Quest for the Moon Orb: Orbs of Rathira

by Laura Jo Phillips

  “Lady Techu,” King Rhobar began after giving Karma a few more moments to regain her color. “Will you remain here, on Rathira, and aid us in our quest to save our world?”

  “Lady Techu, huh?” Karma asked.

  “Yes, for whether you remain or not, that is who and what you are,” King Rhobar said.

  Karma took a long, deep breath and blew it out. “I don’t think I can refuse,” she said. “This is what I’m meant to do. In a strange way, I think everything in my life up to now has prepared me for this.”

  “That is why your name is Karma,” King Rhobar said, nodding sagely.

  “I suppose so,” Karma replied with a sigh that she tried to hide. “Yes, King Rhobar, I will remain here, on Rathira, and do all that I can to help find the orbs and prevent the demons from taking over your world.”

  It was King Rhobar’s turn to release a long, heavy sigh of relief. “I thank you, Lady Techu. I know this can’t have been easy for you, but I promise we shall be forever grateful.”

  “Actually, I think the really hard part is yet to come,” she said with a rueful smile. “I have to convince Aisling to leave without me.”

  Chapter 2

  Karma wandered around the large apartment she had been given within the palace. It was large, airy and, for a non technological world, surprisingly luxurious. The bed was beautifully made up in crimson silk with a dozen large, invitingly fluffy pillows, surrounded with sheer curtains that were currently tied back. There were thick, soft rugs scattered about the cool marble floors, and the few pieces of furniture were all beautifully carved of variously colored and exotic woods. Like the palace itself, the room was designed to take advantage of everything cool, so it had polished stone walls and very high ceilings. The balcony overlooking the palace gardens was angled to catch every breeze and funnel it into the room, yet was deep enough to prevent direct sunlight from reaching the interior.

  Aside from the main room which held the bed, balcony and a sitting area that consisted of several thick cushions around a low wooden table, there was also an ante room, bathing room, dressing room, and a pantry for preparing light meals, snacks or drinks. All of the rooms were richly appointed and beautiful in every detail.

  “This is nice,” she said as she stepped out onto the balcony after touring her rooms, Nikura at her side.

  “Indeed,” he said, leaping lightly to the top of the low wall bordering the balcony. “You have been given a singular honor with this apartment.”

  “How so?” Karma asked.

  “These rooms are reserved for the highest ranking and most honored of guests,” Nikura said as he laid down on the wall, making himself comfortable. “It has been years since they have been offered to anyone.”

  “Wow,” Karma said, both impressed and a little unnerved by the information. It wasn’t always a good thing to be singled out, and she knew it.”

  “You seem troubled,” Nikura said.

  “I miss my friends,” she said as she gazed down at the palace gardens below, replaying the scene with Aisling that afternoon.

  “Karma, are you sure you want to stay here?” Aisling asked for at least the tenth time. Karma frowned, but Aisling held up her hand. “Never mind,” she said. “I take that one back.”

  “I know you’re worried,” Karma said, “but I also know this is the right thing for me.”

  “It might be easier if I understood why you are so determined to stay here,” Aisling said. “All I know is that you spent two hours locked in a room with King Rhobar and that giant cat, and when you came out, you announced you’d decided to live here.”

  “It’s not that I don’t trust you, Ash,” Karma said, half wishing she could tell her friend everything, but knowing it was best this way. “I do. I trust you more than anyone. But I promised not to speak of it, and I cannot break a promise. I will tell you this much though; I’m needed here. Really and truly needed.”

  “If you are needed here, then of course you must stay,” Aisling said, giving in with a sigh.

  Karma swallowed hard, knowing that Aisling was the only person in the universe who knew her well enough to know how important it was for her to be needed. She was going to miss Aisling, and their friendship. She wondered how she’d survived alone for so many years without at least one friend, and knew that she did not want to live that way again. Aisling had taught her that much.

  “Do you regret your decision to remain on Rathira?” Nikura asked.

  Karma watched a pair of large golden birds soar past the balcony in the deepening dusk, their voices raised in song, and smiled.

