The Quest for the Heart Orb (The Orbs of Rathira)

by Laura Jo Phillips

  “It never showed itself,” Zakiel said. “Nikura sensed it running off after we killed the first one. There is no such thing as loyalty among demons.”

  “What are these things?” Karma asked, pointing to one of the man-goat creatures that lay dead nearby with a sword still in its hand. The stench of the thing was overwhelming even from several yards away, so she didn’t try to get any closer to it. “The Ti-Ankh wouldn’t work against them. I hope it’s because they’re natural creatures of Rathira.”

  “Yes, they are, unfortunately,” Zakiel said. “They’re called satyrs. They have just enough rudimentary intelligence to fight with swords, though who teaches them the skill is a mystery.”

  “Serpin?” she asked.

  “No,” he replied. “They aren’t that intelligent. Even if they were, they have no arms or hands themselves so what would they know of sword fighting?”

  “Can we expect to see more satyrs?”

  “I don’t think so,” Zakiel said. “They don’t build shelters, they don’t use fire, and they eat only raw meat, so they can’t live for long in the cold. I’m surprised the serpin were able to force them this far.”

  “Well, that’s good news,” Karma said, grimacing as she stepped around one of the smelly things.

  “Yes, it is,” Zakiel said. “In fact, very few demons thrive in the cold. Those that can manage to stand it for any length of time will not be at full strength. The deeper we go into the mountains, the fewer we’ll see. Unfortunately, those that fly high in the sky are used to cold, like the kadjet, so we’ll probably be seeing more of those so long as the skies are clear. They avoid heavy cloud cover and storms.”

  Karma nodded, then took a breath and looked into his blood red Vatra eyes. “So, what’s this about?” she asked, running her fingers over the thick row of red and blue feathers that ran across his shoulders and down his arms. There were more feathers in the shape of a crest on his head, along with the usual red and blue markings combined with black and orange signs of the Tigren on his face, neck and chest. This was the first time she’d seem him with actual feathers, not counting the two times he’d fully manifested Vatra.

  “I was unable to summon Vatra,” he admitted with a frustrated sigh. “Just enough to make me look like this, and add somewhat to my speed and strength. I don’t understand it.”

  “That’s because you are beyond stubborn,” Nikura said, joining them. He looked at Karma. “If you will, Lady Techu, I would speak with our hard headed Prince.”

  “You can’t hear Nikura?” she asked Zakiel as she reached for the Ti-Ankh that she’d already returned to her belt, and extended it. Zakiel shook his head.

  “Not since he told me that the third serpin ran away,” he said, his eyes on the Sphin.

  “Go ahead, Nikura,” she said a moment later.

  “As I attempted to tell you weeks ago, Highness, you are not meant to fully summon Vatra at this stage,” Nikura said. “The first time you did it, it was thanks to Lady Techu’s power, and even then I warned you of the dangers. The last time it was due only to your fury and fear for Lady Techu’s life. As necessary as that was, you still very nearly destroyed yourself, a fact you refuse to appreciate. Unfortunately, those two incidents have led you to believe that you should be able to summon Vatra whenever you please, but that is not the case and will not be for some months. This new ability to manifest feathers is an indication that you are progressing as expected, which should bring you relief. It is certainly not a sign that something is amiss.”

  “Iit’s good news, then,” Karma said with relief. “Isn’t it?”

  “Yes, I suppose that it is,” Zakiel said reluctantly. He looked down at the feathers on his arms and closed his eyes to help himself concentrate. Karma watched as the feathers and the markings of the Tigren vanished. Nikura leapt forward and slapped his paw down on the ground.

  “Lady Techu,” he said. “You should keep this.”

  Karma walked over to Nikura and picked up the red feather with blue edging that he’d caught with one of his plate sized paws before it could blow away in the light wind. “Why should I keep it?” she asked him silently, twirling the feather in her fingers.

  “Luck?” Nikura asked sardonically.

