Quest for the Sun Orb

by Laura Jo Phillips

  Karma’s body relaxed and she put her arms around his neck once more. “I do understand, Zakiel,” she said. “That is why I had decided not to tell you. So that you wouldn’t worry. But I couldn’t live with myself if something happened to you, and you never got to know that you will be a father.”

  “I thank you for telling me,” he said. “I am thrilled with the news, truly I am. I cannot help that I am also terrified by it.”

  “Look at it this way,” she said. “Without modern medicine, women generally aren’t sure of these things until they are a few months along. By then, the quest will be over.”

  “Yes, you are correct,” Zakiel said. “Unfortunately, that doesn’t make me feel any better.” He pulled her closer against him and rested his cheek against the top of her head. “I now hold in my arms the answer to all of my hopes, dreams, and desires. I beg you, my valia, do not let anything harm yourself or our child. I could not live without you.”

  “I will do my best,” she promised, tears clogging her throat at the raw emotion in his voice. Perhaps she should not have told him. But no, he had a right to know.

  Zakiel squeezed her gently, then lowered her to her feet. “Shall we continue or do you want to stop for the day?”

  “No, we should continue,” she said. “We cannot afford to lose a half day’s travel. The sooner we reach our destination, the better. Besides, I want out of this forest where we have no chance of seeing an attack until it’s upon us.”

  “Agreed,” he said. He walked with her to her diplo, suddenly realizing that everyone else was already mounted and ready to ride on. No one had the bad manners to be looking in their direction, but Zakiel felt their curiosity.

  “Perhaps we should tell only a few people as yet,” he said in a low voice. “There is no need to risk making you more of a target to the demons.”

  “There is no need to open the door of speculation, either,” Karma said shrewdly. “I want to tell the women, but that’s all. Few will understand that I am able to discern my own pregnancy after only one day. I don’t even understand it.”

  “One day?” Zakiel asked, wonder in his voice. “So we began this child last night?”

  “Yes,” Karma replied. Zakiel smiled, finally giving Karma the reaction she had hoped for. When she looked into his eyes, her heart melted at the sight of his joy.

  “Let me help you into the saddle,” he said.

  Karma shrugged and nodded. She’d been mounting Dippy by herself for weeks now, but if he wanted to help her, she would not deny him.

  Once she was settled he turned and hurried back to his own diplo, his mind racing. A few moments after giving the signal to walk on, he gestured to Garundel to join him. Once the tall, grizzled knight was riding beside him, he checked to be sure they were too far from the rest of the riders to be overheard.

  “Were there any casualties?” he asked.

  “Two Hunters and one drover injured, but nothing serious,” Garundel replied. “The warning was timely.”

  “Excellent,” Zakiel replied. “Garundel, I must confide in you.”

  “I am honored, Highness,” Garundel said at once. “Anything you say is safe with me, of course.”

  “As you are aware, Lady Techu has unique powers,” Zakiel began. He waited for Garundel to nod. “One of her abilities is an increased knowledge of her own physical condition.” Again he waited for Garundel to absorb his words and nod. It was very important that he word this exactly right so that there was no doubt, no cause for vicious rumors later. When Garundel nodded again, Zakiel stared at him until the Knight met his eyes directly. “This unique ability has allowed her to determine that she is one day with child.”

  Garundel’s eyes widened in surprise, then he grinned. “Congratulations, Highness,” he said.

  “Thank you, Garundel,” Zakiel replied. He waited. It took only a moment. Garundel was sharp.

  “I see the problem,” he said, straight forward as ever. “This may cause raised brows from those who do not know Lady Techu, or are unfamiliar with her powers.”

  “In the beginning, yes,” Zakiel said. “The baby will not arrive for nine months though, which should help. I do think it best that we wait at least two to three months before making this general knowledge, though.”

  “Agreed, Highness,” Garundel said. “That would be wisest.”