  “No, I do not regret staying here. This is what I’m meant to do.”

  “What is it that worries you then?” Nikura asked.

  Karma looked at him, mildly surprised by the note of sincere concern she’d heard in his voice. “I don’t understand why Riata came to me, or why she guided me here,” she said after a moment’s debate. Perhaps the Sphin would have answers for her on this subject. “She’s a Spirit Guide for the Jasani people. I am not Jasani, nor am I meant to be mated with Jasani. So why does she care about me, or Rathira, for that matter?”

  “Just because you don’t see the reason for something, does not mean that there isn’t one,” Nikura replied.

  “That’s true,” Karma replied grudgingly. She’d been hoping for more than that. She shook her head and sighed. Time to change the subject.

  “Nikura, are you going to help me find these orbs?”

  Nikura’s large, round blue eyes fixed on hers for a long moment without blinking. “I will help as I can,” he said finally.

  “Oh, that’s a big relief,” Karma said testily. If the Sphin was going to be this enigmatic all the time, she wasn’t sure she wouldn’t be better off without him around.

  “Tell me something,” Nikura said, “if you had to sacrifice your life for the lives of everyone and everything on your world, would you do it?”

  “Is that what you have to do?” Karma asked in surprise. “Sacrifice yourself?”

  “If you answer my question, then I shall answer yours.”

  Karma’s first reaction was to say yes, but she hesitated and gave it serious thought. “It would not be an easy thing to do,” she said finally. “I think I would fight it. I’d try very hard to find another way to do whatever had to be done. But, in the end, yes, I would. At least, I hope that I would. Such a thing would take a kind of bravery that I can only hope to have.”

  “I thank you for your honesty,” Nikura said, his tone, for once, courteous rather than snooty. “To answer your question, no, I do not have to sacrifice my life, and yes, I do have to sacrifice my life. I know that is confusing, but it is the best answer I can give you.”

  Karma studied the Sphin’s eyes for a long moment, then nodded in acceptance. “Will you tell me why you follow me all over the place?”

  “I suppose now is the time for honest answers,” Nikura said with a hint of his usual annoyance.

  “Yes, I believe it is,” Karma agreed.

  “I follow you around because you are Techu, and you have possession of the Ti-Ank,” he said. “The combination of the two compels me to remain within close proximity to you. I did not know of the Ti-Ank at first, and thought that I followed you by choice, but now I know differently.”

  “You’re compelled to follow me?” Karma asked with obvious distaste. “What if you decide you don’t want to?”

  “I don’t think that would be a very good idea,” Nikura replied. “For either of us.”

  “Why not? What happens if we get separated?”

  “It depends on how far apart we become,” he replied. “I do not need to be at your side all of the time, but if I am forced to remain any distance from you, it would likely kill you, and cause me great harm. In time, as our connection to one another grows, so too will the distance we can be apart grow.”

  “How far can we be apart from each other now?” Karma asked, not liking the sound of this at all.

&n
bsp; “I do not know,” Nikura said. “We should test it.”

  “Good idea,” Karma replied, determined to do that as soon as possible.

  The door at the far side of the room opened without warning and a woman with very short red hair, dressed in the dark gray livery of the palace servants entered, and bowed low.

  “Your pardon, Lady Techu, Princess Kapia requests a moment of your time, if it is convenient for you.”

  “Is everyone going to be calling me Lady Techu?” Karma asked Nikura silently.

  “Yes, that is who you are to the people of Rathira,” he replied. “It is a title of utmost respect.”

  Karma understood Nikura perfectly. Refusing the title would be a grave insult and since she’d chosen to remain on Rathira, insulting the people around her was probably not a good idea.

  She studied the woman who still stood at the door, her head bowed slightly, waiting patiently. She appeared to be in her mid thirties, with a strong, stocky figure, rosy complexion, and clear hazel eyes.

  “What is your name, please?” Karma asked.

  “I am Lashi,” the woman replied without meeting her gaze. “I have been appointed as your personal attendant, in charge of your quarters and your lower servants, if it pleases you, Lady Techu.”

