Berta's Story Progressing

Laura Jo is making good progress on Berta's story. I'm estimating that she is somewhere around one half done, maybe a little less. She just talked to me about the ending and how it will set up the Vulpirans book and I have to say that it's a real "grabber." When she told me I could almost hear a movie soundtrack orchestra go "dum dum ta dummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!"

"Moon Orb" Ranking Continues to Climb

We are pleased to announce that Quest for the Moon Orb, Volume I of "The Orbs of Rathira" trilogy, has climbed to a listing of #9 on the Amazon Hot New Releases, Kindle Store, Romance: Fantasy, Futuristic and Ghost. Again, thanks to our readers for the support which this ranking represents.

"Moon Orb" Now Available in Paperback!

Quest for the Moon Orb is now available as an Amazon/Createspace paperback for $13.50. If you are an Amazon Prime member, it is available with free shipping and low cost next day shipping. If you see the book on sale for more than $13.50, it is a second hand sale by a third party who is trying to bilk you. Buy directly from Amazon and get it at the correct price!

Amazon has not yet "linked" the paperback and the Kindle edition such that they come up together. This usually takes a few days.  Here is the link:

http://www.amazon.com/Quest-Moon-Orb-Rathira-Volume/dp/1479139319/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1345577136&sr=8-2&keywords=quest+for+the+moon+orb

There's No "Bearen" that Price!

Some third party seller has a paperback copy of "The Bearens' Hope" for sale on the Barnes and Noble web site for the stratospheric price of $34.58.  We want to assure our readers that we have nothing to do with this offering, nor can we imagine what is so special about this particular printing that makes it so valuable.  There is no "special autographed edition" floating around because we never issued one.  If you want a paperback copy of "The Bearens' Hope," we urge you to get it from Amazon.com for $14.95.  We never have and never will engage in the kind of highway robbery represented by the $34.58 price.  

A Look Ahead: What's Happnin' on Jasan and Rathira

Anyway, Laura Jo has spoken, so we can put to rest speculation about what is in the publication pipeline for the next several months. First, Berta's story. Berta has become a very popular character, people want to know what happened to her, and both Laura Jo and fans want to explore  her further. This will likely appear in Novella form (25,000 to 50,000 words, maybe). Naturally, it will be priced lower than the full-length novels.  A publication date is hard to predict, since Laura Jo publishes what she writes as soon as it is done rather than putting the manuscript on a shelf and holding it until some pre-determined date set by marketing considerations.  I would estimate, however, that this work will be available sometime before Halloween.  

After that, The Vulpirans' Honor, a full-length novel in the "Soul-Linked Saga." This book will continue the plot developments we last left at the end of The Gryphons' Dream, telling the story of another male set and their Arima, and continuing the story arcs involving the Jasani and their age-old adversaries, the Narrasti, as well as the developing conflict between the peoples of The Thousand Worlds and the Xanti and the fulfillment, or not, of the ancient prophesy of how that conflict is to be resolved.  Again, guessing wildly at the availability date, I wold expect this one to be out by Christmas.

Then, Laura Jo will turn her pen (or, more appropriately, her Toshiba laptop) to events on Planet Rathira with Quest for the Sun Orb the next installment in the "Orbs of Rathira" trilogy. We will follow the spunky Karma, the profoundly masculine Warrior Prince Zakiel, and the ever-so-snooty but stalwart companion Sphin, Nakura, as they search for the next of the Orbs necessary to avert the Eschaton--the destruction of Rathira.  And, once more, gazing into my murky crystal ball (not to be confused with an Orb of Power) I would look for this one in early Spring 2013.  

Please, please, please do not hold us to these dates.  I am just guessing here, based on my experience with Laura Jo's astonishingly prolific and rapid fiction production.  Already, six big novels in less than a year.  Wow!

So, that's what's coming up. We hope you enjoy.


And, again, we look forward to reading and responding to your comments here and on Laura Jo's facebook page:  http://www.facebook.com/laurajophillipsauthor.

"Quest" Continues to Climb Charts

Quest for the Moon Orb keeps zooming up the Amazon.com best seller charts.  Here is where we were as of a few minutes ago, cut and pasted right off the web site:

Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,292 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)
#58 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Fiction > Genre Fiction > Romance > Fantasy, Futuristic & Ghost

We are also # 38 in the "Hot New Releases in Fantasy and Futurist Romance" list on Amazon.

"Quest" Now Available for Nook

The new novel "Quest for the Moon Orb" is now available for the Barnes & Noble Nook reader. The error in the title of the book reported in this space earlier today is now corrected.

So, Nook fans, CHARGE!!

"Quest for the Moon Orb" Leaps out of the Blocks

Slightly over twelve hours after the release of Quest for the Moon Orb the book is already moving up the Amazon bestseller charts. Thanks for giving this newest Laura Jo Phillips book the best launch so far.

Here are the official standings as of a few moments ago, cut and pasted from the Amazon site:

Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,081 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)
#77 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Fiction > Genre Fiction > Romance > Fantasy, Futuristic & Ghost

Thanks, again, to all of Laura Jo's fans.  Now, tell your friends about this exciting new release!

"Moon Orb" Available NOW

Amazon is speedier than we expected.  The official word on the web site is basically that your e-Book will be available for download twelve hours after you upload it to the site.  Well, we have just found out that "Quest for the Moon Orb is available now, a scant three or four hours after upload.

Nook will be along before long.

Quest for the Moon Orb is Uploaded

Quest for the Moon Orb, the first novel of "The Orbs of Rathira" trilogy, is now uploaded to Amazon Kindle and Barnes & Noble Nook.  If those vendors function with their usual speed, the book should be available for purchase as an Kindle e-Book about ten hours from now and as a Nook e-Book about six hours after that.

The print on demand paperback will be available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and the other usual outlets within a few says.  We think that this book will appeal to all of Laura Jo's current fans as well as being attractive to a larger audience who may have been put off by the three-men-to-one-woman relationship structure that the Clan Jasani have in the other books.

So, the wait is over (almost).  Laura Jo's fans should be able to curl up with their e-readers over their morning coffee.

"Orbs" Preview: Right Here!

It turns out that the limited web page template we have been using on the www.laurajophillips.com web site won't allow us to post another preview.  ("We killed the bear," actually, it won't let Laura Jo post it, as I have yet to master the mysteries of managing her web site.  That's next on the agenda.)  So, given that we want to post a preview of the first book of the "Orbs of Rathira" series somewhere and we don't want to have to tear down the whole web site to do it, we are posting it right here.  So, here it is--a preview of the newest Laura Jo Phillips novel, to be published in the next several days.

Read on, and enjoy.

Harvey Phillips

Quest for the Moon Orb

The Orbs of Rathira, Book One

Prologue

Karma Baraka stepped out of the terra-pod just behind Aisling and paused to admire the beauty of the land around them.  It reminded her very much of home world, New Levant.  A world she had not stepped foot on since shortly before her sixteenth birthday.  She knew that for many people, the vast desert with its unbroken, rolling dunes would appear desolate and barren, but to her, it felt almost like home.

They’d been instructed to land in an area that was some distance from the main city of Ausar in this broad, desert kingdom known as Isiben, so that their flying machines did not frighten the people.  This was a world which had several levels of knowledge, and the common people were unaware of the Thousand Worlds, or even the concept of travel among the stars.

There were no paved roads here, nor any powered vehicles such as ground-cars or speeders.  In an effort to remain as inconspicuous as possible, Captain Singer of the Welfare ship had asked that they leave the ground-car in the hold of the terra-pod, and send the terra-pod back to their ship in orbit rather than have it remain in wait for their return as they normally would have done. 

As soon as Aisling’s Jasani mates, the three nearly identical Gryphon brothers, joined them, the terra-pod lifted off, roaring back into space on the pale, blue flames of its hydrogen thrusters.  Following Captain Singer’s directions, they walked across a mile of white sand to a wide green river that snaked through the desert landscape as far as they could see.  They were relieved to find Captain Singer, a tall, angular human woman of perhaps fifty years, waiting for them on the beach.  There was a man with her who was several inches shorter, and perhaps a few years older than she.  They both smiled as Karma and the Gryphons approached.

“Greetings, Captain Singer,” Olaf, the eldest of the triplets, said with a polite bow.  “I am Olaf Gryphon.  This is our Arima, Aisling Gryphon, her companion, Karma Baraka, and my brothers, Rudolf and Randolf.”

 “Greetings,” Captain Singer said, returning Olaf’s bow.  “It is a pleasure to meet all of you.  This is Torl, my Executive Officer and Customs Specialist,” she said, gesturing toward the man beside her who bowed politely.

“We thank you for agreeing to assist us in this matter, and for coming so far out of your way to meet us here,” Olaf said.

“It is my pleasure to do so,” Captain Singer replied.  “It is difficult enough for us to gain the trust of indigenous peoples of Class D worlds such as this one.  Without trust, we cannot help them.  When criminals such as this man you are looking for use these worlds for their own gain, and play on the naïveté of the local populations, it makes our work more difficult.

“By the way, we have detected the power signature of a yacht that has landed approximately two hundred miles south-east of here, across the open desert and just outside the border of this kingdom.”

“If at all possible we will capture this man and return him to the appropriate authorities,” Olaf promised.

“Very good,” Captain Singer said.  “Before we begin, I have brought a few extra linguistic interface modules with me.  King Rhobar and his family are aware of us, and the Thousand Worlds, and have even learned to speak Standard.  Aside from them, however, our true origins must be secret, and of course the common people of this world are unaware of Standard, and use their own languages”

“We thank you,” Olaf said with another short bow.  “Unfortunately, those devices do not work on Clan Jasani.”

“Well, I’d love one,” Karma said.  “How do they work?”

Captain Singer handed Karma a tiny device roughly the size of a raisin.  “Place it into your ear and it will filter language in such as a way that you will hear it in your own language, and speak as though you were using your own language.  After a time, the module teaches your brain the language so that you no longer need the device.  When its use is complete, it will dissolve.”

“How long does it take?” Karma asked as she placed the device in her ear.

“Each individual differs,” Captain Singer replied.  “In general, four to six weeks.”  Captain Singer offered another device to Aisling, who shook her head.

“No, but thank you,” she said politely.  “I have a...talent...for languages.”

Captain Singer nodded and returned the device to a pouch at her belt without comment.  “Let us get started,” she said. 

She turned around and stepped onto a short wooden dock where a single boat sat waiting.  The boat was quite large, ornate, and well-built, but very primitive to their eyes.  The deck was no more than a flat rectangular area with a dozen wide, intricately decorated sunshades propped up on long slender poles providing shade from the bright sun.  The deck was made from some type of wood that was either very golden in color, or had been stained to look gold.  There were thick cushions arranged beneath the sunshades, making it obvious that this was where they were supposed to sit.

Torl followed Captain Singer, and a moment later Rand followed.  After he boarded and looked around carefully to be certain that the dock and the boat were safe for Aisling and Karma, he signaled Olaf.

“Go ahead, Aisling, and Karma,” Olaf said, urging them forward.  Aisling boarded, Karma right behind her, then Olaf and, finally, Rudy. 

Aisling and Karma followed Captain Singer and Torl toward the front of the boat and selected cushions to sit on.  The Gryphons took up positions at the low railing, not exactly hovering, but close enough that Karma had to hide a smile at Aisling’s exasperation with her mates.  She wondered why the Gryphons acted as though they had to guard her all of the time.  Aisling was more than capable of defending herself with a variety of weapons.  Or no weapon at all.

Karma cleared her throat and looked up in time to see what appeared to be a gigantic house cat step onto the boat from the dock.  It was the size of a jaguar she’d once seen on Earth, perhaps two feet at the shoulder and well over one hundred and forty pounds, but otherwise looked exactly like an overgrown tabby.  She looked up and down the deserted beach, unable to discern where the cat had come from, guessing that it must have been beneath the dock.

She watched as the cat walked to a rear corner of the boat, sniffed a red cushion that was positioned there beneath a sunshade, then stepped onto it and sat down, wrapping it’s long tail neatly around it’s paws.  It had very short blue-grey fur with silver markings that glinted metallically in the sunlight, large blue eyes, and a slightly flattened face, much like a Persian cat a neighbor of hers had once owned. 

“Have any of you ever seen such a big cat?” Aisling asked in surprise.

The cat blinked and twitched one of it’s high pointed ears in annoyance.

“I am not a cat,” Karma heard, though not with her ears.

She turned to Aisling.  “Did you hear that?”

“Hear what?” Aisling asked.

“A snooty male voice saying that it’s not a cat,” Karma said as she looked back at the cat. 

“Nor am I snooty.  What is a cat?”

Karma blinked.  “He just asked me what a cat is.”

“Um, no, I didn’t,” Aisling replied, glancing from the cat to Karma and back again.  “I didn’t hear a thing.”

“I think that cat said it,” Karma said.  “In my head.”

“I am not a cat!”

“Fine, I got it, you are not a cat,” Karma replied.  “What are you?”

