The Troven (Kingdom of Denall Book 1) (23 page)

Bendar cut in, “How can you be so certain this truly is a magical stone?”

Boon leaned close and whispered so only Bendar and Kaz could hear. “In all my life, and in all my travels I have seen its like once, on the Isle of Sephra, just off the coast from Pike Point. That was the reason I went into caravan trading. I have searched my whole life for another one.”

“What’s so special about this necklace?” Kaz said, still not understanding.

“Not the necklace,” Boon said shaking his head. “Don't you know what stone you hold?”

“My Gran said it was special, and that it chose me. Bendar thought it might be magical, but I don't know much about that sort of thing.”

Boon held out his hand, “Can I hold it for a minute? I just want to do a quick test.”

Kaz hesitantly handed over the stone, and Boon gripped the side of his chair. His arm muscled bulged, but nothing else happened. “Nope, not the Strength Stone.”

“What are you doing?” Kaz asked, somewhat exasperated at the odd behavior.

“Have you checked it with your sight?”

Kaz shook his head, and held out his hand for Boon to return the necklace. “I really don’t understand what you’re talking about,” Kaz answered.

Bendar looked at Kaz and back at Boon. “Are you saying this is one of the Stones of Power?”

“I can’t be certain,” Boon answered, “but it looks just like the Intellect Stone. That almost metallic, polished finish is not something you see very often.” Bendar looked down in awe, then he turned to Boon.

“You said you saw one before?”

“Yes, the Intellect Stone was on Sephra Island, several decades ago.”

Bendar leaned back a little in his chair and rubbed his chin. “That is very interesting,” he remarked. “How can we tell for sure if this is one of the Stones of Power?”

“If Kaz uses his enhanced sight while touching it, we’ll know if it is the Sight Stone.” Boon answered.

Kaz put the necklace back on, and tucked it under his shirt. “I’m not sure how this is supposed to work, but I’ll give it a try.” Kaz looked over at Boon's wagon that was about fifty paces off to the left. Kaz could normally see most of the details of an object at that distance. The yellow painted side of the wagon could be seen clearly, then Kaz tried something more challenging, but within his normal abilities -- he concentrated on one specific wagon wheel. At this distance, making out the details of such a small object was the extent of his natural capacity, but he felt he could keep going. He focused in closer and closer, one spoke of the wagon wheel, one small crack in the spoke, one particle of sand in the crack, and then he stopped and turned to look at Bendar, then to Boon.
Bendar’s stories were true!

“This is what they’ve been after! This stupid rock has caused nothing but trouble!” Kaz grabbed at his shirt where it covered the necklace.

“Calm down,” Boon placed his hand over Kaz’s.

Kaz turned on him, and glared. “If this is what they want, they can have it! I don’t want this cursed thing anymore!”

Bendar grabbed Kaz by the shirt and pulled him up to standing. He bowed slightly to the people around the fire, and pulled Kaz to walk away in the direction of their tent. Boon stood up and followed.

“You do not seem to understand,” Bendar said as he walked across the empty field with Kaz. “You cannot give it away.”

Boon caught up to them and nodded his agreement. “Your friend is right. The Stone chose you. You need to keep it safe and learn how it works.”

Kaz stopped walking and looked at Boon and Bendar.

“If I keep it,” he began, then he looked at the wagons that bordered the edge of the large clearing, “then we are all in danger. Look at what has happened to us so far. It’s all because of this,” he hit his chest.

Bendar shook his head, “Everything that has happened is because of evil men, not because of that. Aldis told me that one of the men from this group, probably the one who had the stone hidden away, had told him that he had seen us trade it to a travelling medicine man. They have been tracking every regular trade caravan that comes through Hillside this time of year. Does it not seem significant that the bandit with the stone was assigned to the raiding party that just happened to catch a caravan that was right on our very winding, unpredictable route? That stone was meant to come back to you. The Stones of Power are more than just some gift-magnifying trinkets. They are talked about in many of the prophecies of The Changing. It does not say exactly how, but they are a powerful defense against evil. If they fall into the wrong hands, it could spell disaster.”

