“Nor I,” Winter said. “That is why I have asked Professor Bumblebean to join our meeting. Hopefully, he will be able to shed some light on this mystery.”
With this announcement, a tall, thin Een stepped forward into the circle of elders.
“I’ve never seen that funny-looking fellow before,” Ratchet whispered from behind the curtain.
“That’s because you never go to the library,” Oki said. “Bumblebean is probably one of the smartest Eens around. Winter has a great deal of respect for him. She’s always calling him to speak to the elders. But other than that, I don’t think he leaves the Een library very much.”
Kendra didn’t have any trouble believing Oki, for Professor Bumblebean certainly had the look of someone who didn’t like to spend much time outdoors. His skin was pale and his clothes, though rumpled, showed little wear and tear. A pair of half-moon glasses dangled precariously on the end of his large nose. But despite this, the professor squinted continually, suggesting long hours spent at study. His smile was friendly enough, however, and Kendra couldn’t help but take a liking to the strange Een.
“Unfortunately, I have little to report,” Professor Bumblebean announced to the elders. “I have conducted a thorough investigation of the chasm, but I’m afraid I have yet to determine the nature of our intruder.”
“What did he say?” Kendra asked Oki from their hiding place.
“Oh, don’t mind him,” Oki whispered back. “He always talks like that. Bumblebean’s rather fond of big words. All he said was that he doesn’t know anything.”
“Some report you have for us,” Burdock grumbled to his fellow elders.
“Well, I do say,” Professor Bumblebean stammered. “I have had little time to examine the scene of this incident. But I can assure you, this was an immense beast. It certainly was not your average monster.”
“No kidding,” Burdock snapped. “You don’t have to be a bookworm to know that. All you had to do was hear its scream.”
“We must mind our tempers,” Winter declared. “This mystery has us all on edge. And I’m afraid there is more bad news yet.”
“What could be worse than an intruder?” Becka Bluebell asked anxiously.
“It’s what the intruder came for,” Winter replied. “The Box of Whispers.”
Again, a gasp went through the council.
“What the heck is the Box of Whispers?” Ratchet whispered to Kendra and Oki from their hiding place.
“I don’t know,” Oki admitted. “I’ve never heard of it.”
Kendra frowned. Maybe Oki had never heard of the box, but it was obviously important. Staring out the curtain, Kendra could see that every last one of the elders looked shaken and pale, including her uncle.
“We . . . we should not mention the box in the presence of Captain Jinx and Professor Bumblebean,” Enid Evermoon murmured. “They are not elders.”
“We shall keep the contents of the box a secret,” Winter assured the council. “But I’m afraid we must speak of the box itself.”
“Why?” Nora Neverfar asked nervously. “What has become of it?”
Winter looked gravely around the circle. “I’m afraid the box, and the magic key that opens it, has been stolen,” she said finally. At once the chamber erupted in an explosion of frenzied voices.
“That’s impossible!”
“How could this happen?”
“Days of Een!”
“The oldest and most important Een treasure—gone!”
“Yes,” Winter murmured, once the room had quieted down. “The box is gone, stolen right from the vault that lies beneath the Elder Stone. Nothing else did the beast take. Only the box and the key.”
“Een is in terrible danger!” Nora Neverfar cried. “If the box is opened—”
“The Box of Whispers hasn’t been opened in over a thousand years!” Uncle Griffinskitch boomed.
“But if it is opened,” Nora said, “well . . . the results could be disastrous.”
“Why?” Ratchet whispered to Kendra behind the curtain. “What will happen?”
Kendra had no idea, but before she could tell Ratchet as much, their attention was turned back to the elders.
“And will this thief be able to open the box, even with the key?” Burdock demanded. “The box contains magic of the oldest kind. The ancients enchanted it with spells that not even I understand.”
“That’s a chance we can’t take,” Uncle Griffinskitch said, stroking his whiskers.
“I cannot speak of the box itself, for its existence has been unknown to me until this very moment,” Professor Bumblebean piped up. “As to our thief, it may have been aided by an Een; that might be one way it could have slipped past the magic curtain.”