  Karma arched a brow at him and his tail twitched. “I remember Karaken trying to bargain a Vatra feather from Prince Zakiel. Why a fish would want a feather is a puzzle I’ve frequently pondered ever since. In any case, it cannot hurt to hold onto it. ”

  “No, it can’t,” Karma agreed as she slipped the feather into a pocket of her skirt, wondering if it might, in fact, really bring good luck. She’d never admit that to Nikura, but as he’d said, it couldn’t hurt. She patted her pocket and returned to Zakiel, who’d been watching with a small frown.

  “That didn’t go too badly,” Garundel said, joining them before he could ask what Nikura had said. “We’ve no casualties, and the only injury is a sprained ankle one of the drovers got while fighting off a satyr with a tree branch when it got too close to the pack diplos.”

  “See to it that he is properly commended for his bravery,” Zakiel said.

  “Of course, Highness,” Garundel replied, then glanced toward the dead serpins. “It didn’t take them long to discover we’re on the move again.”

  “No, it didn’t, and that troubles me,” Zakiel said.

  “What troubles you, Highness?” Bredon asked as he, too, joined them.

  “It seems odd that after weeks of peace the demons should attack so soon after we resumed traveling,” Zakiel said.

  “Do you think there’s a spy?” Bredon asked.

  “I’ve suspected as much since the first day,” Zakiel said, frowning at Bredon’s vest. “Looks like one of those satyr blades nearly got you.”

  Bredon glanced down and saw the long slice in the leather of his vest just over his ribs. He frowned as he fingered it, remembering the moment he’d felt a quick stinging pain during the battle. The pain had faded almost immediately and he’d forgotten about it till now. He pulled the vest aside, relieved to see that his skin was unmarred. “That was close.”

  “Yes, it was,” Zakiel said soberly.

  “I’d suggest having lunch since we’re already stopped, but as bad as those things smell, I doubt anyone will have much appetite,” Karma said, changing the subject when she saw Kapia and Ren approaching.

  “Agreed,” Zakiel said. “Bredon, get everyone mounted. We’ll travel for another hour, then stop for lunch.”

  “At once, Highness,” Bredon said just as Kapia, Ren, and Marl joined the group. He gave Kapia a quick glance to ascertain that she was unharmed, then smiled warmly at her before mounting his diplo and trotting off down the line.

  “Are you all right, Ren?” Karma asked, frowning. Her skin was almost translucent and her lips were so pale they were nearly white.

  “Yes, Karma, I’m fine,” she said, pasting a smile on her face that fooled no one. “It’s just that I’ve never seen a demon before. Or fighting. Or death. I’m just…surprised. Please do not concern yourself over me.”

  Karma and Kapia exchanged glances. Clearly Ren was scared half out of her mind, but she was fighting to put a brave face on. They were proud of her efforts, and silently agreed not to embarrass her by calling attention to her fear. “Come with me, Ren,” Kapia said. “I’ll show you how to use the stirrup so you can mount on your own.”

  Karma and Zakiel watched the two women walk away with Marl a step behind them. When they were alone Karma looked up at Zakiel and spoke quietly. “Do you know why Sir Marl is hovering around Ren? I noticed he did not rotate with the other guards at mid-morning.”

  “Does it trouble you?” Zakiel asked, looking toward the tall, quiet man.

  “Not in the least,” Karma said. “I’m just curious. Did you tell him to guard her?”

  “No,” Zakiel said.

  “Then why is he?”

  “Garundel selected him to watch over her.”

  “Why?”r />
  “He felt it was wise.”

  Karma arched a brow at him. “You generally don’t make me drag things out of you, Husband. What’s going on?”

  “It’s a matter I will not interfere with,” he said. Karma’s eyes narrowed.

  “Is this going to be something I don’t like?”

  “I don’t see why it would be,” Zakiel replied, then leaned in close and lowered his voice to a whisper. “Sir Garundel is Ren’s father.”

  Karma reared back to stare at her husband. She opened her mouth. Closed it. Turned to watch Kapia and Marl as they assisted Ren with the stirrup. Then she looked for Garundel, only to find him watching Ren from atop his diplo with an indecipherable expression on his face. She returned her attention to Zakiel. “Okay, spill it.”

