Dark Quest Read Free Page B

“Full ahead, Captain. Just ignore the rocks.”
    Captain Hill did not issue any orders. Instead, he waited for Oscar’s instructions.
    “Come, come,” called Egam. “They’re just illusions. Jenneva’s fine and is preparing breakfast for us.”
    Oscar nodded to the captain and Raymond shouted orders to proceed. The crew was tense as they approached the first of the rocks and passed through it. Callie appeared on deck and stood fascinated as the ship progressed through the columns of stone. The ship anchored and a rowboat was lowered for the shore party. Captain Hill joined Oscar, Callie and Egam for the trip to Jenneva’s home.
    They landed on the pristine beach and wandered to the jungle path. Oscar started heading for the small clearing where the hut was that he dropped Jenneva off at, but halted when a wide pathway appeared off to his left. The pathway was lined with brilliantly colored flowers and seashells and Egam led the way down it.
    The path wound quite a way through the jungle before it came to the base of a small mountain. At the base of the mountain was a large door positioned between two massive stone pillars. A thin, young girl opened the door and allowed the party to enter. Oscar stared at the girl’s short, blond hair and wondered if Jenneva had gotten married. The girl did not speak, but led the party to a sitting room and left. Jenneva entered the room and Egam smiled when he saw that she was dressed in a long, purple kaftan with red flowers, just like the one that her mother, Kirsta, had worn. The little girl returned with a tray of refreshments and Jenneva introduced her.
    “Welcome to my home. This is Shanor. She lives with me now.” Jenneva went over and gave Egam a long embrace. “Captain Hill, Oscar, I’m so glad you decided to stop for a visit. Oscar, you seem to have the look of a lovesick puppy, introduce me to this beautiful woman.”
    Oscar laughed and introduced Callie. He explained about their forthcoming marriage and invited Jenneva to the wedding. Jenneva turned to the young girl as Shanor left the room.
    “She has mind speech capability,” speculated Egam.
    “Yes,” replied Jenneva. “She was washed up on shore after the boat she was sailing on broke up in a storm. Her parents did not survive. She refused to speak when I found her, so I started probing her mind. After a few days she mentally answered my questions. She soon realized that I was not a threat to her and was able to speak again. She is a wonderful girl and has been a big help to me here. You are the first visitors that she has seen, so expect her to be quite shy.”
    “Oscar,” she continued, “I am so happy for you and Callie. I wish you many years of happiness. I am proud to be considered your friend and look forward to attending your wedding in Kantor.”
    “Oscar,” interrupted Egam, “Jenneva and I will both try to attend the ceremony, but if we are unable, do not take it as a slight. We both are very happy for you and Callie and will make every attempt to be in Kantor.”
    Oscar realized that Jenneva was not privy to Egam’s intentions and decided that he would not probe any further into their plans. “No slight will be taken, Egam. I know that the two of you are very fond friends and if you are able to attend, we will be happy to see you.”
    Shanor returned with two parcels gaily wrapped and gave them to Jenneva. Jenneva presented one to Oscar and another to Callie. “These are tokens of my love to you and your bride, Oscar. You have been a dear friend to me and I trust that your friendship will be shared by Callie.”
    Oscar and Callie opened the packages and removed two magnificent matching gold necklaces and put them on.
    “They are special necklaces,” Jenneva continued. “They will give you the ability to share your thoughts with each other.
    Oscar smiled as he realized what Jenneva meant.
    “Oscar!” shouted Callie, “what if they can hear?”
    Jenneva laughed. “It’s okay, Callie.