Alora: The Wander-Jewel (Alora Series Book 1) by Tamie Dearen Page B

can actually help. When I described the color of your wander-jewel, Raelene told me it would be extremely difficult to learn how to control such a powerful stone. She said it would be futile to pass advice to you through me. Originally, she was going to instruct me somewhat in case I had the opportunity to help you.”
    “Well, I’m going to try it, with or without your help. What can you tell me?”
    “I only know what I’ve been taught about bearers. I’ve never transported with anyone except you.”
    “But you have to know more than I do. Do you at least know what I can move? I mean, you said I couldn’t move large pieces of metal. I know I can move people. Can I move objects like rocks? Or can I only move objects if people are holding them? Can I only move people to me? Or can I move them to other places?”
    “Uhmm, I think... I think you can only move one person away from you or to you. And if you go somewhere, you can take one person with you if they’re touching you. So, if you wanted to take more than one person, I believe you’d need to move them one at a time. As for objects...” He paused, scratching the back of his head. “Whatever a person is wearing or holding would transport, unless it’s iron. So, if a person were wearing metal armor, you wouldn’t even be able to move them.”
    “But what about moving something like this log?”
    “I believe that objects are more difficult for some reason.”
    “What about animals? Maybe I could practice with one of the chickens.”
    He smiled. “I think animals are easier than objects, but it must be a specific animal you can identify in your mind. You couldn’t just wish for a horse and get one, but you could transport your own horse.” He stopped, frowning as he concentrated. “No. Perhaps a horse would weigh too much.”
    “Uhmm, I’d be afraid to practice on Willow, anyway. I might accidentally send her somewhere and not be able to find her.”
    “Then I’d appreciate it if you don’t practice on me either.” He flashed a dimple on his left cheek.
    Arriving at the horse barn, she said, “Shall we try letting go while we muck the stalls?”
    He agreed. “We won’t be far apart, anyway. Surely, we’ve mostly recovered by now.”
    They made quick work of the stalls and gave the horses a measure of feed to supplement the hay. Kaevin spent some time with the horses, brushing each one down and talking to them.
    “This is one of my gifts.”
    “You can talk to horses?”
    “They don’t actually talk to me, but I can communicate with most animals. I can sense fear or pain or contentment or excitement. I can tell if something is wrong. For instance, this one has a very small, irritating stone in her hoof. It’s not enough to make her lame, but she’d appreciate us removing it.”
    Alora immediately retrieved a hoof pick and cleaned the mud out to remove the stone. Kaevin said, “Your horses are happy and content, though, and well-cared for. I’d like to talk with Beth and see if her gift is similar to mine.”
    Alora felt a pang of jealousy. “I don’t know if she’ll have time to come visit.”
    “We could talk at the dance, if I went with you.” His enthusiastic smile made his deep green eyes sparkle.
    “Oh, uhmm, I don’t know if I could take you to the dance. I’m not sure how I would explain you. I mean... you dress kind of different.” In truth, she didn’t want him to meet any of the other girls from her school—other girls who were older and prettier.
    “I understand. I wouldn’t want to embarrass you.” The smile fell from his face as he examined his clothing.
    “I didn’t mean it that way. I just don’t want people to ask questions we can’t explain. I’m not really that great at dancing, anyway.”
    “But I am.” The hint of smile returned. “I can even do the Winged-Foot.”
    “I’m pretty sure none of the kids at school do the Winged-Foot. They do two-step, polkas, and the Cotton-Eyed Joe.”
    “I’m