Return of the Matka-Zem (The Sorain Chronicles) Read Free

old Mlinzi returned the glass ball to the hidden pocket inside her robes. Before Aeson could direct the Mlinzi, the old woman snatched the gold disk in the girl's hands and extended her arms for the child, indicating her readiness to receive his daughter.
    " When she wakes, she will remember nothing," Naji said as she steadily met his gaze.
    Aeson could not hold her gaze. He placed his daughter into the Mlinzi 's waiting arms. As he tenderly brushed a strand of red hair out of the girl's eyes, he said fervently, "You better take care of my daughter, Naji."
    " I swear, as long as there is breath in my body, no harm will come to the girl," Naji replied before she turned to leave.
    Aeson averted his gaze, so he did not have to see his daughter leave the throne room. Although he was in control of Sora until the princess was old enough to assume responsibility, he knew he would be lost without her.
    ***
    " Was there any other way, Thane?" the regent whispered to the young Mlinzi who stood silently off to the side.
    " What better place to hide than on an obscure rock on the opposite side of the known universe?" said Thane as he strode to the regents side. Together, they watched the heavy doors slowly close behind the two females. When the monarch did not respond, he glanced at his lord and saw a single tear slide down his smooth cheek. "Naji will do everything in her power to keep the princess from harm."
    " I know." The regent patted Thane's shoulder with a weary sigh, and left the throne room.
    Thane watched the regent leave before returning his gaze to the closed door. Just that morning Naji had informed him of the princess 's fate, and he still could not believe it. He had wanted a new assignment away from the child, but having the girl exiled to gain a new position did not feel right. He suppressed the desire to race after them and with a bark of laughter, shook his head at his misgivings. "I'm not the only one who can protect that little scoundrel."
    " Let's hope Naji doesn't damper the little brat's spirit," Thane said, speaking his thoughts aloud. Although the girl was a spoiled child, and too headstrong for her own good, he liked the little spitfire. What he could not phantom was why Naji wanted to end her remaining years of life in exile with the girl. Naji was the Xeral Mlinzi, the highest member of the Mlinzi counsel, revered by all, and could have assigned any number of experienced Mlinzi to protect the Matka-Zem. Although she was well educated in diplomacy and warfare, the elder Mlinzi had no patience for the young. Moreover, the girl was a handful, even to the most patient. Thane had known Naji all his life and he feared for the little princess. The Xeral Mlinzi was calculating, ruthless and cold hearted. Only the strong could endure her scrutiny. There had to be an extremely important reason for the Xeral Mlinzi to make such a decision. Being of low rank, Thane was not important enough to question the ways of the counsel, however, so with a heavy sigh he turned his back to the doors. Regardless of his misgivings, the situation was out of his control. Signing into his new post was the only thing he could do.

Chapter 1
    EARTH
    " What you seek lies under the grey man," the aged woman whispered with her last breath. As her body relaxed in death, her right hand opened to reveal an old, brass key. The young woman, who stood at her deathbed, glanced at the key with disgust. At that very moment, she hated the old crone more than ever. Needing to calm her fury, she abruptly turned her back on the dead woman. Not caring about the mysterious key, she strode towards the balcony to step into the night. The crisp, evening breeze brought goosebumps to her bare arms, yet she ignored the urge to rub them. Her slender fingers curled around the cold, black metal and she deeply inhaled the cool, fall air. Peering into the dark, barely able to see the shadowy outlines of the trees, she lowered her head, as if in silent prayer. A soft