Kendra Kandlestar and the Box of Whispers Read Online Free PDF Page B

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