Laura Jo Phillips Read Free Page A

Although, I do think that, somehow, the Nine used the connection to impart some knowledge to us.”
    “You have given us much to think on,” Garen said as he pulled Lariah a little closer against him.  “For now though, it is time for you to try to get some more sleep.”
    “Okay,” Lariah agreed.  “But remember, while you’re thinking, think about the three of us talking to Mara.”
    “Very well, sharali , but only if you rest,” Garen said, pushing gently with a fine thread of water magic to nudge her toward sleep.  Within moments Lariah was sound asleep.  Garen waited a few minutes to be sure she was going to stay asleep before allowing himself to doze off as well.

 
     
    Chapter 3
     
    Jasan, Badia, Bride House
    Hope Strigida took one last look around her room in Bride House to be sure she hadn’t forgotten anything, then pulled the door closed behind her and headed for the stairs.  It felt strange to be going home.  She had been so certain that this was where she was supposed to be, so positive that this was the right path for her.  She felt a little lost and at odds with herself, a feeling that was completely new to her. 
    She also felt torn.  On the one hand, she missed Earth.  Earth was home, and she loved its blue skies, green grass and large, bustling, brightly lit cities.  On the other hand, Jasan was beautiful too.  There were fewer people, no large cities, and the overall pace of life was calmer and more peaceful.  But she had not come to Jasan for a change of pace or new scenery.
    Hope crossed the foyer and entered the dining room with its long formal dining table and big picture windows overlooking what was by far the most extensive garden Hope had ever seen in her life.  It had been a bit of a shock to her at first, being surrounded by so much nature. 
    She went to the sideboard and filled a plate with fruit, toast, eggs and what she thought might be ham.  It smelled like ham, and it looked like ham.  Sort of.  She shrugged, deciding to be adventurous for once.  When it came to food, she liked what she liked and usually had no interest in experimenting.  But this was her last day, so what the heck.  She picked up a mug, filled it with hot coffee, and headed through the open doors onto the patio.  She was late for breakfast this morning because she’d been packing, so she now had the patio to herself.  She selected a table in the corner beneath the shade of several flowering trees and sat down. 
    She sipped her coffee, grimacing a little at the taste, but feeling that she needed the caffeine this morning.  Of the eight to ten women who stayed at Bride House at any one time, Hope was the only one who didn’t get excited about the coffee.  Evidently it was far less expensive on Jasan than on Earth, and according to her fellow boarders, it tasted better too.  She preferred tea herself, but as she was the only one with that preference, it was never on the menu.  She usually brought her own down from her room, but she had already packed it, so coffee was just going to have to suffice.
    “Here,” Talinka said, sliding a steaming mug onto the table in front of Hope with a smile. 
    Hope breathed in the rich, herbal scented steam and smiled gratefully at the small woman with the short, bright green feathers on her head and the large, matching green eyes.
    “ Efharistos , Talinka,” Hope said as she pushed the coffee away and picked up the tea.  “That was very thoughtful of you.”
    “You are most welcome,” Talinka replied.  “I know you prefer tea and, as this is your last morning, I wished to offer you a going away gift.  May I join you?  I would speak with you for a few moments before you leave us.”
    “Of course,” Hope said before taking a sip of her tea.  It was perfect. 
    Talinka’s large green eyes grew serious.  “I have been the overseer for Bride House for many years now,” she began.  “The main reason I am overseer is because I am an