  “In the meantime, I know the truth, and so do you,” Zakiel said. “Your future Queen, Royal Princess Karma set-Baraka Feenis, is carrying my heir, the future King, or Queen, of Isiben. Neither of them can be risked.” This was the first time Zakiel had ever referred to Karma with her royal titles, and Garundel instantly understood the significance.

  “What would you have me do, Highness?” Garundel asked. “I am at your disposal, as always.”

  “Choose four men,” Zakiel said. “Once we agree on the four, we shall tell them this secret that will be known only to us, Sir Tomas, and the women. From that moment on their first and last duty will be Princess Karma’s safety in any and all situations. No matter what, she and the babe she carries are to be kept safe, and free from harm.”

  “You honor me with the trust you are placing in me, Highness,” Garundel said. “I know that it should be Bredon in my place right now, and I am sorry that he is not here. Please know that I shall endeavor to be worthy of your confidence until the time when Bredon may rejoin us.”

  Zakiel took a moment to consider the words Garundel had spoken, and their meaning. Once again he looked around to be certain they were alone. Garundel stiffened slightly. He never missed anything.

  “Princess Kapia has discovered a way to communicate with Bredon through the Moon Orb,” he said to Garundel. “It takes a physical toll on her, so she is able to speak with him only once every third day, but it is enough. Bredon will reach the outskirts of Darkly Fen soon.” He went on to tell Garundel what they knew about Marene and Bredon so far. When he was finished Garundel remained quiet for a time as they rode side by side.

  “Darkly Fen is an ill-omened place, Highness,” he said finally. “I wish that I could ride to join Sir Bredon, and fight by his side in this trial he now faces, or at the least, send trusted men to him.”

  “As do I, old friend,” Zakiel said. “Unfortunately, we cannot. We have no choice but to continue on as we are, as he has no choice but to continue as he is.”

  “Yes, Highness, this I know,” Garundel said. “I will send prayers each night to the Sky Warriors for his success, and safe return to us. And I will remain here, where my Prince, and his most honored and courageous family, need me most.”

  “I thank you, Sir Garundel,” Zakiel said solemnly.

  Garundel turned to face Zakiel and smiled again, an expression that melted years from him. “Once again, congratulations, Highness, to you and your bride,” he said. “Do not worry. None shall harm Princess Karma, or your child, while I draw breath.”

  “Your assurance, and your loyalty are, as always, greatly appreciated,” Zakiel said. “When you go back, will you ask Sir Tomas to join me please?”

  “Certainly, Highness,” Garundel said before turning his diplo and trotting away. A minute later Tomas joined him.

  “Tomas,” Zakiel greeted with a smile, suddenly realizing just how much his cousin had changed of late. And how happy he was to have him to trust and confide in. “I have news to share with you.”

  “From the expression on your face I assume it is good news?” Tomas asked.

  “It is,” Zakiel replied. “Karma has just informed me that we are to be parents.”

  “Truly?” Tomas asked, stunned. “When?”

  “In about nine months,” Zakiel replied. “Karma knew it almost from the moment it happened.”

  “I am happy for you, Zakiel,” Tomas said warmly. “You and Karma deserve all the happiness that will surely be yours. Congratulations to you both.”

  “Thank you, Tomas,” Zakiel said. “That is very kind of you.”

  “If I may say so, Cousin, you
also appear to be...worried,” Tomas said carefully, deciding at the last moment not to use the word scared.

  “I am worried, Tomas,” Zakiel admitted. “More than that, I am now even more afraid that something bad will happen to Karma than I was before this news. I’ve asked Garundel to select four men to act as her personal guards, but there is little more I can do to protect her that has not already been done.”

  “Zakiel,” Tomas said, “in case you hadn’t noticed, there is not a single man in this caravan who would not lay down his life for Karma. She has saved our lives so many times, and shown such courage and spirit each moment of every day, that no one can help but love her. Her feelings for you are so strong and pure, so bright and shining, that I have seen Hunters blink away tears just to see the way she looks at you sometimes. The sound of her laughter never fails to bring a smile to all who hear it.” Tomas smiled and shook his head. “You needn’t assign more guards to her, Cousin. Every Hunter, drover, and servant on this quest already guards her each and every single day. I could almost feel pity for the fool who tries to harm our future Queen.”

