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

by Laura Jo Phillips

  “This time,” Kapia said archly, then burst into giggles as she threw herself into Bredon’s arms. They kept their hug brief for propriety’s sake, though it wasn’t easy for either of them. When Bredon released Kapia, she went to hug Zakiel.

  “Thank you, Brother,” she said softly. “You’ve given me my heart’s desire, and I shall be forever grateful to you.”

  “I’m sorry…,” Zakiel began, but Kapia placed a finger to his lips.

  “I understand how difficult this was for you, Zakiel,” she said. “And I understand why. You never have to be sorry for taking care of me.”

  “When did you get so grown up?” Zakiel asked with a smile.

  “Not long ago,” Kapia said. “In fact, I was standing right here, under your nose at the time. Don’t tell me you missed it.”

  “No, I didn’t miss it, I just wish I could turn time back a little,” Zakiel said, then hugged her tightly before releasing her.

  Kapia moved back to stand beside Bredon, her face glowing with happiness. “When shall we have the wedding?”

  “I will perform the ceremony, so you may pick whatever day you like,” Zakiel said.

  Kapia looked at Bredon, then Karma, and finally Caral, who smiled and held up two fingers. “Two days from now,” she said decisively.

  “That’s doesn’t leave much time to get ready,” Karma said.

  “Caral will need two days to complete my dress,” Kapia said. “I want that, but nothing else matters to me. A short, simple ceremony suits me perfectly. Is that all right with you, Bredon?”

  “Absolutely,” Bredon said, beaming with happiness. “Perfectly all right.”

  “Two days it is then,” Zakiel said, then looked around. “All right everyone, we still have some traveling to do today so let’s get moving.”

  ***

  They spent the day climbing yet another mountain, this one not as high as the last, but Zakiel would have sworn he could feel the temperature drop with every step. He pushed everyone relentlessly, cutting lunch short and breaking only twice throughout the day in an effort to get over the mountain and back down into warmer temperatures before dark. They didn’t get all the way down but, thanks only to the speed of the diplos, they got far enough that the danger of freezing was somewhat reduced.

  As soon as he was finished with his dinner, Zakiel pulled his charts out and studied them carefully. It wasn’t always easy, or possible, to pinpoint their exact location on the charts, so there was a lot of guesswork involved. That afternoon, while they’d been at the peak of the current mountain, he’d taken time to study his surroundings, noting the shape of the mountains around them, a fast running stream, a broad triangular shaped valley in the distance, and anything else that might serve as a landmark, committing all to memory.

  Zakiel double, then triple checked his charts, calculating carefully before allowing himself to smile widely. “We’re only three days from the river,” he said. Karma stared at him in surprise.

  “I thought we had another five days.”

  “So did I,” Zakiel replied. “I must have miscalculated.”

  “That, or pushing everyone so hard to keep us from freezing to death might have something to do with it,” Karma said wryly.

  Zakiel laughed and gave her a quick kiss before jumping to his feet. “I’m going to go share the news. I won’t be long.”

  Karma smiled, glad to see a little bounce in Zakiel’s step for a change. Lashi busied herself with the dishes, humming softly under her breath as she worked. Karma started to ask Lashi the name of the tune she was humming when the faint, transparent outline of a visitor began to take shape in front of her. She held her breath, waiting patiently as she wondered whether it would be Samyi or Zabeth. Perhaps even Worrow. It took only a few moments for the figure to fully show itself and when it did, Karma gasped, her eyes instantly filling with tears, her throat tightening to the point of pain.

  “Lady Techu, is everything all right?” Lashi asked worriedly.

  Karma shifted her gaze to Lashi. “Get Zakiel, Lashi,” she whispered hoarsely. “Tell him to hurry, please.”

  Lashi wasted no time asking questions. She spun around and raced out of the tent as fast as she could without even bothering to grab her cloak.

  “Please, Karma, do not be sad,” King Rhobar said. “I am happy to be with my beloved Joann once more.”

  “She’s with you?” Karma asked, looking around quickly.

  “Not at this moment, no,” King Rhobar said. “I will go to her when I am finished with my task here.”

