Kilenya Series Books One, Two, and Three by Andrea Pearson

how that would sound to the Makalos. “I’m not saying that you’re dogs or anything like that, or animals, or . . .” He stopped talking, wanting to kick himself for not being more tactful, but relaxed when the others laughed.
    Kenji leaned back in his chair. “One of our friends, a man named Gallus, lives in Macaria, which is about a two-day journey from here. We need you to stop by and visit. He has an important journal that we’d like you to pick up and that we especially need you to read. It tells the history of someone very significant to this land. It also explains how the Lorkon got in control, which you need to know.”
    Jacob shrugged. “Okay.”
    “Now, then,” Ebony said, glancing at Kenji, a worried expression on her face. Kenji smiled in encouragement, and she turned to Jacob. “We hesitate telling you more about the Lorkon.” She took a deep breath. “But you do need to know what you’re up against.”
    Kenji closed his eyes. “Jacob, I really wish things were different. I wish your first experience in our world had been under better circumstances. And more than anything, I wish the Lorkon weren’t what they are.”
    Ebony nodded. “By giving you this information, we hope to better prepare you.”
    “I’m sure it’ll help,” Jacob said. “Tell me as much as you can.”
    “They’re horrible and very powerful,” Kenji said. “They’re taller than humans, nearing nine feet. Sometimes they hunch over inside their cloaks and it’s difficult to know how tall they really are. Their teeth are stained black and yellow. They are very swift on foot and are extraordinarily strong, both physically and mentally. So strong, they don’t have need for weapons.”
    He shook his head slowly. “All this aside, however, the most disturbing feature of the Lorkon is their skin. It’s blood red in color and is constantly chafing and peeling. They infect whatever they touch, and the blood that oozes from the cracks in their skin burns like acid.” Kenji shuddered at this point, rubbing his shoulder.
    “That . . . is disgusting,” Jacob said. “And I have to get the Key from them? How is that even possible?”
    “It will be possible,” Kenji said. “But remember, do not attack them. You’ll lose if you do. The Lorkon are immortal and invincible. We discovered this during the last war. Sneak into the castle, using the Minyas to look out for danger. Hide until you know the coast is clear. Use the abilities you and Akeno have at your disposal to get the Key and escape. And do everything in your power not to get separated.”
    Kenji got up and looked out the window. “The sun is about to set. You need to leave now—even though night is coming. It isn’t safe for you to stay any longer.”
    Jacob knew he was right. “Which way do we go?”
    Kenji motioned to Akeno. “Get the map, please,” he said.
    Akeno nodded and left the room.
    While waiting, Jacob turned to the others. “I still don’t understand why an adult doesn’t come with us. I’m really glad Akeno will be there, but if he’s never left the village . . .”
    Kenji sat at the table again. “Only the youth are unaffected by those trees outside the entrance. Plus, Akeno’s Rezend is fairly strong. Stronger than most other Makalos, and he can control it really well. He’ll be the best company for you.”
    “What’s Rezend again?”
    “The magic of the Makalos.”
    Akeno entered the room with a slab of stone nearly half his own size. He carefully placed it on the table in front of Jacob.
    Jacob leaned forward, eager to see. A fragile, two-foot square piece of leather was mounted to the stone, and on it was a map drawn in ink. It was a standard-looking map, with markings to show mountain ranges, villages, and roads. He looked to Ebony and Kenji for an explanation.
    “We’re right here,” Ebony said, pointing to a spot near the top left corner of the map. “And this is where the Lorkon live.” She pointed to a spot several inches