Quest for the Sun Orb

by Laura Jo Phillips

  “I no longer care about Lady Techu,” Marene said with a smile. “My powers have grown, Bredon, and my ambitions along with them. I do not need Zakiel, or Isiben, to achieve what I want. Therefore, I am willing to call a truce until such time as the demons, and the Djinn, have been removed from Rathira forever.”

  “Since you have the scepter, and they do not, doesn’t that stop them?” Bredon asked.

  “Of course not,” she said. “They had, and still have, other plans in motion. This attempt to gain the scepter by using me as a dupe was a stroke of luck to them. Or so they believed.”

  Bredon had already figured that much out, but it was good to have it confirmed. “You can’t simply wave that scepter and recall the pyramid to Rathira yourself?”

  “No, I’m afraid not,” Marene said. “Not yet, anyway. It will take time for me to unravel the secrets of the scepter so that I can use it without destroying myself, or it. Now that everything I’ve ever dreamed of is within my reach, I’ve no desire to take unnecessary risks with the very thing that gives me the power that I need.”

  “But you are using it now,” Bredon pointed out as he removed the pot of water from the fire and poured it into two tin cups.

  “I have barely sipped from the ocean of power the scepter contains,” Marene said, accepting the tea from Bredon with a smile that made his skin pebble.”

  Bredon sipped his own tea, then checked the broth hanging over the fire. “So what shall we do next?” he asked.

  “You will return to the Orb Quest and share your new knowledge with Zakiel,” Marene said. “It will be your task to convince him of the wisdom in accepting my offer of aid in this war against the Djinn. I shall remain here, in Darkly Fen, and unravel the secrets of the scepter so that I may use it safely.”

  “You wish to remain here, in this place?” Bredon asked with a grimace. “Why?”

  “This is a place of power, which is why the High King of the Djinn, Gorod, chose it,” Marene said. “I can easily make it as comfortable as I choose.” She waved toward the diplo, and the thick grass it grazed upon.”

  “And the demons that surround this place?”

  “For now it is simple enough to ward them off,” Marene said. “Before long, I will control them, and they shall be my guardians.”

  “What of the Djinn?” Bredon said. “The roar of fury we both heard indicates to me that they have a connection to this place. Does that not concern you?”

  “Yes, there is a connection,” Marene confirmed. “This is where the tear from their dimension originated, what they call the Gate. But no, it doesn’t concern me. I have the scepter. They do not.”

  “So the Orb Quest must continue,” Bredon guessed, hiding his shock at that information. “Nothing has changed, really.”

  “Except that the Orb Quest will be in more danger than before,” Marene said. “The Djinn are angry now, for one thing. For another, time is growing short. They must capture the Ti-Ank to use in place of the scepter if they are to have any hope of gaining access to Rathira during this cycle.”

  “I’ve no idea where the Orb Quest is now,” Bredon said, “nor how long it will take me to reach them. It’s possible I will never get to them in time.”

  “I shall aid you with that,” Marene said.

  “You can find them?” Bredon asked.

  “I can come close,” Marene said. “Once I do that, I can transport you and your diplo to within a few days ride of them.”

  “You are powerful indeed,” Bredon said.

  “Without the scepter I could not extend my range so far,” Marene admitted, shocking Bredon. “However, I think that, with time, there will be no limit to what I can do.”

  “First, we must deal with the Djinn, and the demons,” Bredon reminded her. “How will we know when you are...prepared?”

  “As I told you before, Bredon, we are connected,” Marene said. “With a bit of effort on your part, we can communicate with each other.”

  Bredon nodded, inwardly relieved. He’d been wondering how to take advantage of his newfound knowledge of Marene once he was away from her. Perhaps this was the answer.

  “I will contact you,” Marene said. “I don’t want you interrupting me at all hours while I’m working.”

  Bredon raised his cup to his mouth to hide his smile. There it was again. That opening in her mind that spilled secret thoughts whenever she told a lie that was in direct opposition to what she was thinking about.

