Kingdom's Quest by Chuck Black Page B

connect with me first. I can almost sense his thoughts … and I suppose he can mine,” she said. Then she looked away, as if she wished she hadn’t said it.
    â€œIs that so?” Gavinaugh said, resisting the temptation to tease her. “What does he think of me?”
    She looked at him as if she were trying to decide if he was sincere. “He thinks you are quite headstrong and a bit too impulsive at times.”
    Gavinaugh smiled. “Well, in your next conversation with him, tell him that I’ll try to work on that.”
    As if on cue, Triumph snorted.
    â€œOh, and he says that you don’t feed him enough sweet apples,” she said without cracking a smile. Now it was Gavinaugh’s turn to try to discern if she was sincere. But then she grinned slightly, and he laughed at himself. Gavinaugh looked into her eyes, and she paused at his gaze before turning aside.
    â€œI should be getting back,” she said quickly and took a couple of steps toward the haven.
    â€œKeanna.”
    She turned and looked at him. He wanted so much more than to exchange just a few words with her.
    â€œI … I just wanted to thank you for taking such good care of Triumph,” he said, looking for some sign from her that they might eventually become friends … and maybe more.
    â€œYou’re welcome,” she said and proceeded on her way.
    Gavinaugh watched her disappear into the haven and then lingered with Triumph a bit longer.
    â€œWell, Triumph, what do
you
say she thinks of me?” he asked.
    The animal snorted and jerked his head from side to side.
    â€œYes, I suppose you’re right.”
    â€œTalking to horses, are we?” came a voice from the darkness behind him.
    Gavinaugh was startled—only a Silent Warrior could come upon him so stealthily. The owner of the voice stepped out from the shadows of the trees.
    â€œPorunth!” Gavinaugh exclaimed. “It is good to see you!”
    The two embraced. “And you, my friend.”
    They talked briefly, and then Porunth became quite serious.
    â€œI am on a mission and have a message for you. You are to travel to Thecia and take the word of the Prince to that city. You must be vigilant, Gavinaugh, for we have received information that the forces of the Dark Knight are plotting to kill you. It is difficult to predict more than that, so you must be on guard at all times.”
    Gavinaugh looked at Porunth and nodded.
    â€œI understand. Thank you,” he said.
    Porunth looked as if he needed to say something more, so Gavinaugh waited.
    â€œThis Keanna you have discovered …” Porunth paused and looked intently at his friend. Gavinaugh began to suspect that words of distress were soon to be spoken.
    â€œShe is apparently important to the kingdom in some fashion, for the Prince has commanded that you are to continue protecting and training her.”
    Gavinaugh was relieved and pleased.
    Porunth put his hand on Gavinaugh’s shoulder. “You must help heal her sorrow, for there is more to come,” he said.
    Gavinaugh wanted to ask more, but Porunth ended the conversation and prepared to leave. They exchanged farewells and parted.
    Gavinaugh found it difficult to sleep that night. His mind flitted between thoughts of Keanna, Thecia, and the Dark Knight. Only when he focused on thoughts of the Prince did he find the peace and elusive rest his body sought.
    The next morning, Weston looked at Gavinaugh and seemed to know what was ahead.
    â€œWhere to?” he asked.
    Gavinaugh was a bit surprised by Weston’s discernment.
    â€œYou don’t hide your thoughts very well,” Weston said with a smile.
    â€œYes, where do we go now?” Sandon asked.
    Gavinaugh and Weston looked at Sandon in surprise.
    â€œPenwell is not large enough to contain my enthusiasm. Please let me travel with you, or I think I should wither to nothingness.”
    â€œI was hoping as