Kaz put his hands to his head and released a frustrated sigh. “I don’t know what to do!”

Bendar took Kaz by the arm and pulled him along toward their tent. “You do not need to do anything. I think I have a plan to keep us safe. Just make sure you keep the Stone close to you.”

Kaz reluctantly nodded.

“And try to keep it hidden,” Boon added.

Chapter 21

Farin hardly slept that night, and early in the morning, he left their tent, feeling that he needed to be moving or he would lose his mind. Many others in the camp were also stirring, kindling fires, preparing meals, and setting up chairs and stools in the field at the center of the camp in preparation for the funeral. 

Farin made his way to a large stone under a broad, leafy tree. He concentrated on blocking out all sound as he looked down in his hand. When Garin was dying, he had reached out and not only grabbed Farin’s hand, but placed in it Garin’s most prized possession, and Farin’s heaviest weight -- a picture of Fenn.

How was he going to tell Fenn about Garin’s death? More importantly, how was he ever going to be able to face his parents again? Garin, the one who was going to go back to live on the farm, had given up his life to save the son who was leaving.

What words could he speak at the funeral today that would do Garin justice? Farin looked down at the picture of Fenn and tears streamed down his cheeks.

* * * * *

“Hello,” Boon greeted Kaz with a solemn countenance as he emerged from the tent he had shared with Farin and Bendar the night before.

“Good morning,” he replied. “Is something wrong?”

Boon shook his head. “It’s mourning day. The day we give reverence and respect to those who passed away.” He pointed out into the field where three graves had been dug, and the three bodies were wrapped in blankets. “Their graves will be marked so we will always remember them as we travel past this region.”

Kaz nodded numbly.

Boon stepped up to Kaz and put an arm around him. “He is family. You are family.” Boon guided Kaz through the field where the other caravan members were gathered. They stood next to Bendar near the outskirts of the group.

“Where’s Farin?” Kaz asked.

Bendar pointed at the front of their gathered group. Naida was seated next to him, holding on to his arm. Although Farin seemed distant and closed off from the other caravan members, he seemed to have made a connection with the grandmotherly woman.

When Kaz and Boon joined the group, Odon stood up to address the crowd. Kaz looked around and saw that everyone was here.

“Gefion has not been part of our family for long, but we have all been recipients of his service. He was a hard worker, strong as an ox, and sometimes just as stubborn,” Odon added with a smile. This comment made the crowd ripple with grins and light laughter.

As Odon continued to speak, sharing stories of Gefion, Bendar’s marks flared red.

“What’s going on?” Kaz asked in a whisper.

“I am just thinking something through, nothing to worry about.” Then, as if it were an oversight, Bendar lightly smacked his head. “I forgot something in our tent. I will back soon.”

Kaz didn’t know what could possibly be important enough for Bendar to leave now, but he had learned not to argue with the intellect.

“Hurry back,” Kaz encouraged. “You don’t want to miss Farin’s part.”

Bendar slowly moved toward their tent, and Kaz turned back to listen to Odon. The caravan leader had just finished speaking about Gefion, and was now addressing Bodd’s family.

“You were always his top priority. When Bodd first brought you into our group, I asked him why he wanted to leave his successful fiber mill to join a wandering caravan. He told me that he worked so many hours in the mill that he was missing watching his children grow up. He wanted to make a change so that he could work with you each day. He said he wanted to be a dad, not just a provider.” Odon stopped speaking, and with tears in his eyes he looked at Bodd’s family.

“He was a great example to us all.”

The audience murmured some words of agreement, and Boon patted Kaz on the shoulder.

“I really don’t think I’ve ever seen a more dedicated father.”

“He sounds wonderful,” Kaz agreed.

Odon wiped his eyes and made his way over to Farin.

“Now we will hear a word or two from Farin. He would like to share with us a little about his twin brother who gave his life to protect us in the tragic attack yesterday.”