  He relaxed a little, knowing now that she was sincere in her desire to work against the demons and the Djinn. He also knew that she could not tap into his mind. Ever. She could nudge him, or request his attention. He, on the other hand, could quite possibly delve into her mind at will, or so she suspected. She wasn’t sure of that, but she guarded against it.

  “Hara Marene,” Bredon said, keeping his expression solemn. “I thank you on behalf of all Rathira for your coming aid in the war against the Djinn.”

  Marene smiled, happy at the deference and the thanks. Bredon divided the rough broth between them and they both drank in companionable silence.

  When Bredon was finished he set his cup aside and yawned. “I know that it is only mid-morning, but I am exhausted,” he said. “I think I will go to sleep.”

  “Yes, I too am tired,” Marene agreed.

  Bredon offered Marene his bedroll, but she declined, creating a large, thick bed for herself on the opposite side of the fire. “I apologize for the meager meal,” she said. “After some rest to recuperate, I promise that we will have a real meal. Then I will send you as close to the Orb Quest, and your Kapia, as I can manage.”

  “I thank you, Marene,” Bredon said, getting used to thanking her now. In this case, he actually meant it. Once he was in his bedroll, he closed his eyes and tried not to think of all that had happened. There was too much there to give him nightmares. He closed his eyes and within moments fell into a deep, exhausted sleep.

  ***

  When the nose of Tiari’s diplo was barely six feet from the glowing white gate, it faded away, becoming an arched opening. Nosy continued walking forward, while Tiari strained to see what they were walking into, but she could see nothing but white.

  She reined Nosy in half dozen yards beyond the gateway, then turned to see that Tomas was directly behind her, with Karma, Nikura, Kapia and Zakiel side by side behind him.

  “Welcome, Maiden of the Sun,” a deep, rumbling voice said. They all looked around, trying to find the source of the voice. Seeing nothing but white snow, Tiari decided that since she’d been addressed, she should respond.

  “I thank you for your welcome,” she said. “May I know to whom I’m speaking?”

  “I am Jahil, First of the Argiari here on Rathira,” the voice said. “We would step forward to greet you and your retinue properly, but we’ve no desire to frighten you. We thought that a warning beforehand would be more polite.”

  “Are you so frightening to see, Hiro Jahil?” Tiari asked with a smile, hoping that the simple honorific did not offend since she didn’t know what title should be used. “If so, please do not concern yourself. Sight is not my primary sense. If I fear you, it will not be for what you look like.”

  A deep, vibrating chuckle that sounded like a gentle earthquake made the diplos dance a bit, but they were Hunter trained so calmed quickly at a word from Tomas and Zakiel.

  “So you pass the third test,” Jahil said. “There are but two more.”

  With that, the white landscape around them seemed to shift slightly. Tiari blinked, then squeezed her eyes shut for a moment before opening them again.

  No, she hadn’t been hallucinating. Where a moment before she had seen only snow, she now saw four large, white furred creatures standing before her. Tiari met the gaze of the tallest of them, who was standing just a bit ahead of the rest.

  Their bodies were humanoid except that they had fur and claws. Their faces were bear-like, with short snouts tipped by black noses, rather long canine teeth, and
black eyes. The most alarming thing about them, to Tiari, was their sheer size. Even though she still sat in the saddle, she had to look up a little to see Jahil’s black eyes.

  Jahil studied Tomas for a long moment, then shifted his gaze to Zakiel and Karma, then, lastly, he bowed his head to Kapia. “We welcome you, Maiden of the Moon.” Kapia bowed her head in return but remained silent since Jahil had moved on, his focus now on Tiari

  “And so have you passed the fourth and fifth tests,” he said with another bow before returning his gaze to Tomas.

  “We welcome you, Protector of the Maiden,” he said. “And of course we are honored to receive you, Mighty Vatra and Lady Techu,” he said, bowing lower, as did the three Argiari behind him. Then his gaze went to Nikura, who sat behind Karma staring at him with narrowed eyes. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Nikura the Sphin. As I recall you were...otherwise engaged...when first we came to Rathira.”

  The sound of Nikura’s growl caused the hair on the back of Tiari’s neck to stand up. Karma turned to look at the Sphin sitting behind her in surprise, then turned back to the Agiari when she heard a strange growling clicking noise.