  “To hear you say this, I realize that you are correct,” Zakiel said. “I thank you, Tomas, for showing me what is right before my eyes.”

  “You are welcome,” Tomas said. “I would add, even though you didn’t ask me, that you needn’t worry about wagging tongues and dark, jealous rumors from those of us here, either. Everyone will be excited at your happy news and if they aren’t, they won’t dare to say so.”

  “Again, I think you are correct,” Zakiel said. “Do you think I should not assign special guards?”

  Tomas considered his answer carefully. “I think that if it makes you feel better, then you should do it. However, I also think that, should you announce your news to the entire company, you will have many more than four special guards, and you won’t have to ask for them.”

  “Yes, I see that you are right again,” Zakiel said, feeling a weight lift from his shoulders. “I believe that I will take your advice, Tomas, then see what happens.”

  ***

  Karma watched Zakiel and Tomas as they rode together at the front of the line, and rolled her eyes. She guessed she’d soon find a few more men shadowing her every move, as if the circle of guards that rode around them each day weren’t enough. She wouldn’t object though. Zakiel needed to do what he could to assure himself of her safety, and she would not take that from him.

  “Are you well, Karma?” Kapia asked from where she rode on the far side of Tiari.

  “Yes, I am,” she replied, pasting a bright smile on her face. Kapia frowned. Karma lost the smile and resisted the urge to roll her eyes again.

  “There is something different about you,” Tiari said, frowning at her intently. Suddenly her eyes widened in surprise. “Karma, there is a...light...inside of you.”

  “Shhh!” Karma said quickly, then looked around to see if anyone had heard. Apparently everyone had since she was getting looks from all of the men closest to them. She sighed.

  “I’m sorry,” Tiari said, following Karma’s gaze. “I said something I shouldn’t have, didn’t I?”

  “It’s all right, Tiari,” Karma said. “So, you see a light inside of me?”

  “Yes, a very bright one, though it’s quite tiny. I almost missed it, but I’m sure it wasn’t there yesterday. You know what it means, don’t you?”

  “Yes, I do,” Karma admitted. “Do you know?”

  Tiari shook her head. “No, I don’t. It’s not bad, is it?”

  “No, it’s not bad,” Karma said. She gestured for Kapia and Tiari to ride a bit closer, then she leaned over and spoke in a whisper. “It’s a baby.”

  Kapia started to squeal and quickly slapped her hand over her mouth before looking around to see if anyone had noticed. No one was looking their way this time. “I’m sorry, Karma,” she said. Then she grinned. “I’m so excited! I’m going to be an Aunt!”

  “It is wonderful news,” Tiari said, “but I don’t understand the need to keep it quiet. Should you not be rejoicing?”

  “Yes, normally,” Karma replied. “But Zakiel doesn’t want the demons to learn of it. And there’s the fact that under usual circumstances I would not know about this for another couple of months. People may think I’m three months along rather than a day, and that would set tongues wagging since we’ve only been married a few weeks.”

  “I see,” Tiari said with a grimace. “I don’t think I like this entire reputation business. It seems wrong that you cannot shout such news for all to hear for fear that someone will think wrongly about it.”

  “I agree wholeheartedly,” Karma said. “Where I’m from, such things don’t matter at all.”

  “They certainly matter here,” Kapia said. “However, don’t forget, you are now a Princess, and future Queen of Isiben. Those wagging tongues will not touch you, Karma. Besides, your child will not be born for nine months, give or take a few days. That alone will prove the truth.”

  “That’s true,” Karma said. “But, Zakiel asked that we keep it quiet, except for you two and Lashi and Caral of course, so for now, I will do as he asks.”

  “I have no doubt that he will be taking a few men into his confidence so that he can set more guards over you,” Kapia said.