“I am a Sphin, of course.”

“What’s a Sphin?” Karma asked.

“I am a Sphin, as I just told you.  Don’t you listen?”

“Oooo-kaaay,” Karma replied slowly.  “Do you have a name?”

“Of course I have a name.  Don’t you have a name?”

“What is your name?” Karma asked, wondering if all Sphin were so snotty, or if she had just gotten lucky.

“My name is Nikura,” the Sphin replied.  “Now, if you don’t mind, I must focus on my task for a moment.”

“Nope, don’t mind in the least.”

The Sphin sniffed, then turned his head slightly toward the rear of the boat, it’s round blue eyes narrowing to slits.  A moment later the boat began to move away from the dock and out into the river. 

“Captain Singer, do you know how this boat’s being powered?” Aisling asked.

“There are domesticated animals called revedus beneath the boat,” Captain Singer said.  “They paddle along, pulling the boat as they go.”

“Who controls the animals?” Karma asked, already suspecting the answer.

“I don’t know,” Captain Singer replied.  “Our policy is to never ask specific questions that are not related to our main directive, which is the welfare of the populations on the planets we visit.  It just so happens that someone told me about the revedus on our last visit, which is why I know about them, but I don’t know any more than that.”

The giant cat blinked, his ears perked up straight again and he turned his face back toward Karma.

“What is your name?”

“Karma,” she replied.  “I wonder why it is that I can hear you when my companions obviously cannot?”

The Sphin tilted his head slightly and stared at Karma unblinkingly for a long moment.  “I would say that you are Techu, but you do not carry a Ti-Ank.  Therefore, I have no idea why you can hear me.”

Karma shook her head and sighed.  “I have no idea what he’s talking about.”

“What did he say?” Aisling asked.

 “Something about me not being a...tenshoe?...because I don’t have a...well, I’m not sure what it is I don’t have,” Karma replied. 

“Not tenshoe, Techu,” Nikura said irritably.  “A Techu is a speaker for the dead.”

Karma gasped in surprise.  She glanced at Captain Singer, but decided she didn’t really care all that much what she thought.

“He says that a Techu is a speaker for the dead,” she said to Aisling, trying to sound casual.  “He also said that I’m not one because I don’t carry something called a...a...tee something.”

“A Ti-Ank.  Do all of your people have such poor memories?”

“A Ti-Ank,” Karma repeated, ignoring the cat’s question.

Aisling’s eyes widened in surprise, but she didn’t say anything.  She glanced quickly at the jacket pocket where Karma kept the ankh, then met Karma’s gaze.  Karma gave her a tiny nod.

Neither of them knew what a Ti-Ank was, but they had an idea.  Until they knew whether or not being a speaker for the dead was considered a good thing, they would keep silent about it.

“Captain Singer, are you familiar with this animal?” Karma asked.

“Yes,” Captain Singer replied.  “I have seen him in the palace a few times, usually with King Rhobar or his son, Prince Zakiel.  I believe he is their pet.”

Karma jumped slightly as Nikura began speaking angrily and emphatically.  He was glaring at the Captain, his ears laid flat against his head, his long tail swishing angrily across the golden deck.

“All right, you don’t have to yell,” Karma said, as she turned toward Captain Singer.  “He wants me to tell you that he is not a pet.”  

Captain Singer turned to the Sphin and bowed her head.  “My apologies,” she said calmly. 

The Sphin’s ears popped back up and he nodded regally before turning to stare out over the river, apparently done with the humans.

“Did he tell you his name?” Aisling asked Karma softly.  “I heard you ask him.”

“He says his name is Nikura,” Karma replied, wondering why she was able to hear the Sphin speak, and whether it had anything to do with her need to come to Rathira.  And it had been a need.  From the moment Aisling had told her they were traveling to Rathira to track down a criminal who happened to be Aisling’s uncle, she had known that she had to either accompany them, or find another way to reach the unknown, never before heard of, planet on her own.   

“Olaf, are you able to converse with animals?” Aisling asked.

“No, though I believe that the Lobos have that talent to a small degree,” he said.  “Princess Lariah has a very strong ability to communicate with animals.”

“I’ve never been able to do it before,” Karma said.  “The only psychic ability I had for most of my life was for putting some people to sleep.  Now I seem to have more abilities than I know what to do with.”

Karma turned toward the Sphin, whose ears were cocked at an angle, though it did not turn its head toward her.  After a moment, she sighed and rolled her eyes.

“I’m supposed to make it clear that my ability to talk to him in no way indicates that I am able to speak with animals, as he is not an animal,” Karma said with an air of sarcasm that, apparently, only the Sphin didn’t catch.  She turned to Aisling.  “He is not a cat, or a pet, or an animal.  Nor is he polite.”

Olaf, Rand and Rudy chuckled softly, but the Sphin did not deign to look at them.  He continued staring out over the water, as motionless as a statue.

Relieved that the cat...er...Sphin had fallen silent, Karma wondered again why she was here, on Rathira.  After a few moments, she lifted one shoulder in her characteristic half shrug, and decided to stop worrying about it.  The answer would either come, or not.  She decided to follow Aisling’s example and enjoy the view.

The river was very wide, the water so calm that the surface shone like a mirror, reflecting the pale blue skies above.  Now and then small fish would leap into the air, breaking the surface with flashes of bright silver, green and red, but other than that there was no movement. 

When they’d boarded the boat there was nothing but white sand as far as the eye could see on either side of the river.  As they traveled further north, they began to see greenery along the banks, just a little at first, then more and more the further they went.  As the foliage increased, so did the wildlife.  There were more fish leaping into the air, and flocks of birds trying to catch them.  The number and variety of birds increased by the mile, as did the size and color variations of the fish. 

“Captain Singer, what is the name of this river?” Aisling asked.  “Do you know?”

“It is called Ank-Teru,” Captain Singer replied.  “The River of Life.”

Aisling smiled as she watched a flock of tiny pink and white birds fly overhead.  “That’s a good name.”

Karma silently agreed.  A river such as this through so much barren desert certainly made the difference between prosperity and starvation, if not life and death for the people who lived here.  Of course, she thought wryly, if there were no river, then there probably wouldn’t be any people here to begin with.

A few miles further up the river they began to see small farms along both banks, usually with one or two people working the fields.  A bit further along, the farms got bigger, and there were more people working them.  They also began to see herds of livestock drinking along the banks of the river, tended by children.  There were other boats on the river now, small fishing boats mostly, but occasionally they saw bigger ones, much like their own, though not quite so large.  Those seemed to be pleasure boats, from the sounds of music and laughter that drifted across the water.

Karma got up and wandered toward the front of the boat where she leaned against the railing.  A short distance ahead of them the width of the river doubled, then tripled before splitting around a large island.  It was set exactly in the center of the river, an oasis of lush, green foliage with buildings peeking out from among the trees and bushes. 

“Look at that, Aisling,” Karma said, pointing toward the island.  Aisling joined her at the railing and smiled.

As they drew closer to the island they noticed that all of the boats on the river kept a good distance away from it as they traveled along the two forks of the river around it. 

“That island is called Ka-Teru, the Soul of the River,” Captain Singer said, joining them at the railing.  “That’s where the royal city is located.”

“Is that where we’re going?” Aisling asked.

“Yes,” Captain Singer replied.  “If we were not on a royal barge, marked with a golden deck, we would never be allowed within fifty yards of the island. 

“What would happen if one of those boats got too close?” Karma asked.

“I do not know,” Captain Singer replied.  “Nor do I want to.”

“That sounds ominous,” Aisling said.  “Are these violent people?”

“No more violent than most,” Captain Singer replied.  “The people of Isiben use a system of knowledge levels.  Those who live on the island are of the first level, and they are very careful about who they allow to visit.  The punishment for anyone stepping foot on the island, or even attempting to approach it without permission is, I am told, quite severe.”

“Is there a city for those who do not live on the island?” Aisling asked.

“Yes,” Captain Singer replied.  “The city of Ausar is situated on the east bank of the river after the forks merge about two miles north of the island.” 

As they neared the island the boat veered slightly, then slipped into a canal that was largely hidden behind a u-shaped rock outcropping.  As the boat passed into the canal, they saw a tall stele set into the rock at the edge of the water that had writing carved into it.  Karma stared at it, but it was gibberish to her.

“I can’t figure out what that says,” Aisling said, surprising Karma.  Aisling had a knack for languages that rarely failed her.

“The writing is Rathirian script,” Captain Singer said.  “They write from right to left, but I cannot tell you what it says.”

Aisling frowned as she studied the stele again. 

“It still doesn’t work,” she said. 

“Try reversing the letters in the words themselves,” Torl suggested. 

Aisling frowned at Torl.  “Why would someone go to such lengths to make a sign post so difficult to read?”

“It’s a common practice on worlds that have different levels of knowledge for different classes of people,” Torl explained.  “They tend to take great pains to hide the highest level of writing and knowledge from the masses.  It increases their mystery.”

Aisling looked back at the stele.  After a few moments, she began to read aloud: 

“Ka-Teru, Sacred City of King Rhobars, founded by King Arth-Mar, the Builder, in the ninth year of the Third Dynasty, in whose honor this marker was erected.  This city is protected by the Gods of Ank-Teru, whose wrath shall be avenged by the glorious Knights of Rathira.”

Karma gasped as they passed the stele and rounded a bend.  The canal opened into a broad marina that was thick with boats, most of them tied to short docks like the one they’d use to board earlier, a few of them drifting casually along the line of docks.  The boats were in a rainbow of colors, some with stripes, some solid, but all of them had stylized figures of some sort depicted along their bows.  Even as colorful and interesting as the boats were, they paled in comparison to the sight of the buildings along the banks.

From what Karma could see through the heavy foliage, the buildings appeared to be either square or rectangular, with flat roofs and tall columns holding up deep overhangs that shaded the doors and windows.  The buildings seemed huge, even from a distance, much taller than anything she’d seen outside of a modern city.

About half way into the marina the boat turned toward a dock that was much larger than the rest.  There were several boats tied to it, with one empty spot near the end.  As their boat floated gently toward the empty slip, a procession of people 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 Rudy transformed and joined Olaf and Aisling as they circled low over the harbor.  

Karma watched King Rhobar as he watched the gryphons circle overhead, then speed off to the north.  When they were out of sight there was a collective sigh from the men on the dock.  King Rhobar looked over at Captain Singer, who offered him a reassuring smile.

“Do not worry, Highness, the Gryphons are honorable warriors.  They will find and return your daughter.”

“I thank you, Captain Singer,” King Rhobar said as he eyed the remaining people on the boat.  “Are you also able to transform yourselves into beasts such as those?”

“No, we are not,” Captain Singer replied.  “We three are human.  The Gryphons are Clan Jasani, all of whom are shifters.”

If Karma hadn’t been watching for it, she would have missed the tiny sigh of relief from King Rhobar.  She didn’t really blame him.  It wasn’t every day you saw four perfectly human looking people turn into impossibly huge half lion, half eagle beasts and fly away before your eyes.

“Come,” King Rhobar said after one last glance into the northern sky, “let us return to the palace and await the Gryphons’ return with Princess Kapia.”

Karma watched as two tall men with deeply tanned skin, wearing nothing more than a thin white cloth wrapped around their waists, quickly tied the boat to the dock.  As soon as they were finished, the Sphin leapt easily off the boat, followed by Captain Singer.  Karma went next, then Torl. 

As soon as they were all on the dock, King Rhobar gestured to the dozen or so guards standing politely behind him.  They immediately surrounded the small party. 

“As your friends seek to rescue my daughter, so shall I see to your safety and care,” King Rhobar said.  Then he turned around and led them off the dock, up a wide stone ramp and onto a street paved with large blocks of stone cut so precisely that there was no gap between them.  There were wood and stone buildings lining both sides of the street, most of them shops from what Karma could tell as they hurried by.  She thought it might be interesting to explore the city, but now was obviously not the time for it.  There were quite a few people out and about, but the overall feeling was subdued and quiet.

They were walking so quickly, and she was surrounded by so many of King Rhobar’s guards, that she couldn’t really see much more of the city than those first vague impressions.  Until they rounded a corner and she looked up to see what had to be the royal palace.  The building was immense, with massive pillars of stone along its front.  The walk leading toward the main entrance was at least thirty feet wide, and paved with polished red stone.  On either side of the walk way, spaced about fifteen feet apart, were dozens of statues leading from the main road all the way to the palace.  Each one was at least 25 feet tall and depicted a different being or creature.  Some appeared human, some partly human, and some so alien that Karma couldn’t begin to guess what they were.

“This place reminds me so much of Ancient Egypt it’s uncanny,” Karma said to Captain Singer. 

“Yes, that was my thought the first time I came here as well,” Captain Singer replied.

“What is Ancient Egypt?” King Rhobar asked, surprising Karma.  She didn’t think he would be listening to anything she had to say, though he was only a couple of paces ahead of them.