  “Ah,” Jahil said after a moment. “I have just been reminded that Techu Samyi warned the Sphin have no sense of humor. I apologize, Nikura the Sphin, for my comment.”

  Tiari wondered at the strange, choking sound coming from Karma and Prince Zakiel. At least Nikura didn’t seem angry any more, though his tail was twitching, and he’d turned his face away from everyone.

  “We appreciate your kind welcome, Jahil, First of the Argiari,” Zakiel said, after clearing his throat. “I thank you on behalf of the peoples of Rathira for your long vigil, and your diligence in guarding the Sun Orb.”

  “It was a pact that both our peoples received benefit from,” Jahil said. “Please, come into our dwelling and be warmed. We shall shelter your beasts for you with care.”

  “Thank you,” Zakiel said. He leapt to the ground, then handed his reins to an Argiari who was so tall it made him feel small for the first time since his childhood. Karma joined him, the staff of the Ti-Ank fully extended and gripped in one hand. He made no comment, though it was the first time she’d done that since switching back to the retractable rod. He wondered if she were nervous, or simply cautious.

  The small party followed Jahil across an expanse of snow toward what appeared to be a wall of yet more snow. They were startled when a door opened, revealing warm light. Jahil led the way inside an enormous room with a gigantic fireplace and several oversized chairs scattered about, filled with more Argiari. There were cushions placed on the floor near the hearth, which Jahil indicated were for them.

  “We remember your preference for sitting thusly,” he said. “Besides, I do believe our chairs to be a bit large for you.”

  Zakiel smiled as that seemed to be what Jahil wanted, and they all sat down, Nikura choosing a cushion near the fire where he proceeded to stare silently into the flames.

  “May I ask, what were the tests you spoke of?” Tiari asked when Jahil sat down on a larger cushion with them.

  “The first test was that you could see the mountain, what you call, I believe, the Hidden Sister,” Jahil said. “The second test, that you carry Ruji’s Ring, thus allowing you to pass the sight to your companions, and allowing you to cross through the great gate into our realm. The third test was your calm display of courage in the face of the unknown, a requirement set by your ancestress, the first Maiden of the Sun. The fourth test, your companions themselves. Mighty Vatra, Lady Techu, Nikura the Sphin, Maiden of the Moon, and your chosen Protector of the Maiden. The fifth and final test, your eyes. Only one with eyes such as yours can traverse the Cavern of the Sun Orb, and return.”

  “It is dangerous?” Tomas asked, his hand gripping the hilt of his sword tightly though it was the only sign of his tension.

  “There is danger, yes,” Jahil answered. “The Maiden must choose one companion to accompany her, and no more. The chosen one must trust her, as she must trust in return, or the journey will fail, and Rathira will end.”

  “I choose Tomas, of course,” Tiari said without hesitation. “If you want to come, that is.”

  “Tiari mine,” Tomas said, his brown eyes caressing her face, “I will not be left behind, whether you choose me or not.”

  “Very good,” Jahil said, smiling again. “All is as it should be.”

  “What will happen to you and your people once the Sun Orb is claimed?” Karma asked, surprising everyone.

  “Lady Techu has ever been direct,” Jahil said. “I see that has not changed.”

  Karma waited tensely for Jahil to answer her question. She remembered the Karaken trying to trick a promise from Zakiel, and so felt caution was needed.

  “Our world was in danger of being destroyed by a natural calamity,” Jahil said, his snout wrinkling. “The core of our planet had become unstable, and we were helpless to correct it. Vatra offered to restore balance to the core, if we would but do a favor for him in return. Twelve of us volunteered to come here, to Rathira, and guard the Sun Orb for a thousand years. It was a small price to pay for the lives of our people, and we were glad to do it. After the Sun Orb is claimed, we will be returned to our home world.”

  Karma relaxed. Not only did she believe Jahil, but Samyi had made an appearance half way through his speech and confirmed to her that it was true.

  “You said that there were twelve of you,” Zakiel said. “I count only eleven.”

  “Ruji, our former leader, has passed to the next existence,” Jahil said.

