Kendra Kandlestar and the Box of Whispers Read Online Free PDF

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