  “There’s little to spill,” he said, glad that he didn’t have to ask her what she meant. He was getting used to her strange remarks, what she referred to as slang, and even used some of them himself from time to time. “Garundel told me only that Ren is his daughter, that he believes she is aware of it but has yet to acknowledge the connection, and that since she had no objection to Marl, he assigned him to act as her personal guard.”

  “Why does he want it kept secret?” Karma asked, the stars in her gray eyes flaring dangerously.

  Zakiel frowned, wondering why she was getting angry. Then he remembered what she’d told him about her own father, and understood. “He doesn’t want it kept secret,” he said. “She does. He’s decided to go along with that until she has time to know him better.”

  Karma considered that for a moment, then relaxed. “All right,” she said. “But if he’s ashamed of her for any reason, he better keep it to himself. I mean that, Zakiel. Ren has been outcast and alone for as long as she can remember, which makes her acceptance among us very important not only to her, but to all of us. She will need every bit of self-confidence and inner strength that she can muster to claim the Heart Orb. Kapia, Tiari, and I are doing all we can to help her, and I won’t allow anyone to interfere with our efforts, not even her own father.”

  “I understand your concerns, Valia, and I’ll share your warnings with Garundel,” Zakiel said, filled with pride for his wife. She was already taking Ren under her wing just as she’d done with Kapia, and then Tiari. May the Sky Warriors help anyone who attempted to harm those Karma cared about. She was fiercely protective of those she loved, and was more than capable of backing up her words.

  “You’re going to be a magnificent mother, Karma,” he said, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close.

  “Thank you, Zakiel,” she replied, touched by his words. She stepped back and wrinkled her nose. “Let’s get away from this stench before I become ill.”

  He bowed formally. “As you wish, Lady Techu.”

  ***

  An hour later Bredon joined Kapia, Karma, Zakiel, Tiari, Tomas, and Ren for lunch. They stood in a circle holding plates that Caral, Lashi and Timon had prepared and handed out. He remembered when it had been just Zakiel, Karma and Kapia sharing lunch each day. So much had changed since the beginning of the Orb Quest. Much of it good. Some of it very bad.

  He and the other men hid their smiles as they watched Ren invite Marl to join them for lunch. To those who knew him, it was clear that Marl wanted to accept in spite of the stiff mask of indifference that he wore which Ren either misinterpreted, or ignored. In the end, to everyone’s satisfaction and no one’s real surprise, Ren prevailed and Marl found himself with a hastily prepared plate of food in his hands.

  Bredon exchanged an approving glance with Zakiel and Tomas. Marl was a good and honorable man, and his interest in Ren was obvious to anyone who cared to look despite his attempts to hide it. Everyone hoped she would help him find his way through whatever shadows darkened his mind.

  Bredon finished his lunch quickly since he had duties to perform before Zakiel called an end to lunch. He handed his plate to Lashi with thanks, then spoke with Kapia for a moment before excusing himself. He managed only a few steps before he felt an unpleasantly familiar stirring in his mind.

  “Bredon,” Marene said. He immediately schooled his thoughts, clearing them of all emotion in general, and Kapia in particular. Since Kapia had killed Marene, it seemed prudent to keep her out of Marene’s sights.

  “Hello, Marene,” he said, closing his eyes. “This is an unusual time of day for you to contact me. Is something amiss?”

  “Of course something is amiss,” she snapped irritably. “The Djinn, led by that lying traitor King ShaiTyan of the Fire Djinn, are meeting to discuss the making of a new scepter.”

  Bredon’s stomach rolled over, making him wish he hadn’t just eaten lunch. “Is that possible?”

  “Of course it is,” Marene hissed. “Why else would I be speaking to you? The Orb Quest must hurry. Time is running out.”

  “We’ve only just resumed travelling today and have already been attacked by kadjet, serpin, and satyrs,” Bredon said. “If this continues, there is no telling how long it will take us to reach Ka-Teru.”

  “I think I can help with that,” Marene said after a long pause.

  “You can?” Bredon asked in surprise.

  “Yes,” Marene said. “There aren’t many demons willing to go into the high mountains at this time of year anyway, and those who do must be forced. It’s an easy enough matter to clear most, if not all of them from your path. You’ll still have to watch for those that prefer the cold though, like the snow-krag.”

