Kilenya Series Books One, Two, and Three (34 page)

“I don’t think so,” Kenji said. “Your arrival in Eklaron possibly forced this ability to come into the open, but it would have occurred naturally anyway.”

“So, I should be able to mold things when I get back home?”

Kenji nodded. “We think so.”

The room was silent as Jacob thought through what had been said. “How did I get these powers, and does anyone else on Earth have them?”

The adults exchanged glances. “We were afraid you’d ask these questions,” Kenji said. “And we’re not prepared to answer them right now.”

Jacob sat back. “Why not?”

Brojan studied Jacob’s face. “There are too many people involved, and it is not our place to answer until a decision to do so has been reached by all.”

“That’s probably not the answer you wanted, but you’ll get one eventually, I promise,” Kenji said.

Jacob stared at the Makalo. “I’m sorry for saying so, but this is kind of ridiculous. Something that affects my life so drastically should be my business.”

“And, as I said, you will know—someday.”

Jacob scowled, then decided to return to that argument later. “I was wondering about Aldo. What happened to him?”

“We have no idea,” Kenji said, a dark expression crossing his face. “And such a great man. I really don’t believe he’s gone crazy, though. Something else is going on.” He stared at his cup for a moment before continuing. “When we first moved to the canyon, he helped us close off the entrance between our village and the other lands by figuring out how we could use our Rezend to make the trees grow with steel in them, making a much stronger wood. He really showed us just how much he cares about us by doing that.”

Brojan cleared his throat. “It would be a good idea if Kenji and I took some time to look into matters with Aldo while Jacob finishes reading the book.”

“And we’re sure the Fat Lady’s safe, right?” Jacob asked. “I know I’ve already asked, but—man!—she really helped us out.”

Ebony nodded. “There’s never a need to worry about her,” she said. “She and Aldo worked with Brojan to put extra fortifications on her cabin. The passage of time does not lessen their strength, nor do attacks make them weaker.”

“And that would explain why she never leaves it,” Jacob said.

“Yes, exactly,” Kenji said.

“Any other questions?” Ebony said.

Jacob shook his head. “Aside from figuring out what’s wrong with me, I don’t think so.”

Ebony scowled at him. “Jacob, nothing is wrong with you. You’re different. That doesn’t mean you’re broken.”

“We look forward to having you return once you’ve finished reading the book,” Brojan said. “You’ll find the information very valuable for a complete understanding of what has happened—and is happening—in this world. And once you’ve read the book, we’ll be able to answer any questions you might still have.”

“You’re now as much a part of this world as we are,” Kenji said.

Jacob finished off his juice and put his cup down. “All right, then. I guess it’s time for me to go home. I hoped Akeno would wake up while we were talking, but I don’t think that’s going to happen.”

Ebony smiled and patted Jacob’s hand. “He’s healed. He’ll wake up as soon as he’s ready.”

“Can I at least see him before I leave? Even if he’s asleep?”

“Of course,” she said.

Jacob followed Ebony through one of the back doors and down a narrow hall to a room with a few beds in it. Akeno lay peacefully in one, breathing steadily. Jacob smiled, looking at him. It was great to see him healthy again. If only Aloren were in such a good position. Jacob leaned against the door frame, suddenly feeling exhausted and helpless— he really, really hoped she was okay. He had to get back to Maivoryl City as soon as possible. He couldn’t stand thinking about her alone there, in that awful place. Plans to rescue her solidified in his mind. He’d do it, and he’d get Matt to help.

“Let me know right when Akeno wakes up. I’ll come visit him.” Jacob returned to the main room, grabbing Aloren’s bag. “Oh, wait, one last question. How much can I tell my family?”

“As much as you want,” Kenji said. “It was a Minya, as you know, who was sent to deliver the message letting them know where you were, and after that, I don’t think what you’ll have to say will come as much of a shock to them.” He smiled at Jacob. “It also wouldn’t hurt to have their complete support.”