“No Een can help a monster from the outside world,” Burdock said crossly. “Our code forbids it. To help a monster means to be expelled from the land of Een forever!”
“Still, the box has been stolen,” Winter said. “We don’t know how, and we don’t know why. But one thing is clear: we must recover it.”
“How?” Burdock asked sourly. “Where do we even begin to look?”
“The situation is grave,” Winter said. “We need help. We must consult the magic orb.”
“Days of Een!” Uncle Griffinskitch cried. “The council has never called forth the orb during my watch.”
“But we shall call it now,” Winter said. “For we have need of its wisdom. Does anyone disagree?”
A chorus of “no’s” echoed through the chamber.
“Humph,” Uncle Griffinskitch added. It was a quiet type of humph, one filled with anxiety and discomfort.
YOU HAVE PROBABLY NEVER SEEN a Faerie, Elf, or some similar creature call upon a magic spell. It is quite a wonderful sight to behold—let me assure you. For one thing, it is quite surprising to think that something so small can be so powerful. But such is the nature of Faeries, Elves, and even Eens. As for Winter Woodsong, she was one of the most powerful Eens in all the land, so you can imagine that Kendra and her friends watched with eager anticipation when the eldest of the elders closed her eyes and began to hum.
The hum was a magical sound, unlike anything Kendra had ever heard. It came deep from within Winter’s throat, loud and with a tremor, like a thousand hummingbirds beating their tiny wings all at once. As the sound in Winter’s throat grew louder, the pool in the middle of the room began to bubble and sparkle. Then, with a soft “whoosh” sound, a stream of water shot into the air, and out of its midst appeared a glowing crystal orb. It floated magically in the air, whirling with a quiet buzz as stars and bolts of electricity crackled about its surface. The room filled with a deep purple light. Then, softly, the orb spoke.
“Why have I been disturbed from my slumber?” it asked. “I have slept now for years longer than any could number.”
“I, leader of the Council of Elders, have called forth your wisdom, O Gracious One,” Winter said. “We need your guidance, for the Box of Whispers has been stolen.”
The orb did not reply immediately. It spun swiftly in the air, buzzing more loudly now, as if it were in deep thought. At last it said: “The Box of Whispers is the oldest treasure of Een, created in ancient times, long since seen. Safely, it has rested for decades untold. If not returned, our safety may unfold.”
“And where is the box now?” Uncle Griffinskitch asked.
The orb spun again for another moment, then said, “Deep in the castle of Krodos the box now resides. There, the Red Thief lives. In vengeful ecstasy, he writhes.”
Kendra saw Winter and her uncle exchange a nervous glance. Then Winter asked the orb, “And who is this ‘Red Thief’?”
“Many creatures live beyond the curtain,” the orb said. “The thief is one of these—this is certain.”
Winter frowned at the orb’s mysterious answer. “What will we do in this matter?” she asked next.
“Set forth on a quest, some brave Eens must,” the glowing crystal replied. “With but a select few this ta
sk we trust. First, to Gregor Griffinskitch I cast my light, to lead the way with his magical might!”
At that moment, a light beamed forth from the orb and shone upon the old and whiskered Een. If Uncle Griffinskitch was surprised by the orb’s announcement, he didn’t show it. Without hesitation, he stepped forward into the middle of the chamber.
“Next, I call forth Broon Bumblebean, most learned of any scholar,” the orb continued. “Then, Juniper Jinx, take your place to protect the Eens with sword and steely pace!”
Jinx and Professor Bumblebean both stepped forward to join Uncle Griffinskitch. The orb paused, and a whisper went through the rest of the council. Who else would join the company?
Then, without warning, the orb suddenly turned towards the red curtain where Kendra and her friends were hiding. The orb shot out another ray of light. The curtain fluttered, then flew wide open, revealing the spies for all to see.
“What is the meaning of this?” Burdock demanded. “Intruders! We have intruders!”
“Silence!” Winter insisted. “The orb speaks yet.”
“Come forth, little Oki, both honest and true,” the orb declared. “With your purest mind this quest pursue!”