  “You have something important to tell us,” Karma guessed.

  “I’m afraid I do,” Rhobar said solemnly. Then he smiled. “I was most pleased to learn that you and Zakiel are wed, Karma. My only real regret is that I will miss being a grandfather to your children.”

  “How did you know?”

  “I didn’t know until after…well, after.”

  Karma hesitated, unsure whether or not she should ask how he’d died, or when. She was saved the need when Nikura ran into the tent. He stopped in his tracks at the sight of King Rhobar, then bowed his head deeply before taking a seat close beside Karma. A few moments later Zakiel arrived, nearly frantic with fear.

  “Karma, what is it?” he demanded, looking around the tent for danger.

  “I’m sorry,” Karma said, reaching for the Ti-Ank. She held it up and channeled energy into it, then sent the energy from the Ti-Ank to King Rhobar so that Zakiel could see him.

  Zakiel stared in shock at the sight of his father standing before Karma, his face crumpling in grief for a moment before he stiffened and struggled for control. “Father,” he said. Then he bowed, saluting with his fist to his head and heart. When he straightened his face was composed, but there was no hiding the tears on his cheeks.

  Karma stood and went to him, wrapping one arm around his waist. “Come, let’s sit and talk,” she said, urging him forward.

  “Yes, that is a good idea, Karma,” Rhobar said, lowering himself gracefully to the floor while Karma and Zakiel took their usual cushions.

  “What happened, Father?” Zakiel asked, his voice strained.

  “It was time for me to leave the realm of the living and rejoin my love,” Rhobar said. “Please know that I did not suffer, and my heart and soul are once again complete. Do not grieve for me, my son. I’m very grateful to have this last chance to see and speak with you.”

  It didn’t escape Zakiel that his father had not answered his question. He glanced at Karma, who gave him a tiny shake of her head. She didn’t know either.

  “I could not be happier with your choice of bride, Son,” Rhobar continued, changing the subject. “She is worthy of your mother’s marriage bracelets.”

  Even through his grief Zakiel felt pride and happiness at his father’s words. “Thank you, Father,” he said. “I always thought that Mother would love Karma if she knew her.” He hesitated, then asked, “Shall I summon Kapia?”

  “Not just yet,” Rhobar said. “I’m here because I’ve been given important messages for you, and Techu Samyi has been called to a new purpose.”

  “Is that why she hasn’t responded to my calls?” Rhobar nodded and Karma smiled. “I am happy for her.”

  “What messages do you have for us?” Zakiel asked.

  “Demons have overrun Ka-Teru,” King Rhobar replied. “The palace is held fast, and those within have provisions enough to last many weeks. But you must take great care when approaching the island.”

  “Why are they in Ka-Teru?” Karma murmured. “That makes no sense.”

  “That’s where the Heart Orb is,” Zakiel said.

  “But the demons cannot retrieve it, and the Djinn know it,” Karma said. “Nor can they use the orbs to recall the pyramid themselves. They have to let us do it because it’s the only way to get the pyramid and the tear back on Rathira. Their new scepter will do them no good without that.”

  “Your reasoning is sound, Karma,” Rhobar said. “And
it’s backed up by the behavior of the demons. They keep their distance from the palace, but they’ve run off or killed everyone else on the island, and caused much destruction. They will allow no one else to leave now, nor will they allow anyone to approach the island.”

  “I’ll use Vatra,” Zakiel said. “I know I’m not ready to call on Vatra myself, but with Karma’s help I can do it. We’ve done it before. Vatra can fly to Ka-Teru very quickly and still have enough power to destroy many demons. I might even force them from Ka-Teru altogether.”

  “No, Zakiel, you cannot do that,” Rhobar said. “That’s precisely what the Djinn hope for, and one of the reasons why I’m here.”

  “I don’t understand,” Zakiel said. “Why would they want Vatra to destroy their demons?”

  “They want Zakiel to destroy himself,” Karma said in sudden horror. “That’s right, isn’t it?”

