Quest for the Moon Orb: Orbs of Rathira Read Free Page A

came rushing between two buildings.  A large man with a gray beard wearing a red cloak trimmed in gold led the party onto the dock. 
    “That’s King Rhobar,” Captain Singer said in surprise.  The Gryphons nudged Karma and Aisling back from the railing, and they all waited respectfully as they watched the group hurry toward them.
    “Lo, Captain Singer, I ask for your aid,” King Rhobar shouted before he reached them.
    “Certainly, Highness,” Captain Singer agreed at once.  “How can I be of assistance?”
    “My daughter was out fishing this morning and her retinue was attacked,” King Rhobar said, stopping beside their boat.  He was close enough now that they could easily see the man’s real distress.  “One maid survived long enough to tell us that Princess Kapia was taken.  We do not know by whom, but we know from the tracks they left behind that they were riding on machines that go very fast.  Hunters track them, but they cannot hope to catch up to them before they leave Isiben.  I ask that you use your machines to help us rescue my daughter.”
    Karma glanced at Aisling, then the Gryphons.  They were all thinking the same thing.  Those who had taken the Princess were surely led by the man they were after.
    Olaf bowed to King Rhobar.  “Forgive me, Highness, for interrupting,” he said.  “I am Olaf Gryphon.  My brothers and I would offer our assistance in this matter.”
    King Rhobar looked at Olaf with hope in his faded brown eyes.  “Do you have devices such as Captain Singer?”
    “Highness,” Captain Singer said, “I am willing to offer all the help I can, but I believe that the Gryphons would be of far more immediate use to Your Majesty.  They are shifters, and can fly like the birds in the sky.”
    “I will take whatever assistance I can get if it will bring my daughter back to me,” King Rhobar said. 
    “Can you tell us where she was last seen?” Olaf asked.
    King Rhobar waved another man forward who immediately gave Olaf the information he asked for. 
    “What does your daughter look like, please?” Rand Gryphon asked King Rhobar while Olaf listened to the other man.
    “Kapia is sixteen years old,” King Rhobar said, his voice breaking.  He swallowed hard and squared his shoulders.  “She has long black hair, to her waist, and was wearing a brown and silver day dress.”
    Olaf finished talking to King Rhobar’s man and turned to face his brothers, Rand and Rudy.  Before he had a chance to say anything Aisling stepped forward. 
    “I’m coming with you,” she said.  “This girl is going to be terrified of you three.”
    Karma turned her head to hide her smile at the Gryphon’s expressions.  Aisling was the first friend she had allowed herself to make in many years, and she knew her well.  If the Gryphons thought to treat her like a delicate flower, they were in for a surprise because Aisling would not stand for it.  She was generous, kind, and the best of friends, but she was also tougher than kevlex, very independent, and more than capable of taking care of herself. 
     “Very well,” Olaf agreed after only a brief hesitation.  Karma was impressed.  He’d given in quickly and with good grace. 
    “Karma,” Olaf said, “if you, Captain Singer and Torl would be so good as to move to one end of the boat, I believe we have enough room to shift here.”
    The three immediately did as Olaf asked, moving to the corner where the cat still sat, watching the activities with an air of boredom.  Olaf walked to the center of the boat deck leapt upward, transforming from a man into a huge half eagle, half lion beast with wings that looked just a bit short for it’s size.  There was a gasp of surprise from the people on the dock, but Karma barely noticed as she watched her friend walk to the middle of the deck.  Aisling took a few moments longer to transform, but she was new at it, and Karma was proud of her.  After Aisling flew skyward, Rand, and finally