The Fourteenth Key (The Chronicles of Terah Book 3) by Mackenzie Morgan Page A

Glenarbour?” Kevin asked her.
    “In about an hour.”
    Kevin nodded and turned to the general. “Are you ready to head back to the castle?”
    “I’d like to take Lt. Martyn with me when I go.” He asked the sister if she had any idea where he was.
    “As far as I know, he’s at his house.” She gave them directions, then put her hands on her hips, and asked, “Do I need to have Alma show you the way?”
    Gen. Crandal shook his head. “I’ll find it.” He turned towards Kevin. “Want to walk with me? We can leave from there.”
    Kevin nodded and followed him out of the chapel. As soon as they were on the road, the general asked Kevin what he thought of Corey’s story.
    “I think he had a very smart father. Wish more of our border families had plans like that.”
    “There are some areas along the coast where it wouldn’t be practical, but it would work in most places. We’ll have to spread the word on that one.”
    “It surprised me when he said the boat was still there after daybreak. Why didn’t anyone notice it?”
    “I don’t know. According to Lt. Martyn, the men from Ashmont were there before lunch. I imagine word about the raid spread pretty quickly after that. Seems like they should have heard something from someone about a strange boat in the area.”
    “Has anyone asked the people downstream if they saw anything?”
    “I’m not sure. I assumed the boat slipped out under the cover of darkness, and I feel sure Lt. Martyn did, too.”
    “Maybe Marcus’ll be able to find out something. I told him he could use one of the boats from Syrando while he’s here.”
    The general nodded. “I’ll let Sgt. Nance know.”
    When they reached the lieutenant’s house, Gen. Crandal knocked on the door.
    “Good morning, sir,” Lt. Martyn said when he opened it.
    “Good morning. Are you ready to go?”
    “Yes, sir. Sgt. Nance is here if you have any instructions for him.”
    “Good. Would you ask him to step out here for a moment?”
    After Sgt. Nance stepped out on the porch, the general explained what Marcus was going to do and asked Sgt. Nance to make sure everyone in the area cooperated with him. “He’s a sorcerer, so if for any reason you need help, he’ll be here, but I’m talking about help defending the town. He’s not here to build barns or dig wells. Be sure everyone understands that.”
    “Yes, sir,” Sgt. Nance said.
    “Thank you. Now, do you have any questions?”
    “Well, just one. Who’s our lieutenant now?”
    “You don’t have one. If you need anything, contact Cpt. Forman in Blackhurst. And send him your reports, too. I expect Lt. Martyn will be back home soon, but if we need someone to fill in later, I’ll send someone from Milhaven.”
    “Thank you, sir,” Sgt. Nance said.
    Lt. Martyn came out with his bag and asked Sgt. Nance to keep an eye on his place. Then he turned to the general. “I’m ready when you are, sir.”
    “Have you ever traveled by key before?” Kevin asked.
    Lt. Martyn shook his head.
    “The first few times can be a bit rough, but if you give yourself a few minutes to recover, it won’t be that bad. When we come out of the energy field, you’ll feel dizzy and sick on your stomach. Don’t try to do anything until that passes. Stand still and take slow, deep breaths and you’ll be fine. Try to show what a big strong man you are, and you’ll probably find yourself on the ground covered in your own vomit. Understand?”
    Lt. Martyn’s eyes opened wide. He nodded, took a deep breath, and slowly put his hand on Kevin’s arm.
    ~ ~ ~ ~
    Gen. Crandal put his arm on Lt. Martyn’s back as the lieutenant bent forward and concentrated on breathing. When Lt. Martyn was steady enough to stand by himself, Gen. Crandal stepped over to Kevin and whispered, “Sort of rough with that description, weren’t you?”
    Kevin whispered back, “I know how it hit me the first time, and I was with Laryn, one person I didn’t want to make a fool of myself in