Read Online Laura Jo Phillips by The Bearens' Hope: Book Four of the Soul-Linked Saga - Free Book Online

there,” Faron pointed out gently.  “Can you not tell us what really happened?”
    “I am no longer sure that I know what really happened,” Eldar Hamat replied.  “I wish to take some time to meditate on this matter.  I believed events happened as you have been taught.  We all believed that.  Now, I think that I must go back and reexamine my memories, and the events leading up to the end of our world.  I am not as quick as I once was, so I fear this may take some time.”
    “There is no rush, Eldar Hamat,” Garen said.  “Take as much time as you need.  When you are ready, we would be most grateful to you for any light you can shed on this matter.  In the meantime, we have sent a request to Sheara 3 for images of the scroll, along with copies of all translations and any other information that may be connected to it.  We will forward copies of whatever we receive to all Consuls, and the council as well.”
    “There is one thing I do not understand,” Lariah said.
    “Just one, sharali ?” Garen asked with a smile.
    “For the moment,” Lariah replied archly before turning her gaze to Eldar Hamat.
    “Grandfather, is it true that Ugaztun and Narrastia were at war with each for many years, and that there were no other races involved?”
    “Yes, Granddaughter,” Eldar Hamat replied.  “It is true, though the war lasted much longer than many years.  It went on for centuries.  During that time, neither of our races stretched out further into the stars.  We were too focused on destroying each other.”
    “Then, if you and the Narrasti did not destroy each other, who could have done it?  And why?”
    “That is a very good question,” Eldar Hamat replied.  “The answer is, we do not know.”

 
     
    Chapter 7
     
    Space, The Kontuan
    “Jackson, do you think that what Saige said means that we’ll find our Arima?” Rob asked as they walked toward the ward room for dinner.  It had been a long and busy day for the Bearens, but now that they were aboard their ship and on the way to Earth, they could relax a little.
    “I don’t know,” Jackson replied.  “Maybe.  I have the feeling that what Riata said to Saige had a double meaning.  Or maybe that she was talking about two different things.  That one thing depended on another.  If things go right, or if we do whatever it is we are supposed to do, then maybe we will find our Arima.  If we don’t, if we fail in some way, then we won’t.”
    “Ouch,” Clark said.  “Seems like a lot depends on us doing something, yet we have no idea what that something is.”
    “That’s life,” Jackson replied with a grin.  “If we knew everything ahead of time, what fun would there be?”
    “In this instance, I think I would gladly give up the fun for a little more information,” Clark replied wryly.
    “Since we were not offered that choice, we’re just going to have to deal with whatever comes our way the best we can,” Jackson said. 
    “By the way, I forwarded Trey’s message to the Director regarding medical records for Saige Lobo, Summer Katre and Princess Lariah,” Clark said as they entered the dining area and chose a table. 
    “Very good,” Jackson replied.  “I think Prince Trey is correct that if we have vids from each of them, personally requesting their records, it won’t be a problem.  If so, we can get them while we’re there.”
    “That would be good,” Clark said.  “The more information we get on their DNA prior to their transformation, the better chance we will have of identifying the women being marked by the Xanti, and perhaps those who are potentially Arimas as well.”
    “I know this will sound strange coming from someone who hasn’t yet found his Arima,” Rob said, “but I don’t think it’s right.”
    “You don’t think what’s right?” Jackson asked.
    “Identifying Arimas by their genetic records so we can haul them all off to Jasan to be mates,” Rob replied.  “I know how much we need