  “We are sorry for your loss,” Zakiel said solemnly.

  “I thank you, Prince of Rathira,” Jahil said politely. Then he shrugged one massive, white furred shoulder. “We Argiari live a long time, but after a couple of thousand years, we all must make the final journey.”

  “If this ring belonged to Ruji, who am I to return it to?” Tiari asked, fingering the ring that she still wore as a bracelet.

  “When your task is complete, you may keep it, if you wish,” Jahil said.

  “Are you certain?” Tiari asked. “It is very powerful. I feel I should return it to whom it belongs.”

  “It is not powerful in and of itself,” Jahil said. “It was, as I recall, one of several earrings that Ruji wore. An affectation of his. Vatra imbued it with special abilities to be used only by the Maiden of the Sun. Other than that, it is simply a metal ring, albeit a pretty one.”

  “How, and why, do you keep this mountain covered in snow?” Zakiel asked.

  “We do not do it,” Jahil said. “Vatra did it as a favor to us, as it is our preferred environment. He also built the wall, and made all invisible. We have no magic of our own.”

  “When can we claim the orb?” Tiari asked.

  Jahil tilted his head slightly and smiled, revealing his sharp teeth again. “Right now, if you like.”

  “Yes, please,” Tiari said. “I’d like to get this over with.”

  “As you wish,” Jahil replied. With that he stood up and waited for the rest of them to join him. He looked at Tiari, then Tomas, then back to Tiari again. “Be sure that you are prepared for this,” he said. “Once you enter the Cavern, you will not be allowed to leave it without the Sun Orb.”

  “Why?” Tiari asked, hiding the fear that raced through her at Jahil’s words.

  “I do not know,” Jahil replied. “We are not allowed to enter the Cavern, or allow anyone else to enter it save you, and your chosen companion. What I tell you is what we were told. Oh...yes, I nearly forgot. I am also allowed to tell you that your weapons will be an unnecessary burden to you on the coming journey.”

  Tomas frowned, then looked to Zakiel uncertainly.

  “They are here to help, not hinder,” Zakiel said. He would give no more advice than that. This had to be Tomas’s decision.

  Tomas nodded, then removed his bow, quiver, and swords, setting them on a table nearby. Tiari removed her sword as well and put it beside Tomas’s.r />
  “We are ready, Jahil,” Tiari said. “I will thank you now for your sacrifice and assistance to Rathira. Just in case I do not see you again.”

  Jahil gazed at her for a long moment, his black eyes approving. He bowed low, as did the rest of the Argiari, then he led the way out of the building and along what appeared to be a trail of sorts. A few minutes later they stood before a narrow opening in the side of the mountain surrounded by thick slabs of ice.

  “We shall guard the entrance, which is also the exit, until this time tomorrow, or until you return, whichever comes first,” Jahil said. “After one day, we will be returned to our home world by the magic Vatra put in place on the day we arrived here.”

  “If we do not return by then, we won’t be returning at all,” Tiari guessed. Jahil only stared at her solemnly, giving Tiari her answer without words.

  Kapia and Karma stepped forward to give Tiari hugs and a few words of encouragement. Tomas and Zakiel spoke quietly while they watched. After a few minutes, they were ready to go.

  “Is there no more information you can give to them before they enter?” Zakiel asked Jahil.

  “I wish that there was,” Jahil said. “I can say only what I said before; they must trust each other. If not, they will fail, and Rathira will cease to be.”

  “We will remember,” Tomas said. He looked at Tiari who nodded, then turned to enter the narrow gap between the slabs of ice that led toward the dark opening of the cavern. Tomas followed closely behind her, turning one last time to see the blurred figures of their companions through the ice.

  “It feels warm in here,” Tiari said, stopping a few feet inside what appeared to be a tunnel.

  “Yes, it does,” Tomas agreed, looking around in the faint light spilling in from the entry way. The tunnel was not quite wide enough for them to walk side by side, and only a little taller than Tomas’s head. “Lead on, Tiari mine,” he said.

  “Please stay close to me, Tomas,” Tiari said, reaching back with one hand. Tomas took the hand and squeezed it gently.