Quest for the Sun Orb Read online

  “I have helpful news, Master,” Tahzel said with all the conviction he could put into his voice. He would never go so far as to say the news was good. That would be foolish in the extreme.

  “I would not be adverse to helpful news,” ShaiTyan replied, “should it be given in a timely manner.”

  Tahzel swallowed nervously at the reprimand, a further sign of ShaiTyan’s poor mood.

  “A female of power such as we have not yet seen in those across the Gate, has recently come to our side,” he said.

  “You may explain further,” ShaiTyan said after a long moment.

  “She has long dabbled in dark magics, as her mother did before her, but she resisted all efforts to recruit her until a short time ago. She swore the oath of aid in return for enhancement of her power, but did not become cin-sahib. We called on her to steal the first orb when it was found, and granted to her an air demon and a warrior cin-sahib for the purpose. The cin-sahib was lost in battle, as was the female, but she was able to possess the air demon.”

  “Wait,” ShaiTyan interrupted. “Did you say the female possessed the air demon?”

  “Yes, Master, that is what she did,” Tahzel replied, trying not to sound as shocked as he still felt over the matter.

  “She was not cin-sahib?” ShaiTyan asked.

  “No, Master, she was not cin-sahib,” Tahzel said. “She chose the path of Myrkur, instead.”

  “It is too bad she now possesses the body of an air demon,” ShaiTyan said. “One such as that may have been of some use.”

  “She no longer possesses the air demon, Master,” Tahzel said. “The air demon was destroyed almost the moment she took possession of it, before she had a chance to control it.”

  “I assume there is more to this story, Tahzel.”

  “Of course, Master,” Tahzel replied, hearing the warning. “When the air demon was destroyed she managed to possess the body of her fudaso, a male of high rank in the army of those who defy us.”

  ShaiTyan chuckled, a harsh, grating sound of rocks grinding against each other. “Yes, she is one of power to manage such a feat as that. The question is, will she put that power to use for us?”

  “She has her own desires, of course,” Tahzel replied. “She begs to do your bidding in exchange.”

  “What is it that she asks...or should I say, demands?” ShaiTyan asked.

  “She wants the body of a demon to possess,” Tahzel replied. “One that is large and strong. She cannot fully possess the human male she is currently riding.”

  “Of course not,” ShaiTyan said, and Tahzel heard the humor in his voice. “Not only is he not cin-sahib, he is her fudaso, the one she used to make her offering, and bind her to the light. She is wily enough to recognize her limitations. Perhaps some use can be made of this female.”

  ShaiTyan fell silent for a long time. Tahzel remained motionless, knowing better than to interrupt his Master with questions or movements while he was thinking. He had no idea how long he waited, nor did it matter to him. Time in this dark, crowded realm meant nothing.

  “Tell this female...what is her name?” ShaiTyan asked.

  “Ma-Rene,” Tahzel replied.

  “Tell this Ma-Rene that she will have the body of one of the most fearsome of all demons, but only upon completion of the task I set for her,” ShaiTyan said. “Be certain that the word demon is used, Tahzel. Not Djinn.”

  “Of course, Master,” Tahzel replied. It was a critically important distinction. There was no possibility that he would forget it.

  “When she accepts, tell her this,” ShaiTyan said.

  Tahzel closed his eyes, knowing what was coming, accepting the pain of it before it began. When he opened his eyes sometime later he was lying sprawled upon the floor with ShaiTyan’s plan burned into his mind. He struggled to his feet and bowed before turning to leave, knowing he’d been dismissed the moment his eyes had opened. As he stepped through the narrow opening between the rokkeli, ShaiTyan began to laugh, but this time the sound grew and grew until all of Nariq-Qu began to shake around them.

  ***

  Worrow, Zamon of the Sirelina, watched with a peculiar mix of fear and excitement as the tiny boat carrying Princess Kapia, Prince Zakiel, and his bride of one day, Karma, the Lady Techu, drifted slowly toward him. Several men, both Hunters and Sirelina, waded into the water to guide the boat the rest of the way to shore, but it was done silently. None of those in the boat offered to speak of their journey, and none of those in the water asked. Worrow’s tension went up a notch. Wouldn’t they be excited if they’d succeeded? The fate of Rathira itself rested on their success. Why did no one speak?

