Kingdom's Quest Read Online Free PDF Page B

to eat.” He spoke to the closed door, not sure if she was even in the room.
    In the dining room, Weston and Gavinaugh were seated when Keanna descended the stairs to join them. Although her countenance was still as hard as stone, something spectacular glimmered beneath the fury of her eyes, and Gavinaugh was momentarily distracted. Her dark brown hair, now clean and combed, hung loosely about her shoulders, contrasting with her captivating, sky blue eyes. Her face was clean, but the bruises of her prior torment were still evident. Keanna ate her meal in silence, as Gavinaugh and Weston discussed the training and future plans for the newly founded haven.
    The next morning, Keanna joined them again for breakfast.
    â€œDid you sleep well, Keanna?” Weston asked.
    She looked at him and nodded.
    â€œWe will be training today, but one of the men has offered his home to us to stay in. We can take you there now if you’d like,” Gavinaugh said to Keanna.
    She stared at him blankly, and Gavinaugh wondered if perhaps she hadn’t understood him.
    â€œI will go with you,” she finally replied.
    Gavinaugh looked at Weston, and he nodded his approval.
    They trained the new Knights of the Prince for many days, and many men and women joined their ranks daily. The haven of Santiok became strong in the ways of the Code and of the Prince. Although Keanna wasalways with them, and in particular with Gavinaugh, she did not warm to them in the least. She took it upon herself to care for their horses, and the only time Gavinaugh saw her soften was when she groomed Triumph. On one occasion, Gavinaugh caught Keanna staring at him with a countenance full of malice. She quickly diverted her eyes, which left Gavinaugh wondering. Later he made an attempt to talk to her, but a wall of bitterness surrounded her like an impenetrable fortress. He was confused as to why she chose to be with him throughout the day when she despised him so. He finally attributed it to the harsh life she had lived and was hopeful that over time she would come to accept the compassion of the Prince.
    One day during a break in the training, Gavinaugh went to Triumph and found Keanna patting and talking softly to the horse. She did not notice him, and in that moment Gavinaugh saw Keanna in a way that opened his eyes to the beautiful creature she once was. The bruises and swelling had vanished, and for a moment there was a look of peace on her face. Although his intent was not to spy on her, he was oddly mesmerized by this rare moment of tenderness and by her true beauty. She happened to glance in his direction, and like the splash of a rock in a perfectly still pool of water, the reflection of beauty was gone in an instant. She scowled and was visibly angry at his observation of her. Triumph nickered and seemed to try and soothe her, but she stiffened and turned her back to Gavinaugh.
    He walked over to Triumph. “I need to retrieve an item from my pack,” he said, slightly embarrassed.
    She left him and returned to the training area. From that moment on, Keanna seemed to avoid Gavinaugh and even stopped coming to the training of the knights—but she did not leave them.
    Upon their return to Turner’s home a few weeks later, Gavinaugh and Weston discussed their next course of action.
    â€œThese men are ready to be on their own,” Gavinaugh said.
    â€œYes, I agree,” Weston replied. “The heart of the Prince is strong within them.”
    â€œWe must return here again to encourage them, but there are others who need to hear of the Prince.”
    â€œWhere to now?”
    Gavinaugh smiled at his friend. “You have been away from your family for many weeks, my friend. I plan to travel north to Penwell, but you should return to your family.”
    â€œI do miss them terribly. Cresthaven is not far off the road to Penwell. Will you come and have a meal with us at least? The children would love to see you again,”