The Fourteenth Key (The Chronicles of Terah Book 3) Read Online Free PDF Page B

you could find yourself in a bind when it comes to defending our actions. But if we catch them on the Kivee, you could argue that it’s the same as catching them in Camden. They may not all agree, but you’d have a better chance of winning that argument. Of course, all of this assumes we’re going to catch them.”
    “Which isn’t going to happen if you don’t get up to the camp and make arrangements for a team.”
    Gen. Crandal smiled. “I’ll head down around daybreak. Should make it back in time for breakfast. Meet you here about 8:45?”
    Kevin nodded.
    ~ ~ ~ ~
    Shortly after Gen. Crandal left, there was a knock on Kevin’s door and then it opened. “How did it go in Syrando?” Chris asked as he came in and shut the door behind him.
    Kevin told him what they’d found. “So, anything happen here while I was gone?”
    Chris handed him a message. “This came from Brena.”
    Kevin frowned as he read it. “She wants to see Theresa? Now?”
    “It came in about an hour after you left. Theresa’s already here. She’s with Joan and Laryn in Joan’s office talking about the wedding.”
    “I thought wedding’s here were simple.”
    “I think they are for most people, but when you spent the last year as head of this office, it becomes more complicated. Laryn’s trying to figure out how to keep from insulting anyone. Personally, I think it’s a hopeless task.”
    “Glad it’s not my problem.”
    “Yet,” Chris said with a grimace. “That one’s going to be one major headache.”
    “Don’t worry. When and if that time comes, we’ll just hand it over to Cryslyn.”
    Chris grinned. “That’s not a bad idea. I’ll suggest that to Laryn, or maybe Steve. But in the meantime, when do you want to take Theresa to Timera Valley?”
    “I guess we should go now. Brena’s probably wondering what’s taking us so long as it is.”
    “I’ll get Theresa.”
    ~ ~ ~ ~
    When Kevin and Theresa arrived in Timera Valley, they were on the only road in the small valley. There was no village, just a few scattered houses and one large building with a starburst on the front door. It was the home of the Sisterhood.
    Theresa reached the door before Kevin, rapped on it twice, and opened it. “Brena? Verna? It’s me, Theresa,” she called out as Kevin followed her through the door. “Myron’s with me if you’d like to say hello before he leaves.”
    A petite middle-aged woman hurried up the hall from the chapel’s kitchen. Her curly black hair was speckled with gray, but there was a sparkle in her eyes. As she rushed into Theresa’s arms, Brena said, “Myron, so nice to see you again. Don’t leave yet. I need to talk to you.”
    Kevin nodded.
    Before anyone could say anything else, another woman, even smaller than Brena, came down the hall. As she turned to hug Theresa, Kevin noticed a long braid hanging down her back.
    “The braid’s new, isn’t it, Verna?” Kevin asked. “Looks nice.”
    Verna blushed all the way to her ears. “Thank you,” she said as she fidgeted with the ever-present towel tied to her belt. “I’ve just taken some cookies out of the oven if you’d like some.”
    “Wonderful idea.” Brena took Theresa’s hand and started towards the kitchen. “We can have tea with them. Come along, Myron.”
    After they were seated with tea and cookies, Brena took a slip of paper out of her pocket and handed it to Theresa. While Theresa read the message, Brena turned towards Kevin. “As I’m sure you’re aware, there was a slaver raid in Syrando last night. Sister Janine visited Syrando weekly. She knows them well, and wants to help.”
    Before Kevin could say anything, Brena held up her hand to stop him. “I feel sure Gen. Crandal plans to send a squad of soldiers down the river after them, right?”
    “Well, not exactly. He wants to put soldiers near the mouth of the river and wait for the slavers to get there.”
    Brena nodded and waved it away. “But what if they aren’t headed in that