  Worrow waited on the beach, his calm demeanor revealing nothing of his inner turmoil. The men pushed the boat up onto the beach so that those inside of it could get out without stepping into the water. Prince Zakiel rose to his feet, and held his hand out to Karma. Once she was out of the boat he turned to his sister, Kapia, then followed after her, Nikura the Sphin leaping lightly to the sand behind him. Worrow noticed that Kapia was carrying something wrapped in what appeared to be Karma’s vest, and he allowed himself to relax just a little. She stood on the beach for a long moment, looking around at those who had gathered to await their return. Then she dropped her gaze to the sand in front of her feet and did not look up again.

  Worrow studied the small party as they walked toward him, noting their tired, drawn expressions. Something had gone badly, that much seemed clear. But if they had the Moon Orb, as it appeared, what could possibly be so bad that it dimmed what should have been such a triumph?

  “Greetings, Zamon Worrow,” Prince Zakiel said as they stopped in front of him.

  “Greetings, Highness,” Worrow replied. “I imagine you are all hungry and tired after your long day. Would you like to come to my home for a hot meal?”

  “Yes, thank you,” Prince Zakiel said after glancing at Karma and seeing her tiny nod. “We would very much appreciate that.”

  Worrow turned and led the way off the beach and into the village, keeping his step slower than usual in deference to those following him. He’d sent his apprentice ahead with a wave so that by the time they reached his home, the table was set and the hot food that he’d ordered prepared in advance was waiting. He noticed that Kapia kept her bundle in her lap when she sat at the table, and was further assured that it contained the Moon Orb. So why were his young, brave friends so unhappy?

  As curious as he was, he waited until his guests had eaten and had a hot drink. Then Zakiel turned to him and sighed heavily. “Do you wish to know what happened, Worrow?” he asked.

  “Yes, Highness, I do,” Worrow replied. “If you wish to tell me, of course.”

  “It is not a story I am pleased to tell,” Zakiel said. “But you should know what happened.”

  “Forgive my curiosity, Highness, but may I first ask, did you succeed in collecting the Moon Orb?”

  “Yes, Worrow, in that we were successful,” Zakiel said with a tired smile.

  “For myself, and the people of Rathira, I am grateful,” Worrow said. “But I can see that there is much that weighs upon your spirits. I would be honored if you would share that burden with me.”

  Zakiel began to speak, telling of their long journey across the ocean, and their meeting with the guardian of the atoll, Karaken. He told of the arrival of Marene, her demon steed, and the cin-sahib who had once been a Hunter named Saigar. He told of Marene’s dark powers that had allowed her to entrap Nikura, and the battle that followed. When he told of Marene’s death, and her possession of the demon beast she had ridden, Worrow was stunned. When he told of the possessed demon’s destruction, Worrow was relieved. But when he told of their belief that Marene was not truly dead, that they were almost certain she had managed to possess Sir Bredon, Worrow was both horrified and saddened. Now he understood. More than he wanted to.

  “I must tell you that Sir Bredon is no longer here,” he said when Zakiel was finished speaking. Suddenly all eyes were on h
im, including Nikura’s.

  “Tell us,” Kapia demanded in a soft voice. “We must know. I must know.”

  “For most of the day Sir Bredon waited on the beach, along with many others, including myself. I just happened to be looking in his direction when I saw him suddenly stiffen, then turn and run away, back towards camp. I thought little of it, I confess, assuming he’d suddenly remembered some duty or other. A short while later Sir Garundel approached me. He told me that Sir Bredon had left without explanation. He’d ordered his diplo saddled, packed a few things, and ridden away. Sir Garundel wanted to know if he’d said anything to me, or if I’d seen anything that might explain Sir Bredon’s departure, but I had nothing to tell him. He considered sending trackers after him, but decided to wait until your return.”

  “He left to keep us safe,” Kapia said.