“It was a civilization on Earth in ancient times,” Karma replied.  “The country was much like this, desert with a river running through it.  They made extensive use of stone to build their cities, much like you do.  The pyramids they built from huge blocks of stone still stand today, as do giant statues, tombs, and buildings.  On Earth they are still regarded as wonders of the world.”

“Interesting,” King Rhobar said as they reached the end of the long walkway and began climbing a broad set of stone steps leading up to a long narrow plaza.  By the time they finally reached the entrance to the palace, Karma was ready to sit down and take a rest.

King Rhobar led them through a wide, arched doorway and into the palace itself.  It took a few moments for Karma’s eyes to adjust after the bright sunlight but when she was able to see clearly, she gasped softly at her surroundings.  The hall King Rhobar was leading them down was very wide and very high, but it was the walls that caused her to gasp.  They were made of stone, and intricately carved with beautiful scenes from floor to ceiling.  There were people, animals, birds, trees, plants, and fish.  Too much to fully grasp as they hurried along.  She promised herself that, if she were given the opportunity, she would come back here and spend time studying it. 

“The carvings in the Hall of People are not bad,” Nikura said.  “Those in King Rhobar’s Audience Chamber are much nicer.”

Karma glanced down at the Sphin who was walking beside her.  “Let me guess, Nikura,” she said, “there are Sphin on the walls there, right?”

“Of course,” Nikura replied.

Karma’s laugh died in her throat as King Rhobar stopped and spun around, an expression of shock on his face as he stared at Karma, then the Sphin, then back to Karma.  He opened his mouth to say something, looked at the crowd of people surrounding them and changed his mind.  Without a word he turned back and continued to lead them down the hall, picking up the pace a bit. 

A few minutes later Karma, Captain Singer and Torl stood uncertainly in the middle of a large room with a throne at one end and not much else.  King Rhobar had closed the doors firmly on the guards, leaving everyone else in the hall, except Nikura who sat beside Karma.  Then he began to pace back and forth before the throne, his forehead wrinkled in thought.  Karma glanced down at the Sphin, it’s head nearly at her waist, wondering why it seemed to be sticking close to her.

“I’m sticking close to you because I find the fact that you can understand me interesting,” Nikura said, answering her silent question.

“How did you know that’s what I was thinking?” she asked.  “Can you read my mind?” 

Nikura looked up at her, one ear cocked back in expression of disdain.  “Of course I can’t read your mind,” he said.  “Even if I could, why would I?”

“Then how did you know what I was thinking?”

“I did not know what you were thinking,” Nikura replied.  “You asked me a question, I answered it.”    

Karma thought about that as she watched the Sphin yawn widely, displaying an impressive number of sharp, white teeth.  When she looked up she realized that King Rhobar, Captain Singer, and Torl were all staring at her.  She was suddenly very glad that she wasn’t prone to blushing.

“Excuse me,” she said.  “That was probably rude.”

King Rhobar studied her for a long moment.  “May I ask your name, please?”

“I am Karma Baraka.”

“May I ask, is talking to animals a usual talent of yours?”

“No, it’s not,” Karma replied.  “This is definitely a first for me.”

The Sphin’s ears flattened against his head and he growled softly.  “I am not an animal.”

Karma rolled her eyes at him.  “Shush,” she said.

“What did he say?” King Rhobar asked.

“Please remember, this comes from him, not me,” Karma cautioned.  King Rhobar nodded.

“He insists, emphatically, that he is not an animal.”

King Rhobar’s eyebrows shot up in surprise.  “If he is not an animal, then what is he?”

“I am a Sphin,” Nikura said.  “Are all humans so dense?  I confess, I have known King Rhobar his entire life, and I have always thought him to be adequately intelligent for a human.”

Karma cleared her throat in an effort to hide her desire to laugh.  “He says that he is a Sphin.”

“Why is a Sphin not an animal?” King Rhobar asked.

“Because animals cannot talk to humans,” Nikura said in his snootiest tone yet.

Karma wasn’t so sure about that.  Princess Lariah was able to communicate with animals, but she didn’t think now was the time to bring that up.  Instead, she told King Rhobar what Nikura had said, leaving out the Sphin’s tone.

“We have a legend that speaks of a woman who can speak with the Sphin,” King Rhobar said.  “It is said that she had other gifts, special gifts, that were unique to her alone.” 

“What gifts?” Karma asked, sensing that King Rhobar was waiting for the question.

“They varied,” King Rhobar replied vaguely.  “Do you have other unusual abilities?”

Karma nearly laughed.  He refused to be forthcoming with her, but expected her to tell him her own secrets?  Not hardly.

“Good decision,” Nikura said.

Karma frowned down at the Sphin but decided not to engage in further conversation with him at the moment.  She’d had enough of the spotlight.  She glanced back up at King Rhobar, the expression on his face reminding her that he had asked her a question. 

“That may depend on what one considers unusual,” she hedged.  “Do you mind if I ask you a question?”

“No, I do not mind,” King Rhobar replied, smiling reluctantly.  There was something about this young woman that he liked, in spite of the glimpse of prickles and spines he’d just gotten.  Or because of it.

“What exactly is a Techu?”

“Where did you hear that word?” King Rhobar asked.

“Nikura,” Karma replied.  “I asked him why I could hear him when no one else could, and he told me that if I were a Techu and had a...something...it would make sense, but as I didn’t, he didn’t know.”

King Rhobar studied her for so long that she began to get uneasy.  “A Techu is one who speaks for the dead,” he said finally.  “We have not been graced with such for many generations.  Too long, in truth.  A Ti-Ank is the mark of a Techu.  Literally, it means staff of life.”

Karma’s heart skipped one beat, then another as her breath froze.  She had almost expected that he would say something like that, but hearing the words was far more frightening than thinking them.  Karma knew that King Rhobar was going to get suspicious if she didn’t say something soon, but she couldn’t force herself to breathe, let alone speak.

Suddenly the door burst open, startling Karma into breathing at last.  She stared as a tall, dark haired man with pale blue eyes marched into the room.  He wore a red pleated kilt low on his hips, leather sandals and an open leather vest.  The pleats of the kilt were split from the middle of his thighs to his knees, the bottom edges of each pleat trimmed in gold so that they swung with each step he took.  His sandals were dark leather with thick soles, and long ties that wrapped around his calves.  The vest was dark like the sandals, and decorated with myriad symbols.  The man also wore wide bands of gold around his wrists, and a golden torc around his neck.

Karma had seen naked men before.  Not many, but enough that she knew what they looked like.  Aside from a normal curiosity about the opposite sex when she’d been a teenager, she’d never felt much one way or the other about men’s bodies.  Some were nicer to look at than others, but she’d never had a physical reaction to seeing a man before.  

Until now.  As she watched the man enter the room, the long, hard muscles of his legs flowing beneath the smooth, golden brown skin, she felt something in her belly tighten.  Her mouth went dry as she gazed at the broad shoulders, the arms bulging with muscle, the flash of flat brown nipples displayed when the vest shifted as he walked.  She raised her eyes to his face and very nearly gasped aloud.  Never in her life had she thought of a male as beautiful before.  Until now.  There was simply no other word to describe this man.  In her eyes, beautiful was the only word that came close.

He had a strong, masculine face with a wide, sensuous mouth, sculpted cheekbones and a bold, straight nose.  Karma’s eyes lingered on his mouth for a long moment, but it was the eyes that really captured her attention.  His golden tan skin and thick black lashes intensified their pale blue color so that they nearly glowed, capturing Karma’s gaze as though hypnotizing her.  It wasn’t until the man lowered himself to one knee before King Rhobar and bowed his head that she realized she’d been staring.

She jerked her eyes from the man and focused hard on King Rhobar instead, mortified by her reaction.  Fortunately, the man was far too intent on his own business to have noticed Karma at all.

“Rise, my son,” King Rhobar said as he moved toward the young man.  The man rose to his feet in a graceful and practiced motion and stepped forward to clasp arms with King Rhobar

“Father, I returned as quickly as I could,” the man said.  “What news of my sister?”

“None as yet,” King Rhobar replied.  “Bredon leads two Hunter groups in pursuit.”

“The runner told me that the evil ones used out-world machines that travel at impossible speeds,” the man said with barely controlled anger.  “Bredon has no chance of catching them.”

“No, he does not,” King Rhobar admitted.  “However, Captain Singer brought shifter men who can fly like birds.  They also hunt.”

The man’s jaw clenched tightly as he seemed to struggle with himself.  After a moment he turned to face Captain Singer and bowed shortly.  “Your assistance is appreciated,” he said tightly. 

Captain Singer bowed her head.  “I have done nothing, Prince Zakiel,” she said.  “However, if any can find and return Princess Kapia, the Gryphons can, and will.”

Karma sensed that the Prince was not altogether pleased, and it wasn’t only because his sister had been kidnapped.  He didn’t seem to like either Captain Singer, or the idea that her help had been needed.

“I will take my Hunters and follow Bredon,” Prince Zakiel said, turning back to King Rhobar.

King Rhobar stared at his son for a long moment before replying.  “As you wish,” he said finally.  “Before you go, I would speak with you alone.”

Prince Zakiel hesitated so briefly that Karma nearly missed it.  Then he raised his left fist to his forehead and bowed.  “As my King commands,” he said.

“Captain Singer, if you would be so kind as to open the door, Talet will be pleased to show you to the dining hall,” King Rhobar said without taking his eyes off of his son.   

“Of course, Highness,” Captain Singer said.  She bowed briefly, then gestured silently to Karma before leading the way to the door.  The Sphin stood up and stretched slowly, then glanced at Karma over one shoulder before turning around to follow her out of King Rhobar’s Audience Chamber. 

Chapter 1

Karma sat at a low table in the palace dining room, ignoring the plate of food in front of her for the more interesting view of the room around her.  She felt as though she’d stepped into the pages of a history book, albeit one that was slightly confused as to what culture it depicted.  For the most part, the room reminded her of Ancient Egypt, especially the brightly painted murals on the walls, though there were oddities. 

There were only a few other people in the informal dining area, mostly guards, attendants, clerks and other palace workers, which suited her fine.  She’d slept poorly the night before, and had awakened just at dawn.  She’d been surprised to see Nikura curled up on a large cushion in the guest room she’d been given to share with Captain Singer.  After dressing quickly and splashing some water on her face from a pitcher and bowl left for that purpose, Karma had quietly left the room, careful not to disturb Captain Singer. 

Nikura had followed her, but she hadn’t minded.  Especially after she realized that he knew his way around the palace quite well.  Her sense of direction was notoriously bad, so having a guide, even if it was an oversized cat with an oversized attitude, was very helpful.

After wandering up and down many long corridors with what seemed like miles of paintings, carvings and murals, Karma asked Nikura to take her somewhere that she could eat.  Once she got some food and found a place to sit, her mind returned to the problem it had been worrying at all night.  Why was she here?

After the Gryphons had returned to the palace with the rescued Princess the previous afternoon, there had been an impromptu celebration.  Karma had met the Princess briefly before the girl had begged to be excused.  She looked dusty, battered, and very tired, which was certainly understandable.  No one minded when she slipped away a few minutes after the party began.

King Rhobar had invited the Gryphons to remain on Rathira as his guests for as long as they wished, in return for rescuing his daughter.  But the Gryphons had politely declined, agreeing to stay only the night. 

So, with only one night to figure out why she’d been drawn to Rathira, Karma had nearly panicked.  How could she leave without knowing why she was there?  It wasn’t like any other world where she could stay for awhile, then catch the next transport off-world whenever she was ready to leave.  There were no transports on Rathira.  Only a tiny handful of people on this world were even aware of the concept of travel among the stars, let alone the interstellar alliance known as the Thousand Worlds.  Rathira did not have technology.  No vox, no vid terminals, no ground-cars, transports, or food regenerators.  There were no tele-fabricators, healing tanks, bone annealers, or age controls.  If she didn’t leave with the Gryphons, she’d be stuck here for months, perhaps years.  She had to figure out why she was here, and she had to do it fast.  Time was running out.

“Your pardon, milady,” a young voice said from behind her.  She turned to see a boy wearing gray palace livery bowing to her.

“Yes?” she asked.

“King Rhobar requests your presence in his private sitting room, if you please,” he said nervously, his large dark eyes darting back and forth between her and the Sphin who sat beside her.

“All right, thank you,” Karma replied.  She took a last sip of her drink, put her napkin on the table and stood up.

“Shall I show you the way?” the boy asked.

“Nikura?” she asked the giant cat.

“It is not necessary,” he replied.

“Thank you, we can find our own way,” Karma said to the boy.  The boy bowed again, unable to hide his immense relief as he glanced at Nikura once again before hurrying away.

“Why is that boy afraid of you?” she asked Nikura.

“As I am unable to converse with him, I cannot tell you,” Nikura replied.

Karma frowned at him, his wide innocent eyes convincing her of his guilt, but of what she didn’t know.  She reminded herself that she was not responsible for the Sphin, or his behavior, just because he followed her around . 

