Quest for the Sun Orb Read Free Page B

Bredon is no longer here,” he said when Zakiel was finished speaking.  Suddenly all eyes were on him, including Nikura’s. 
    “Tell us,” Kapia demanded in a soft voice.  “We must know.  I must know.”
    “For most of the day Sir Bredon waited on the beach, along with many others, including myself.  I just happened to be looking in his direction when I saw him suddenly stiffen, then turn and run away, back towards camp.  I thought little of it, I confess, assuming he’d suddenly remembered some duty or other.  A short while later Sir Garundel approached me.  He told me that Sir Bredon had left without explanation.  He’d ordered his diplo saddled, packed a few things, and ridden away.  Sir Garundel wanted to know if he’d said anything to me, or if I’d seen anything that might explain Sir Bredon’s departure, but I had nothing to tell him.  He considered sending trackers after him, but decided to wait until your return.”
    “He left to keep us safe,” Kapia said. 
    “I think you are correct, Sister,” Zakiel said.  “He knew what was happening.  Somehow, he knew.”
    “I think Marene’s soul, or spirit, whatever she is now, was exhausted by the time she got to Bredon,” Karma said.  “She was probably too weak and tired to take control of him the way she did the demon.”
    They looked to Worrow to see what he thought of their speculations, and he nodded.  “Your reasoning is sound,” he said.  “It makes the most sense given all that you have told me.”
    “What will happen to Bredon?” Kapia asked.  “Can we help him?”
    “I do not believe that he is cin-sahib ,” Worrow said.  “If he were, he would have remained here.”
    “That’s a relief,” Zakiel said.
    “Yes,” Worrow agreed.  “Unfortunately, from what you’ve told me, this Marene is now demon, and a very strong demon at that.  He had control enough to leave here, but, whether he will be able to retain that control once she regains her strength, I cannot say.  I have never seen nor heard of such a thing as this happening before.”
    “There must be a way to save him,” Kapia said.  “There must be.”
    “Perhaps,” Worrow said gently.  “I would have to see him, examine him myself, before I can form an opinion, and even then it would be a guess.”
    “I think you will get your chance at that,” Zakiel said.
    “Yes?” Worrow asked curiously.
    “I know my cousin and friend well,” he said.  “Bredon’s first instinct was to remove himself, and Marene, from this place in order to protect the rest of us, most especially Kapia.  The next thing he will do will be to attempt to solve the problem.  You, Worrow, are the only person we know in this part of the world who may be able to help.  Bredon will wait for us to leave, then he will come back to see you.  Assuming he is able to, of course.”
    “Then we must leave at once,” Kapia said.  “The sooner we are gone, the sooner Bredon can get help.  If Zamon Worrow will agree to help him, that is.”
    “I will help him if I can,” Worrow said.  “However, I hope you will not be offended when I say that I do not wish to endanger my own people any more than you wish to endanger yours.”
    Zakiel nodded in understanding.  “Of course you don’t, Worrow.  I will send two of my best trackers to pick up Bredon’s trail.  After we leave, perhaps you and some of your men can meet Bredon along his route before he reaches the village.”  Zakiel glanced at Kapia, then back to Worrow.  “I know it is a lot to ask of you, Worrow, but Bredon is as a brother to me, and more than that to Kapia.  We would be very grateful for your help.  At the same time, we will understand if you prefer not to take this risk.”
    “After all that you are doing to save our very world, I am happy to perform this small task for you,” Worrow said.  “When do you wish to leave?”
    “In the morning,” Kapia said.
    “You don’t want to rest for a