  “I think you are correct, Sister,” Zakiel said. “He knew what was happening. Somehow, he knew.”

  “I think Marene’s soul, or spirit, whatever she is now, was exhausted by the time she got to Bredon,” Karma said. “She was probably too weak and tired to take control of him the way she did the demon.”

  They looked to Worrow to see what he thought of their speculations, and he nodded. “Your reasoning is sound,” he said. “It makes the most sense given all that you have told me.”

  “What will happen to Bredon?” Kapia asked. “Can we help him?”

  “I do not believe that he is cin-sahib,” Worrow said. “If he were, he would have remained here.”

  “That’s a relief,” Zakiel said.

  “Yes,” Worrow agreed. “Unfortunately, from what you’ve told me, this Marene is now demon, and a very strong demon at that. He had control enough to leave here, but, whether he will be able to retain that control once she regains her strength, I cannot say. I have never seen nor heard of such a thing as this happening before.”

  “There must be a way to save him,” Kapia said. “There must be.”

  “Perhaps,” Worrow said gently. “I would have to see him, examine him myself, before I can form an opinion, and even then it would be a guess.”

  “I think you will get your chance at that,” Zakiel said.

  “Yes?” Worrow asked curiously.

  “I know my cousin and friend well,” he said. “Bredon’s first instinct was to remove himself, and Marene, from this place in order to protect the rest of us, most especially Kapia. The next thing he will do will be to attempt to solve the problem. You, Worrow, are the only person we know in this part of the world who may be able to help. Bredon will wait for us to leave, then he will come back to see you. Assuming he is able to, of course.”

  “Then we must leave at once,” Kapia said. “The sooner we are gone, the sooner Bredon can get help. If Zamon Worrow will agree to help him, that is.”

  “I will help him if I can,” Worrow said. “However, I hope you will not be offended when I say that I do not wish to endanger my own people any more than you wish to endanger yours.”

  Zakiel nodded in understanding. “Of course you don’t, Worrow. I will send two of my best trackers to pick up Bredon’s trail. After we leave, perhaps you and some of your men can meet Bredon along his route before he reaches the village.” Zakiel glanced at Kapia, then back to Worrow. “I know it is a lot to ask of you, Worrow, but Bredon is as a brother to me, and more than that to Kapia. We would be very grateful for your help. At the same time, we will understand if you prefer not to take this risk.”

  “After all that you are doing to save our very world, I am happy to perform this small task for you,” Worrow said. “When do you wish to leave?”

  “In the morning,” Kapia said.

  “You don’t want to rest for a day?” Zakiel asked.

  “We can rest after we leave the Sirelina,” Kapia insisted. “Please, Brother, for Bredon’s sake.”

  “She’s right,” Karma said. “We can travel for half a day in the opposite direction that Bredon went, then make camp and rest if we wish.”

  “All right,” Zakiel agreed. “We first need to know where we are going, though. We must next find the Maiden of the Sun.”

  “Do you know where we might find this woman?” Karma asked Worrow. He shook his head slowly.

  “No, Lady Techu, I’m afraid not.”

  “Nikura?” Karma asked the Sphin.

  “I am not in the habit of keeping track of human females,” Nikura said with an irritated twitch of his tail. “Or males, for that matter.”

  “I didn’t think you knew her location,” Karma said. “I did, however, think that you would have an idea about how we could get the information we need. I suppose we could flip a coin, or find a bird sitting in a tree and go in whatever direction it flies. ”

  “Or you could ask Kapia,” Nikura said with just a trace of amusement. “That pretty rock she’s carrying does contain some power. It’s also the only means of obtaining the answers you seek.”

  “Thank you, Nikura,” Karma said solemnly, hiding her smile at the smug expression on Nikura’s furry face.

  “Kapia,” she said, “Nikura says that only the Moon Orb can reveal the location of the Maiden of the Sun.”

  “Did he say how I’m supposed to go about getting that information from it?” Kapia asked doubtfully as she lifted the wrapped bundle from her lap.

  “No, he’s not quite that helpful,” Karma said wryly. “Worrow?”