“Let’s not keep King Rhobar waiting,” she said.  She followed Nikura as he led the way through the palace to King Rhobar’s personal quarters.  He paused at the door and glanced over his shoulder at her.

“Since you are the only one of the two of us to possess opposable thumbs, I believe you should be the one to open the door,” Nikura said.

“Shouldn’t we knock first?” Karma asked nervously.

Nikura’s tail twitched irritably as he stared at her in silence.

“Fine.”  Karma reached for the door latch, hesitated a moment, and slid it back.  As soon as the latch was released Nikura pushed against the door with his shoulder and entered the room. 

“Rude cat,” Karma muttered, following him into the room and closing the door behind her.

“I am not a cat,” Nikura said.  “Whatever a cat may be.  I keep telling you that, but it doesn’t seem to stick.  Are you deliberately ignoring me?” 

“No,” Karma replied in a hushed voice, glancing around the large, rectangular room.  At first she thought they were alone, and wondered if Nikura had led her to the wrong place.  Then she saw King Rhobar at the far end of the room, standing before a tall, narrow tapestry. 

Karma was at a loss.  She didn’t know whether to wait patiently for him to notice their arrival on his own, or if she should make some further noise beyond what they’d already made upon entering. 

“I thank you for consenting to meet with me, Hara Baraka,” King Rhobar said, turning away from the tapestry. 

“Hara?” Karma asked, reaching up to tap lightly on the language transmitter in her ear, wondering if it had malfunctioned.

“Hara is a term of respect,” King Rhobar explained, “much like Miss in your own language.”

“Oh, thank you,” Karma replied.

King Rhobar looked at her for a long moment, his expression unreadable, then slid his gaze to the Sphin at her side. 

“Nikura seems to have taken a liking to you,” he said, walking towards her, his footsteps echoing against the stone floor.

“Liking?” Nikura said, one ear cocking backward. 

“I don’t think he likes me much at all, to be honest,” Karma said.  “I don’t know why he keeps following me around.  He says it’s because I’m able to understand him.”

“You don’t believe that?” King Rhobar asked.

Karma raised one shoulder in a half shrug.  “I think there is some truth to what he says, or he couldn’t say it.  But I don’t think it’s the only reason, or even the biggest one.”

King Rhobar stared at Nikura for a moment.  “Do you mean to say that he cannot lie to you?”

Karma frowned, suddenly realizing what she’d said.  “How about it Nikura?  Is it possible for you to tell me a lie?”

Nikura sat down, lifted one forepaw to his mouth and began licking it as though he hadn’t heard her.

“Nikura, answer me, please,” she said.

“No, I cannot tell you a direct lie,” he admitted with studied nonchalance.  Karma knew without asking how difficult that admission had been for him.

“He says that he can’t tell me a direct lie,” Karma said.  “I have no doubt that he can make the truth do a fine dance, however.”

 “I have no doubt either,” King Rhobar said with a wry smile.  “Come, let us sit and be comfortable.”

Karma followed King Rhobar to a cozy sitting area with several deep, cushioned chairs, two sofas and small tables scattered about.  King Rhobar waved her toward a chair and she sat, not altogether surprised when Nikura sat down beside her.

“Hara Baraka,” King Rhobar began after taking the chair across from her.  “I must begin by telling you that my purpose in requesting this meeting with you is to ask you to stay here, on Rathira, after your friends depart.”

Karma took a few moments to decide how to respond to such a shocking statement.  She’d spent hours trying to understand why she’d felt compelled to come to Rathira, but it had not occurred to her that she was supposed to remain here.  She thought she was supposed to do something, and then go on her merry way. 

Suddenly, she remembered the words of the Spirit Guide, Riata, when she had been given the strange winged ankh.

“It is known that your friends are very important to you, Karma,” Riata said, her voice sweet and gentle.  “However, your destiny lies apart from Jasan, and the women who have come to mean so much to you.”

Karma stared down at the ankh in her hand, torn between relief that her feelings were not so wrong, and regret at the thought of losing the only true friends she’d made in years.  “I suspected as much,” she said. 

“Of course you did,” Riata agreed.  “It is most important that you keep this object with you at all times, Karma.  Without it, events may not unfold as they are meant to.”

Karma sighed at the memory, then cocked her head slightly to the side as she studied King Rhobar.  He looked tired.  Tired and worried.  She didn’t think it was because of Princess Kapia’s kidnapping either.  There were deep lines of tension and worry carved into his face; around his eyes, his mouth, his forehead.  Lines that had not sprung up in only one day.

“Please, go on,” Karma said softly. 

King Rhobar returned her steady gaze with one of his own.  “I do not know what the life span is of the people you come from, Hara Baraka, but here, on Rathira, my people live perhaps as long as 80 if they are healthy and well cared for.”

“In the age we now live in, with the science and medicine available to us, we live much longer than we otherwise would,” Karma replied.  “However, without those benefits, my people share the same life span you describe.”

“There are some races on this world who live longer, but humans do not.  As you are familiar with such a life span, perhaps you can appreciate, or at least imagine, how long a span of a thousand years can be to us.”

“Yes, I can easily imagine the gulf of such a span of years, Highness.”

King Rhobar nodded solemnly.  “It is rare enough for a child to know two generations of his, or her, ancestors.  Even rarer to know those generations when he or she becomes an adult.  To hear a story that goes back thirteen generations or more is counted as no more than a fable.  It is impossible to know how much, if any, of the story’s elements are true.”

Karma remained politely attentive, having no idea in the world what the man was talking about, but certain that he would soon explain himself. 

“A thousand years is too long,” he said, shaking his head wearily.  “Too much time has passed and, with it, the truth of our world has been forgotten.”

“What truth?”

“The truth that we are doomed,” King Rhobar replied.  “lf we do not act soon, our world, and all of the peoples who live here, everything, will come to an end.”

“Doomed how?” Karma asked.  “By what?”

“As I told you when we first met, there is a legend that speaks of a woman who can converse with the Sphin.  It is the first of three signs, and the most important.  Without this woman, the demons of the otherworld, Skiatos, will overrun Rathira, devouring everything and everyone.  We will cease to exist, and evil will own our world.”

“Oooo-kay,” Karma said slowly.  “And what has speaking to a ca....er...a Sphin, have to do with demons?”

“I do not know,” King Rhobar said with obvious frustration.  “Too many years have passed, too much has been forgotten and lost to the ages.  I have bits and pieces only, most of which are meaningless to me.  I know only that our time is short, and that your appearance, here and now, is not a coincidence.  It cannot be.”

Karma frowned as she struggled to understand what King Rhobar was talking about.  “You said there were three signs,” she said after a moment.  “What are the other two?”

“The second sign is the ability to speak for the dead,” King Rhobar replied, watching her carefully.

Karma’s heart skipped a beat but she showed no outward sign of her feelings.

“The third sign,” King Rhobar continued, “is the ability to draw on the power of the Ti-Ank.” 

“Ti-Ank?” Karma asked, remembering that Nikura had used that word before.  “What is a Ti-Ank?”  She had her suspicions, but wanted to hear what King Rhobar had to say about it.

“Ti-Ank means roughly staff of life,” King Rhobar said, repeating what Nikura had told her the day before. “It is a device which, when wielded by the Techu, magnifies her powers.”

“What does it look like?” Karma asked, her heart  pounding so hard now that she feared it could be seen beneath her jacket.

“The tapestry that I was looking at when you came in depicts the Ti-Ank,” King Rhobar said gesturing toward the far end of the room.”  He sighed heavily and leaned back in his chair.  “The Ti-Ank has not been seen for many hundreds of years, though.  Without it, nothing else matters anyway.”

Karma rose and walked down the length of the wall until she came to the tapestry that King Rhobar spoke of.  She gasped softly as she gazed up at a woman who stood holding a staff with a dark blue, winged ankh headpiece.  The headpiece was familiar, exactly as she had suspected.  Behind the woman was a gigantic bird, so big that it filled the tapestry.  It was bright red with blue markings on it’s face, neck, chest and wings.  It’s golden beak was short and sharply curved, and there seemed to be a light of intelligence in it’s pale blue eyes.  What really shocked her was how much the woman in the tapestry looked like her own mother with the same golden brown skin, large green eyes and long, rippling dark hair.  The biggest difference was that her mother had been delicate and gentle, whereas the woman in the tapestry looked strong and bold, like a warrior. 

Karma studied the tapestry wistfully.  What would it be like to have that much self-confidence, that much inner strength, she wondered.  She knew she gave the appearance of boldness, but in reality it was a shield erected to keep people at a distance.  Several months earlier, for the first time since leaving her home world and settling on Earth as a teen, she had lowered her shield and allowed herself to make a few friends. 

A wave of cold inevitability moved slowly through her as she gazed at the tapestry, and she knew that she must stay here, on Rathira, and leave those friends behind.  Just as Riata had foretold.

“You know what to do,” a soft, tinkling voice said.  Karma nodded slightly as she glanced at the familiar, ghostly figure of Riata hovering beside her.  She took a deep breath, then returned to King Rhobar and took her seat.  She reached into her jacket pockets and withdrew two items.  The first was a short, black rod, which slipped easily from the pocket; the other object was larger and oddly shaped, so it took a moment for her to work it free. 

She held her hands out toward King Rhobar, the winged ankh in one hand, the rod in the other.  The ankh, a large cross with a loop at the top and wings behind the cross bar, was carved from what appeared to be one solid piece of dark blue stone.  It was set into a pale yellow metal that was too light to be gold, too yellow to be silver.  It was larger than Karma’s hand by only a small measure, but quite sturdy and heavy.  At the bottom of the ankh was a short tube.

King Rhobar stared at the object for a long moment, his eyes wide.  “Yes, that is it,” he said.  “I do not know what the rod is, but that is the headpiece of the Ti-Ank depicted in the tapestries.”  He looked up at Karma’s face and saw her uncertainty.  “How did you come to have this?”

“It was given to me by a friend,” Karma said.  “She has many objects that she safeguards until the time they are meant to be given to their true owners.”

King Rhobar didn’t really understand, but quickly decided that it didn’t matter.  There were stories that the Ti-Ank had been destroyed, stolen, or hidden away.  No one knew what the truth was other than the fact that it was gone.  Now, it was back on Rathira where it belonged and in the possession of the only woman in living memory who could speak with the Sphin.  Further proof that his suspicions about her were correct.

He watched as Karma squeezed the rod in the center, causing it to expand into a five foot long staff, startling him.  She then slipped the tube at the bottom of the ankh over the end of the staff.  There was a metallic click as the tube fastened firmly to the staff.

“You are Techu,” he whispered in awe.  He had suspected, of course.  That’s why she was here in his private sitting room.  But up until this moment he had been afraid to really believe.

“That’s not for me to say, King Rhobar.  But I might as well tell you that I do have the ability to speak to the dead.”

King Rhobar was not surprised by her admission.  It only served to strengthen his conviction that she was the Techu they had waited for.  “Will you stay here, and help us save our world?”

Karma knew what her answer had to be, what it was supposed to be, but she was not one to leap into the unknown without looking first.  “What is it you want me to do?”

King Rhobar shook his head.  “I wish I could tell you, Lady Techu, but as I said, too much has been lost.  I knew that I must find the Techu, she who fulfilled the three signs.  That is you, I am now certain.  Beyond this, you must guide us.”

Karma shifted her gaze to Riata who had appeared once more beside her.

“Is this why I’m here, Riata?” she asked softly, surprising King Rhobar greatly since she appeared to be talking to thin air.  Being told that she could speak for the dead, and watching it happen were two vastly different things.

“Yes, Karma, this is why you are here,” Riata replied.  “This is where you are meant to be, at this time, for this reason.”

“What else can you tell me?” Karma asked.

“Not very much,” Riata said.  “Make no mistake, Karma Baraka, though you are here as you are meant, there are no promises in this world, or any other.”

“Just because I’m meant to be here doesn’t mean I’m meant to live through whatever happens next,” Karma guessed.

Riata bowed her head in silent agreement. 

Karma’s heart skipped a beat, then resumed it’s pounding, but she had learned at a young age not to allow fear to control her.  If this was meant to be her destiny, then she would face it.

“What do I do next?” she asked Riata.

“You must feed the Ti-Ank with your energy.  That will call to she who was Techu before you.”

“Um... how do I do that?” Karma asked doubtfully.

Riata smiled and pressed her palms together.  “You must learn to trust yourself, Karma Baraka.  Your instincts will guide you if you allow them to do so.  Farewell, Karma, and many blessings upon you.”

With that, Riata bowed once more and faded away. 

Karma turned her gaze back to King Rhobar and shrugged at his wide eyed stare.  “Sorry about that,” she said.  “Just getting a little advice.  Are you ready for this?” 

“No, I am not sure that I am,” he said with a tiny shake of his head.  “Nevertheless, please continue.”

Karma nodded in complete understanding.  She wasn’t ready either.  She glanced at Nikura who, oddly, had remained silent.  His large, blue eyes met hers steadily, giving her the sense that he was waiting for something specific.  She rose and stepped to the side, turning the staff vertically so that the headpiece was at the top and the other end rested on the floor beside her foot. 