“All right, off with you then,” Ebony said, opening the door.

Jacob left Akeno’s house in high spirits. He was excited to see Matt and Amberly again, and his parents when they returned. Whistling, he climbed down the wall and crossed the meadow. He paused on the way to the forest to look up at the tree, wishing he could somehow take it home with him.

At first he was jumpy about being in the forest again, but after a few minutes, when nothing out of the ordinary happened, he stopped worrying.

Jacob sighed as he walked. The trip back to his house seemed to take forever, and he had to control himself to keep from breaking into a run—wait—why couldn’t he run? He laughed at himself and took off down the path, excitement building up when he thought of his siblings eagerly awaiting his return.

He stepped out of the trees and onto the grass in his backyard, spotting Amberly playing on the swing set.

“
Jake!
” Amberly squealed. “You’re back!” She jumped off the swing and ran at him, almost tripping over her own feet.

Jacob laughed and dropped to his knees, picking her up as soon as she reached him. He held on to her tightly, burying his face in her curls.

“I’ve gotta show you what we made in the sandbox!” Amberly said, squirming in his arms. “And Sarah fell and got a cut on her knee!”

“She did?” Jacob said, thinking about the neighbor’s daughter. “You’ll have to show me when I see her next.” He put her down. “Where’s Matt?”

“Inside!” Turning around, she ran toward the house. “Jake’s back! Mommy! Daddy! Jake’s back!”

“Wait, Mom and Dad are home? Cool!”

Jacob had barely made it to the back porch when his mom flew through the door and hugged him, nearly knocking him over. His dad was right behind her and wrapped his arms around both of them. When his parents finally released him, Matt tackled him, knocking him to the lawn.

Jacob laughed. “Ouch! Uncle! Uncle!”

It took a minute of good-natured shoving and pushing to get up again, but soon they were walking back to the house, Matt on one side of him and his mom on the other.

“Man, I’ve got a lot to tell you guys,” Jacob said.

His mom looked at him, an intense expression crossing her face. “We were so, so worried about you, young man. You are not to leave this house for a week. And don’t you dare think about doing something like that again.”

Jacob looked at her, shocked. Getting grounded right now would be really bad. What about Aloren? “But I have—” Then he saw the smile creeping across her face, and relief washed over him. “Oh, good. I’m glad you’re teasing.”

His parents looked at him. “We were very worried,” his dad said. “And we want to hear all about it as soon as possible.”

His mom nodded. “It sounds like you became quite the hero while we were gone.”

“I’ll tell you everything. It might take a while, but I’ll definitely tell you everything.” He looked at his family. “It’s so good to be home.”

Jacob paused before entering the house, running his hand over the wood of the back door. A large grin crossed his face when he felt a familiar warmth.

Matt jabbed him in the side with his elbow. “Dude, what are you doing?”

Jacob shook his head. “Oh, nothing,” he said, satisfied.

###

Acknowledgments

First and foremost, I want to thank my family for their friendship and for putting up with me while I’ve made this dream become a reality. I love you all! Thanks especially to my husband, and to Dad, Mom, Lisa, Daniel, and Josh for reading, believing in me, and for your comments and suggestions. I couldn’t ask for a better critique group than my own family.

Second, I have to thank my amazing friends, Tristi Pinkston and Jenni James. For supporting me, being there for me when I’ve needed it, and gently encouraging me onward. I love you two so very much! Tristi, you are the super-coolest world’s best editor. :-)

Thank you to BJ Rowley for his assistance on this project. I’ll forever be grateful to you for what I learned from you and for what you did for me. A huge and heartfelt thanks to James Curwen for his hours put into the cover for The Key of Kilenya, and for making my monsters come to life with his illustrations. Thank you also to my friends over the past few years who have been monumental in my decision to become a writer, or who have assisted me with the writing in some way: Schaara Bradley, Sheena Burns, Brianna Bills, Becky Bush, Jared Dickson, Ron and Charles, the CHQ NOC engineers (Jesse, Craig, Daniel and Ron), my supervisors (Dave, Stew and Elaine), and Broalt and LeShandra Spraguelor.

