Read Online Quest for the Moon Orb: Orbs of Rathira by Laura Jo Phillips - Free Book Online

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 sensed 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 we are friends, and 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.  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.  So why didn’t her father, the king, hire experts to teach her whatever she wanted to learn?
    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.”
    Once again 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