  “We’ll keep that in mind, Marene,” Bredon said. “We are grateful for your assistance.”

  “Of course you are,” Marene said. “Hurry Bredon. Time is running short.”

  Bredon opened his eyes to see Zakiel standing in front of him, a worried expression on his face.

  “Marene?” he asked.

  “Yes,” Bredon said. “The news is not good.”

  “I can see that,” Zakiel said.

  “She says that the Djinn are meeting to discuss the creation of a new scepter, and that we need to hurry.” Bredon could see the questions forming in Zakiel’s eyes, and held one hand up, palm out. “I’m sorry, but I didn’t get any details. Next time I’ll ask questions.”

  “All right,” Zakiel said. “Anything else?”

  “She’s going to try to help with the demon attacks.”

  “That’s good news, if it’s possible,” Zakiel said. “Do you think she can actually do that?”

  “I know she can,” Bredon said. “I asked her straight out, and she answered. She told the truth.”

  “I know you don’t like it, my friend,” Zakiel said, “but this connection is going to help us a great deal in the coming days.”

  “I know,” Bredon said. “That’s why I don’t shut her out.”

  “You could do that?” Zakiel asked in surprise.

  “Yes, but if I did, then she’d know I could do it and that would not be pretty.” Bredon took a breath and opened his mouth as though to say something. Then he closed his mouth with a snap, every muscle tense as he shook his head and sighed. “We really should travel as quickly as we can, Highness.”

  Zakiel wanted to ask Bredon what he was holding back, but he didn’t. The man was giving enough of himself as it was. He would not ask for more. Not yet, anyway. He clapped Bredon on the shoulder. “We will, Bredon.”

  ***

  While Marl waited for the others to finish their lunches or wander away to speak more privately with each other, he argued with himself about the wisdom of speaking with Ren any more than absolutely necessary. His arguments were good ones, and he believed in them absolutely. They just didn’t help.

  “Are you feeling better now?” he asked when they were, finally, alone.

  “Yes, I am, thank you,” she replied. “I feel foolish more than anything else.”

  Marl was momentarily distracted by a ray of sunlight glinting off the ruby she wore on her forehead, causing it to look as though it had burst into flame, so it took him a mome
nt to replay her words in his mind. “Why do you feel foolish?”

  “Because I did nothing,” Ren said, pretending that she didn’t notice his distraction, though it hurt something deep inside of her. “Everyone else moved to either fight the demons, shelter the pack diplos, get out of the way or take shelter, or…something. Not me. I just sat there and stared. If you hadn’t pulled me off the diplo and taken me to stand with Lashi, Caral, and Kapia, I’d probably still be sitting there. I had no idea what to do.”

  “Why would you have known what to do?” Marl asked reasonably. “You’ve been with us for less than a day and a half and it was your first attack. If you ask Lady Techu or Princess Kapia, I’m sure they’ll tell you whatever you need to know.”

  “I’ll do that,” Ren said. “Thank you, Sir Marl, for your kindness.”

  “You are most welcome, though I’ve done little.” Marl’s eyes strayed to her forehead again and stayed there for several heartbeats. Ren was trying very hard to remember Brai Sierna’s advice and not make assumptions, but she grew more and more tense each time his gaze wandered upward. Part of her wanted to hide beneath the hood of her cloak and move away, as she’d always done. But another part of her (to her complete surprise) wanted to stomp on his foot. Since she really didn’t want to do either of those things, she decided to approach the subject straight on.

  “I notice that you keep staring at my forehead, Sir Marl,” she said, her voice trembling only a little. “If you have a question, I’d prefer that you ask it.”

  “I apologize,” Marl said, surprised to feel his cheeks grow warm for the first time since his youth. “It was rude of me to stare.”

  His embarrassed apology gave her the courage to continue. “It’s the stones on my forehead that have captured your curiosity, am I correct?”

  “They are quite beautiful, especially when the sunlight hits them,” he said, shocking her to her toes. “Do you wear them because they’re attractive, or is there a deeper meaning behind them?”

  “I don’t wear them,” Ren said, bracing herself for his reaction. “The corona stones are a part of me. They do not come off.”