  Karma glanced at Nikura. “What do you know of her?”

  “As a girl she apprenticed as a common servant for the Queen, so is very well trained. She also has a reputation for honesty, integrity, and intelligence. King Rhobar personally selected her for you.” Nikura paused. “You may dismiss her of course, if you wish.”

  “What will happen to her if I refuse her?” Karma asked curiously.

  “Her shame will be such that she will likely throw herself from the palace roof,” Nikura replied with a yawn.

  Karma turned back to Lashi, dragging out the old lessons on servants and how to judge, select and train them from the dusty recesses of her childhood. She was pleased that Lashi was neither very young nor old. A young servant would be inexperienced and not fully trained, whereas an older one might not be able to keep up on the journey she suspected was in her near future. If she had to have a servant, and apparently she did, she wanted a mature woman with intelligence. If appearances were any indication, and Nikura was correct about her reputation, she thought Lashi might be perfect for her.

  “Thank you, Lashi,” she said. “Please show Princess Kapia in.”

  Lashi bowed lower than necessary, indicating that she understood she’d just been examined, weighed, judged, and found acceptable. Karma smiled as the woman backed out of the room and closed the door. She was, indeed, intelligent.

  Karma left Nikura on the balcony and entered the room to await her guest. A few moments later, the door opened again, and Princess Kapia entered the room. “Greetings, Lady Techu,” she said, pressing her palms together and bowing her head.

  Karma faced the young Princess, noting her red rimmed and swollen eyes. A careful application of make-up had been used in an attempt to hide the bruises she had received when she’d been abducted. In spite of the red eyes and bruises, the girl was unquestionably beautiful.

  “Princess Kapia,” she said, after bowing her own head in return, “please don’t be offended if I don’t bow correctly. I am not familiar with your customs.”

  “I understand,” Kapia said shyly. “I will keep that in mind in future.”

  “Thank you,” Karma replied. She had only met the sixteen year old once, and briefly, when the Gryphons had returned her to the palace after rescuing her from her kidnappers. She seemed nice enough, though quiet.

  “Would you like to have a seat?” she asked.

  “Yes, thank you,” Kapia said. They walked over to the sitting area and sat down, Karma wondering how long it would take her to get used to sitting on the floor. On cushions, happily, but still on the floor. The only chairs she had seen so far in the palace were in King Rhobar’s private rooms. There had been low benches in the dining area too, she remembered, but that was it for furniture designed for sitting.

  Remembering her guest, Karma glanced toward the doorway that led to a private pantry, pleased to see Lashi standing there. She arched a brow in silent question, and Lashi replied with a tiny nod.

  “Would you like some refreshment?” she offered, pleased that Lashi understood her so easily.

  “That is very kind of you,” Kapia replied. “But no, Lady Techu, thank you. It is growing late and I will not keep you long.”

  “Again, I apologize if this seems rude, but is there something I can do for you, Princess Kapia?” Karma asked.

  “I wish to offer you my friendship,” Kapia said, her face pink, her eyes on the table between them. “Your friend, Aisling, was so kind to me. I would honor her by befriending her friend.”

  “That is very thoughtful and generous of you, Princess Kapia,” Karma said, warmed by the girl’s offer. She had just decided that she would not go without friends again, and now was a perfect time to make good on her decision. “I’m happy to accept your offer of friendship.”

  Princess Kapia looked up and smiled, an expression that brightened her already beautiful face.

  “I wonder, do you know who I could ask to teach me the correct protocols?” Karma asked. “I don’t want to go around offending people because I don’t know how to bow correctly. My mouth gets me in enough trouble without that kind of help.”

  Kapia laughed, a sweet, carefree sound that seemed at odds with her hesitant manner. “I would be most happy to assist you, Lady Techu.”

  “I’m sure you have more important things to do with your time,” Karma said. Kapia’s face fell, her disappointment obvious. Pretending not to notice, Karma went on as though she hadn’t finished speaking. “But, if you really want to help me, I would appreciate it.”

