Quest for the Sun Orb Read Free Page A

Princess Kapia, Prince Zakiel, and his bride of one day, Karma, the Lady Techu, drifted slowly toward him.  Several men, both Hunters and Sirelina, waded into the water to guide the boat the rest of the way to shore, but it was done silently.  None of those in the boat offered to speak of their journey, and none of those in the water asked.  Worrow’s tension went up a notch.  Wouldn’t they be excited if they’d succeeded?  The fate of Rathira itself rested on their success.  Why did no one speak?
    Worrow waited on the beach, his calm demeanor revealing nothing of his inner turmoil.  The men pushed the boat up onto the beach so that those inside of it could get out without stepping into the water.  Prince Zakiel rose to his feet, and held his hand out to Karma.  Once she was out of the boat he turned to his sister, Kapia, then followed after her, Nikura the Sphin leaping lightly to the sand behind him.  Worrow noticed that Kapia was carrying something wrapped in what appeared to be Karma’s vest, and he allowed himself to relax just a little.  She stood on the beach for a long moment, looking around at those who had gathered to await their return.  Then she dropped her gaze to the sand in front of her feet and did not look up again.
    Worrow studied the small party as they walked toward him, noting their tired, drawn expressions.  Something had gone badly, that much seemed clear.  But if they had the Moon Orb, as it appeared, what could possibly be so bad that it dimmed what should have been such a triumph?
    “Greetings, Zamon Worrow,” Prince Zakiel said as they stopped in front of him.
    “Greetings, Highness,” Worrow replied.  “I imagine you are all hungry and tired after your long day.  Would you like to come to my home for a hot meal?”
    “Yes, thank you,” Prince Zakiel said after glancing at Karma and seeing her tiny nod.  “We would very much appreciate that.”
    Worrow turned and led the way off the beach and into the village, keeping his step slower than usual in deference to those following him.  He’d sent his apprentice ahead with a wave so that by the time they reached his home, the table was set and the hot food that he’d ordered prepared in advance was waiting.  He noticed that Kapia kept her bundle in her lap when she sat at the table, and was further assured that it contained the Moon Orb.  So why were his young, brave friends so unhappy?
    As curious as he was, he waited until his guests had eaten and had a hot drink.  Then Zakiel turned to him and sighed heavily.  “Do you wish to know what happened, Worrow?” he asked.
    “Yes, Highness, I do,” Worrow replied.  “If you wish to tell me, of course.”
    “It is not a story I am pleased to tell,” Zakiel said.  “But you should know what happened.”
    “Forgive my curiosity, Highness, but may I first ask, did you succeed in collecting the Moon Orb?”
    “Yes, Worrow, in that we were successful,” Zakiel said with a tired smile. 
    “For myself, and the people of Rathira, I am grateful,” Worrow said.  “But I can see that there is much that weighs upon your spirits.  I would be honored if you would share that burden with me.”
    Zakiel began to speak, telling of their long journey across the ocean, and their meeting with the guardian of the atoll, Karaken.  He told of the arrival of Marene, her demon steed, and the cin-sahib who had once been a Hunter named Saigar.  He told of Marene’s dark powers that had allowed her to entrap Nikura, and the battle that followed.  When he told of Marene’s death, and her possession of the demon beast she had ridden, Worrow was stunned.  When he told of the possessed demon’s destruction, Worrow was relieved.  But when he told of their belief that Marene was not truly dead, that they were almost certain she had managed to possess Sir Bredon, Worrow was both horrified and saddened.  Now he understood.  More than he wanted to.
    “I must tell you that Sir