CHAPTER 5:
While some of them remained at the bonfire and beach area for a while longer, most of them returned to camp and began trading stories around the fire-pits. Sounds of both sorrow and joy filled the air.
However, Kyhawn, Alil, and La’mamm stayed at the white sand beach between the shallow cliffs and the location where the Sealander had sunk. As they walked toward the natural arch nearest the wreck where beautiful natural arches stretched all along the southeast shores, the moon appeared from behind a cluster of clouds. Kyhawn stared at the beautiful elongated natural arch that created a passage between the white sand beach and the rocky sand beach on the far side. To their left, the arch’s peak tapered off, creating a ridge between the two beaches. To their right, sharp rocks protruded out into the ocean and vanished under the waves. Kyhawn’s eyes moved toward the Sealander’s bow.
It was here they stopped and briefed La’mamm on what had happened so far. They also told La’mamm they felt Washburrn, who had gone to the ruins with a small group, should be the one to take him to the chest. When he heard this, his previously kindly attitude seemed to disappear. He packed his pipe with a growl. “When will that be?”
Kyhawn glanced at Alil. “Hopefully soon.”
“If that’s the way it’s going to be,” La’mamm grunted as he turned away from them almost pouting. He turned back around facing them. “Now if you will excuse me,” he stressed abruptly turning the other way. He walked across the white sand beach and up the hillside to the bonfire.
Kyhawn felt somewhat uncomfortable about La’mamm’s restlessness. “I’m not so sure about him. I mean … I’m not sure how to put it in words, but …” He looked at Alil as she stooped to pick up something. “What do you have there?”
“It’s a sea-coin shell, and it’s whole.” Alil smiled. “I haven’t seen one of these since I was a young girl.” She held it happily as a memory of a more innocent time.
“That’s nice. But odd.”
“Odd why?”
Hand-over-chin, Kyhawn answered. “It’s just that’s the first shell I’ve seen since we’ve been here.”
“You could say I got lucky then.”
“Yes.” Kyhawn slowly nodded. “We could use some luck.”
Alil studied the shell for a moment longer, then slipped it into her pocket and smiled as though she had found a token of good luck. Soon after they walked together back to camp. And for the most part they didn’t say a word. Lost in their own thoughts about all that had happened thus far. When they arrived Alil tapped Kyhawn on the shoulder. “Rest well. I’m going to the medic cabin before I turn in.”
The Dagger-Key and The Lost Treasures of Kebadon Page 21