Kendra noticed sweat pouring down Oki’s face. She knew the last thing he wanted to do was step into the middle of the room, but it seemed as if the orb was controlling his very legs. Trembling head to foot, he joined the others who had been named.
“Last, I call Kendra Kandlestar to the floor,” the orb said. “With spark of courage, your choices will roar. Now, I have said all I have to say. Go forth, friends, and save the day.”
With these final words, the orb retreated into the pool, leaving the five chosen heroes to stand uncomfortably in the chamber.
“I go where Kendra goes,” Ratchet declared, marching into the middle of the elders. “I don’t care what that orb says.”
“Humph,” Uncle Griffinskitch mumbled angrily. “What right do you have to demand anything?”
“Indeed!” Burdock added, pounding his staff. “Ratchet Ringtail, you are nothing more than a spy, a scoundrel, and—above all else—a troublemaker!”
“You forgot inventor,” Ratchet added boldly. “A world-class one.”
“Only an animal would think to spy on the Council of Elders,” Burdock hissed.
“Now, now, Burdock,” Elder Nora Neverfar said. “There is an Eenling in their group, too, you know.”
“She might as well be an animal,” Burdock snorted. “She’s acting like one.”
“At ease, elders,” Winter said, kindly raising her gentle hand. The orb had taxed her powers, but still, she spoke with firmness. “Indeed, they should not have been listening to our private words. But perhaps they were called here by some magic power, for the orb has named them for this quest. Two of them at least.”
“Well, like I said, I go where my pals go,” Ratchet repeated.
“The company of heroes has been chosen,” Winter decreed. “And so it must be, five in all. No more, no less shall go. That includes you, I’m afraid, Mr. Ringtail.”
“I don’t like this one bit,” Ratchet said. “I think that orb just forgot to name me. Call it back, why don’t you?”
“The whole idea of this quest is ridiculous,” Burdock Brown interjected. “No one has been beyond the magic curtain since . . . since . . .” He paused uncomfortably and Kendra couldn’t help but notice the rest of the elders staring at her.
“Ahem,” Uncle Griffinskitch grunted, breaking the silence.
“Well, it has been ten years,” Burdock muttered. “Do you really think it’s wise to go into the outside world?”
“Do we dare go against the orb’s word?” Enid Evermoon asked.
“No, of course not,” Winter repeated. “The orb has spoken. That will be all.”
“But I can’t go!” Oki squeaked. Kendra knew Oki well enough to know that he had been trying to contain his fear, but now everything gushed out at once. “I don’t know anything about magic quests! And my parents will never let me go! Eek!”
Winter smiled kindly upon the tiny mouse. “Little one,” she said, “you will go on the quest. This is not a matter for discussion. As for your parents, I will speak to them myself and do my best to ease their fears.”
Oki gave Kendra a helpless look, but all she could do was shrug. She felt just as powerless. Why had the orb chosen her? She had no special talent or skill. She wasn’t a wizard, a professor, or a captain. The choice of Oki made sense. He had worked after school for the elders for over a year and seemed to know all sorts of things. But what help could she, Kendra, be on such a long and dangerous journey? And why had everyone stared at her when the magic curtain had been mentioned? What did the curtain have to do with her?
Then Winter spoke, breaking Kendra’s dizzying train of thought.
“Gregor, come forth, old friend,” the eldest of the elders called to Uncle Griffinskitch.
The old wizard shuffled forth and bowed his head before Winter.
“A heavy task has been laid upon you,” Winter stated sternly, but not unkindly.
“I am ready for it, Elder Woodsong,” Uncle Griffinskitch told her.
“Then I trust you are clear about this mission,” Winter said. “The Box of Whispers is what you seek, Gregor. All other interests must be cast aside.”
“I understand all too well,” the old Een said, and Kendra caught a hint of sadness in his voice. She wondered what Winter had meant by her comment. What else did Winter think Uncle Griffinskitch would want to do out in the wilds beyond the magic curtain?
“Old friend,” Winter said, leaning forward to rest her hand on Uncle Griffinskitch’s shoulder, “come to my study before the moon rises tonight. I will consult with you further, in private, before you set forth on this quest.”
