lead to the Lorkon castle.

Kenji pointed out two cabins on the map. One of them was just outside the forest, not too far from the entrance to Taga. The other was quite close to where the Lorkon lived. Each cabin belonged to a friend of the Makalos, and Jacob and Akeno could go there for help and information.

“Remember,” Kenji said, “don’t spend time in the forest outside our village. Stick to the path. It’ll lead you out of the woods and to Aldo’s cabin. Stop and talk to him—he’s our friend and will give you additional information.”

“I thought you said you couldn’t get hold of him last time you tried.”

“We hope he’s still there. He’s the only person we trust who is within a day’s travel. We don’t know anything about the Land of Gevkan anymore. It might have changed drastically since we last lived there. If he’s not around, let us know.”

Jacob took a deep breath, feeling overwhelmed at what he had to accomplish in only a few days. “How do you know the Key is at the castle?”

“We don’t know for sure,” Kenji said. “But it’s a starting point.”

“And what happens if it’s not there?”

“We’ll look into other locations—and send you back home.”

Jacob nodded in relief. He felt like a wimp, but was really scared of what he might have to go through to get the Key.

A frantic knock sounded on the door. Akeno jumped to answer it and a Makalo rushed in, addressing Kenji.

“The wolves have left. They guarded the path to Jacob’s town for a while, then disappeared. We waited five minutes, but they haven’t returned. Now might be the best time . . .” He shot a glance at Jacob.

Kenji quickly stood. “Thank you. Continue to keep watch and let us know if anything changes.” He held the door as the Makalo left. “We’ll need two bags prepared—Ebony, you and Akeno do that. Gather whatever they’ll need for the trip. I’ll summon Early and September.” He stepped out of the house.

“I’ll get a Minya box,” Akeno said, going into a back room.

“Grab that jerky while you’re at it,” Ebony called after him, then yanked open cupboards and drawers, stuffing things into one of the bags.

Jacob, not knowing what to do, stood awkwardly by the table. Kenji came back, and seconds later, Akeno raced back into the room, still shoving things into a knapsack.

“Jacob, you and Akeno will leave immediately,” Kenji said. “September and Early will meet you in the morning. Send them back with updates as often as you feel is necessary. You should always have one of them with you for emergencies. Don’t worry about sending messages to your family, Jacob—we’ll take care of it for you. I wish we had more time to tell you everything you need to know, but we’ll fill you in as you need more information.”

“How’re we going to keep the wolves from attacking us?” Jacob asked.

“Akeno is able to make Rezend-strengthened shelters that will keep predators out. You’ll be safe while you’re sleeping. And as long as you stay on the move during the day, the wolves won’t harm you. But don’t provoke them or stay in one place for too long.”

Jacob nodded, feeling panic start to well up within him. This was seriously the craziest thing he’d ever done. Why’d he agree to it? He found himself wishing again that Matt were there. Jacob took another deep breath, put away his thoughts, and tuned in again to what Kenji was saying.

“The entrance to Taga is up the canyon from here. Akeno will lead the way, using Rezend to distract the wolves. You will need to stay close to him and do exactly as he says. Find a safe place to spend the night between here and the barrier, and once you get there, send a message back to us.” Kenji rubbed his left shoulder. “I’ll walk you to the ledge.”

Akeno put on his top hat and picked up a leather knapsack. Jacob grabbed the other, darker in color, with two straps. He put it on the way he would his own backpack.

Ebony choked down a sob and grabbed Akeno, giving him a big hug and making him promise to be careful. She then wrapped her arms around Jacob. He patted her shoulder, not sure what to say. Kenji opened the door, and Jacob and Akeno followed him through.

“The wolves couldn’t have gone far,” Kenji said as they hurried to the ledge. “So go as fast as you can.” He gave them quick hugs. “Godspeed. Akeno, be careful when shrinking or enlarging things. Stay together. As long as you follow my instructions, you should be safe. Now go!”

Jacob had to scramble down the canyon wall to keep up with Akeno. They stood still for a moment, watching the shadows for any sign of danger.

Seeing nothing, they waved goodbye to Kenji, who watched from above. Once they reached the sparsely vegetated forest, Akeno took off down the path, and Jacob almost tripped as he hurried to keep up. He expected a wolf or a Rog to jump out at any moment.

After running for about half an hour, Akeno stopped and put his hand up against a tree—just listening, it seemed. “Nothing,” he said, steadying himself to catch his breath. “We’ll stop here to rest. I don’t want to be too close to the barrier while it’s dark.”

Jacob readjusted his bag. “I hope the whole trip doesn’t consist of us running from wolves.”

He followed Akeno into the forest, and they looked around for a place to set up camp. After searching for a few minutes, they found a large, overturned tree surrounded by thick bushes. Akeno put his finger to the tree’s trunk and muttered.

“What are you doing?”

“Telling the tree and the bushes to form a tent.”

The branches of the tree and bushes started to move, encircling Akeno and Jacob. Jacob stared, hardly believing his eyes, then jumped out of the way as a squirrel darted across the ground, followed closely by intertwining branches. Akeno wasn’t kidding when he’d said he could tell living things what to do.

Moments later, a somewhat round little fort had been created. There was a small opening in the roof, and the walls were made of tightly woven branches. The floor of the hut was matted and springy—perfect for sleeping on.

“Will this be strong enough against the wolves?” Jacob said.

“They won’t be able to get in.” Akeno sat close to the wall on a bouncy section of branches. He pointed to a spot on the other side of the hut. “You’ll need all the rest you can get.”

Jacob agreed, and they both lay down and fell asleep.

Jacob awoke an hour or so after sunrise, feeling refreshed and energetic. He rolled over to face the other side of the hut and saw that Akeno had already left. Alarmed, Jacob jumped to his feet and started pushing against the walls of the hut, but nothing gave.

“Akeno! Hey! How do I get out of this thing?”

“Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t tell you,” Akeno’s voice sounded muffled through the wall. “I’ll always leave a place for us to exit. Once you’re out, though, you won’t be able to get back in, so make sure you don’t leave anything behind.”

The branches quivered and shook around Jacob, and before he knew it, he stood in the open, next to the bushes and fallen tree that looked as they had the night before. It was a clear morning, and a brisk breeze ruffled Jacob’s hair. A feeling hit him—excitement? Was it possible he was
excited
for this trip? He frowned, not yet ready to let go of his grudge over having to go at all.