“It seemed to be the best wayof getting rid of her,” admitted Arik. “I hope it works. It lookslike you brought enough stuff to stay out here a month.”

“Always be prepared, son,”Konic smiled, “always be prepared. I’ll check in with Master Ternlater tonight and first thing in the morning. We’ll know if shetakes the bait.”

Konic lapsed into silence and Ariktried to pick up traces of Tedi’s conversation. The only thingsthat Arik could out pick between the cricket chirps and the windfluttering the leaves was the word necklace and an admonishment forTedi to promise something.

Eventually, the weak soup was ready andTedi and his father came over to the campfire. Master Markel lookedsteadier and more determined than anytime that Arik could remember.There wasn’t much talk around the campfire, but Arik noticed thetwo Markels sitting closer and more comfortably than he would haveimagined before tonight.

After a while, Konic Clava rose andwalked silently out of the campground. He returned about an hourlater wearing a smile. “She already left,” he declared. “MasterTern said she was in such a hurry that she didn’t even ask for arefund for the room she had already paid for.”

“Well, that’s a relief,”Master Markel sighed. “Konic, I would like to go fishing with youfor a few days if you will have me, starting tomorrow.”

Konic smiled at his old friend as heeased himself to a seat by the fire. “You are always welcome in myboat, Alan. I have a new spot I would like to try.”

“It is good to have such afriend,” Alan said warmly. “That will give Tedi enough time to earnwhat we need to fix my boat properly so I may begin getting my lifeback together.”

Tedi touched the necklace around hisneck and his father shook his head slowly. “No, Tedi, you will gowith Arik hunting. When we have enough money, we will rebuild ourboat together.”

Tedi beamed as his father put hisshaking arm around his son and hugged him. Master Markel’s browneyes shone with a determination that had been absent for too long.Tedi knew the next few days would be very hard on his father andbeing out at sea with Master Clava was just what his fatherneeded.