Kendra Kandlestar and the Crack in Kazah by Lee Edward Födi Read Free Book Online Page A

Kendra was sure it must be him. The uncle she knew was mostly one long white beard and so hunched and squat that he was a full head shorter than her. This Uncle Griffinskitch was actually taller than her, an imposing fellow with a gray beard that barely went past his waist. He was wearing a dark robe, and in his hand he was holding a wide-brimmed hat with a long, crooked peak. Kendra had never imagined that Uncle Griffinskitch could look so young and vital. Indeed, she might not have recognized him at all, except for his eyes—and his voice.
    “HUMPH!” he scowled. “And who is this?”
    Kendra assumed he was speaking about her, but he reached behind him and pushed forth little Oki, who looked more abashed than ever.
    “He was racing through the garden like a wild Izzard,” Uncle Griffinskitch grouched. “Scurried right into me, not even looking where he was going.” Then the wizard noticed Kendra sitting next to the fire. “Another one! Who—”
    “Relax,” Gayla interjected, rolling her eyes. “These are my friends.”
    “Humph,” Uncle Griffinskitch muttered. “I suppose I should be pleased that someone wants to come around here other than that Krimson boy, but—”
    “He planted all the flowers around the front door,” Gayla interrupted. “You said they brightened the place up.”
    “Aye,” Uncle Griffinskitch muttered, hanging his hat on a hook by the door. “As I was about to say—you’re a little old to be playing with Eenlings.”
    “They’re not Eenlings—look, she’s got a wand,” Gayla said, pointing at Kendra.
    “Humph,” Uncle Griffinskitch grumbled, casting the most fleeting of glances in Kendra’s direction. His voice and glare were so dismissive that Kendra shrank into her chair. She wished she could just disappear. Thankfully, Oki slinked across the room and climbed into the chair next to her, which instantly made her feel better.
    “I told you last week they were coming,” Gayla said to Uncle Griffinskitch. “Remember? They’ve come all the way from Charlo’s Crook for Jamboreen. It’s tomorrow!”
    Kendra looked at Oki in surprise and excitement. Jamboreen was the biggest festival in the land of Een, a grand carnival held every year on the longest day of the year. Of course Kendra hadn’t looked at a calendar since arriving in the past; to discover that Jamboreen was the very next day sent a thrill to the very tips of her pointed ears. It would be like you suddenly waking up one day and instead of having to go to school you were told it was Christmas vacation.
    Uncle Griffinskitch frowned at Kendra. “Who’s your master, child?”
    Kendra tugged nervously at her braids. How could she tell him that it was, well . . . him?
    “It’s Nevryn Nightsky,” Gayla piped up.
    “Never heard of him,” Uncle Griffinskitch muttered.
    “Hmph,” Gayla grunted. “I guess you don’t know everything.”
    Kendra stifled a gasp. She would never dare speak to Uncle Griffinskitch in such a manner. She watched the old Een’s ears turn red (a sure sign that he was angry), but all he said was, “I’m in no mood for your Eenling ways today.”
    “Good thing I’m not an Eenling then,” Gayla retorted.
    “Humph—you might have fooled me,” Uncle Griffinskitch growled.
    Gayla just glared at him. Then, thrusting her spoon into the soup pot, she turned and snatched the narfoo from its peg on the wall.
    That instrument is hers? Kendra thought in amazement.
    “Where do you think you’re going?” Uncle Griffinskitch demanded.
    Gayla didn’t answer. Instead, she brushed past him and disappeared out the front door.
    A moment later, the sound of her narfoo could be heard emanating from the front garden. Her tune was a complicated one, layered with rich textures and sounds. To Kendra the song sounded angry and woeful at the same time.
    Uncle Griffinskitch glared after his sister. Then, turning and striding across the kitchen, took a seat at the hearth, right across from Kendra and