Next, I’d like to thank my beta readers, because without their comments and suggestions, The Key of Kilenya wouldn’t have ever been published. Lon Pearson, Jenni Goodman, Megan Taylor, Kevin Bush, Millie and Jensen, Debbie West, Lani Nelson, my friends/readers from Authonomy: Jenni James, Jeff, Dave, and Stella. Appreciation to Margo Hammeren, Chris Olsen, their kids, and everyone else on my parents’ lists who’ve helped and supported me—I hate not being able to mention you all by name (that would take up at least twelve pages) but know that I love and appreciate what you’ve done for me.

My advanced orchestra students from my first year of teaching also need to be mentioned: Allison, Megan, Braeden, Levi, Noah, Lizzy, Savannah, Olivia, Katie, Kim, and Haylie. Thanks, guys, for your ideas for artwork, my series, and your enthusiasm for this book! (Don’t forget to practice!)

Gratitude also goes to my brother Mike, to Becky Kendall and Kendall Teichert for the sweat and blood they put into helping me get through that last awful, Leaves-a-Bad-Taste-in-Your-Mouth math class—Becky, especially, for dealing with my day-dreaming about getting published when I should’ve been doing homework.

And a big “I love you” to Steve and Mardi Nielsen—my adopted grandparents—for their loving support and friendship, and for giving me the time I needed to write and edit this book while staying with them.

Thanks to Gavin Cox and Glenn Pearson for being the world’s most stupendous, fabulous, fantastic and talented photographers, Marc and Becky Bule for the hours upon hours of late-night conversations, suggestions, and support, the Drycreek S.S. group for their continual friendship, love, and encouragement (next time I see you I’ll make sure to be toting a really big purse and will leave it where you can find it), the Saturday Second Shift-ers for praying for me, believing in me, and being there for me.

And to all my friends and family—thank you so much for your support, excitement, and help. I love you all!

And last, I express my gratitude to the people who invented music, string cheese, dried pears, the English muffin (toasted, of course), and butter—without which this book might never have been published. (Or written!)

The Ember Gods

Kilenya Series Book Two

Andrea Pearson

Copyright 2011 Andrea Pearson

Book design and layout copyright 2011 Andrea Pearson

Cover design copyright 2011 James E. Curwen

Summary
: Jacob Clark’s new abilities are a blessing and a curse. He’s a hero for returning the magical Key of Kilenya to its rightful owners, but at school he's starting to get noticed for something other than his basketball skills. And the attention is freaking him out.

Balancing both worlds is tricky enough, but Jacob has tasked himself with saving Aloren who’s trapped in Maivoryl City by the Ember Gods. He doesn't want to wait for the potion that will protect his team from the corrosive influence of the Lorkon, but the desire to prove himself to the high school basketball coach conflicts with his plans to rescue her.

Feeling pulled by both sides, Jacob must walk a tightrope of warring worlds with lives on the line. Lives that will be lost if he doesn’t figure out how to complete his quest and balance his abilities. Fast.

Dedication

To my parents

For always being there

Chapter 1. He’s Awake!

“Mom, can I please stay home?” Jacob fingered a chipped spot on the door frame to his parents’ study. He held his breath, waiting for her answer. Today would be his first day as a freshman at Mountain Crest High School, and he’d been dreading it.

His mom looked up from her desk. “No.” She put her pen down. “You’re acting like you’re in first grade again. This isn’t that difficult, Jacob. Besides, your friends will all be there. Tani, Gus, Josh, and Kevin, plus Matt and his group.”

“Kevin? Great.” Jacob groaned. “I thought he was going to Logan High.”

She tilted her head. “Aren’t you good friends with him?”

“No, Mom. Haven’t been since third grade. He’s a jerk. And being Coach’s son only makes him worse.”