“Yes, I am,” Kapia replied, wondering why Nica suddenly seemed nervous.
“I have an extra sense myself, and it’s the main reason I wanted to come here, and meet you.” Nica saw Kapia’s face pale and hurried to reassure her. “It’s nothing bad, I promise.”
“Thank you,” Kapia said, relieved.
“I’m sorry for that,” Nica said, and Kapia nodded. “I sometimes see things. Things that will be, or should be, or could be.” She shrugged. “It’s not easy to explain.”
“You saw something about me?” Kapia asked, curious now.
“I did,” Nica said. “I didn’t know who you were at the time. I was visiting the Bearens’ home when Aisling came to visit at the same time, and she spoke of coming to Rathira to check on Queen Karma. That’s when I knew I had to come here, and speak with you. You know you’re part Tigren, as is your brother, and the children, too.” Kapia nodded. “What you might not know, what no one knew until a few years ago, is that the Tigren are Healers. It’s part of who and what they are.”
“You’re right, Nica, I didn’t know that,” Kapia said as a thrill of excitement ran through her. “I’ve felt this need inside of me to heal for years now, but I don’t know how. There are healers here on Rathira, but they are, as Karma says, primitive. I’ve tried talking to many of them, but I’m afraid they have nothing to teach me that I want to learn.”
“You are meant to be a true Healer, Princess Kapia,” Nica said earnestly. “It’s up to you to bring the gift of true healing to your people. If you don’t, they will eventually learn on their own, but it will take them centuries to discover what you could learn in a few years.”
“But, how am I to learn?” Kapia asked.
“You’ll have to leave Rathira for a time,” Nica said. “I know that’ll be difficult for you, I can see that. But it’s the only way. The lost clan of the Tigren, the full-blooded Tigren from ancient times, were returned to the Jasani a few years ago. They will teach you all that you need to know, but you will have to go to them. They cannot come here.”
“Can you see what will happen if I go?” Kapia asked.
“I can see that you won’t regret it,” Nica said. Her eyes fell to Mintaka Til, still lying on the balcony railing where Kapia had left it. Then she looked back up, meeting Kapia’s gaze solemnly. “I can also see that if you do not go, you will not be unhappy here.”
Kapia relaxed a little, relieved to know that it truly was her choice. “What about my son?”
“The Jasani adore children,” Nica said, her smile returning. “He will be more than welcome, and will learn all about his Tigren heritage. But you do not have to take him if you prefer to leave him here.”
“Oh no, I would never leave Bredon behind,” Kapia said. “He will leave me when he becomes a man, and that is soon enough.”
“Princess Kapia, this is not a decision you must make right now,” Nica said.
Kapia nodded as she reached out with one hand to touch Mintaka Til. And felt Bredon more strongly than ever before. She smiled. “I thank you, Nica, for telling me this,” she said. “I would love to go to Jasan and learn whatever the Tigren can teach me, and my son.”
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Laura Jo lives in the Arizona desert with her loving husband, their two children, one very large dog and two interesting cats. Laura Jo loves to hear from her readers. Visit her website at www.laurajophillips.com to see when the next installment in the Orbs of Rathira series is coming, and sign her guestbook. Or, email her directly at [email protected]
While you are there, take a peek at the ever growing Handbook of the Thousand Worlds which details lots of interesting information about the people, technology, governments, and other interstellar information about the worlds the Soul-Linked Saga takes place in.
The Quest for the Heart Orb (The Orbs of Rathira) Page 36