“I will come,” Uncle Griffinskitch said.
“Very well,” Winter said, turning her attention back to the room. “Then the council is dismissed. Our meeting is ended.”
“But—,” Burdock began.
“There will be no more discussion on the matter,” Winter said firmly. “Council shall take leave immediately. We must let the company prepare for its quest to recover the Box of Whispers!”
THE CHAMBER SLOWLY EMPTIED, and soon only Kendra and the rest of the chosen company remained in the room—with the addition of Ratchet, who simply refused to leave.
“Be gone with you, Ringtail,” Uncle Griffinskitch told the raccoon. “How many times do we have to tell you? You were not chosen by the orb.”
“Hold on a minute,” Ratchet said. “I may not be allowed on this quest, but you’ll need to get out of Een. And the best way to do that is on one of my boats.”
“And what boats are these?” Uncle Griffinskitch asked.
“Oh, they’re his new invention,” Kendra said. As far as she was concerned, the longer that Ratchet was with them on the journey, the better. “They’re great,” she added timidly, noting her uncle’s annoyed glance.
“Humph,” Uncle Griffinskitch muttered. It was the type of humph that meant he was deep in thought. “Your boats may be of some service,” he said after a moment. “But you will go no further than the curtain. Is that clear?”
“Of course,” Ratchet replied.
“Then be ready to leave at dawn,” the old wizard instructed. “The sooner we leave, the sooner we’ll rescue the box.”
“And the sooner we can come back home,” Oki whispered to Kendra.
“I do say, Elder Griffinskitch,” Professor Bumblebean said, pushing his half-moon glasses up the slope of his nose, “no Een I know has been beyond the magic curtain for ten years. As such, we should visit the Een library.”
“What for?” Jinx asked.
“Why, we have maps and books and journals of the ancient explorers housed there,” Professor Bumblebean replied. “We can’t possibly commence this journey without them.”
Jinx rolled her eyes. “Well, I have my sword. That’ll do for me.”
“Humph,” Uncle Griffinskitch muttered. “Books and swords may serve us well on our journey, but we’ll need other things as well.”
“Like what?” Kendra asked. She had never been on any journey, long or otherwise, and she had no idea how to prepare herself.
“We’ll need sleeping gear, warm clothing, and some dried foodstuff,” Uncle Griffinskitch replied. “Remember, we’ve got a long way to go, and everything we bring will have to be carried on our own backs.”
It all felt a little overwhelming to Kendra. Once again, she found herself questioning the orb’s decision to include her on the quest. But her uncle must have noticed a look of exasperation on her face for he tapped her on the shoulder.
“Don’t fret,” he told her. “I must go meet with Elder Woodsong, but tonight, I will help you pack. And Oki, I will pass by your house on my way home and leave instructions with your parents. In the meantime, I suggest that you all go with the professor and help him in the library.”
“I’ll stay out of this book business,” Jinx declared. “My weapons need sharpening before we set off.”
“Very well,” Uncle Griffinskitch said. “Attend to your affairs, Captain Jinx. We’ll meet you back here at dawn.”
Jinx nodded and took her leave. Uncle Griffinskitch grunted his own farewell and hobbled away to meet with Winter Woodsong.
“Well, we’re off to the library,” Professor Bumblebean said cheerfully, leading Kendra, Oki, and Ratchet out of the Elder Stone and into the streets of Faun’s End.
In Kendra’s opinion, there was no other building in all of Een like the library. For starters, it was made from a giant barrel. To human eyes, the barrel would have seemed gigantic, but to Kendra, it was simply enormous—an alien, oversized object from a world she found difficult to imagine. Even so, the barrel was not the only reason the library seemed so spectacular. At the top of the great casket, the ancient Eens had raised an enormous crystal dome, built of sparkling glass and arched branches that twisted and snaked to meet at a sharp point high above the ground.
“It’s marvelous, is it not?” Professor Bumblebean beamed as he brought the group to a stop on the wide steps that led into the library. “This structure represents one of the most fascinating feats of architecture in all of Een.”
Kendra Kandlestar and the Box of Whispers Page 3