She gazed at the winged ankh, picturing the woman from the tapestry in her mind, though she doubted that would work.  She’d only gained the ability to see and speak with the dead in recent months, so she had little experience with it.  Once thing she knew, however, was that she could not summon them to her.  They just sort of popped in and out whenever they felt like it.

After trying to focus on calling the woman from the tapestry for a few minutes, she gave up.  She hadn’t expected it to work, but she was uncertain how to do what Riata had said.  How did one send energy?  She stared at the ankh, but somehow, she knew that wasn’t it.  If she needed to send energy, then it seemed logical that she had to focus within herself.

She closed her eyes, relaxed her body, and emptied her mind.  A few minutes went by, but nothing happened.  She refused to give up, and remained as she was.  Finally, she felt something inside of her stir.  She opened her eyes in surprise and the feeling faded.  She closed her eyes again and relaxed, focusing on that strange sensation within herself.  Once again something inside of her seemed to stir, then stretch as though wakening from a long sleep.  She kept her body relaxed and her mind calm as the something within her seemed to grow, then flow toward the Ti-Ank in her hand.  A small gasp from King Rhobar had her opening her eyes again, but this time she did it slowly and carefully, unwilling to disturb whatever was happening.

A figure began to appear before her, coalescing slowly from a small cloud of mist into the woman from the tapestry.  She appeared to be solid, but faded, as though the colors of her skin, hair and clothes had been muted somehow.  Karma wondered if it was because she was surrounded by a soft, yellow glow streaming from the Ti-Ank.

Karma bowed, knowing it was the correct thing to do even though she felt awkward doing it.  It had been a very long time since she’d been comfortable with bowing.

“Greetings, Lady Techu,” the woman said, returning her bow.  “I am Samyi, she who was Techu before you.  May I ask your name?”

“I am called Karma.”

“Ah, how fitting,” Samyi said with a smile that resembled her own just a bit more than was comfortable.  “Karma, do not release the staff while I speak or you will break the connection.”

Karma nodded without really understanding what she meant.  She’d never needed an ankh, or anything else, to see the dead before.  Only when King Rhobar stood up and bowed to Samyi, did Karma realize that the Ti-Ank allowed him to see her as well.  Staff of Life indeed, she thought.

“King Rhobar, I greet you,” Samyi said.  “It is a relief that you were able to find your Techu in time.”

“I had begun to fear that such a blessing would not occur,” King Rhobar replied.  “Will you tell us more of the danger that I feel threatening Rathira, and what we must do?”

“I will tell you what I can, but my time, and my knowledge, is limited,” Samyi cautioned.  “This will take a toll on Karma, and as this is her first use of the Ti-Ank, her strength will not last long.”

“Anything you can tell us will be most appreciated,” King Rhobar said.

Samyi nodded, then turned to face the Sphin. “Greetings, Nikura.”

Nikura lowered his head, then raised it in what was clearly meant to be a bow, his eyes never leaving the woman standing in the golden glow coming from the Ti-Ank  “Greetings, Samyi,” he replied.  “Long have you been missed.”

 “You know Nikura?” Karma asked.  “Did you die recently?”

“No,” Samyi said with a smile.  “I have not walked the plane of the living for a thousand years.”

Karma’s eyes widened at that.  “How old are you, Nikura?”

“I have no idea,” Nikura replied.  He raised one paw to his mouth and began licking it with his long, pink tongue. 

Karma shook her head and looked back to Samyi.  “What’s going on here?  Why am I here?  Why do you look so much like my mother? And what is that giant red bird behind you in the tapestry?”  As she asked the last question she turned back toward the tapestry, even though she couldn’t actually see it from where she stood.

“That is the Vatra, also called the Fire Bird,” Samyi replied.  “He was of great assistance to me in the darkest and most difficult of days, but whether you will have his aid in your quest, I do not know.  You must ask King Rhobar about the Vatra at another time.”

“You don’t know?” Karma asked, surprised and a little dismayed.  “I thought you would know everything.”

“No, I’m afraid not, Karma,” Samyi replied.  “I am not of the living.  I cannot tell you of what will be.  I can tell you only of what was and to a very limited extent, what is.  Do you understand?”

“No, I don’t understand,”  Karma replied.  “Riata told me that it was my destiny to come here, and that this is where I am meant to be.  That certainly seems like a bit of what will be to me.”

“Riata is a Spirit Guide,” Samyi pointed out.  “I am not.  I am spirit.  As such, I have a connection only to those things and people I was connected to in life and, after a thousand years, there are few of those remaining.  King Rhobar is a blood relative, so I know of him, his children, and a few objects that will become important in the future, if all goes well.”

“I see,” Karma said, unable to hide her disappointment.  “Please, tell us what you can.”

“One thousand years ago Rathira was invaded by what we called demons.  First there were only a few, then a handful.  Then more.  There were many different types of demons, each different from the other in form and face.  Some were beautiful to behold, others so terrible they caused insanity to those who looked upon them. 

“Eventually it was discovered that the demons were coming to our world from a different dimension.  They found a tear in the fabric of the universe which allowed them to step from the black pit of their world, Skiatos, to the beauty of Rathira.  At first the tear was small, and allowed only a few demons to come through now and then.  Over time, as more demons entered Rathira, the tear grew larger.  We soon realized that our world would become theirs unless a way to block the tear could be found.”

“Blocked?” King Rhobar asked, his mouth dry with fear.  This was worse even than his nightmares.  “How could such a thing be blocked?”

“As Techu, speaker for the dead, I was told how it could be done.  All of the sentient peoples of our world were gathered together and worked in concert to construct a pyramid of particular design, enclosing the tear. 

While that was being built, all of the shamans gathered to create the Ti-Ank, a keystone, and, with the aid of three specially selected women, three orbs of power.  The Orb of the Moon, the Orb of the Sun and the Orb of the Heart of Rathira. 

“When the pyramid was complete and fully enclosed the tear, a Guardian was set.  The orbs were used to send both pyramid and Guardian into a place between our dimension and the dimension of the demons.  The orbs were then removed from the keystone and deliberately scattered so that they could not be used to return the pyramid to Rathira.”

“Why between dimensions?” Karma asked.

“The pyramid prevents the demons from breaking out from within,” Samyi replied.  “But there is nothing to prevent demons, or their servants, from destroying the pyramid from the outside.  Only while it is held between dimensions is it safe from attack by those who would allow demons free reign over Rathira.”

“Who would want to do that?” Karma asked.

“Even from beyond the pyramid and across the dimensions, demons have always been able to influence the minds of those who are open to them.  They must be invited in, and may not force compliance otherwise, but there are many who have no desire to resist evil.”

“Why not destroy the orbs then?” Karma asked.  “Why would there ever be a need to bring the pyramid back to this dimension?”

“The natural forces of the universe resist anything unnatural, and sending the pyramid, and the Guardian, between dimensions is decidedly unnatural,” Samyi explained.  “The orbs and the keystone are the means by which those forces can be controlled, allowing us to send, and retrieve the pyramid safely across dimensions.  But it is the Guardian’s power that holds himself and the pyramid in place.

“The Guardian warned us that his strength would fail in one thousand years, and that we must use the orbs to summon the pyramid, and replace him before that time.  If his strength fails before the orbs can be used to control the return, natural forces will return the pyramid to it’s rightful place in the universe.  If that happens, both the Guardian and the pyramid will certainly be destroyed in the process, and Rathira may be as well.”

“Let me guess,” Karma said, “the thousand years are up, right?”

“Yes, Lady Techu,” Samyi said, a smile curving her lips.  “The thousand years are now up, and the Guardian must be replaced.”

“What must we do to replace him?” King Rhobar asked.

“The orbs must be found and used to unlock the keystone.  That will control the pyramid’s return to Rathira.  The old Guardian must be replaced with a new one, and then the keystone must be locked again, sending the pyramid back to the between place for another thousand years.”

“You make it sound almost easy,” Karma said.

“No, it will not be easy,” Samyi said.  “Only a female descendent of the creator of each orb may claim it, so you must identify, and find those women.  You must also discover the location of each orb and travel to it before it can be claimed. 

“Once you have all three orbs, you must find the keystone.  And through all of this, you must be ever watchful, for the demons here on Rathira and those still on Skiatos will work tirelessly to stop you.  This is the only chance they will have to escape Skiatos for a thousand years, and they will do all in their power to succeed.  They have nothing to lose.”

“Where do we begin?” Karma asked.  “The Ti-Ank wasn’t even on Rathira until I brought it here, so the orbs could be anywhere in the Thousand Worlds!”

“No, the Ti-Ank was removed from Rathira, but the orbs were not,” Samyi replied.  “We scattered them very carefully, and their true purpose has been forgotten by most, as was meant, but they remain on Rathira.  Your quest begins with the Orb of the Moon.”

“Where do we find it?” King Rhobar asked.

“Go north, to the Kytherian Sea, and speak with the Sirelina, the water people.”

“What about the other orbs?” Karma asked.

“As I said, we scattered them carefully.  I have knowledge of the first orb only.  After the Orb of the Moon is rightfully claimed, you will be given knowledge of the next orb.”

“How do we find the woman who must claim the Orb of the Moon?” Karma asked.

Even as she asked the question, Karma noticed Samyi begin to grow misty. 

“She of the Blood of the Tree of Life is the woman you seek,” Samyi said her voice growing distant. 

“Oh gee, thanks, that’s helpful,” Karma muttered.

“You must hurry,” Samyi said, fully transparent now.  “Time grows short.”

“How much time do we have?” King Rhobar asked. 

Karma thought that Samyi answered, but her voice was too faint to hear.  A moment later the golden light of the Ti-Ank flickered, then went out completely.  Samyi was gone.  Karma reached up to touch the metal of the Ti-Ank, surprised to find it cool.

She turned to King Rhobar, her mouth open to ask a question, when the room seemed to tilt around her.  She tightened her grip on the staff and lowered herself carefully into a chair. 

“Are you all right?” King Rhobar asked.

“Yes,” Karma replied.  Then the world went dark. 

**

Karma opened her eyes and saw the tired, worried face of King Rhobar hovering above her.  She blinked and sat up straight, relieved to note that she was still in the chair, just slumped over.

“Are you feeling better?” King Rhobar asked.

“I think so,” Karma replied.  “I just got a little dizzy there for a moment.”

“More than a moment,” King Rhobar said as he settled himself back into his own chair with relief.  “You were out for perhaps fifteen minutes.”

“I’m sorry,” Karma said, feeling embarrassed.  She had never passed out before.

“There is no need to apologize,” King Rhobar said.  “Not for you, anyway.  I cannot say the same for myself.  Samyi warned that it would take a toll on you, and I am sorry for forgetting that.  Are you sure you’re all right?  I can call for a physician.”

“No, thank you,” Karma replied quickly, the idea of some superstitious quack with a box of leeches and mysterious, dried leaves making her ill.  “I just feel a bit tired is all.”

“Lady Techu,” King Rhobar began after giving Karma a few more moments to regain her color.  “Will you remain here, on Rathira, and aid us in our quest to save our world?”

“Lady Techu, huh?” Karma asked.

“Yes, for whether you remain or not, that is who and what you are,” King Rhobar said.

Karma took a long, deep breath and blew it out.  “I don’t think I can refuse,” she said.  “This is what I’m meant to do.  In a strange way, I think everything in my life up to now has prepared me for this.”

“That is why your name is Karma,” King Rhobar said, nodding sagely.

“I suppose so,” Karma replied with a sigh that she tried to hide.  “Yes, King Rhobar, I will remain here, on Rathira, and do all that I can to help find the orbs and prevent the demons from taking over your world.” 

It was King Rhobar’s turn to release a long, heavy sigh of relief.  “I thank you, Lady Techu.  I know it must be difficult for you, but I promise we shall be forever grateful.”

“Actually, I think the really hard part is yet to come,” she said with a rueful smile.  “I have to convince Aisling to leave without me.” 

Chapter 2

Karma wandered around the large apartment she had been given within the palace.  It was large, airy and, for a non technological world, surprisingly luxurious.  The bed was beautifully made up in crimson silk with a dozen large, invitingly fluffy pillows, surrounded with sheer curtains that were currently tied back.  There were thick, soft rugs scattered about the cool marble floors, and the few pieces of furniture were all beautifully carved of variously colored and exotic woods.  Like the palace itself, the room was designed to take advantage of everything cool, so it had polished stone walls and very high ceilings.  The balcony overlooking the palace gardens was angled to catch every breeze and funnel it into the room, yet was deep enough to prevent direct sunlight from reaching the interior. 

Aside from the main room which held the bed, balcony and a sitting area that consisted of several thick cushions around a low wooden table, there was also an ante room, bathing room, dressing room, and small pantry for preparing light meals, snacks or drinks.  All of the rooms were richly appointed and beautiful in every detail.

“This is nice,” she said as she stepped out onto the balcony after touring her rooms, Nikura at her side.