  “Yes, Karma, that’s exactly right,” Rhobar said. “Your last full transformation into Vatra came closer to killing you than you know. Normally it wouldn’t be a problem since, as you said, you are not able to summon Vatra on your own anyway. The danger is in you finding another way to manifest Vatra, as you just suggested. You’ve already pushed your boundaries too far. If you force Vatra to fully manifest before you’re ready to do it without aid again, it will take your life.”

  “What good is all this power if I cannot use it?” Zakiel asked in frustration.

  “It can be used,” Rhobar said. “But it will have to be shared.”

  “I don’t understand,” Zakiel said.

  “When the time is right, you will,” Rhobar said. “Until then, you must remain patient, Zakiel. The demons will surely do all that they can to provoke and lure you into using Vatra. You cannot let them, no matter the reason. The cost will be too high.”

  “Very well, Father,” Zakiel said reluctantly. “I will do as you ask, on this you have my word. Is there anything more you can tell us?”

  “Not on that subject, no,” Rhobar said. “Unfortunately, I must now tell you something you will not want to hear, and which I have no desire to tell you.”

  “This sounds ominous,” Zakiel said. Rhobar nodded.

  “Kapia cannot be allowed to marry Bredon at this time,” Rhobar said.

  “Why not, Father?”

  “Because Marene will kill her,” Rhobar said. “Do not be fooled into thinking it can be kept secret, either. It has been seen that should Bredon wed, Marene will learn of it. This is certain. The moment such news reaches her she will strike out at his bride, whoever she may be.”

  “You said, at this time,” Karma said. “Do you know when it will be safe for them to wed?”

  “No, I do not, Karma, I’m sorry,” King Rhobar said, then looked at Zakiel. “I will tell her myself so that burden will not fall on you, but under no circumstances can you allow them to go through with the ritual of a wedding.”

  “I won’t, Father, I promise,” Zakiel said. “Do you know why Marene would react so violently on this subject?”

  “No, I’m afraid I have no further answers for you,” Rhobar said. “I know only what I’ve told you, and that only because I was told.”

  “It’s all right, Father,” Zakiel said. “We appreciate the help you’ve given us.”

  “I want you to know that I’m very proud of you, Zakiel,” Rhobar said. “Proud of the man you’ve become, and the choices you’ve made. You will make a very fine king, and Karma will make an extraordinary queen.”

  If we live long enough, Zakiel thought, but didn’t say. Instead, he said, “Thank you, Father. Karma has made me a man I’m proud of being.”

  Karma smiled at her husband, placing one hand lightly on his arm. “Don’t worry, King Rhobar,” she said. “I will see to it that your beautiful garden is maintained, and that your grandchildren know it was created in love.”

  Overcome with emotion, Rhobar could only bow silently. Karma averted her eyes to give him a moment of privacy. “Zakiel, perhaps you should have Kapia brought now. I sense your father isn’t going to be able to remain much longer.”

  ***

  Bredon watched Kapia carefully as she said her final farewells to her father, needing no special senses to know that she was hanging on by a very fine thread. He was grieved himself, but he would have time to think about his own feelings later. Right now his every thought and concern was for Kapia alone. Brave, strong, loving Kapia, who was even now maintaining a calm, though grieved, outward appearance for the sake of those around her. She didn’t want King Rhobar’s last memory of her to be one of pain and grief, so she said all the words she knew he needed most to hear, and kept the depth of her own feelings hidden.

  There was a strong strain of Healer in her that seemed to strengthen in tandem with the Tigren in her blood. She always thought of others before herself, and did whatever she could to lessen their pain or discomfort. Bredon understood that about her, and he admired it. To a point. He knew that, once King Rhobar was gone, she would turn her bravest face on Zakiel and Karma, and downplay her own pain so that they could see to each other rather than concern themselves with her. After that she would, without doubt, attempt to convince him that she was fine and needed no special attention. But it would not work. Not on him. Not now. Especially not now. He grieved for the king too but, for once, he would care for Kapia above all other concerns.

  He saw Karma and Zakiel bow to the misty form of King Rhobar and quickly copied them, as did Kapia. When they straightened, the King was gone. He was close enough to Kapia to see the fine tremors running through her body as she fought to maintain her composure, her eyes already turning toward Karma and Zakiel. He knew that he couldn’t argue with her. Not now. So he forestalled any objections by simply scooping her up into his arms.

