Free The Troven (Kingdom of Denall Book 1) by Eric Buffington Page A

brother.’”
    “Yeah mine is basically the same; ‘Take care of your brainless brother so he doesn't get himself killed.’” With a smile, Garin showed Farin the knife. “What did they give to you?”
    “Oh you know -- the usual -- a note, a gold coin, Dad's scarf from his Troven, and a love letter from Fenn.”
    “I can't believe you were looking over my shoulder!” Garin yelled as he turned to grab Farin's bag and have a look for himself. Although he knew Farin didn't have a picture of Fenn, he couldn't help but take a look just to be sure. The twins wrestled on the ground and only stopped when Kaz stood up and made an unexpected announcement.
    “I want to tell all of you that I am very good at knitting.”
    This surprise outburst from Kaz silenced everyone. Kaz lay down as though nothing had happened and closed his eyes as if he hoped to avoid the razzing that was sure to follow.
    “I'm so glad that you are opening up to us after all these years, Kaz,” Farin began in a sarcastic tone.
    Garin picked up right where his brother left off. “Is there anything else you'd like to tell us? Do you want me to tuck you in?”
    “Did you knit those socks?” Bendar asked. Although his tone was serious, and Kaz raised his head up off the ground and looked like he was about to answer, the twins laughed even harder.
    “Remind me to thank Gran when we get back,” Garin began.
    “I always knew I liked that lady,” Farin said, then he turned and saw Kaz throw something into the supply crate. The object caught the firelight as it flew and Garin saw that it had a metallic, reflective surface.
    “What is that, Kaz?”
    “It's nothing, goodnight.”
    “Seriously, it looks-” Garin began
    “Expensive,” Farin finished. “What is that?”
    By trying to avoid the topic, Kaz had drawn all attention to the small gift Gran had given him. In answer to their question, Kaz pulled out the note from Gran.
    “Dear Kaz, I hope these socks keep your feet warm. In this note I am to give you counsel, at least one piece of advice that you should follow and one piece that you must follow. You should dry your socks every night by the fire. One of the most important things on your Troven is to have dry feet.” Kaz paused and smiled at the other boys, then he held the socks up near the fire before he continued reading. “The piece of advice that you must follow is that you will, as soon as you are done reading, announce to your friends that you are talented at knitting. You may think that there is some hidden reason for this request, but there is not. I'm just getting you back for all the tricks you played on me when you lived here. They always kept me smiling and this is to remind you that I'll always get the last laugh. I hope this trick will help you remember all the fun we had. Love, Gran.”
    “It didn’t say anything about that thing you threw away.” Garin remarked.
    Kaz turned the note around and Garin could see a short scribble at the bottom, as though it was not going to be on the letter. Kaz turned it back around and continued, “When my husband passed away he gave me this necklace with instructions to pass it on to the owner it chose. I have worn it every day since he passed. I didn't understand how a necklace could choose an owner until today. I felt the necklace pull toward you as you stood on the stage. Wear it well.”
    Bendar had sat up and joined the conversation. “Can I take a look at the necklace?”
    “It's over there in the crate. You can do whatever you like with it,” Kaz answered.
    Bendar and Garin both looked through the supplies for the necklace. Bendar found it first and began examining it by the firelight. Garin sat close and looked down at the piece of jewelry. The necklace was clearly made for a woman. It had a beautifully hand crafted silver chain with a small, polished stone. The chain looked well-worn as though it had been passed down for many generations, but the stone was what caught Garin's