CHAPTER 8:
As the last raindrop fell, Treb and Bekim walked into camp with Luxton and two passengers, Stubton and Pasha, their hands bound behind their backs and Treb’s pistol on them. Bekim dropped a blanket overflowing with stolen valuables. His tall muscular built was well hidden under his long, black leather double-breasted cloak. “We caught these thieves fleeing with the goods,” he said proudly, his voice accented like his father’s.
“We thought they might run off to those ruins.” Treb took off his wide brimmed hat, exposing his balding scalp. His long dark hair draped over his long leather cloak. “What do you say we string’em up?” He jabbed Luxton’s backside.
Luxton went for Treb’s pistol, but Treb was too quick for him, spinning around and knocking Luxton off his feet with his pointed toe boots. Luxton lay flat on the ground. Treb’s large black eyes flickered with anger. “I do believe he’s their leader.”
Luxton glared at Treb. “You red-skin desert rat,” Luxton mumbled.
Bekim looked around at everyone. He had hoped to see some unfamiliar faces from the cruise ship.
“What happened out there … the ship?” Treb asked.
Alil grabbed Luxton by the shirtsleeves. “We’ll tell you the bad news later. For now let’s secure these three around the foot of that tree.” She pointed at the tall tree between the kitchen and the sleeping cabin.
Washburrn looked at Bekim, “You’ve been hurt.”
“It’s not too bad. Be okay after the blood dries.”
“You wait right here and I’ll get one of the nurses to have a look.” Washburrn scanned the area. “Malnur—where’d he run off to?”
“I can tend his wound,” Shellean offered as she thanked Bekim for his bravery.
And once the three thieves, whom they figured were most likely Grongels or pirates, had been tied to the tree and the valuables returned to their rightful owners, Washburrn, Dylc, and a few others prepared themselves for another trip to the ruins. They wanted to find Mekon and his followers before anyone else got hit over the head or even murdered. One way or another they were determined to put an end to this madness.
Kyhawn wanted to go with them, but Washburrn and the captain had other plans for him. “We’re going to need for you to stay here, and … help around camp.” He paused. “Didn’t Captain Joenf put you, Earron, and Coita on bonfire duty tonight?”
Kyhawn stared at the ground and responded slowly, “Yes.”
“Situations such as this can bring out the worst in a Zac. There have been way too many deaths already. It’s important to me that you help Alil and the Captain take care of matters here.”
Kyhawn frowned, feeling discouraged at not being able to go with them. “But sir, I mean Washburrn, you might need my help.”
Washburrn cracked a thin smile and patted his pocket. “I have a crystal, remember?” He glanced at the others waiting for him, then turned to Kyhawn. “Well, I think we both know you want to solve the mystery of your dreams before more of them come true.” He scratched his whiskers. “You already know how I feel about you, Earron and Coita going off alone to that cave. But if you do, make darn sure you tell Captain Joenf, or Alil.”
“Yes,” Kyhawn said as he watched Washburrn prepare to leave camp. “Be careful up there,” he whispered. “Be careful.”
The captain said to Alil, “Washburrn sure has taken a liking to Kyhawn.”
“I think it’s nice.” Alil smiled slightly. “I’ve never seen him treat anyone with such care.” She then realized Washburrn had forgotten his cabac. “Washburrn,” she hurried over to him, “you might need this cabac. And what were you and Kyhawn discussing so intently?”
Washburrn looked grateful as he took the cabac. “Just do me a favor and make sure he and his two friends stay out of trouble.”
“We’ll do.” She embraced him. “Take care of yourself. And keep an eye on Dylc. He doesn’t look well.”
Washburrn pulled away to join the others, and within a few seconds he too had disappeared into the thick of the trees.
The Dagger-Key and The Lost Treasures of Kebadon Page 31
