The Unearthing (Book I of the Tebel Chronicles)

Chapter 9

'I feel naked without my sword,' Kael complained for what seemed to be the hundredth time as they traveled along the top of the Kimba Canyon. They had set off from Micrild that morning. Jesse had his horse, Ferola. Kael was bitter about his horse having been stolen by the desert tribe, but had managed to hire a camel that could be left at Carmi. Cyan overheard the camel-man say that it took two days to journey to Carmi from Micrild when traveling by foot. The plan was to buy two more horses in Carmi before continuing on to Noring. Cyan was relishing the journey in her new freedom as she feasted her eyes on the remarkable canyon and trying to ignore Kael's complaining.

When Jesse and Cyan didn't respond, Kael continued his griping, 'This road is notorious for bandits preying on caravans.'

Jesse, who was leading his bay horse, rolled his eyes. 'So you've said – many times! If you carry on moaning they'll know exactly where we are. Relax, Kael! I've my sword and you have your daggers. Besides, I've been so bored waiting for you to return, I'd savor the opportunity to fight some bandits.'

'So I should keep on moaning then?'

Cyan snorted the water she'd been sipping.

'Funny. You're a funny man,' retorted Jesse dryly. 'Why did you leave your sword behind anyway?'

'Because I was worried I would be taken captive. Because my father would be furious if I lost it.'

'Oh, of course.'

Cyan looked at the men wondering, what they were talking about.

'My sword would have been confiscated by any tribe that saw it,' explained Kael. 'It's very valuable.'

'Why?'

'Because apparently his sword has powers,' said Jesse. 'Supposedly, according to ki–' Jesse faltered at Kael's look, 'er, Kael's father, the sword was discovered three hundred years ago and is made of a combination of Donomia, found in Furnia, and Archtite found only in the Forests of Airlia. The Furnian tribes believe that all Donomian steel belongs to them.'

When Cyan looked at them blankly, Kael continued, 'It is said that Archtite should be able to absorb manipulation energy, but Braeden and I tried for so long when we were growing up. Then when we all went to Noring, I got the Masters to try. No one has been able to do it.'

'It's just a legend, Kael,' said Jesse.

'So you've said.'

'So everyone says.'

'Rustley thinks there could be something to it,' said Kael, shrugging his shoulders.

'Yes, well, he's quite eccentric.'

The group fell into silence. Over the hours Kael became more and more restless until eventually Jesse suggested that he take Ferola and ride ahead. Kael readily agreed and swapped the laden camel for Jesse's horse. After he left, Cyan and Jesse walked in silence for a while. As usual, Jesse seemed to be brooding over something. Cyan didn't need to have overheard their conversation at the inn to know that he didn't trust her.

'I've actually wanted to get a private word with you, Cyan,' Jesse said eventually.

Her heart seemed to leap to her throat. What now?

'It's easy for Kael – he'll trust anyone's story.'

'What do you mean?' she asked.

'I mean no offence,' Jesse continued, although his tone suggested otherwise. 'But you must know it's a little curious – you landing in the desert. Being a Rubia and happening to come across two I'tes . . . '