The Key of Kilenya by Andrea Pearson

feeling
overwhelmed at what he had to accomplish in only a few days. “How
do you know the Key is at the castle?”
    “We don’t for sure,” Kenji said. “But it's a
starting point.”
    “And what happens if that's not where it
is?”
    “We'll look into other locations—and send you
back home.”
    Jacob nodded in relief. He felt like a wimp,
but was really scared of what he might have to go through to get
the Key.
    A frantic knock sounded on the door. Akeno
jumped to answer it, and a Makalo rushed in, addressing Kenji.
    “The wolves left. They guarded the path to
Jacob's town for a while, then disappeared. We waited five minutes,
but they still haven't returned. Now might be the best time . . .”
He shot a glance at Jacob.
    Kenji quickly stood. “Thank you. Continue to
keep watch and alert us if anything changes.” He held the door as
the Makalo left. “We’ll need two bags prepared—Ebony, you and Akeno
do that. Gather whatever they’ll need for the trip. I’ll summon
Early and September.” He stepped out of the house.
    “I’ll get September’s box,” Akeno said, going
into a back room.
    “Grab that jerky while you’re at it,” Ebony
called after him, then yanked open cupboards and drawers, stuffing
things into one of the bags.
    Jacob, not knowing what to do, stood
awkwardly by the table. Kenji came back, and seconds later Akeno
raced back into the room, still shoving things into a knapsack.
    “Jacob, you and Akeno will leave
immediately,” Kenji said. “September and Early will meet you in the
morning. Send them back with updates as often as you feel is
necessary. You should always have one of them with you for
emergencies. Don’t worry about sending messages to your family,
Jacob—we’ll take care of it for you. I wish we had more time to
tell you everything you need to know, but we’ll fill you in as you
need more information.”
    “How’re we going to keep the wolves from
attacking us?” Jacob asked.
    “Akeno is able to make Rezend-strengthened
shelters that will keep predators out. You’ll be safe while you’re
sleeping. And as long as you stay on the move during the day, the
wolves won’t harm you. But don’t provoke them or stay in one place
for too long.”
    Jacob nodded, feeling panic start to well up
within him. This was seriously the craziest thing he’d ever done.
Why’d he agree to it? He found himself wishing again that Matt were
here. If only—he’d know what to do. He’d probably even be able to
keep the wolves from attacking—not only would he outsmart them,
like other football players on the field, but he’d be able to stand
up to them. Show them who’s boss. He did those sorts of things all
the time. Jacob took another deep breath, putting these thoughts
away, and tuned in again to what Kenji was saying.
    “The entrance to Taga is up the canyon from
here. Akeno will lead the way, using Rezend to distract the wolves.
You will need to stay close to him and do exactly as he says. Find
a safe place to spend the night between here and the barrier, and
once you get there, send a message back to us.” Kenji rubbed his
left shoulder. “I’ll walk you to the ledge.”
    Akeno put on his top hat and picked up a
leather knapsack. Jacob grabbed the other, darker in color, with
two straps. He put it on the way he would his own backpack.
    Ebony choked down a sob and grabbed Akeno,
giving him a big hug and making him promise to be careful. She then
wrapped her arms around Jacob’s waist. He patted her shoulder, not
sure what to say. Kenji opened the door, and Jacob and Akeno
followed him through.
    “The wolves can’t have gone far,” Kenji said
as they rushed to the ledge. “So go as fast as you can.” He gave
them quick hugs. “Godspeed. Akeno, be careful when shrinking or
enlarging things. Stay together. As long as you follow my
instructions, you should be safe. Now go!”
    Jacob had to scramble down the canyon wall to
keep up with Akeno. They stood still for a