Kendra Kandlestar and the Door to Unger Read Free Page B

pictures: stars and moons, or strange Een faces. Some of these faces had long, open mouths from which gushed sparkling waterfalls. The falls glistened in the sunlight, changing color as they tumbled from ledge to ledge and down to the moat below.
    Kendra had always loved the sight of the beautiful Elder Stone, but there was no time to admire it now. They quickly approached the main door of the stone and knocked loudly.

    After a moment, they were met by none other than Burdock Brown himself. The old Een was hunched and fat, and he seemed in possession of a permanent snarl. His eyes were dark and hard, and he had only one eyebrow; this was thick and black, and stretched across his forehead like a caterpillar.
    Kendra, Oki, and Uncle Griffinskitch exchanged looks of surprise. Normally, the Elder Stone was guarded by Captain Jinx, a tiny grasshopper with legendary strength.
    “What’s going on here?” Kendra asked Burdock. “Where’s Captain Jinx?”
    “Jinx is no longer allowed here!” Burdock barked.
    “Why?” Kendra asked. “What has she done?”
    “Well, for starters, she was born a bug,” Burdock retorted. “And there are no bugs allowed in the Elder Stone anymore. No animals either. No critters of any kind. Just Eens!”
    “That is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard!” Uncle Griffinskitch declared, banging his staff on the ground.
    “No critters!” Oki squeaked. “But I’m a messenger for the Elders!”
    “No longer,” Burdock said, flashing a viperous smile. “I’m the head of the council now, and I have decided to put an end to all these animals running around the Elder Stone. These are dangerous times, after all. We can’t be placing important Een matters in the hands—or, should I say, the paws and claws—of these critters.”
    “That’s not fair!” Kendra cried. “Animals and Eens have lived together in peace and harmony for as long as . . . for as long as . . . ”
    “As long as Een has existed,” Uncle Griffinskitch finished, and Kendra could see his ears burning red with anger.
    “Change is afoot, old one,” Burdock said. “As I said, dangerous times.”
    “Humph,” Uncle Griffinskitch muttered. “And what is so dangerous?”
    “Surely, you know better than anyone, old one,” Burdock said, his eyebrow twisting into a knot as he spoke. “Didn’t you hear the strange noises two nights ago?”
    Kendra gulped and cast a quick glance at her uncle. “Noise? What noises?” the old wizard asked, his voice steady and calm.
    “Fine, be that way then,” Burdock retorted. “But you and your troublesome little niece are no longer welcome at the Elder Stone.”
    “We’re here to see Elder Woodsong,” Uncle Griffinskitch declared. “She still keeps her chambers here, does she not? Or have you cast her out on the street?”
    “Of course not,” Burdock growled irritably.
    “Then you can hardly deny me the company of my old friend,” Uncle Griffinskitch declared, glaring sternly at Burdock. “Now get out of our way.”
    But Burdock didn’t budge.
    “Humph,” Uncle Griffinskitch muttered. “Of course, if you prefer, I could change you into a mushroom, Burdock. Do you really want to engage in a wizard’s duel this early in the day?”
    “Go then,” Burdock scowled, standing back. “But just you and the girl. No mice allowed! Check the laws—the Elders passed it just this past hour.”
    “I’m sure they did,” Uncle Griffinskitch sneered. “You and your old cronies now! You’ve driven every other respectable Een off the council!”
    “Uncle Griffinskitch, you can’t let them keep Oki out!” Kendra cried.
    “Now, now, it’s okay,” the old wizard said. He turned to Oki and Kendra could hear him whisper these instructions to the tiny mouse: “Go, honest one. Gather our friends. You know who, right?”
    Oki nodded. “Yes, sir, I know.”
    “Good,” Uncle Griffinskitch said, patting Oki on his whiskery head. “Have them meet at my house, moon-up. And