  “I thank you, Highness, for including me today,” he said to Zakiel. “I will now see to Kapia, and leave you and Karma to your grief.” He bowed slightly, then turned and left through the connecting doorway, entering the women’s tent, swallowing hard against the threat of tears as Kapia buried her face against his throat. He crossed the front chamber where Marl and Ren sat talking quietly and stepped into Kapia’s private chamber. He carried Kapia to the cot made up with thick quilts and laid her down. Then he sat on the edge and quickly removed his sword belt and boots, setting them aside. Then he removed each of Kapia’s slippers and set them on the floor at the foot of the bed before lying down beside Kapia and pulling her into his arms.

  Kapia had not said a single word through all of this. She was grateful for Bredon’s actions, taking her away so that she could relax the fight against revealing the true depth of her sorrow to her brother and Karma, but as much as she wanted him to stay with her, she had to ask him to leave. She took a deep breath in preparation for the argument that was sure to come.

  “Don’t even think about it,” Bredon whispered, his jaw moving against the top of her head. “I’m not leaving and I will fight to the death anyone who thinks to make me.”

  Kapia tilted her head back and looked up into his eyes. He met her gaze steadily. “You are mine to care for, Kapia, as I am yours. I know that we cannot marry yet, and I’m sorry for it, but that does not change the commitment of my heart. Does it change yours?”

  “No,” she whispered.

  “We are engaged now, but in my heart you are my wife. I will not allow Marene to interfere with that much, at least. Do you agree?”

  “Yes, I agree,” Kapia said, the sorrow in her eyes taking nothing from the ferocity behind her words.

  Bredon took a long, shuddering breath, his eyes brightening with unshed tears. “I needn’t hide from you, Kapia, nor should you hide from me. We can share our grief with each other now.”

  Kapia nodded slowly and opened her mouth to say something, but her breath hitched, preventing the words. Her shoulders shook and she pressed her face against his chest, finally releasing the flood she’d been holding back. Bredon sighed with relief, ignoring his own tears as he held the woman h
e loved in his arms.

  He had no idea how long she cried, soaking his chest with her tears, nor did it matter. He would stay for as long as she needed him. After a time her sobs quieted and her breathing relaxed, and he knew she slept. Only then did he allow himself to think about King Rhobar’s warning.

  King Rhobar had said, specifically, that Marene would kill anyone he took as a bride. So, it had nothing to do with Kapia, specifically, which was an enormous relief. The question, however, remained. Why would Marene kill his wife, whoever she might be?

  He wished he could simply ask her. She would most likely lie, which would result in his knowing the truth. But she’d want to know why he was asking, and he couldn’t think of a reason that wouldn’t draw unwanted attention to Kapia, Karma, or even Zakiel. He understood Marene well enough now to know that if she suspected he was about to marry Kapia, she might well kill her immediately rather than wait for the deed to be accomplished. No, he had to figure this out on his own. Somehow.

  “What are you thinking of so hard?” Kapia asked, startling him out of his thoughts an hour later.

  “Feeling any better?” he asked, looking at her red and swollen eyes with concern.

  “Yes, I think so,” she said. “You?”

  “I’m all right, surna,” he said, leaning down to press a kiss to her forehead. “So long as I have you.”

  “Have you figured it out yet?”

  He smiled. “No, I haven’t. Any ideas?”

  “You’ve already realized it’s not against me, personally.” He nodded. “It must have something to do with the ceremony itself.”

  “I’ve been thinking of that, but I can’t see anything that would make her react that violently.”

  “Me neither,” Kapia said. “I’ll talk to Karma about it tomorrow. She’s good at understanding things.”

  “I’m sorry, Kapia,” he said. “So very sorry for this.”

  “Please don’t apologize for Marene,” she whispered. Then, before he could say anything else she asked, “Will we marry after Marene is no longer a threat?”

  “Of course,” Bredon said at once, tightening his arms around her shoulders. “Sleep now, my love. It’s late, and we will have a long day tomorrow.”