  “Unwrap it and hold it in your hands,” he suggested. Kapia set the bundle on the table and unwrapped it, revealing a round diamond twice the size of her fist that glittered and shone brilliantly even in the soft light of the candles on the table. Worrow stared at the orb, committing each facet to memory, knowing he would never see such a sight again in his lifetime. Kapia picked the orb up and held it in the palms of her hands, then, feeling a little silly, she closed her eyes. The orb was so bright that even with her eyes closed she could still see it flashing through her eyelids. She remained motionless, focusing on the phantom lights for long moments. When at last she opened her eyes, she smiled.

  “Worrow, are you familiar with a place called Cutter’s Hamlet?” she asked. “It’s either in a forest, or very close to one.”

  “It’s in a valley surrounded by forest,” Worrow replied. “About three days travel on your beasts, twice that on foot. Did the orb give you the name of the one you seek?”

  “No, just Cutter’s Hamlet,” Kapia replied as she wrapped the orb again.

  “Our spiritual leader, Zamori, has been to Cutter’s Hamlet. She has told me stories of a young woman who lives outside the village,” Worrow said. “I believe she may be the one you seek.”

  “Why?” Karma asked.

  “For one thing, her name is Tiari Zora,” Worrow said. “I confess, that has always captured my interest. Tiara is a word meaning flame of life. Zora means light of dawn.”

  “Yes, I see what you mean,” Karma said. “That would be a significant name for the Maiden of the Sun. Can you tell us more about her?”

  “Her parents have long passed to the beyond,” Worrow said. “The young lady’s aunt claims that she is a witch, so keeps her locked in a hut in the forest. If she is the Maiden of the Sun, you will free her, which would please me greatly.”

  “From what you’ve said, I think we must free her in any case,” Karma said.

  “You would do that, even if she is not the one you seek?” Worrow asked.

  “I know a woman who was held prisoner for over sixty years,” Karma said. “I will not dishonor Berta, and the sacrifices she once made for a group of women she didn’t even know, by passing by an innocent who is held prisoner without stopping to help if I can.”

  “Valia,” Zakiel said in a low voice. “Our quest is to find the orbs, and our time is short. If she is not the woman we seek, we will not have time to rescue her.”

  Karma shrugged one shoulder. “Then don’t,” she said. “I will do it on my own and catch up to you later.”

  “Karma,” he began,
but she held up one hand to stop him.

  “Do not think to order me, Zakiel,” she warned. “I love you above all things, but I will do what I believe to be right.”

  Zakiel opened his mouth, but Kapia jumped in before he had a chance to speak. “Lets hold off on this argument until we learn whether this is the right woman or not,” she suggested.

  Karma nodded, though the look she shot Zakiel warned that she had no intention of changing her mind on the subject. When she was sure Zakiel fully understood her, she turned back to Worrow. “Worrow, do you know where we will find the Sun Orb?”

  “I’m afraid not, Lady Techu,” he replied. “The role of the Sirelina in this quest has been fulfilled. We know no more. I believe it will be thus with each orb.”

  “I suppose it’s a safety measure to ensure that the orbs were well hidden from the demons,” Karma said. “I only hope that they are not hidden so well that we won’t be able to find them in time.”

  “It is a risk,” Worrow agreed. “However, I have faith in the three of you. If Rathira can be saved, you will save it.”

  “We will do all that we can to make sure your faith in us is not misplaced, Worrow,” Zakiel said.

  “You already have, Prince Zakiel,” Worrow said. He turned to Karma. “Lady Techu, have you tried to summon Techu Samyi?”

  “No, not yet,” Karma said shaking her head. “I’ll try it now.”

  Karma reached for the Ti-Ank, a long staff with a winged ankh carved from blue stone at the top, and sent a thread of energy into it while sending a polite request to Samyi in her mind. Though she was able to speak with the dead, she did not have the power to summon them. She just hoped that Samyi would hear her call and choose to come. Long moments passed and she was about to give up when a misty figure began to take form beside her. She sent more power into the Ti-Ank so that everyone could see Samyi.

  “Greetings, Techu Samyi,” Zakiel said with a deep nod.