Farin stood up in front of the gathered people. He looked from left to right until he locked eyes with Kaz. Kaz nodded encouragingly, but he also felt a pit in his stomach. He knew what it was like to lose family and he couldn’t imagine the pressure Farin was feeling at that moment.

“When we were kids, Garin and I used to get in trouble together a lot. I got us into the trouble, and we both got blamed and punished together,” Farin began. He looked up into the air as if reliving some of the moments. “I put the saddle on the goat; he got caught riding the thing. I left the sheep gate open; he helped me gather them up again. And when my parents came outside looking for us and found us getting the last sheep back into the sheep yard, we both were lectured for letting them get out. No matter what I put him through, he was always there for me. He was the best person I’ve ever known. Just before his death, he was thinking about helping all of you, and his final act was to literally take a hit for me. He gave of himself for all of us. I don’t know what I’m going to do without him,” Farin paused and took several calming breaths before he emotionally concluded, “but I do know that I will never go wrong if I try to become like him.”

Farin took a step toward his seat, and Odon intercepted him. He pulled Farin into a hug and led him to his chair. Odon nodded, and a group of people lowered the three bodies down into the graves.

“It is now time to pay your last respects.”

Farin and the families moved up to the edge of the graves and stood for some time with their heads bowed. When they were finished, they moved to the side and the gathered group began to trickle past the graves in single file, giving time for each person to say their final farewell. As Kaz watched the caravan members talking together and greeting Farin, Kaz looked over his shoulder and noticed that Bendar had still not returned.

“Did you see Bendar come back?” he asked Boon.

Boon searched around for a bit, “Nope,” he responded simply. “He must be somewhere in the group, or just going off to over-think things again.”

“You’re probably right,” Kaz agreed. He knew it would be rude to leave and go looking for Bendar instead of paying his respect to the deceased, but he couldn’t help but feel that something was wrong. He ignored the feeling and slowly moved with the group closer to the graves. Having each member of the caravan take time to share their thoughts took over two hours, and by the time Kaz was standing near the graves, Farin looked emotionally spent. Kaz bowed politely at Gefion and Bodd, then he came to the hole in the ground that belonged to Garin.

Kaz looked down at the body that was carefully wrapped in an exquisite blanket. The body of his friend. He couldn’t think of anything to say, but he felt like he needed to just stand and honor Garin with a moment of silence before he made his way over to his friend.

“How you doing?”

Farin looked up as if seeing Kaz for the first time, and rose to his feet to hug his friend.

“My goodness, I need to get away for a bit. These people are all very nice, but I just need some down time.”

“Is that why you took off by yourself this morning?” Kaz asked. He motioned for Farin to sit back down, which his friend gratefully did.

“Yeah, had a bit of time this morning, then Odon came and we talked about what was going to happen today. It’s actually sounding like a pretty great day,” Farin remarked. “After this is done,” he said pointing around at the burial service, “then it’s just eating, relaxing and socializing. I think I’m going to take them up on the eating and relaxing part, and then I’ll take a nap.”

Kaz nodded, “I’m with you on that one, but I might do some socializing. There was this one girl...” Farin crossed his arms over his chest and shook his head in disbelief. “What?” he asked defensively, “Don’t tell me you didn’t notice the one with the dark brown hair; she’s gorgeous. Don’t worry,” Kaz said with a reassuring pat on his friend’s arm. “I’m sure she has a friend for you, and perhaps another for Bendar.

“Where is Bendar?” Farin asked, bringing Kaz back to his previous worry.

Kaz looked over his shoulder and saw that the crowd was beginning to disperse to their wagons.

“I haven’t seen him since the ceremony started. I’ll go check in the tent.”

“I think I’ll go with you,” Farin responded. “I’ll walk Naida back home, then I’ll be right there.”

Kaz began walking back to his tent when he saw the dark-haired girl standing in the field. He diverted to the right so he would pass by her.

“Hi,” he said with a charming smile. “I’m Kaz. I don’t think we met yesterday.”