“Indeed,” he said, leaping lightly to the top of the low wall bordering the balcony.  “You have been given a singular honor with this apartment.”

“How so?” Karma asked.

“These rooms are reserved for the highest ranking and most honored of guests,” Nikura said as he laid down on the wall, making himself comfortable.  “It has been years since they have been offered to anyone.”

“Wow,” Karma said, both impressed and a little unnerved by the information.  It wasn’t always a good thing to be singled out, and she knew it.”

“You seem troubled,” Nikura said.

“I miss my friends,” she said as she gazed down at the palace gardens below, replaying the scene with Aisling that afternoon.

“Karma, are you sure you want to stay here?” Aisling asked for at least the tenth time.  Karma frowned, but Aisling held up her hand.  “Never mind,” she said.  “I take that one back.”

 “I know you’re worried,” Karma said, “but I also know this is the right thing for me.”

 “It might be easier if I understood why you are so determined to stay here,” Aisling said.  “All I know is that you spent two hours locked in a room with King Rhobar and that giant cat, and when you came out, you announced you’d decided to live here.”

“It’s not that I don’t trust you, Ash,” Karma said, half wishing she could tell her friend everything, but knowing it was best this way.  “I do.  I trust you more than anyone.  But I promised not to speak of it, and I cannot break a promise.  I will tell you this much though; I’m needed here.  Really and truly needed.”

 “If you are needed here, then of course you must stay,” Aisling said, giving in with a sigh. 

Karma swallowed hard, knowing that Aisling was the only person in the universe who knew her well enough to know how important it was for her to be needed.  She was going to miss Aisling, and their friendship.  She wondered how she’d survived alone for so many years without at least one friend, and knew that she did not want to live that way again.  Aisling had taught her that much. 

 “Do you regret your decision to remain on Rathira?” Nikura asked.

Karma watched a pair of large golden birds soar past the balcony in the deepening dusk, their voices raised in song, and smiled.

“No, I do not regret staying here.  This is what I’m meant to do.”

“What is it that worries you then?” Nikura asked.

Karma looked at him, mildly surprised by the note of sincere concern she’d heard in his voice.  “I don’t understand why Riata came to me, or why she guided me here,” she said after a moment’s debate.  Perhaps the Sphin would have answers for her on this subject.  “She’s a Spirit Guide for the Jasani people.  I am not Jasani, nor am I meant to be mated with Jasani.  So why does she care about me, or Rathira, for that matter?”

“Just because you don’t see the reason for something, does not mean that there isn’t one,” Nikura replied.

“That’s true,” Karma replied grudgingly.  She’d been hoping for more than that.  She shook her head and sighed.  Time to change the subject.

“Nikura, are you going to help me find these orbs?”

Nikura’s large, round blue eyes fixed on hers for a long moment without blinking.  “I will help as I can,” he said finally.

“Oh, that’s a big relief,” Karma said testily.  If the Sphin was going to be this enigmatic all the time, she wasn’t sure she wouldn’t be better off without him around.

“Tell me something,” Nikura said, “if you had to sacrifice your life for the lives of everyone and everything on your world, would you do it?”

“Is that what you have to do?” Karma asked in surprise.  “Sacrifice yourself?”

“If you answer my question, then I shall answer yours.”

Karma’s first reaction was to say yes, but she hesitated and gave it serious thought.  “It would not be an easy thing to do,” she said finally.  “I think I would fight it.  I’d try very hard to find another way to do whatever had to be done.  But, in the end, yes, I would.  At least, I hope that I would.  Such a thing would take a kind of bravery that I can only hope to have.”

“I thank you for your honesty,” Nikura said, his tone, for once, courteous rather than snooty.  “To answer your question, no, I do not have to sacrifice my life, and yes, I do have to sacrifice my life.  I know that is confusing, but it is the best answer I can give you.”

Karma studied the Sphin’s eyes for a long moment, then nodded in acceptance.  “Will you tell me why you follow me all over the place?”

“I suppose now is the time for honest answers,” Nikura said with a hint of his usual annoyance.

“Yes, I believe it is,” Karma agreed.

“I follow you around because you are Techu, and you have possession of the Ti-Ank,” he said.  “The combination of the two compels me to remain within close proximity to you.  I did not know of the Ti-Ank at first, and thought that I followed you by choice, but now I know differently.”

“You’re compelled to follow me?” Karma asked with obvious distaste.  “What if you decide you don’t want to?”

“I don’t think that would be a very good idea,” Nikura replied.  “For either of us.”

“Why not?  What happens if we get separated?”

“It depends on how far apart we become,” he replied. “I do not need to be at your side all of the time, but if I am forced to remain any distance from you, it would likely kill you, and cause me great harm.  In time, as our connection to one another grows, so will the distance we can be apart grow.”

“How far can we be apart from each other now?” Karma asked, not liking the sound of this at all.

“I do not know,” Nikura said.  “We should test it.”

“Good idea,” Karma replied, determined to do that as soon as possible.

The door at the far side of the room opened without warning and a woman with very short red hair, dressed in the dark gray livery of the palace servants entered, and bowed low.

“Your pardon, Lady Techu, Princess Kapia requests a moment of your time, if it is convenient for you.”

“Is everyone going to be calling me Lady Techu?” Karma asked Nikura silently.

“Yes, that is who you are to the people of Rathira,” he replied.  “It is a title of utmost respect.”

Karma understood Nikura perfectly.  Refusing the title would be a grave insult and since she’d chosen to remain on Rathira, insulting the people around her was probably not a good idea. 

She studied the woman who still stood at the door, her head bowed slightly, waiting patiently.  She appeared to be in her mid thirties, with a strong, stocky figure, rosy complexion, and clear hazel eyes.

“What is your name, please?” Karma asked.

“I am Lashi,” the woman replied without meeting her gaze.  “I have been appointed as your Personal Attendant, in charge of your quarters and your lower servants, if it pleases you, Lady Techu.”

Karma glanced at Nikura.  “What do you know of her?”

“As a girl she apprenticed as a common servant for the Queen, so is very well trained.  She also has a reputation for honesty, integrity, and intelligence.  King Rhobar personally selected her for you.”  Nikura paused.  “You may dismiss her of course, if you wish.”

“What will happen to her if I refuse her?” Karma asked curiously.

“Her shame will be such that she will likely throw herself from the palace roof,” Nikura replied with a yawn. 

Karma turned back to Lashi, dragging out the old lessons on servants and how to judge, select and train them from the dusty recesses of her childhood.  She was pleased that Lashi was neither very young nor old.  A young servant would be inexperienced and not fully trained, whereas an older one might not be able to keep up on the journey she suspected was in her near future.  If she had to have a servant, and apparently she did, she wanted a mature woman with intelligence.  If appearances were any indication, and Nikura was correct, she thought Lashi might be perfect for her.

“Thank you, Lashi,” she said.  “Please show Princess Kapia in.”

Lashi bowed lower than necessary, indicating that she understood she’d just been examined, weighed, judged, and found acceptable.  Karma smiled as the woman backed out of the room and closed the door.  She was, indeed, intelligent.

Karma left Nikura on the balcony and entered the room to await her guest.  A few moments later, the door opened again, and Princess Kapia entered the room.  “Greetings, Lady Techu,” she said, pressing her palms together and bowing her head.

Karma faced the young Princess, noting her red rimmed and swollen eyes.  A careful application of make-up had been used in an attempt to hide the bruises she had received when she’d been abducted. 

“Princess Kapia,” she said, after bowing her own head in return, “please don’t be offended if I don’t bow correctly.  I am not familiar with your customs.”

“I understand,” Kapia said shyly.  “I will keep that in mind in future.”

“Thank you,” Karma replied.  She had only met the sixteen year old once, and briefly, when the Gryphons had returned her to the palace after rescuing her from her kidnappers.  She seemed nice enough, though quiet.

“Would you like to have a seat?” she asked.

“Yes, thank you,” Kapia said.  They walked over to the sitting area and sat down, Karma wondering how long it would take her to get used to sitting on the floor.  On cushions, happily, but still on the floor.  The only chair she had seen so far in the palace was King Rhobar’s throne.  There had been low benches in the dining area too, she remembered, but that was it for furniture designed for sitting.

Remembering her guest, Karma glanced toward the doorway that led to a small private pantry, pleased to see Lashi standing there.  She arched a brow in silent question, and Lashi replied with a tiny nod. 

“Would you like some refreshment?” she offered, pleased that Lashi understood her so easily.   

“That is very kind of you,” Kapia replied.  “But no, Lady Techu, thank you.  It is growing late and I will not keep you long.”

“Again, I apologize if this seems rude, but is there something I can do for you, Princess Kapia?” Karma asked. 

“I wish to offer you my friendship,” Kapia said, her face pink, her eyes on the table between them.  “Your friend, Aisling, was so kind to me.  I would honor her by befriending her friend.”

“That is very thoughtful and generous of you, Princess Kapia,” Karma said, warmed by the girl’s offer.  She had just decided that she would not go without friends again, and now was a perfect time to make good on her decision.  “I am pleased to accept your offer.”

Princess Kapia looked up and smiled, an expression that brightened her already beautiful face. 

“I wonder, do you know who I could ask to teach me the correct protocols?” Karma asked.  “I don’t want to go around offending people because I don’t know how to bow correctly.  My mouth gets me in enough trouble without that kind of help.”

Kapia laughed, a sweet, carefree sound that seemed at odds with her hesitant manner.  “I would be most happy to assist you, Lady Techu.”

“I’m sure you have more important things to do with your time,” Karma said.  Kapia’s face fell, her disappointment obvious.  Pretending not to notice, Karma went on as though she hadn’t finished speaking.  “But, if you really want to help me, I would appreciate it.”

“I have little to occupy my time,” Kapia said, brightening again.  “I would be most pleased to assist you in any way that I can.” 

“I’m not sure about this Lady Techu stuff,” Karma said, wrinkling her nose.  “Do you think you could just call me Karma?”

The smile fell from Kapia’s face as she gave that request serious thought.  “In Isiben we have very specific customs about many things, including names.”  Kapia paused, waiting to see if Karma wanted to hear what she meant to say.

“Go on,” Karma urged.

“Our people our quite formal in many respects,” she said.  “For us, it is not polite to use one’s personal name without express permission.  The higher one’s rank, the larger the offense.  You may grant that right to whomever you choose, whenever you choose, of course.  Customarily, one grants the right only to one’s family, and very close acquaintances.  Even then, much thought is given before doing it.  It is not a privilege that is easily rescinded once granted.”

“I see,” Karma said.  “In the world I grew up in, we had much the same custom.  However, among my people, it was considered to be a great honor to reveal one’s true name to another, and it was very rarely done.”

“Is Karma not your true name then?”  Kapia blushed, her golden skin turning very pink.  “I apologize,” she said quickly.  “That was unforgivably rude.”

“It was neither unforgivable, nor rude,” Karma said with a laugh.  “Do not worry so much.  Please do not be insulted though when, in answer to your question, I say only that Karma is the name I have used for so long, that I know no other.”

“I am not insulted,” Kapia said with relief.  Her initial reason for offering friendship to Karma was to honor Aisling, the woman who had rescued her from a fate far worse than death.  But, now that she was here, she felt that Karma could be a true friend to her.  In her secret heart she had longed for a woman she could talk to and learn from, one whom she could look up to and trust completely.  Though she’d had only a few minutes with her, she knew that Karma could be all of that, and more. 

“Good,” Karma said.  “I thank you for the information on allowing liberties with one’s name, and I will be careful.  Nonetheless, I still ask that you call me Karma, if you will.”

“I would be most honored to do so,” Kapia replied happily.  “But only if you will call me Kapia.”

“Deal,” Karma said with a grin.  “Now that you have agreed to teach me the proper protocols, tell me, is there anything I can do for you in return?”

Kapia’s eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected offer.  She was about to decline it, when a thought occurred to her.  She hesitated.  It was a lot to ask.  She looked into Karma’s warm gray eyes and decided to risk it.  The worst Karma would do was say no.  She was not the type of woman who would ridicule her, she was sure of it.

 “Your friend, Aisling, was very skilled with weapons,” Kapia said.  “I wonder if you are as well, and if you would mind teaching me?”

Karma considered the request carefully.  From what she’d seen of Ka-Teru, and the palace, the royal family was quite wealthy, and as a child she’d been carefully trained in making such assessments.  Kapia’s clothing was simple and unadorned save for a bit of embroidery, though made of high quality materials.  She wore only a thin chain around her neck, small rings in her ears, and a ring in the shape of a snake with tiny emerald eyes on her right hand.  Though modest, her jewelry was all gold and of excellent craftsmanship.  Even her sandals were of high quality, though the design was simple.  Kapia was a wealthy Princess, of that there could be no doubt.  She also appeared to be kind, unspoiled, warm hearted and, surprisingly, uncertain of herself and quite shy.

Karma reached out and lightly touched the ring Kapia wore.  “Aisling told me that you managed to deal with your abductor quite satisfactorily,” she said.

