Kingdom's Call by Chuck Black Page B

forelimbs.”
    â€œDewclaws?” Gavin said.
    â€œDewclaws are the usually harmless appendages above the claws on an animal’s paws, but the caralynx’s dewclaws are highly developed ripping claws. The cats often sharpen this claw on the bark of a black walnut tree, which can poison its prey through an open wound.”
    â€œWhat a lovely creature,” Gavin quipped, but Weston did not reply in kind.
    â€œDuring mating season, they are extremely territorial and aggressive,” Weston said.
    Gavin shook his head. “I have no choice. I will leave after supper.”
    Weston looked as though he was going to protest, but remained silent.
    That evening during supper, Gavin arrived in the dininghall dressed and prepared to travel. Weston and his family were all seated at one end of a grand table that had formerly hosted exquisite banquets for many guests. Gavin placed himself in a chair beside Addy.
    â€œI am at a loss for words to express my gratitude for your kindness and gracious hospitality over these past days,” Gavin said. “I must, however, take my leave from you.”
    Addy and Keaton appeared sad and looked down at their plates.
    â€œWhere will you go?” Marie asked.
    â€œThere is a river that beckons my heart to come,” Gavin replied.
    â€œYou are hardly fit to ride, my friend, let alone embark on a journey through treacherous country,” Weston said, still looking concerned. “I will accompany you.”
    Gavin smiled at his new friend. “You have given too much already, and this is a journey I must make alone.”
    â€œWill you come back to see us?” Addy asked. Keaton looked up with the same question in his eyes.
    â€œYou can count on it, little miss,” he said, winking at Keaton.
    The meal was simple but delicious, as usual. Afterward, Gavin returned to his room to gather his sword and a few miscellaneous items. Addy and Keaton appeared in the doorway.
    â€œWe’re going to miss you, Sir Gavin,” Addy said with big sad eyes. Gavin turned and knelt on one knee. He lifted his good arm, and the two children ran into his embrace. At that moment, Gavin experienced the beginning of the healing of his heart. He held them tight, and some of the ache disappeared.
    â€œI’m going to miss the two of you,” he said with tears in his eyes. “I want to thank you for teaching me how to like children.”
    Addy released her hug, but Keaton held his embrace a little longer. When he finally let go, he turned and ran out of the room. Addy stayed a moment longer. She gently put a hand on Gavin’s wounded shoulder.
    â€œWhen you find Him, will you tell Him hello from Keaton and Adelaide?” Addy asked.
    â€œFind who?” Gavin was somewhat perplexed.
    Addy smiled and left the room to find her brother.
    Gavin said good-bye to Marie and then walked to the stables, where Weston was saddling Triumph. When all was ready, he turned and looked at Gavin.
    â€œAre you sure you’re up for this?” Weston asked. “Couldn’t you wait at least until morning? You only have a few hours of daylight left.”
    â€œI am compelled, Weston. I have much to sort out. If I am to live at all, I must find my way again.”
    â€œI understand.”
    Gavin mounted Triumph. His sword hung at his side, but there was no whole or skilled arm to use it.
    â€œI put provisions in your pack. You know you are always welcome here,” Weston said. Gavin nodded his appreciation.
    Weston handed Gavin a long-knife.
    â€œYou may find this useful.”
    Gavin instinctively tried to reach for the knife with his righthand, but his lame arm did not move. He reached across his horse with his left hand and took the knife.
    â€œThank you,” Gavin replied and stowed the knife in his belt.
    He looked out across the countryside in all directions.
    â€œThe Crimson River flows from the Boundary Mountains across the Brimshire Plains and