  “I have little to occupy my time,” Kapia said, brightening again. “I would be most pleased to assist you in any way that I can.”

  “I’m not sure about this Lady Techu stuff,” Karma said, wrinkling her nose. “Do you think you could just call me Karma?”

  The smile fell from Kapia’s face as she gave that request serious thought. “In Isiben we have very specific customs about many things, including names.” Kapia paused, waiting to see if Karma wanted to hear what she meant to say.

  “Go on,” Karma urged.

  “Our people are quite formal in many respects,” she said. “For us, it is not polite to use one’s personal name without express permission. The higher one’s rank, the larger the offense. You may grant that right to whomever you choose, whenever you choose, of course. Customarily, one grants the right only to one’s family, and very close acquaintances. Even then, much thought is given before doing it. It is not a privilege that is easily rescinded once granted.”

  “I see,” Karma said. “In the world I grew up in, we had a similar custom. However, among my people, it was considered to be a great honor to reveal one’s true name to another, and it was very rarely done.”

  “Is Karma not your true name then?” Kapia blushed, her golden skin turning pink. “I apologize,” she said quickly. “That was unforgivably rude.”

  “It was neither unforgivable, nor rude,” Karma said with a laugh. “Do not worry so much. Please do not be insulted though when, in answer to your question, I say only that Karma is the name I have used for so long, that I know no other.”

  “I am not insulted,” Kapia said with relief. Her initial reason for offering friendship to Karma was to honor Aisling, the woman who had rescued her from a fate far worse than death. But, now that she was here, she felt that Karma could be a true friend to her. In her secret heart she had longed for a woman she could talk to and learn from, one whom she could look up to and trust completely. Though she’d had only a few minutes with her, she sensed that Karma could be all of that, and more.

  “Good,” Karma said. “I thank you for the information on allowing liberties with one’s name, and I will be careful. Nonetheless, I still ask that you ca
ll me Karma, if you will.”

  “I would be most honored to do so,” Kapia replied happily. “But only if you will call me Kapia.”

  “Deal,” Karma said with a grin. “Now that we are friends, and you have agreed to teach me the proper protocols, tell me, is there anything I can do for you in return?”

  Kapia’s eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected offer. She was about to decline it, when a thought occurred to her. She hesitated. It was a lot to ask. She looked into Karma’s warm gray eyes and decided to risk it. The worst Karma would do was say no. She was not the type of woman who would ridicule her, she was sure of it.

  “Your friend, Aisling, was very skilled with weapons,” Kapia said. “I wonder if you are as well, and if you would mind teaching me?”

  Karma considered the request carefully. From what she’d seen of Ka-Teru, and the palace, the royal family was quite wealthy. Kapia’s clothing was simple and unadorned save for a bit of embroidery, though made of high quality materials. She wore only a thin chain around her neck, small rings in her ears, and a ring in the shape of a snake with tiny emerald eyes on her right hand. Though modest, her jewelry was all gold and of excellent craftsmanship. Even her sandals were of high quality, though the design was simple. Kapia was a wealthy Princess, of that there could be no doubt. She also appeared to be kind, unspoiled, warm hearted and, surprisingly, uncertain of herself and quite shy. So why didn’t her father, the king, hire experts to teach her whatever she wanted to learn?

  Karma reached out and lightly touched the ring Kapia wore. “Aisling told me that you managed to deal with your abductor quite satisfactorily,” she said.

  “Yes, I used the Sting of the Naja,” Kapia admitted in a low voice as she stared down at the poison ring on her finger. “A weapon requiring little effort and no skill, which I was able to use only because Aisling unbound my hands. If I had been able to defend myself, as she does, I would not have been in that position to start with.”

  “Kapia,” Karma said, and waited for the girl to look up and meet her gaze. “If Aisling were attacked by fifteen armed mercenaries as you were, even with her weapons and skills she would have been overwhelmed. She might have killed a few first, but the end result would not have been much different from what happened to you. From the battle signs on your face, you gave an accounting of yourself, skills or no skills.”