Page 92 of Alora: The Wander-Jewel (Alora 1)

“Wesley!” Karen’s smile vanished. “I told you to stay away from him.”

Wesley shook his head in a silent apology as he turned his back on Kaevin, taking a seat on the hearth beside the fire.

“Nothing personal, Kaevin, dear.” Karen’s scowl transformed into a sweet smile. “I know you don’t have a mother, so you haven’t had the best guidance. But we don’t approve of co-ed camping trips.”

“Mom, I told you we didn’t go camping. Why would I lie to you about that? The truth was worse than a camping trip.” Wesley’s tone revealed the frustration of a repeated conversation.

“Please don’t start this again, Wesley.” Karen crossed her arms.

“Karen, that’s why we’re here, right?” asked Brian. “To find out what really happened?”

Janice stood up. “I’m in total agreement with Karen. I think the kids are trying to cover up what really happened with this cockamamie story about zipping off to some other place where there were other adults.”

“Charles? Can you help us out here?” Brian’s expression held a bit of desperation.

Charles wondered if he’d be upset or relieved to discover the truth. I guess it’s time to find out. “Janice, if you could just sit down for a moment, I’ll try my best to explain. I’m not condoning the kids’ decisions, or the fact they lied to us about their plans. But the first thing you need to know is that the crazy story is really true.” He held up his hand to silence their protests. “Alora, Kaevin, could you come here please?”

Alora’s lips trembled a bit as she stood beside Kaevin, fidgeting with the button on her sweater.

“Okay, don’t go far away. Maybe just to the kitchen and back. Save your energy for fetching the Laegenshire council members.”

“Yes, sir. Now?”

He nodded.

They disappeared.

Karen screamed.

Janice slumped in her seat.

Brian jumped to his feet. “That was fantastic!”

*****

“Your dad seems to be handling this pretty well, Wesley,” Beth commented.

Alora peered around the corner into the den where the parents were still deep in conversation. Brian spoke with animated gestures, but he didn’t appear angry or upset like the mothers.

“Yeah,” Wesley agreed. “He already half-way believed me. I think he wanted it to be true. You know, it’s so cool and all. But he said it didn’t matter, I was still grounded because I lied and made poor choices.”

“Listen, I’m thinking all you have to do to win him over is to transport him somewhere,” said Beth. “He was so excited when Alora and Kaevin popped back into the family room. It was like he was at a circus or a magic act or something.”

“You’re probably right,” said Wesley.

“I think it will help when your mothers meet Raelene,” said Alora.

“When are we supposed to transport the council here?” asked Kaevin.

“They’re probably already waiting for us.” Alora took a deep breath to calm her nerves before she trekked back into the den. She waited until her uncle finished speaking and turned questioning eyes toward her. “Should Kaevin and I go fetch the others now?”

“The others?” asked Janice. “What others?”

“My grandmother and Kaevin’s father and some of the other council members from Laegenshire are coming to talk to you.”

“Go ahead, Alora.” Charles rubbed his temples with his fingers. “I think I’ve explained as much as I can by myself.”

*****