“Yes, I used the Sting of the Naja,” Kapia admitted in a low voice as she stared down at the poison ring on her finger.  “A weapon requiring little effort and no skill, which I was able to use only because Aisling unbound my hands.  If I had been able to defend myself, as she does, I would not have been in that position to start with.”

“Kapia,” Karma said, and waited for the girl to look up and meet her gaze.  “If Aisling were attacked by fifteen armed mercenaries as you were, even with her weapons and skills she would have been overwhelmed.  She might have killed a few first, but the end result would not have been much different from what happened to you.  From the battle signs on your face, you gave an accounting of yourself, skills or no skills.”

Kapia’s eyes widened when Karma referred to her bruises as battle signs.  Suddenly, the shame she’d felt since seeing the bruises in the mirror faded, replaced by a wholly unfamiliar sense of pride. 

“Thank you for your kind words, Lady Techu,” she said.  “But I would still like to learn to defend myself.”

“I know exactly how you feel,” Karma said.  “Please understand, Kapia, that Aisling’s skills are exceptional.  I’m afraid I do not share that gift with her.”

Kapia’s face fell in utter disappointment.

“I do have some skill with one weapon,” Karma continued.  “I’d be happy to teach you that, if you like.”

“Really?” Kapia asked eagerly.

“Don’t get too excited,’ Karma cautioned with a smile.  “It’s only a staff.”

“Anything at all would be most appreciated,” Kapia said.  “I will be forever in your debt, Lady Techu.” 

“Karma,” Karma corrected.

“Karma,” Kapia repeated.

“As for debt, I ask only one thing of you,” Karma said.  Kapia nodded quickly, fully prepared to agree to anything Karma wanted.  “You must promise me that you will practice every day.  If you decide you no longer wish to learn the staff, you must tell me.  I have no desire to spend my time teaching an unwilling pupil.”

“I promise,” Kapia said at once.  “I will work hard, Karma, really I will.”

Karma smiled, satisfied that Kapia meant what she said.  “Will we need to keep these lessons secret?” Karma asked.  Kapia’s face fell again, but Karma had to ask the question.  It seemed to her that if the Princess wanted to learn to use a weapon, King Rhobar could certainly afford the best teachers for her.

“I do not think that my father would mind,” Kapia said, her eyes back on the table.  “My brother may object, though.”

“Why would he?”

“He does not believe I am old enough, or competent enough to handle a weapon,” Kapia said, her voice so soft it was nearly a whisper.

Not old enough? Karma wondered.  The girl was sixteen, not six.  More than old enough to learn to protect herself.  “Are you required to obey your brother?”

Kapia looked up and tilted her head slightly as she thought about that.  “Out of respect for him, as both my elder brother and the future King, I obey him.  But if I defy him there is little he can do about it without my father’s consent.”

“Good,” Karma said.  “Then we will not hide.”

Kapia swallowed nervously, but as Karma watched she saw the girl lift her head and straighten her shoulders, determination gleaming in her light brown eyes.  “Very well,” she agreed. 

“We will need to find a staff for you, and a practice area,” Karma said.

“That is easy enough,” Kapia replied.  “Thank you so much, Karma.  You have been most kind to me, but I should leave you now.  It grows late.” 

“All right,” Karma said, rising along with Kapia.  “Since I don’t know my way around, can you meet me here in the morning?  We can have our first lesson before breakfast.”

“I will be here,” Kapia said.

After the Princess left, Karma wandered back to the balcony where Nikura lay sleeping on the wall where she’d left him. 

“Excuse me, Lady Techu, your bath is ready at your convenience,” Lashi said from yet another doorway.

“Thank you, Lashi,” Karma said.  She hesitated a moment, then decided she didn’t need to question Nikura any more tonight.  A hot bath and bed sounded too good to resist.

Chapter 3

By the time Princess Kapia came to get her the next morning, Karma was up, dressed and ready to go.  She wore soft blue jeans, her favorite pair of brown leather boots with low, chunky heels and a light, stretchy top that would allow easy movement.  She knew that her clothing marked her as an outsider since she hadn’t seen anyone wearing anything that remotely resembled jeans, but she didn’t own anything that was going to help her blend in here. 

“Good morning, Lady Techu,” Kapia said, pressing her hands together and bowing her head after Lashi showed her in.

“Good morning, Princess Kapia,” Karma replied, copying the Princess exactly, though she held her bow a bit longer in deference to the Princess’s higher rank.

“That was almost perfect,” Kapia said.  “But your rank is higher than mine, so you should not hold your bow so long.  That bow would be perfect for you to use to King Rhobar, though you should never bow more than your head.”

“My rank is higher than yours?” Karma asked in surprise.  “How?”

“You are Lady Techu,” Kapia answered simply.  “Shall we go?”

“Yes,” Karma said as she looked down at her clothes, then at Kapia’s.  Kapia was wearing a long, full gauzy skirt and short, sleeveless top in a light spring green with intricate beading at the hems, and a pair of soft leather sandals.

“I think I’m going to need some clothing that doesn’t make me stand out quite so much,” she said.

“Hasn’t your attendant seen to that yet?” Kapia asked with a frown.

Karma looked up as Lashi bowed from the open doorway.  “Yes, Lashi?

“I beg your pardon, Lady Techu,” she said, “I wish only to inform you that I have seen to your clothing.  There will be several outfits ready for you to choose from by this afternoon.  Once your preferences and sizes are more accurately determined from those, a wardrobe will be completed in a few days.”

“Thank you, Lashi,” Karma said, relieved.  She didn’t mind standing out, but she didn’t want it to be because she was dressed in such a distinctly foreign manner.  Besides, since the only people on Rathira who were even aware of the Thousand Worlds were here in the palace, she couldn’t very well go around wearing off-world, mass produced clothing.

“Let’s go, shall we?” she said, turning to look for Nikura. 

“Perhaps this would be a good time to test how far we can travel from one another,” Nikura suggested as he climbed off the end of her bed where he’d been sleeping and stretched before joining her at the door.

“All right,” Karma agreed.  “Will you stay here then?”

“I will step into the hall and wait,” Nikura said.

“Okay,” Karma said.  She turned back to Kapia, and saw the startled look on her face.

“You really can speak to the Sphin, can’t you?” she asked softly.

“Yep, lucky me,” Karma replied, rolling her eyes toward Nikura and smiling.  “Come on.”

Kapia nodded, gave Nikura one more look, then turned and followed Karma out of the room and into the ante-room, a small area for guests to wait in before being ushered into her rooms.  Lashi opened the door for them and they stepped into the corridor.

Karma glanced at Nikura, then walked down the hall with Kapia.  “Kapia,” she said as they walked, “Nikura and I are performing a test.”

“A test?” Kapia asked, looking back over her shoulder, surprised to see Nikura still standing before Karma’s door.

“Yes,” Karma said.  “Evidently we are connected in some way.  Nikura says that if we become separated for too long, or by too much distance, it could be bad.  We’re testing to see how far we can get from each other.”

“I see,” Kapia said, fascinated.  “How bad?”

“He said it could kill me, and cause him great harm.”

“Yes,” Kapia agreed, her face paling, “that’s bad.”

As they walked Karma noticed that the further away from Nikura she got, the slower her step became.  She had to force herself to walk more quickly to keep up with Kapia.  They reached the end of the long corridor and turned a corner, but she barely noticed in her efforts to continue moving.  As soon as she was out of Nikura’s sight she felt as though she had to push against a heavy wall to take each step until, finally, she came to a jerky stop.  Her heart was racing, her hands were shaking, and she couldn’t seem to catch her breath.

“Karma, are you all right?” Kapia asked anxiously.

Karma shook her head, unable to speak, fighting to breathe through the deep, dull pain that began in her chest.

“Nikura!” Kapia called.  “Hurry!”

A moment later Karma’s breathing began to slow and the pain in her chest lessened, though she did not begin to feel normal until she felt Nikura’s head nudge her hip.  She looked down into his big blue eyes and nodded.  “That’s not too far,” she panted.

“No, it isn’t,” he agreed.  “I think that being out of each other’s sight made it worse than it otherwise would have been.”

“Let’s not test that right now,” Karma said.

“No, not now,” Nikura agreed.  “I do think that, in time, it will become easier.  For now we must be careful.”

“Yes, I agree,” Karma said.

“Karma, shall we return to your rooms?” Kapia asked, frowning with worry.

“No, that’s not necessary,” Karma said, forcing a smile.  “I’m perfectly fine now.”

“Are you sure?” Kapia asked.  She noted that Karma’s color had returned to normal, and she was no longer panting, but she was still concerned.

“I’m positive,” Karma said.  “So long as Nikura and I don’t get very far from each other, we’re both fine.”

“That was frightening,” Kapia said as they resumed their walk through the palace.

“Yes, it was,” Karma said.  “I don’t want to do it again, that’s for sure.”

“Thank you, Nikura, for coming so quickly when I called,” Kapia said, addressing the Sphin directly.

Nikura looked at the Princess in mild surprise, then raised and lowered his head in a slow nod as he walked beside Karma, his shoulder brushing her leg. 

“Did you have difficulty with that as well?” Karma asked him, fairly sure of his answer.  This was the first time he had walked close enough to actually touch her, and she admitted to herself that she found it comforting.

“It was decidedly unpleasant,” Nikura replied.  “I am in no hurry to repeat the experience.”

“Agreed,” Karma replied as they turned the corner in the hall.

Kapia made a tiny noise, almost too soft to hear, but it caught Karma’s attention at once.  She glanced at Kapia, then followed her gaze to see a woman walking toward them from the other end of the hall.  The woman walked slowly, as though she had all the time in the world, which gave Karma a chance to study her.

She looked to be about Karma’s age, twenty-five, with long, curly black hair pulled forward over her shoulder with a loose ribbon around it.  She wore an outfit much like Kapia’s; long full skirt, sleeveless, fitted top that bared the midriff and soft sandals.  Karma realized that most of the women she’d seen wore the same basic style of clothing, the differences being quality and color of fabric and embellishment.  Even Lashi wore much the same thing, except that she wore a tunic style top rather than a short, fitted one over a long skirt, and the fabric was rougher, heavier, always dark gray and with no embellishment. 

The woman approaching them wore clothing that was so heavily embroidered, beaded and bejeweled that it was difficult to see the color of the fabric beneath.  She wore several golden chains about her neck, large jeweled hoops in her ears, and at least a dozen enameled bangles on each wrist. 

No wonder the woman moved so slowly, Karma thought.  Between the weight of the beading on her clothing and her jewelry, it was a surprise she could walk at all.

The most striking thing about the woman, in spite of her jewels and embellishments, was her beauty.  Her skin was so smooth, her features so perfect, that she could have been carved from alabaster.  Large eyes, full lips, high cheekbones, delicate brows, long, graceful neck and a figure that no man, or woman, could help but admire. 

But there was something about the set of that perfect mouth, and the gleam in her large, brown eyes that set Karma’s teeth on edge.  Somehow she knew, before the woman opened her mouth, that her outer beauty did not reach beneath the surface of her flawless skin.

The woman paused a few feet before them and bowed gracefully to Princess Kapia who returned her bow with a nod.  So, Karma thought, she is not of high rank, no matter how she dresses.

“Greetings, Hara Marene,” Kapia said.

“Greetings, Princess Kapia,” the woman replied, flicking a scornful glance at Karma. 

“Have you had the honor of meeting Lady Techu?” Kapia asked, a trace of nervousness in her voice that confused Karma. 

Marene’s dark brown eyes widened in surprise, then narrowed as she looked Karma up and down in a very rude manner before turning back to Kapia. 

“No, Princess, I have not had that honor,” Marene said pointedly.

Karma laughed, earning a glare from Marene.

Kapia was both horrified and embarrassed by Marene’s rudeness.  The importance of Lady Techu to their world could not be measured.  Marene had no right to treat her with so little respect.

“Marene, this is Lady Techu,” she repeated emphatically.

Marene flushed angrily at the warning in Kapia’s tone, but turned to Karma and bowed stiffly.  Karma barely nodded, refusing to offer the woman any politeness at all after her behavior.  The woman turned even redder.

“If you’ll excuse us,” Karma said,.  “Kapia and I have matters to tend to.”

She looked at Kapia and smiled, ignoring Marene’s startled gasp at her casual use of the Princess’s name.  She stepped around Marene without looking at her again and kept walking, Nikura at her side, chuckling softly in her mind.  Kapia hurried to catch up with her a moment later.

“That was...she was...,” Kapia whispered, unable to come up with the right word.

“Rude?” Karma suggested. “Arrogant?  Offensive?”

“Yes!  I cannot believe how discourteous she was,” Kapia exclaimed.  “I must apologize on her behalf.”

“Do not apologize for her,” Karma said.  “She does not deserve that courtesy from you.  And don’t worry, I will not allow her behavior to taint my impression of Rathira.”

“Thank you, Karma,” Kapia said with some relief.  She smiled.  “I am hardly able to credit how perfectly you handled it though.”