  “Yes, he already has, unless I miss my guess,” Karma said, nodding toward the front of the line where Zakiel and Tomas still rode side by side.

  Kapia smiled. “With so many in on the secret, it will not be long before all know of it.”

  “No, it won’t,” Karma agreed with a sigh. She wondered again if telling Zakiel had been the right thing to do. Well, she decided, it didn’t matter now. He knew, and there was no changing that.

  ***

  Bredon collected the hare he had just shot with his bow and cleaned it quickly and efficiently. His appetite had grown smaller and smaller over the past couple of weeks until, finally, it had become non-existent. His Hunter training was such that he continued to hunt, prepare, and eat food, even though he had to force every bite down.

  As he worked he noticed a new sore on the back of his right wrist. He had several now, scattered all over his body. He also had an idea what was causing them.

  “What are you doing?” Marene demanded suddenly.

  “I am cleaning dinner,” Bredon replied, no longer surprised by her sudden appearances.

  “Well, it’s disgusting,” Marene said.

  Bredon barked a laugh. “You aren’t squeamish over murdering people, but the sight of a few hare guts is too much for your delicate sensibilities?”

  “I did not murder anyone.”

  “Yes, you did,” Bredon said. “You murdered Worrow, his young apprentice, and the four men that were with him. You used my body, but you did it.”

  “Wherever did you get such a ridiculous idea?” Marene demanded.

  “I’m not certain,” Bredon said honestly. “It just came to me the other day when you took over while we were crossing that valley of wildflowers. When I woke up, so to speak, the whole thing was right there, in my mind, like a memory.”

  “That’s impossible,” Marene snapped.

  “Obviously not,” Bredon said. He wrapped the meat in its own skin and went back to where his diplo stood, grazing as it waited patiently He put the meat in a spare bag hanging from his saddle and mounted. “These sores I’m getting, the loss of appetite, the increased tiredness and difficulty sleeping, all of it is because of you, isn’t it?”

  “Perhaps you need to bathe more often,” she said snidely, but he felt the worry beneath her words. That was new too. His ability to feel her emotions. But he wasn’t sharing that bit of information.

  “Perhaps not having an evil she-demon share my mind and body would be more helpful,” Bredon replied.

  “Are you going to blame me for everything now?” Marene asked.

  “I don’t see why I shouldn’t,” Bredon said lightly. “You’re the only demon here.”

  “I am not a demon
,” she hissed, as he’d known she would. If there was one thing that set her off it was being called a demon. He sighed. He really did need her cooperation, so maybe he should stop trying to make her angry.

  “Marene,” he said, forcing himself to sound reasonable. “If I cannot eat, or sleep, and if these sores continue to multiply, I will only grow weaker and weaker. Before long I won’t be able to saddle the diplo, let alone ride it. Nor will I be able to hunt for myself. At this rate, we may not even make it to Darkly Fen, and if we do, I will be in no condition to fight off demons.”

  Marene was silent for a while, but Bredon knew she’d heard him. He bit his tongue and let her think without interruption. “You have a point,” she said reluctantly. “I don’t know what I can do about it, though.”

  “You need to stop taking over my body,” Bredon said. “The more you do it, the worse my symptoms become.”

  “I get bored doing nothing all the time,” Marene complained.

  “Boredom or death,” Bredon said. “You pick.”

  “Fine,” Marene said irritably. “But I warn you, Bredon, my cooperation will not stop the symptoms, it will only slow them. You need to travel more quickly.”

  “I travel from sunup to sundown as it is,” Bredon said. “I can do no more than that.”

  “Then you must pick up the pace,” Marene insisted.

  “One more question,” Bredon said, sensing that Marene was getting ready to go back to sleep. “How is it that I know what you did to Worrow?”

  He felt her hesitation, and her worry. “I don’t know,” she said finally. “You should not have been able to see that.”

  “Perhaps you are growing weaker, too,” Bredon suggested, hiding his satisfaction. From her response, he didn’t think she was able to see into his mind, which was all he cared about.