“No, we didn’t,” she answered matter-of-factly while politely shaking his hand. She was very pretty, but she was also almost crushing his hand in a death grip that seemed like no effort for her at all. Before he could start a conversation with the strongarm, her sparkling green eyes looked past him. He followed her gaze over his shoulder and saw Farin escorting the elderly woman back to her wagon while carrying her rocking chair in one hand. She released his hand and looked back at him briefly as if she had already forgotten he was there.

“It was nice to meet you,” she paused for an awkward second.

“Kaz,” he filled in for her while he rubbed his hand.

“Yes, Kaz. I’m sorry,” she apologized quickly. “Didn’t mean to hurt you.” She said looking down at his hand with a faint smirk. She turned and walked away toward a group of brown caravan wagons.

Kaz shook his hand to get the circulation back and resumed his walk to their tent. He threw open the flap.

“Bendar,” he called as he entered, but it was empty. He looked at their pile of supplies and immediately knew something was wrong. Bendar’s pack was gone.

Kaz ran across the camp and headed toward the framed outline of Odon’s new wagon. The ribbing that had been fitted into the wagon base had been covered with some tent canvas to provide Odon and his wife a shelter for the evening. Kaz had no idea where Bendar was, but if anyone had answers, perhaps it was the caravan leader. As he passed the medical tent, Razer threw open the front of the tent, and joined with Kaz running.

“What’s going on?” Kaz asked as they both closed in on Odon’s wagon.

Razer didn’t answer, but instead banged his hand on the side of the wagon where a framing rib was outlined under the canvas, “Odon, are you here?”

Odon stuck his head out of the make-shift wagon covering, “What’s wrong?”

“They’re gone,” Razer answered. He looked at Kaz as if annoyed at having an eavesdropper.

Odon stepped out of the wagon and dropped to the ground, “Who are you talking about? What’s going on?”

Razer leaned in close, “The bandits from the raid are gone. They took medical supplies and left. I don’t know when they left, or how they escaped, but they are gone.”

Odon’s eyes opened in shock and he looked over at the tent.

“Bendar’s gone too,” Kaz added. “During the service he left, and when I went to find him, his pack was missing from our tent.”

The marks on Odon’s forehead darkened for an instant. “They’d need horses if they plan to get away,” Odon said to Razer. “Go make sure the horses are secure, check with Ramond.” Razer began jogging, and Odon called out, “Be cautious.” Razer turned back and nodded.

When Razer was out of earshot Odon turned to Kaz, “What would motivate Bendar to help them get away?”

Kaz looked around in confusion. “Nothing,” he responded quickly. “I just saw that Bendar’s pack was gone and I came to find out if you knew anything. Why would he help them?”

Odon looked again at the tent and back to the burial site. “They couldn’t have done it on their own, and the plan to go during the burial ceremony when the thieves were not being watched was pretty clever. Bendar could easily have planned and helped with their escape, and if his pack is gone, what does that tell you?”

Kaz raised his hand to his head. “Oh my goodness,” he said when understanding began to dawn on him. “That’s what he was talking about.”

Odon leaned close, “What’s going on Kaz? Are my people in danger?”

“I don’t think so,” Kaz answered, then in a more confident tone he corrected himself. “No. Of course not. Bendar isn’t going to do anything that would hurt us. He told me that he had a plan. Something that would keep us safe.”

“What was his plan?” Odon asked. He looked slightly alarmed.

“I don’t know. He didn’t say.” Kaz tried to think back to the conversation he had with Bendar. Bendar told him to keep the Sight Stone safe and a secret. He told him to keep it with the caravan. But he hadn’t mentioned anything about what he was planning to do, and now Kaz felt like a fool for not asking.

Odon held his hands together and blew a long, loud whistle that sounded through the entire camp.

“Bendar might not mean to bring harm to us,” he said with a slight tone of skepticism, “but those thieves cannot be trusted. We need to get moving.” Odon took a step away from Kaz and began walking to the center of the camp to where a member from each wagon was moving to meet with him.