“You think so?” Karma asked.

“Oh yes,” Kapia said, nodding her head rapidly.  “You put her in her place without half trying, and did not let her make you angry.  I don’t know how you did it.  Did you notice her hair?  She doesn’t even try to hide it.”

“What about her hair?” Karma asked, absently rubbing Nikura’s ears as they walked.  His deep, rumbling purr made her smile.

“Only women in the royal family are allowed to wear their hair uncut and unfettered,” Kapia said.  “That means that I can wear my hair to my waist and loose, because I’m a Princess.  Servants must wear their hair very short, as you’ve seen I’m sure.  Other women, such as Marene, may wear their hair long if they wish, but in public it must be braided or bound.  If worn loose, it must be no longer than their shoulders.”

“Why?” Karma asked, thinking that was rather strange. 

“It’s a very old custom,” Kapia said.  “It becomes very hot here in the desert during the summer.  Keeping cool is very important.”

“Yes, I noticed that the architecture, your clothing and fabrics, everything is geared toward resisting heat,” Karma said.

“Yes,” Kapia replied.  “One way to keep cool is to have no hair, or very short hair.  At one time, long ago, it was a sign of wealth or high rank to have long hair, indicating that one is able to afford other means to keep cool.  To have hair that is very long and not held up or worn in a braid, is the sign of the highest rank, and wealth no longer has anything to do with it.  At this time, I am the only female in Isiben who is not only allowed, but required, to wear my hair long and loose.”  She eyed Karma for a moment, and smiled.  “I must correct myself.  You may wear your hair long as well, and none will gainsay you.”

“Why?” Karma asked. 

“Because you are Lady Techu,” Kapia said.  “Remember?”

“I remember,” Karma said.  “So, Marene is flaunting tradition by wearing her hair longer than she should, and loose.”

“Actually, it is more than tradition,” Kapia said.  “It is law.  But as she has a ribbon around it, holding it loosely, she is not quite breaking that law.”

“She is certainly skirting close to the edge though,” Karma said.  “Why do you think she takes such a risk?”

“Because she plans to marry Zakiel and be Queen one day,” Kapia said artlessly.  “I cannot think of a worse fate for my brother, and I pray every day that he will see her as she is before it is too late.” 

From what she’d seen of both Zakiel and Marene, Karma wasn’t sure that Zakiel and Marene didn’t deserve each other.  But she wasn’t going to say that to Kapia. 

“Prince Zakiel strikes me as an intelligent man,” Karma said.  “Somehow, I don’t think that he will allow himself to become so blinded by a woman’s beauty and wealth that he will not see her for who she truly is.  Unless he wants to, of course.  Either way, Kapia, you must know that you can do nothing about it.  Your brother will marry whomever he chooses.  You cannot control the lives of others, no matter how much you love them.”

 “Well, I wish she at least behaved as though she actually cared about Zakiel,” Kapia said with a sigh.  “Instead she acts as though he is a prize that she has already won, but has yet to claim.”

Karma reached up and patted Kapia gently on the arm.  “As I said, your brother is a smart man.  Whatever choice he makes will surely be made with a full understanding of what he does.”

“I know,” Kapia said.  “I just don’t like it very much.”

They walked in silence for a few moments before Kapia turned to her once more.  “How do you do it?”

“Do what?” Karma asked.

“You always seem so calm and in control of yourself,” Kapia replied  “It must be difficult to be on a world you are unfamiliar with, not knowing anyone here.  I would be terrified, I’m sure.  You make it look easy.”

“No, it’s not easy,” Karma said.  “But there is no point in hiding beneath the bed.  Here is where I am, and it was my choice to stay.  Therefore, I must face whatever comes the best way I can.”

“I wish I could behave as you do.”

“In that case, you are very lucky, Princess Kapia, as the only behavior you can control is your own,” Karma said with a wink. 

Kapia smiled, as Karma had hoped.  At the same time she memorized Karma’s words.  She thought they might be among the most important words of advice she had ever been given.

“Speaking of behavior,” Karma said, “I noticed that you only nodded to Marene, yet at the same time, her behavior toward you indicated some familiarity.”

“She has no rank, other than that of a very distant cousin, which doesn’t afford her much as there are many distant cousins,” Kapia replied.  “However, her father was my Father’s closest advisor and friend.  Before he died, Father promised him that he would personally look after Marene, and even went so far as to take her as his ward.  While Marene has no rank, she does have position, and as you may have noticed, much wealth.”

“Oh yes,” Karma said with a grin.  “She clearly likes to display her wealth.” 

“She certainly does,” Kapia agreed.  “I wonder why you were able to see through her so quickly, when my Father and Zakiel cannot?”

“They don’t see her as she is?” Karma asked doubtfully. 

“No, they don’t,” Kapia replied.  “They think she is the epitome of all things proper and elegant.  They want me to be more like her.”

“They’ve said that to you?” Karma asked, shocked.  Could they really be that blind? she wondered.

“Not exactly,” Kapia admitted.  “But I know it’s true.  I am too shy, too quiet, and I have little talent.  In their eyes, Marene is everything I should be as a Princess of Isiben, but am not.”

“Kapia, you are but sixteen years old,” Karma said gently.  “Give yourself some time.”

Kapia nodded, but Karma knew she was not convinced. 

“Kapia, may I ask you a personal question?  You may choose not to answer, of course.”

“Please, ask what you like,” Kapia said.

“What of your mother?” Karma asked.  “I have not heard you speak of her.”

“She did not survive my birth,” Kapia replied in a low voice, dropping her eyes to the floor.

“I am sorry for your loss,” Karma said, meaning it.  She had lost her own mother at a young age, but at least she’d known her.  Kapia didn’t even have memories to look back on.

“Thank you,” Kapia said.  “You are very kind.”

“Your father never took another wife?”

“No,” Kapia replied.  “He said that he could never love another as he did my Mother, and would not pretend otherwise.  He says that he is happy with me, and Zakiel, and needs no love other than ours.”

They fell silent as they continued through the palace, taking so many different twists and turns that Karma was hopelessly lost by the time they stepped outside.  They crossed a broad courtyard and entered a large grassy area about a hundred yards square, surrounded by high stone walls.  There were a dozen small groups of men practicing with a variety of weapons.  Kapia led the way across the yard, avoiding the sparring men.

“Princess Kapia,” a man greeted her from behind a counter as he hurried toward them.  Karma noticed that he was dressed in the gray kilt and vest of the palace guard, though he was clearly well past his prime.  His bare arms and face bore several scars, silent testimony to past battles.

“How may I be of assistance?”  As he spoke, his eyes darted from Kapia to Karma, then to Nikura and back again in open curiosity.

“Good morning, Captain Bayro,” Kapia said.  “We need two staffs, please.”

The man bowed politely to Kapia, then looked at Karma who only stared back at him.

“As you wish,” he said, not knowing what else he could possibly say.  He didn’t know who the new female was, but he could not refuse the Princess.  A few moments later Karma and Kapia stepped out of the armory and into the practice yard, each carrying a slightly battered, but solid and well balanced staff. 

“Let’s go over there,” Karma said, pointing to an empty corner of the yard.  Kapia nodded and led the way, stopping suddenly when a large man stepped in front of her, blocking their way.

“Sister, what are you doing out here?” he demanded.

Karma recognized the Prince at once.  He was by far the most striking man she’d ever seen, and after spending several months on Jasan, she’d seen her share of striking men.  In an effort to keep her eyes from roaming over his well muscled chest and shoulders, she kept her gaze on his face.  Not that it helped much.  His eyes were a cool, icy blue, surrounded by thick, black lashes that matched the thick, curly black hair on his head.  She was appalled to realize that her fingers itched to brush the stray curls off of his forehead and she felt her face heat when she caught herself wondering if they would feel as silky as they looked.

“Greetings, Brother,” Kapia said with a deep nod of her head.  Karma frowned at the note of worry in Kapia’s voice, but also noticed that the girl did not answer the question.

“Greetings, Sister,” Prince Zakiel said.  He glanced at Karma.  “Greetings, Lady Techu.”

“Greetings,” Karma said with a nod, determined to keep her errant thoughts from showing on her face. 

Prince Zakiel nodded in return, then turned back to Kapia.  “Please answer my question, Sister.”

“We are about to practice,” Karma said when it seemed obvious Kapia wasn’t sure what to say.  “I am going to show her how to defend herself using a staff.”

“To what purpose?” Prince Zakiel asked, turning his icy eyes on her.  Karma smiled.  The Prince might frighten Kapia, but she was not so easily intimidated.

She arched a brow at the Prince, but said nothing.  Kapia had been kidnapped and beaten only days earlier, and still had the bruises on her face to show for it.  It seemed obvious to her why a few lessons in self-defense might be needed for the girl’s self confidence after such an experience.

The Prince flushed, the deep tan of his face darkening as he realized what Karma meant.

“Who are you to teach her to defend herself?”

“I am the one who said yes when she asked,” Karma replied coolly, wondering if the man knew how to ask a question without making it a demand.  An idea occurred to her and she smiled.  “Would you like to test my skills?”

“Yes,” Prince Zakiel said.

Karma lifted one shoulder in a half shrug and tossed her staff to him without warning.  One hand flashed up and snatched the staff out of the air just before it flew past him.  She had to give it to him, he was fast.

“Kapia,” Karma said softly.  Princess Kapia turned toward her, the rosy glow of excitement now gone from her cheeks.  Instead her face was pale, the dark bruises standing out starkly.  Karma shot an angry look at Zakiel.  Was he a bully?

“May I borrow your staff, please?” she asked.  She didn’t want to use her own staff because it looked so different from what these people were used to.  They might think she’d taken unfair advantage of the Prince by using some mysterious unknown object against a simple wooden staff.

Kapia handed her staff to Karma, then followed her brother as he led the way to the vacant corner they’d been heading toward.

Karma gestured to Kapia and Nikura to wait near the wall, then stepped out into the empty space.  She hefted the staff a few times and shook her head.  It wasn’t exactly the weight and size she preferred, but it would do.  She held the staff in both hands before her, set her feet in a defensive-offensive stance, took a deep relaxing breath and waited for the Prince to make the first move.   

He stared unblinkingly at her for a long moment before exploding into action.  Karma calmly blocked his first strike with one end of her staff, using the energy from the hit to speed her own strike with the other end.  She felt herself slip into the strange, trancelike zone that always came over her when she sparred with the staff.  She didn’t think about what she was doing.  She just relaxed and let her body do what it seemed to know how to do without effort on her part.

She watched as if from a distance as Prince Zakiel blocked and parried, his face set, his cool eyes focused entirely on her.  A part of her mind wondered how it was that she was able to keep up with the man.  He was so much taller and more powerful than she was, yet no matter how hard he struck, he could not get past her guard or break her stance.  She heard the rapid tap-tap-tap of the two staffs as they came together so fast they were nearly a blur, and yet she felt cool, calm, and relaxed even after several minutes.  She hadn’t even broken out in a sweat.

Finally Prince Zakiel stepped back and tapped one end of his staff into the sand to signal that he was done.  Karma hesitated for a moment, then stepped back and did the same.  She waited silently until Prince Zakiel bowed his head.  She bowed in return, then relaxed her stance as he turned to his sister.  He handed her the staff and bent to speak in her ear.  He gave Karma one last unreadable look, then walked away.

Karma waited until he was gone before approaching Kapia.  “What did he say?” she asked.

“He said that it was an honor to be taught by a Master, and that if I did not work hard and practice diligently, I would shame our Blood.”

“Really?” Karma said with a smile.  “Master, huh?”  She studied Kapia’s face, noting that she was still a bit pale and seemed nervous. 

“Kapia, are you afraid of him?” she asked softly, turning her back to the rest of the yard so that nobody could see or hear what she was saying.

Kapia shook her head, then dropped her eyes.  “I’m afraid of his disapproval,” she said.  “He is such a good brother to me, and he works so hard to be a good and honorable Prince for our people.  It’s not easy for him sometimes.  He knows that he will be King after father, and at the same time, he knows that there may be no kingdom for him to rule.”

“Because of the...well...whatever you call it?  Demons, tear in universe etcetera?”

“We call it the Eschaton,” Kapia said with a hint of a smile. 

“Which means?”

“The end of the world.”

“Only if we lose,” Karma reminded her.

“That’s true,” Kapia said, some of the color returning to her cheeks.  “Now that we have you, we have a chance.  We were without hope for so long, it’s rather difficult to remember that things have changed.”

“Well, they have,” Karma said with much more confidence than she felt.  “Do you still want a lesson with this oversized stick?”

“Yes please,” Kapia said, her eyes brightening once more.  “It was so exciting to watch you!  I’ve never seen anything like it.  I can’t believe that you bested Zakiel.  Do you think I could ever be as good as you?”

“First of all, I didn’t best Zakiel,” Karma said with a laugh.  “I held my own with him.  Second, you are the only one who can decide how good you will be at anything.  Now, let’s get started.  I’m getting hungry.”